August 18

Esther 1:1-3:15, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Psalm 35:17-28, Proverbs 21:19-20



Pray: Oh Lord, please empower us today to see not what others say reality happens to be, but allow us to see this day through the eyes of the One who created the heavens and the earth. We pray for peace in our world, for kindness to emerge as a higher value than politics, and personal preferences. 

Read: They don’t even know her name. She is right in the midst of them, a truly beautiful woman with character and poise. Yet, they do not know who she is. Her name is not Esther but Hadassah. And the book which is written for her namesake, does not mention “God” one time. Yet, there is an obvious supernatural work going on in the life and selection of young Hadassah as the new queen.

Edify: Queen Vashti has refused to go into the king’s banquet and give the full appearance that everything is well. For the queen, everything is not okay, and she doesn’t want to continue life as she knows it as a trophy wife. Her refusal to join the king was the end to her reign and marriage. Yet, her refusal became Esther’s opportunity to step into a divine appointment. Esther did not jockey for this moment, she could not have dreamed of being chosen. Yet it was God who put her into this position. What assignment does God have for you and when this moment comes will your character and integrity allow you to maximize the moment?

Practice: The king was focused so much upon his own ego and restoring his ego that he was not aware of the devastating consequences of his order to do away with the Jews. Haman was furious that Mordecai would not bow to him and he would not give up until he got his way which was the destruction of the Jewish people. Just as one man’s ego and pride can be his undoing and can destroy an entire group of people, so another man’s sacrifice can bring hope and redemption to people. Mordecai could not remain silent, nor could he stand by and allow Esther to be silent when God had put her into this amazing level of influence. You see, our silence is its own form of apathy. So today, we are called to move from silence to speaking up for others, for actually caring for those around us through acts of kindness. There is only one thing worse than silence, it is the appearance of compassion without action.

August 17

 Nehemiah 12:27-13:31, 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, Psalm 35:1-16, Proverbs 21:17-18 



Pray: The Psalmist requests in his prayers that God will hear his struggle and offer kindness and rest. He is aware that his enemies do not have his best interest at hand in any shape or form. God does care about our present and future direction. Let us seek God and His wisdom for our lives today as we open the scripture and read for revelation, not simply information.

Read: Nehemiah tells us up front that the Temple has been neglected in many ways. First, there is not enough funding to keep the Temple positioned for its work and functions as a place of worship, sacrifice and celebration. The tithes and offerings were not coming in as needed nor was the Temple being maintained properly. Does this not lift up the powerful reality of the importance of worship in the House of God?

Edify: Paul gives his own prescription for public worship and does claim, “judge for yourselves”. Paul does lift up the importance of women not receiving undue attention due to their headdress, and likewise that both men and women respect and honor God in worship both in attitude and in function. Though the debate may live on until we reside in heaven one day, over whether Paul literally meant for women to keep their heads completely covered, but what we do know is Nehemiah had it right, and Paul was implying this in his letter to Corinthians, “we must come humbly before the Lord and not bring attention to ourselves whether we are men or women."

Practice: God “rescues the helpless from the strong” all throughout history. God’s unfailing love is poured out upon the weak and the strong. Yet, God does step in and defend those who are without voice. Our silence is its own admission of hate and violence among other people who are being hurt or marginalized by the strong. We cannot be silent when there exist realities like sex slavery and the dehumanization of the elderly and the poor. God’s people are called to rise up and speak loudly against the mistreatment of the helpless. How can you use your influence today to help those in need?

August 16

Nehemiah 11:1-12:26, 1 Corinthians 10:14-33, Psalm 34:11-22, Proverbs 21:14-16

Pray: There is something in the heart of every person which yearns for the presence of God. Should we not acknowledge this and take a step further by asking God to empower us not to worship anyone or anything other than Jesus Christ. We are created to worship something so we must be focused upon worshiping, not idols made of wood or metal, but the One who has created us in His own image.

Read: Paul is well aware of who his audience is in Corinth. Multiple gods and goddesses were worshipped and multiple sacrifices were left upon their altars. So it was not uncommon to see glasses of wine, bread, fruit and other offerings placed at the front altar of one of these gods or goddesses. Paul then speaks words of great caution in saying, “you cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and of demons too…” So don’t even invite the presence of evil into your life.

