BORN AGAIN

Today's reading: 1 Peter 1-3

"For you have been born again. Your new life did not come from your earthly parents because the life they gave you will end in death. But this new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God." 1 Peter 1:23 NLT

If you have been born again, you know your life is better for it.

If you haven't...

Today's the day!

Now is the time!

Where you are is the perfect place!

Nothing in your life needs changing, just come to Him in prayer.

Ask Him to forgive your sins.

Let Him know all you've done before has left you empty, broken and stained.

Claim and grab hold of with both hands all He has to offer you.

Make today the first day of the rest of your new life.

 SO THEY WILL KNOW

Today's reading: Acts 11-12

"The power of the Lord was upon them, and large numbers of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord." Acts 11:21 NLT

...(It was there at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)" Acts 11:25 NLT

Outsiders came to the saving knowledge of Jesus and His work on the cross.

Those who were considered 'unclean' were adopted into the family of God.

How did it happen?

Through persecution.

After hard times had occurred.

"Meanwhile, the believers who had fled from Jerusalem during the persecution after Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch..." Acts 11:19 NLT

Had these Jewish believers stayed in their comfortable, cozy, routine driven lives in Jerusalem, the people in Antioch might not have heard the Gospel.

So...

Could it be this tough time you are going through will lead others to know the Lord you love and serve? Won't it all be worth it?

 REFUSING CORRECTION

Today's reading: Zephaniah

"How terrible it will be for rebellious, polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence and crime. It proudly refuses to listen even to the voice of the Lord. No one can tell it anything; it refuses all correction. It does not trust the Lord or draw near to its God." Zephaniah 3:1-2 NLT

If God, in His love, is willing to punish Jerusalem--His city, the city which bears His signature, His specifically appointed temple home--what will He do with us?

We rebel.

We pollute ourselves.

We refuse to listen--even to the voice of the Lord.

No one can tell us (Sorry, I'm lumping you in with the likes of me.) what to do.

We refuse correction.

We don't trust God--His Word, His promises, His timing, His abilities.

We keep Him at arm's length--like the Israelites did when God spoke through Moses.

So how much more terrible will it be for us?

The ones created in His own image.

The ones who bear His likeness.

The ones He has loved and sent His Son to save.

The ones He has asked to reach the lost and dying world.

How much more terrible will it be? Is it worth it for us to continue on the paths we are on?

 SUPPORT

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 3-4

"A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT

What are you attempting to handle on your own?

An addiction? A recurring sin? A prayer need the size of a mountain? Doubts? Fears?

I urge you to find a prayer partner...or two.

Not just anyone.

I want you to ask God to direct you to the person or persons who know how to pray, believe in the power of prayer and know God intimately--and you can see they do from their fruit.

Because not every person you attend church with needs to know your heart's hurt.

Not everyone on your pew can, or will, pray.

Not every church family member will be trustworthy with your business.

Not every Christian will stand back-to-back with you in prayer.

And while you are waiting for God to reveal your prayer partner to you, ask He also allows you to be one to someone else.

Praying for someone will take on a whole new meaning when you know someone is praying for you.

 SECURE

Today's reading: Psalm 125-127

"Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever." Psalm 125:1 NLT

This single truth goes along so very well with another verse I read this morning..

"This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us." 1 John 1:2 NLT

There is security in things like mountains, Mount Zion is listed here.

There is security in impenetrable defenses built in concrete, steel and reinforcements.

There is security in the love a family member has for you.

But there is no security like the security of eternal life!

More than just here and now.

More than just today and tomorrow.

More than just what we can see and touch and hear.

Eternity.

 RESTORED TO SERVICE

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 29-32

"...So the Temple of the Lord was restored to service." 2 Chronicles 29:35 NLT

Let's get some things sorted out here.

The Temple had not been closed due to a fire or flood, the building was just fine.

The Temple doors had not been locked due to a lack of attendance, folks were there each and every Sabbath.

The Temple had not been barred from use in an effort to keep a pandemic at bay, the physical health of the community was good.