Edify: Paul’s words are piercing when he says, “I do what is best for others not what is best for me.” We are called to be all things to all people in that we are to care enough to listen, to learn what others value, how they struggle and what their greatest fears are. It is in learning their weaknesses that we can share the strength that we too find in Jesus Christ. People want hope. They are looking for encouragement. We can breathe new life into the heart of another with words of compassion and encouragement.

Practice: If the Lord is really with the “brokenhearted”, and we believe that He is, then we are called to care for them as well. Many people, due to poverty, racism, and sexism, experience a spirit which is crushed and wounded. People don’t have to accept life as it is, especially when we worship and follow a resurrected Savior Jesus Christ. We need to claim our inheritance and to let others know that they too can be a part of God’s forgiven and restored family. How can you and I offer words of hope to those around us today?

August 15

Nehemiah 9:22-10:39, 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 21:13 



Pray: The Psalmist's prayers are strong in speaking to the reality of disappointments and challenges in our lives when we are called to praise God, to give thanks, no matter what we are going through. What an honest look at our own lives will do is to create within us a deep spirit of gratitude for His “unfailing love”. Perhaps we would start our day in a positive, wonderful way if we too began by expressing to God that we are thankful, and hopeful even in the midst of our challenges. God is in control.

Read: Today we read how the people of God yielded themselves to following God’s directions for worship, daily living and for treatment of other nations. How wonderful to see that God’s Word does give prescriptions for every area of our lives. Moreover, Nehemiah declared that the building of the wall gives security from the enemies beyond the wall but it is spiritual disciplines like tithing which help us tame the enemy within us as our greed and pride can undo us.

Edify: Our reading from the Psalms is the powerful passage which says, “…taste and see that the Lord is good.” Notice the words to follow that we take our refuge in Him. Often we run towards alcohol, drugs, sex and other things to ease our pain. Some run towards work, exercise, and pseudo relationships, which are not bad things, but they will not ultimately satisfy.  

Practice: Paul was beaten, shipwrecked, and imprisoned for his love for Christ and passion to help others know the saving grace of Jesus. This is why these words are so powerful in I Corinthians, “ When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings”. Paul’s words challenge you and me to look this question square in the eyes, “What am I doing today to help someone take one step closer to Christ?” Seriously, who am I going to pray for right now who is unchurched and far from God? Who will I take a day and fast for this week that she or he might come to faith in Christ? Who will I invite to join me in worship this week? 

August 14

Nehemiah 7:73-9:21, 1 Corinthians 9:1-18, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 21:11-12

Pray: Today we bring our needs before the Lord and bring those we care about before God as well. The Psalmist proclaims that those who trust in God experience joy and peace. What a way to begin your day, or end it, if we seek to trust God with our deepest needs and if we lobby on behalf of others before God. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes like never before and increase our understanding of God’s Word.

Reading:  Nehemiah is one of the strongest leaders in the Bible. He encourages the people to celebrate and not to mourn during this moment which should be celebrated. In fact he speaks life into the leaders saying, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” God’s joy gives us strength. Not the other way around. We are tempted to say, “The strength of the Lord is our joy, but no, God’s Word declares that God’s joy gives us grit and strength.

Edify: The people are challenged to “confess their sins” and in doing so they begin to find healing and experience new life in God. Where there is honesty in worship there is an increase in the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is truth and where we are truthful about our sin and our struggles God can actually penetrate more into the places where healing is needed the most. 

Practice:  The Psalmist warns us that we cannot depend upon the strength of our warhorse to save us nor can the best army save the life of its king. We are challenged to trust in the power of God and His redemptive plan for our lives. We can’t trust in humanity but we can trust in God. He will never let us down. We practice this today in how we live our lives, the places we choose to frequent, the places we do business as we believe that these people who serve us will not poison us nor seek to do us harm. Likewise, we are called to trust and have confidence in those who we do not know, while God demands that we trust Him and people seem to step away from the One who has given everything for us to experience grace and mercy. Today, how will you trust God in how you live out your day? 

August 13

Nehemiah 5:14-7:73, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Psalm 33:1-11, Proverbs 21:8-10



Pray: The psalmist today will encourage you to sing. Why not start your time with Him by singing a song? What’s the first song of praise that comes to mind? Perhaps turn on the Christian radio station and sing along. Sing out, unashamed, with joy to the Lord as is fitting for Him (Psalm 33:1).

Read: Psalm 33:10-11 promises that God will frustrate the plans of those who stand against His plans, and that His intentions can never be shaken. Read today in light of that promise.

Edify: Notice the enemies in Nehemiah tried to thwart God’s plans with false accusations and lies. Also, notice how quickly Nehemiah picked up on the lack of truth in the story and exposed the lies. Finally, the people actually responded with greater determination to participate in the Lord’s work once the lies were exposed. The enemy today still uses lies to condemn, frustrate, confuse, and discourage us. However, we are armed with Christ’s work on the cross which cancelled the charges against us and disarmed and shamed the spiritual rulers and authorities that come against us! (Colossians 2:13-15) We, like Nehemiah, have to be aware of God’s intentions and plans in order to expose the lies and continue the work.  

Practice: What has been a source of discouragement for you recently? Expose the lie, so you can disarm the enemy. Remember that the psalmist reminds us that God’s word is trustworthy and true, He does what is just and good, and His unfailing love fills the earth. Shine light on the lie that’s persistent in your heart right now, and fill it with confidence in the sovereignty and unfailing love of God.

August 12

Nehemiah 3:15-5:13, 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 21:5-7

Pray: Ask for the Lord’s guidance this morning. Thank Him for His protection so far.

Read: Today’s reading is full of situations demanding decisions and desired courses for action. Take note of what is considered, what is valued, and what strategies are employed in each situation.

Edify: When desiring guidance for any situation, journey, or project it is important to get an honest assessment of the situation. We have to define reality as Paul poses the question, “What relationship decision will help you serve the Lord best with as few distractions as possible?” Nehemiah had to define reality for everyone with the opposition coming against the people of God as they took on what was already an enormous task. Further, he had to define reality for the community as the most vulnerable among them were being crushed by interest rates from their own people which endangered many children. Defining reality is the beginning of knowing the path of how God is calling you to go from “here” to “there”. 

Practice: What is the prominent decision you are facing over the course of the next month? Whether it has to do with work, relationships, or ministry; take a moment to define reality (current issue demanding an answer, your values, the possible directions, and any Scripture that must be considered). Finally, take comfort in the promise of God, “I will guide along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8). 

August 11

Nehemiah 1:1-3:14, 1 Corinthians 7:1-24, Psalm 31:19-24, Proverbs 21:4 



Pray: What is the last news story locally or globally that caught your attention and moved you to sorrow or tears? Recall or pull up that news story and begin to pray specifically for the people affected.  It’s okay to identify with God’s heart by sitting and weeping, while also trusting that He can make things right as you intercede for those involved.

Read: Consider the value of protection and shelter that the Lord provides as you read today.

Edify: The Word of God gives us an interesting dynamic when considering the entire reading. Paul is saying to stay in your situation and honor God in it when it comes to relationships. Nehemiah has a holy discontent where he is situated in the king’s palace and goes to rebuild the wall “on the frontlines” where the danger is. There seems to be a tension as to whether God is calling you to contentment in staying put or discontentment in action. The answer…be faithful to God’s commandments where you stand as Paul urges, be consistent with God’s will and promises while on your knees in prayer like Nehemiah, and finally being both loyal to God and courageous to follow His voice in the process of life (Psalm 31:23-24). Nehemiah’s heart was aligned with God’s promises, courageous to speak up when the king asked about his sadness, and obedient to walk through the door of opportunity the Lord had provided. This is to be both content and patient with the process and discontent until wrongs are made right.

Practice: It took months for an opportunity to arise consistent with Nehemiah’s passionate prayer. It shows him “content” in as much as he fulfilled the duties to the king faithfully in the waiting. What is a bold prayer, consistent with God’s heart and promises in Scripture, that you can begin praying now for someone who is vulnerable (like the wall-less people of Jerusalem)? Pray for them, prepare your heart for action, and be faithful to God where you are in the waiting.