The Temple had not been put on hold due to a lack of priests or Levites, there were many on the roster.

The Temple had been shut down temporarily so that a thorough cleaning could be done on it. A overhaul. A remodel, of sorts, but not in the decorative style of the building...

It had been closed in an effort to rid it of any and all defiled things that had been allowed inside its walls.

It had been shut down in an effort to remove any and all sinful things from inside it.

Church, we may need to do the same things to our houses of worship.

Before we can make an impact on our world--we may need to do some spiritual cleaning within our churches.

Those outside our walls need us so desperately, but if we're not cleansed from sin, practicing the disciplines of God and sick at the thought of godless impurities that might be in our hearts and lives-we'll do them no good.

May we do a cleaning of our houses of worship!

 

 TRAPS

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 7-9

"You must destroy all the nations the Lord your God hands over to you. Show them no mercy and do not worship their gods. If you do, they will trap you." Deuteronomy 7:16 NLT

God is warning the Israelite travelers of the idols and gods that would set themselves up before them in their new land.

The shiny ones made of brass, gold or silver.

The tiny ones they could slip in their pockets easily and comfortably.

The alluring ones that would seemingly bring about fortune when the God of Israel was holding back on them for His reasons.

The new fangled ones that would tempt them in ways they had never experience before.

The demure ones that they knew without a doubt they would be able to maintain, to keep a firm grasp on, to manage.

God knew they, each and every one of them, would be traps for the hearts and minds of His people.

He still warns us of that today.

He tells us He is enough.

He points out the weakness and ineffectiveness of other gods.

He commands us to put Him first and only in our hearts.

But we continue to fall for the traps.

 OUR DEPENDENCE

Today's reading: James 4-5

"When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor." James 4:10 NLT

I've attempted to jot down a list of things I can do on my own. Without God's help. 

It's a short list.

I'm really not even sure you can call one item a list.

My one thing: I can mess things up.

But this morning James is telling me, when I come to God, humbly and reverently...

When I let Him know just how big of a mess I can make things...

When I admit how desperately I need Him...

When I put Him back in the right place. A place of honor and glory...

Then He can do a work in me that has His signature all over it.

He, at that point, is willing to take what little I have to offer and mix it with all He can do--and great things can be done.

This morning, that's what I'm doing. 

I'm giving all I can't, all I have tried, all I have messed up, all I would really like to fix--and giving it all to Him to do with what only He can.

 ALL WHO HEAR YOU ARE AMAZED

Today's reading: Acts 9-10

"All who heard him were amazed. Isn't his the same man who persecuted Jesus' followers with such devastation in Jerusalem? they asked. And we understand that he came here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests." Acts 9:21 NLT

All they had heard of and knew about Saul, was changed.

They scratched their heads in amazement.

They questioned all they thought they knew.

They revisited his original mission and their first impressions.

May people do the same with us as we grow more and more like Jesus!

I pray they are able to say...

Malinda used to say prayers, now she prays them.

Malinda used to be led by her emotions and her circumstances, now she is led by the Holy Spirit.

Malinda used to read the Bible, but now she devours it and digests it and is changed by it.

Malinda's faith used to be as unstable as a Weeble-Wobble, but now--now she is standing strong on God's promises, believing all He says, expecting Him to work!

Oh, that people would see a difference in us from having had our eyes opened to the wonder and love of God.

 AWESOME ANGER

Today's reading: Habakkuk

"You marched across the land in awesome anger and trampled the nations in your fury. You went out to rescue your chosen people, to save your anointed ones. You crushed the heads of the wicked and laid bare their bones from head to toe. With their own weapons, you destroyed those who rushed out like a whirlwind, thinking Israel would be easy prey." Habakkuk 3:12-14 NLT

Let me just say, to read verses like this first thing in the morning gets me pumped up and ready for the day.

This portion of Scripture tells me about the loving, mighty, powerful God I serve marching out to destroy my enemy!

It gets my blood pumping.

It sets my eyes back on the goal of my Christlikeness.

It tells me He is for me, never against me.

It reminds me that I am that special to Him.

 GRASPING

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 1-2

"After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. While still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I hope to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world." Ecclesiastes 2:3

I don't know about you, but I am easily distracted.

But, according to Solomon's own words, so was he.

'...While still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness...'

How quickly our minds are led from a great desire to a feeble temptation.

It happens when we're on the internet. We might be looking up a Bible verse, but before you know it, you're getting filled in on the lifestyles of the British monarchy or watching funny cat videos. And an hour of your life has passed by you.

It happens when we attempt a new diet. We munch and munch on apples and celery sticks the whole day, but when the television comes on and the first ad for potato chips is aired, we're off to the pantry for 'crunchy foolishness'.

It happens when we stop to hear a friend's prayer request. We are attentive to their needs, we offer to lift them up in prayer, we chit chat for a while, then the topic of the another's 'bless them Lord' poor choice is mentioned and the gossip begins.

It happens when we pause for our prayer time. We list our reasons to praise Him. We ask Him for forgiveness. We begin telling God all our needs, then our minds wander off and we are no longer speaking to the One who can take care of those needs. We are planning, organizing and instituting ways in which we can control each and every situation. We take it back into our own hands, we 'lay hold of the foolishness'.

I want to learn from Solomon's mistakes. I want to focus and remain focused. I want to seek wisdom and not stop until I have got it firmly in my grasp. I want to be so intent on knowing God's way that shiny, glittering things don't catch my eye any more.

 OVERWHELMED

Today's reading: Psalm 122-124

"If the Lord had not been on our side--when people rose up against us, they would have swallowed us alive because of their burning anger against us. The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us. Yes, the raging waters of their fury would have overwhelmed our very lives." Psalm 124:1-5 NLT

You and I have a choice each and every day.

Sometimes several times a day.

We can choose to be overwhelmed by circumstances, current events and civil unrest outside of our control.

Or...

We can choose to be overwhelmed by God.

By His very presence.

By His love for us.

By His safeguarding hand of protection upon our lives.

By His mercy. Oh, how His mercy overwhelms!

What will you choose to be completely gob-smacked by? 

 BUT...

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 25-28

"If you let them go with your troops into battle, you will be defeated no matter how well you fight. God will overthrow you, for he has the power to help or to frustrate. Amaziah asked the man of God, But what should I do about the silver I paid to hire the army of Israel? The man of God replied, The Lord is able to give you much more than this!" 2 Chronicles 25:8-9 NLT

How often do I, like Amaziah, throw 'but' into the conversation with the Lord?

I'd serve you Lord, but...

I'd do just what you ask, but...

I see that need You are showing me to help with, but...

I feel that twinge of conviction, but...

I know I'm harboring that grudge, but...

Yes, I agree that brother or sister of mine needs prayer, but...

I want to do Your will, but...

My list is endless. Our excuses are limitless. Our sad reasons for not following God wholeheartedly are abundant.

In Amaziah's case, his 'but' was because of monetary investments.

Mine might be personal issues, knowing too much about a fellow believer's history, hurt feelings, fear, being too busy doing good things or having the attitude of 'my way or no way at all'.

And for all these reasons, we still end with the words of the prophet...

"...The Lord is able to give you much more than this!"

Am I willing to settle for what I want when I want it according to what I can do for myself, or His vast storehouse of blessings?

What are you willing to settle for?

 ONLY CAMPING OUT

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 4-6

"Today I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you. If you disobey me, you will quickly disappear from the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy. You will live there only a short time..." Deuteronomy 4:26 NLT

One might think that after traveling through the wilderness for 40 years, the Israelites would be more than happy to obey God and find permanent residency in His presence and in His promised land.

More than happy to settle down.

More than happy to set up a home, rather than a tent.

But we know the storyline. How their hearts and minds wander to neighboring gods. How their thoughts strayed from what was holy to what was new and shiny. How their lives began a drastic decline in godliness.

How the Promised Land became merely a place for them to set up camp.

The same is true for us in regards to peace and joy.