August 10

Ezra 10:1-44, 1 Corinthians 6:1-20, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 21:3



Pray: Spend time imagining how life is different in a month, in 5 years, and in 25 years from today. Pay attention to what is prioritized in your thoughts and what fears and joys emerge. Then join the psalmist in declaring “I am trusting you, O Lord…My future is in your hands” (Psalm 31:14a, 15a)

Read: Read the Proverb first today, and then consider how its truth is reinforced and illustrated through the rest of the reading. 

Edify: There’s a clear call to not forget “who” you are and “whose” you are despite life circumstances or temptations. Ezra calls a nation that had been ripped out of their land to confess how they had strayed, remember who they are, and to make things right. Paul urges forgiveness and reconciliation among believers that have disagreements. On what basis? They belong to God and are to be witnesses to His goodness. In each case, in sinful rebellion or disagreement, there is confession and calling upon the name of the Lord involved. Paul urges those tempted to “remember that you do not belong to yourself, but God has bought you with a high price…and you are the temple with the Holy Spirit!” Don’t forget who you are and whose you are before turning your back on what is “right and just.” 

Practice: Both Ezra and Paul remind us the high value that our bodies hold in the eyes of God. In what ways are you abusing your body or sinning with your body that houses the Holy Spirit? Food or diet? Lack of exercise? Avoiding going to the doctor for a physical or some nagging issue? Giving in to physical temptations? Confess to God, then take a cleansing action like the people of Israel demonstrated. 

August 9

Ezra 8:21-9:15, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 21:1-2 

Pray: An incredible promise in the Psalm today is that “the Lord cares about the anguish of my soul.” What is it that grieves your soul today? Begin by sharing your anguish with the Lord and rejoicing in His unfailing love.

Read: See how sin grieves the heart of God and the heart of spiritual leaders. Take note of how serious sin is and unrepentant sin in particular. Finally, as you read today, take note of how sin is ultimately a heart and worship issue.

Edify: It’s clear that the apostles understand the Church to be the New Israel promised throughout the Old Testament. And Israel, God’s people, are to be holy and set apart. This is why the intermarriage that has Ezra pleading with God for mercy is a faith and holiness issue, rather than primarily a racial issue. To belong to God’s people isn’t to be sinless, however it is to be growing in grace through repentance and faith. Paul warns about the “wolf” in the “sheepfold” that is unrepentant and drawing the entire community into sexual sin. Paul’s words are no doubt harsh about casting them out of the community, because there is so much at stake with sin. It cannot be contained, but instead infects everything. Christians cannot honor Jesus or even fully rejoice in our salvation without an accurate view of how sin separates and destroys fellowship with one another and with God.

Practice: How are you coddling your own sin or sin within the community that is nurturing your faith? How can you firmly and lovingly confront it through receiving or providing accountability in the immediate future?

August 8

Ezra 7:1-8:20, 1 Corinthians 4:1-21, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 20:28-30 



Pray: Paul asks a tremendous question in today’s reading, “What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?” Take time to consider all the gifts that God has given you, including that breath you just took. Enter today’s reading with humility and a hunger to know the giver of those gifts. 

Read: The New Testament, Old Testament, and Psalm readings are all in the shadow of trials, difficulty, and suffering. Whether it’s picking up the pieces from exile, conflict resolution, or health issues, what do you learn about the Lord through the brutally honest situations you encounter in today’s reading?

Edify: Ezra lived in a difficult time with a people who had forgotten who they are after 70 years of exile in Babylon. Despite a difficult life, he was quite aware that “the gracious hand of his God was on him” (Ezra 7:9) and that his purpose was to “study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel” (Ezra 7:10). It’s one thing for the Israelites that returned to build the temple, but quite another for someone like Ezra to rebuild their faith in God.  Much like David in the Psalm, although people disappointed him repeatedly, he praises God for His “unfailing love” demonstrated towards him.  Similarly, Paul observes that “we apostles have been put on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die” (1 Corinthians 4:9). Paul lived a difficult life, became a spiritual father, and was often disappointed by the way he was treated. However, he persisted in the sharing of the Good News despite how it was received or the obstacles in the way. Despite having the gracious hand of the Lord upon them, these great and fruitful leaders displayed grit and perseverance within their clear calling.

Practice: What is that God-honoring, but difficult, action that you have been putting off? Who do you need to have a crucial conversation with or need to apologize to? Show grit by leaning into the difficult, but God-honoring path while remembering that God’s gracious hand is upon you. 