We experience them when we stand firmly in God's will. We are showered in the blessings of being submissive to our Lord.

Then we step out from under His loving care.

We partake of a sin that pulls us out of His presence. 

We choose, and it's always our choice, to 'go camping' in the wilderness of the world.

God designed us to succeed, prosper, relax and fully benefit from living inside His sphere of blessings. Our minds and bodies and souls find regeneration from the peace and joy only being in His will offers.

 ACTION WORDS

Today's reading: James 1-3

"Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did--by his actions." James 2:21-22 NLT

Have any prayer requests you just have to trust your way through?

There is very little, if anything, you can actually do, but trust.

Your hands are tied in the matter.

You are incapable of changing hearts and lives.

The efforts you have made have been taken badly.

So you continue praying and trusting...with all you have.

For me, it's a matter of my actions being a change in my vocabulary.

I'm beginning to say in my conversations...

When my prodigal is back in the Lord's will.

When God makes the heart changes needed.

When God does His work.

You see, our words are powerful. Faith is heard, or not heard in what we say.

So, I choose from here on out, to speak in faith when I cannot do anything else!

 FOCUS

Today's reading: Acts 7-8

"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand." Acts 7:56 NLT

Stephen, mere moments from death, chose to keep his eyes focused on God--despite his circumstances.

He, with purposed intent, looked past his tormenters into the glory of heaven, the steadfastness of God and the living Christ.

What an example for us to follow!

We cannot be looking around at the situations we find ourselves in.

We cannot be looking backwards at past mistakes or ancient history.

We cannot look forward to brighter days, easier nights and rosier paths.

We have to look heavenward.

We have to keep our focus on what was, God, what is, God, what is to come, God!

SIN EXPOSED

Today's reading: Nahum

"No wonder I am your enemy! declares the Lord Almighty. And now I will lift your skirts so all the earth will see your nakedness and shame. I will cover you with filth and show the world how vile you really are. All who see you will shrink back in horror and say, Ninevah lies in utter ruin. Yet no one anywhere will regret your destruction." Nahum 3:5-7 NLT

I like to explain to the kids in our youth programs at church that sin is black, icky, yucky, smelly and staining.

They think it's funny to hear a grown-up use so many funny words and yet it paints a picture in their little minds of just how serious sin is. 

These words spoken to the great city of Ninevah have reminded me of how I have allowed sin to become less of what it is and more acceptable in my own life.

Even as an adult, sin is black, icky, yucky, smelly and staining.

The sins I have tolerated and grown accustomed to in my day to day walk.

The ones I have carefully and successfully kept to myself, or so I think.

The ones I have allowed because everyone else goes about doing them.

The ones brought on by poor choices of others.

It truly takes God 'lifting our skirts' to expose sin for what it truly is in His eyes, and not what it's become in our own. 

 WINTER IS COMING

Today's reading: Proverbs 31

"She has no fear of winter for her household because all of them have warm clothes." Proverbs 31:21 NLT

October is probably my favorite month of the year.

It hold within its thirty-one days, robin's egg blue skies, cooler nights, stars that pop and colored leaves all over the place. It's simply beautiful.

October also signals winter is coming. Get ready. 

Getting ready for winter means so much less today than it did in our Proverbs 31 gal's live, or even 100-200 years ago.

I have come to the conclusion, had I lived during her time, or even a few centuries back, I would certainly not have lived to the ripe old age I am today.

I'd have probably not made it through my first winter as an adult.

It would have required a whole lot of work. Preparation. Effort. Skills I do not possess.

I doubt I'd have had a pantry filled with canned goods to last me through the winter.

My root cellar would have been sparce.

And knowing my propensity to hunt, we probably would have become vegetarians--and I doubt that would have allowed me adequate nourishment for the long haul.

I think God has kind of spoiled me in the area of 'prepping' for hard times.

You see, each morning, His mercies are new. They are fresh. They are available for me to partake of the moment I wake up and step into His presence.

What His Word says nourishes me. Sustains me. Gets me through tough times.

There is a reason God chose me to live in this century not past ones--and I'm glad!

 TIRED

Today's reading: Psalm 120-121

"I am tired of living here among people who hate peace." Psalm 120:6 NLT

The Bible footnotes indicate the author of this particular psalm is unknown.

They suggest Hezekiah, but they don't know that for a certainty.

Interestingly enough, it is a song, most particularly this individual verse, that could have been written by just about anyone--including you or I.

I, for one, am exhausted by the chaos surrounding me.

The disruption to everyday life due to small, loud groups of people.

I am worn our from attempting to learn the dance steps required to waltz my way through a day without stepping on anyone's rights, not necessarily those given to them by God but the ones they assume should be theirs.

I am spent from trying to keep a godly countenance upon my face and a Christlike spirit in my heart as I hear them excuse or validate sin.

I'm just tired of it all, as I am sure you are, as we know the psalmist was.

Imagine how much more so God is.

We will endure, with a long life, maybe 75-80 years of this world. A minute time frame when compared to just how long God has tolerated the chaos.

So when I pray and wail and complain about the exhaustion I am enduring through the conflict this world brings me, I hear Him say, in all love to my heart...

It's why I came. It's why I need you, boots on the ground. I'm their only hope.

 FOLLOWING US

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 21-24

"When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and the shouts of praise to the king, she hurried to the Lord's Temple to see what was happening." 2 Chronicles 23:12 NLT

Athaliah, even in her evilness, heard something was going on at church.

Athaliah, even in her disregard for all things godly, noticed things were happening at the Temple.

Athaliah, even in her blatant disregard for God, heard the praise to the Lord.

Athaliah, even in her stoic stance against the people of the Lord, followed them to the house of the Lord.

Athaliah, even with her heart still bleeding from emotional pain, just had to know what all the fuss was about at her local chapel.

My own personal thoughts...

Are people, even and especially the Athaliah-hearted ones, being drawn to worship because of our excitement and praise?

Do they hear the excitement in our voice as we speak of what's happening in our churches?

Are they seeing us put gathering together with fellow believers as top priority?

Are they seeing the change which time in His presence each Sunday is making on our countenance and attitude?

If not, shame on us.

We don't know who we will grab the attention of!

You see, if you read the rest of Athaliah's story, it doesn't end well for her. She continues to make her own choices, poor choices, hate-filled choices. But when we get to heaven, we'll soon discover we aren't responsible for the choices of others--but our own.

Did we share Him? Did we share Him loud enough for folks to become intrigued? Interested? Drawn?

TERRIFIED OF US

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 1-3

"Beginning today I will make all people throughout the earth terrified of you. When they hear reports about you, they will tremble with dread and fear." Deuteronomy 2:25 NLT

While today's verse was spoken by God through Moses to the Israelite people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, may I for a moment borrow it and apply it to the church of today?

What might it look like if we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, were to unite to the point that anyone or anything standing against us cowered trembling before us?

I don't mean standing shoulder to shoulder bombarding the gates of the White House with anger in our voices, hurtful intent in our hearts, or weapons of this world in our hands...

I mean what if they were afraid of our prayers?

Of our uniting to form a front that drug truth out from under the rugs they wanted to sweep it under?

What if our reactions to them were so full of love that they and their evil plans were flustered?

Oh, don't get me wrong--it wouldn't be that they were afraid of some Bible toting and hymn singing folks standing before them. They would be terrified, left trembling, afraid to go any further because of the God we are following, serving, loving, imitating, obeying and seeking to model our own lives after.

Imagine that?

Think for a moment about our enemy being afraid of us because we are believing God for every single promise He has made to us.

 

THE INVISIBLE

Today's reading: Hebrews 11-13

"It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt. He was not afraid of the king. Moses kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible." Hebrews 11:27 NLT

What are you leaving behind?

What are you choosing to not be afraid of?

What are you believing despite any glimmers of hope, miraculous answers to your prayers or seeing more than a step or two ahead of you?

Are you believing in the One who is invisible--and yet clearly visible in everything around us?