August 7

Ezra 4:24-6:22, 1 Corinthians 3:5-23, Psalm 29:1-11, Proverbs 20:26-27



Pray: Look back and ask God to reveal times when you’ve been used to spread seeds of the Good News of Jesus and times when you’ve been able to water or tend the growth spiritually in someone. Thank God for His grace to allow you to participate in His work and ask God for more opportunities to spread seeds and water, and ask God for the chance to see Him make the seed grow.

Read: Look for the ongoing revelation from Old Testament to New Testament reading of what a temple is, what the foundation for that temple is, and the implications of the location of the dwelling house of God.

Edify: Is Jesus the foundation from which all of your life, decisions, interactions, and desires are built upon? As if that question isn’t big enough, take a moment to evaluate it by your interactions. Paul says that he purposefully invested time and attention as an expert builder to build a foundation in the Corinthian believers. But he did not take credit for it, because the most important thing is that foundation IS Christ. The challenge from Paul in our interactions with others is to not lean on our own wisdom, and as the NIV version puts it in verse 19, our craftiness; but to rely on the wisdom that is found in Christ. When you are close enough to speak into someone’s life foundationally, it is only the foundation of Christ that will allow that person to withstand any storm, situation, or suffering in this life. Speak Christ, for the wisdom of this world is foolishness!

Practice: Thank a leader in your life that has foundationally spoken Christ into your life. Do it today with a simple text or phone call. Then begin making plans to situate yourself where you can speak Christ into the life of others through a life group or regularly scheduled coffee with a friend. 

August 6

Ezra 3:1-4:23, 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4, Psalm 28:1-9, Proverbs 20:24-25 



Pray: David finds his strength in the Lord. It’s a wrestling match for many today. If we’ve accomplished much or had success in life, it is very easy to become prideful. We begin to think we are the source of our blessings and success. David was king and he knew that it was God who had given him everything. Is God your source of strength? Do you trust Him with all you are and all you have? As you pray, acknowledge Him and see if He will reveal to you anything of pride that you need to turn over.

Read: There will always be naysayers and gossipers. I think this is especially true when the people of God are doing the will of God. In fact, I think the closer we move to God’s good and perfect will, the more opposition from the enemy (and the people whom he chooses) we will experience. As the Jews were rebuilding the Temple, rumors were spread and letters full of lies were written to the King of Persia. This halted the rebuilding efforts of God’s people. We should not be surprised when we encounter resistance. In fact, it is in those moments that we should give praise to the Lord, because we may just be closer to His will than ever before.

Edify: The foundation was completed and the people celebrated. They gathered around, the priests blew trumpets, the Levites clashed cymbals, and the people “sang this song to the Lord: ‘He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!’” (Ezra 3:11) The Temple was not complete, but the people knew that God deserved praise and thanks for what He had accomplished and what He would bring to completion. We would do well to give thanks to God for the foundations He is laying in our lives, our marriages, our homes, our careers, etc., and to praise Him for what He is preparing to build in us!

Practice: If you’ve ever been around a baby, you know their diet consists of milk. That’s it! As an adult, it’s hard to understand how that alone can satisfy hunger. Yet, it’s true for 100% of babies…that’s all they need. As they grow up, more is added to the diet, providing more nourishment, more things needed for development and maturity. Christian living is paralleled with growing up from a baby to an adult, at least according to the Apostle Paul. When we first come to Christ, we can only take in milk, but as we grow in the Lord (IF we grow in the Lord), we need more. What prevents us from going deeper with our faith and growing in the Lord? Paul says it is being controlled by our sinful nature (jealousy, quarreling, living like the world lives, following anyone other than Jesus, etc.). It’s time to change our diets. Purge the sinful nature and receive the solid foods of faith.

August 5

Ezra 1:1-2:70, 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 20:22-23 



Pray: The Psalmist hears God saying, “Come and talk with me.” So, he goes and talks with (prays to) the Lord. I believe the Lord beckons you and I the same way. He desires for us to come and talk with Him…and not just around the dinner table, but so much more often. Will you respond to His invitation?

Read: “This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). We know that not everyone believes as we do, nor is everyone a Christian. Those in “the world” find the message of the cross to be “foolish” according to Paul. He is reminding the church at Corinth that no matter what “the world” says, God’s plan of salvation is wiser than anything they come up with and God is stronger than anything else in all of creation. It’s good to be reminded of such things!

Edify: Do you ever get confused and overwhelmed? It’s easy to do, even in conversations of faith. There are so many denominations and divisions in the body of Jesus that it is sometimes hard to distinguish one group from another. We would be wise to consider the words of Paul when he says, “I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Perhaps if we were to do this more often, our divisions would be much less important.

Practice: I don’t like when people try to cheat me or do harm to me. It really doesn’t happen all that often, but it does happen to many people on occasion. When it occurs, I want immediate justice, don’t you? I’ll go to great lengths to get that justice in an attempt to get even. Proverbs 20:22 offers a different way: “Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.” It’s a convicting word, but a wise word! Have you been wronged and you are thinking about (or actively working toward) getting even? Step back and wait upon the Lord to handle things. After all, doesn’t He know more than you or me?

August 4

 2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23, 1 Corinthians 1:1-17, Psalm 27:1-6, Proverbs 20:20-21

Pray: David did not lack confidence in the Lord. You find it throughout the Psalms, and certainly here in Psalm 27. He actually prays to live in the house of the Lord all the days of his life. You get a sense of just how much he loves and trusts God. When you pray today, pray with confidence to the Lord telling Him just how much you love and trust Him. If you struggle with those areas or the words to say, ask Him for help. Remember, when we don’t even know what to pray, the Holy Spirit prays for us with sighs and groanings too deep for our words.

Read: My mother used to say, “I’ve had it up to here” and she would use her hand to her face to show that she was simply not going to allow us, her children to disobey any longer. We knew she meant business. Sometimes we corrected ourselves and received grace. Other times, we chose to continue our disobedience. When Zedekiah was king, God “repeatedly sent His prophets to warn them [regarding their rebellion] for He had compassion on His people and His Temple. But the people mocked these messengers of God…until the Lord’s anger could no longer be restrained and nothing could be done” (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). God is a patient and loving God, but when we choose to live in rebellion to His ways and to not listen when He sends others to correct us, we choose to have His favor removed from our lives. What needs to change in your life right now so that the Lord’s anger turns away from you?

Edify: Paul is always so thankful, isn’t he? He provides strong words of correction at times but I always read of his thankfulness. He writes in 1 Corinthians 1:4, “I always thank my God for you…” For whom are you thankful? Nobody is perfect, but God has brought people into your life, perhaps for a season/purpose…perhaps for the rest of your life. Give thanks to God for those persons. I believe our entire attitude and life would improve quite dramatically if you and I chose to live more thankful lives. 

Practice: We want things to happen yesterday. Nobody likes to wait. Some are better at delaying pleasure than others, but most people today are impatient. We can blame it on YouTube, Google, or any other modern day thing which delivers instant information. The truth is, it’s quite convenient to have things quickly, but it’s not always good to have things quickly. Proverbs 20:21 tells us “An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end” (read Luke 15 to hear a story of a son who got an early inheritance for further proof of this truth). If God is saying to you, “not yet,” trust Him. God has amazing things in store for His people. It may be that He is preparing you for something so much better than you think. Practice some patience as you seek the Lord and allow Him to move in your life.

August 3

2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33, Romans 16:10-27, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 20:19



Pray: It’s so easy to gossip, isn’t it? We join in without even realizing it. It somehow makes us feel important if we have information about another person. We do it, yet it is clear in Scripture just how wrong it is. Proverbs 20:19 tells us “A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.” If you are easily drawn into gossip, repent during your prayer time and ask the Lord to help you stay away from other “chatterers.” If you don’t join in gossip, ask the Lord in your prayer time to help you be bold enough to squash it! There’s no place for it in the church of Jesus Christ, nor is there a place for it in the life of those who follow Christ!

Read: David challenges me in Psalm 26 when he writes, “Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart” (v.2). Even when my actions are good (they’re not always), there are many times my heart may be in the wrong place or my motives impure. What about you? Could you pray such a prayer and be confident that if God were to honor that prayer your heart and motives would be found pleasing to the Lord? 