The very same God who led Moses, blessed Moses, walked and talked with Moses and used Moses for a greater purpose than living the life of an adopted son in Pharoah's palace, can be trusted with all you have, or have not, to offer Him. 

Keep your eyes on the invisible One until you see Him clearly.

 RUMBLINGS OF DISCONTENT
Today's reading: Acts 5-6

"But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent..." Acts 6:1 NLT

Oh, friends...

When our hearts and minds get off the subject of God's love for us, Jesus' death on the cross on our behalf and the Holy Spirit's willingness to guide us, we allow minor inconveniences to become walls that keep unity from flourishing in the church.

Do what David did, take your emotional upset to the Lord.

Do what Daniel did, pray all the more.

Do what Job did, trust God in the hard, unlovely and never-asked-for-it stuff.

Most of all, do what Jesus did--love them. Don't just tolerate them, love them.

Easier said than done? Then repeat the examples set by David, Job and Jesus. And keep repeating until God changes your heart or changes the situation.

 TELL ME

Today's reading: Micah

"O my people, what have I done to make you turn from me? Tell me why your patience is exhausted! Answer me!" Micah 6:3 NLT

Let's be flat out honest here...

When we turn from God. Or don't trust God. Or take matters into our own hands.

Well, in those times, it's nothing He has done or hasn't done.

He hasn't failed us.

He hasn't left us.

He hasn't fallen through on a single one of His promises.

The problem lies in us.

Our impatience.

Our trusting a clock, a calendar or a plan we have made up in our own minds.

Our assumptions and our expectations.

If we were to be called before God to explain our sins, it would have nothing at all to do with Him.

The blame falls squarely on our shoulders--on our hearts.

 MY BIBLE

Today's reading: Proverbs 29-30

"Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection." Proverbs 30:5 NLT

How careful we must be, dear friends and fellow Bible believers, that we remember ALL God's words prove true.

We shouldn't ever just bank on the blessings of being in His presence, without knowing the curses that come from walking away from Him.

We can't afford to think only of the perks of a relationship with God, without realizing how little we can do without Him.

We wouldn't be good students of the Bible if we only take the 'positive' verses out to stand on, without coming to the point in which we know the 'harder' bits are just as instructional.

Every word proves true, for the saint and for the sinner.

 YOUR PRINCIPLES

Today's reading: Psalm 119

"You are good and do only good; teach me your principles." Psalm 119:68 NLT

Principles are rules or beliefs that govern one's behaviors.

I want to study God's Word so intently that I know Him. Know what drives Him to love me. Know, from His own words, why He chooses to do what He does.

Because when I know His principles, I'll see everything He does as good. I'll see Him as good. In all things.

Because I won't be seeing the circumstances or happenings, I'll be seeing His outstretched hand. His moving. His plan being set into motion. His goodness.

 BEFORE WE SPEAK

Today's reading: Acts 3-4

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them..." Acts 4:8 NLT

How much more smoothly would church disagreements, election years and the combat against a pandemic go if we were all to wait to speak until we were filled with the Holy Spirit?

If we as Christians were only to say what God directed us to say.

If we as His followers were only to comment on what He deemed necessary to comment on.

If we as the ones who bear His name and image to the world were only to be filled with the Holy Spirit!

WHERE YOU ARE
Today's reading: Jonah

"Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. He said, I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me..." Jonah 2:1-2 NLT

As a child I was intrigued by the great fish who swallowed the man who didn't listen to the Lord.

Any time the Sunday School teacher would bring out the flannelgraph or open the big picture Bible, she had my full attention.

My mind would swirl with the scene. My nostrils would fill up with the smells of the story. My eyes would attempt to picture what it looked like inside the belly of the fish.

But now?

Now, I'm caught up with verses like the one today--verses of hope!

No matter where I have chosen to wander...

No matter what poor decisions I have made...

No matter how high the stack of my sins piles up...

No matter the in-my-face fact that the mess I'm in is completely my fault...

God hears my cry for Him!!

Where I am.

Regardless of what I've done.

To this day, I love the account of Jonah.