Edify: Age is never an issue when it comes to effectiveness in the Kingdom of God. I find this over and over again throughout Scripture. Josiah was 8 years old when he became king of Israel. He returned the people to the Lord. Many Christians will say they are too old or too young to do certain things. It simply is just not Scriptural to say such things. God can use people of all ages, as long as they are seeking Him.

Practice: We must be careful of things that are contrary to Scripture and against the Christian faith. Paul, as he closes out Romans makes one final appeal to “watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them” (16:17). What is in your life that is contrary to what the Bible teaches? Is it a tv show, images/video on your phone/tablet/computer, pride, greed, etc.? Rid yourself of such things and honor the Lord so that everyone will know “that you are obedient to the Lord” (Romans 16:19). 

August 2

2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13, Romans 15:23-16:9, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 20:16-18 



Pray: Prayer is not passive. Hezekiah knew this. When Jerusalem was being threatened by another king and a massive army, they began rebuilding walls, assembling troops, and preparing for battle. Yet, when the time came, “King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah…cried out in prayer to God in heaven” (2 Chronicles 32:20). The opposing army was destroyed, the king retreated in disgrace, and was killed when he returned home. Is there opposition in your life? Does God want to do something in you, but you’re fearful? Pray and watch God destroy the enemy forces!

Read: The people of Israel must have suffered from spiritual and leadership whiplash. Hezekiah and Manasseh are as different as night and day, at least initially. One brought people back to the Lord, the other led people away from the Lord. A father and son by blood, but strangers when it came to faith (again, initially). Many parents have experienced the pain of a wayward/rebellious child. Manasseh certainly fit the mold as a wayward and rebellious child. It wasn’t long, though, before he “finally realized that the Lord alone is God.” It took some years of rough-living and horrible consequences, but God got through to him. Trust in the Lord and continue praying that those whom you know who are far from Him will one day “realize that the Lord alone is God!”

Edify: It is so easy to drift away. Hezekiah returned a nation to the Lord. He did what was right in God’s eyes. He honored God repeatedly. God delivered him from his enemies. God healed him from a deathly illness. Then, “he became proud” (2 Chronicles 32:25). Thankfully before the Lord’s anger fell on him and all Jerusalem, Hezekiah repented. It’s a reminder for you and me just how easy it is to get off track, and how easy it is to be full of pride (something which does NOT honor the Lord at all, and angers Him). Be on guard, at all times and in all places. It’s easy to drift. Keep focused and stay humble before the Lord.

Practice: We need other people in our lives. It matters not whether we are introverts or extroverts. All of Scripture constantly reminds us of the need for community. We also need people to love us enough to tell us the truth, even when we want to hear something else. Proverbs 20:18 reminds us, “Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.” Share your goals with another. What is your 5 or 10 year plan for life? How about your budget? A new set of eyes and ears can add so much value to what you’re doing and even help encourage you or hold you accountable. It’s easy to quit the gym in February after only deciding to join it in January…unless you have people alongside you. Bring others along…you won’t regret it…you’ll be better for it.

August 1

2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21, Romans 15:1-22, Psalm 25:1-15, Proverbs 20:13-15



Pray: The celebration was a month late. The priests were not ready. Yet, the Passover in 2 Chronicles 30 happened. It was a great celebration and a return to the ways of the Lord. If you’re like me, you have expectations. When life takes a different path than you expected, it can sometimes throw you off course (again, if you’re like me!). Perhaps God wants to take you on a different path than you expect. Hezekiah did what was needed to honor the Lord and return a nation to the ways of God. As you pray, be open to what the Lord wants to say to you and to the new path He may be making for you.

Read: David opens Psalm 25 with, “O Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God!” I have often prayed prayers like this only to be convicted that I really didn’t mean it. I wanted to be sincere. I wanted to give God my life and to trust in Him. In truth, I was giving part of my life to God and I was partially trusting in Him. Partial commitment and partial trust is, quite honestly, complete rebellion. God wants all of our life, no part left untouched by His mighty hand. God wants complete trust in Him. We admire David as a “man after God’s own heart.” Perhaps the reason he had such favor with the Lord wasn’t because he was perfect, but it was because his life was committed to the Lord and he trusted God completely. It’s the kind of life we should want. It’s the kind of life that pleases and honors the Lord.

Edify: If you’re a follower of Jesus, a Christian, you understand something about the grace of God. You know Jesus has accepted you and He gave His life for you, to forgive you of your sins. That is amazing news! Something we miss sometimes, though, is the instruction that Paul gives us to “accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory’ (Romans 15:7). It pains me to see brothers and sisters in Christ belittling and demonizing one another. More importantly, I believe it pains God to see His children bickering and fighting. We can do better. Paul believed so, and so do I.

Practice: Who needs to be built up today? Do you know anyone who could use some encouragement, in their everyday life or even in their faith? Paul says, “We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord" (Romans 15:2). It could be a card, a thank you note, a spoken word of appreciation, or whatever God lays on your heart. Someone needs to be lifted up today, of that you can be sure. Be the person that gives them a new perspective…add value to them today. You’ll never go wrong when you add value to another.

July 31

2 Chronicles 29:1-36, Romans 14:1-23, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 20:12



Pray: Hezekiah opens today’s reading. He was 25 years old and was the king of Judah. That’s quite a task for such a young man. Yet, we read, “He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight…” I wonder what would be said of you and me? Would we be counted among those who did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight? May our prayers be that we would follow in Hezekiah’s footsteps, just as he followed in King David’s.

Read: Proverbs 20:12 tell us, “Ears to hear and eyes to see - both are gifts from the Lord.” It’s so simple we may just skip right over the significance. We take much of the blessings of life for granted. We don’t adore our spouse any longer because we’ve been married for many years…we don’t give thanks for our home because we’ve lived in it a while…we ignore our health because we think we’ll never get seriously ill. Hearing and seeing are two simple, yet profound, gifts from the Lord. What gifts has God blessed you with for which you need to pause and give thanks?

Edify: Wow! If ever there was a timely word for today’s world, it comes from Romans 14:13. It reads, “So let’s stop condemning each other.” It’s shameful when people, Christians especially, condemn and demonize others simply because we have a difference of opinion. Our political climate lends itself to such behaviors, but we ought to be better. The Apostle Paul thought so, and I believe he was right. It’s okay to disagree with another person or even an entire group, but Christians are called to speak the truth in love. We don’t condemn or demonize. 

Practice: What is God asking you to do? You must know that there is something the Lord wants you to be doing. It could be serving in the church, become a missionary, enter ordained ministry, a greater level of sacrificial giving, join the care team or prayer ministry, etc. What is it? When Hezekiah met with the Levites, he told them, “Do not neglect your duties any longer!” Then we read they “got right to work.” You’ve delayed long enough. Now is the time. Let’s get to work!

July 30

2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27, Romans 13:1-14, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 20:11



Pray: Lord, thank You for Your greatness. Thank You that when I am weak, You are strong. Lord, the Devil is scheming and I know he desires to keep me from spending time with You. Don’t let him win! Give me a measure of Your strength so that I might not give into discouragement, deception and doubt! Help me honor You in all my ways. Amen.

Read: In 2 Chronicles we read today of the exploits of King Uzziah and his fortification of Jerusalem. We also read of how Uzziah’s pride was the thing that caused his downfall. Isn’t it incredible how the things that caused people to fall in Scripture are some of the same things that cause us to fall today? Do you struggle with pride? Could that struggle lead to your downfall? C.S. Lewis tells us that pride is the launching pad for all other sins. As fallen and sinful beings, we struggle with things like pride daily and we must fight against that pride daily or it could lead to our believing that we could manage this life on our own. May Uzziah’s struggle serve us well so that we don’t face similar struggles.

Edify: As difficult as it is, sometimes, to agree with the way that our government is run, we are called to have respect for the authority that has been given to them. Granted, one of our many freedoms is the freedom of speech, but that does not give license to be disrespectful to others who have been chosen to lead. We are called to be of support. Will you join me today in prayer for our leaders… those who lead from the White House to the courthouse… those who lead our churches… and those who lead our homes?

Practice: May today be a day of prayer and thanksgiving to and for those that lead us and lead us well. Tell someone who leads you well, "Thank You." It may be your boss, your husband, your wife, your pastor, a community leader… whoever it is that has led and led well. We don’t express our thanks often enough to those who make a difference by giving of themselves and sharing their leadership for the betterment of humanity.