Today's reading is Proverbs 7-9. Here's what stood out to me:

Meditating on the Word and keeping it close to our hearts keeps us from temptations.

When we seek and obey the path of the LORD, it keeps us from the paths that lead to sin and destruction.

The blessings of wisdom are righteousness, riches beyond material wealth, counsel, strength, and honor.

Whoever seeks wisdom finds life and favor from the LORD. Those who hate Him love death.

The path of folly leads to death, and many times its travelers are unaware. That's why it's so important to seek truth in God's Word and be trained to see the lies of the enemy and the world.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 2 Kings 1-4. Here's what stood out to me:

King Ahaziah grew sick and asked his men to inquire of the pagan gods whether he would survive. Elijah encountered some of King Ahaziah's men and told them that the LORD said because Ahaziah had turned away from His commandments, he would die. King Ahaziah's men must have doubted Elijah's word and Elijah told them if he was a man of God, may fire from heaven come down and consume them, and it did!

The king, unsatisfied with Elijah's answer, sent another 50 men, and the same thing happened. 100 soldiers died as a result of Ahaziah's refusal to repent and turn to the LORD.

As the LORD said, Ahaziah died and Jehoram became king.

Elijah is taken to heaven on a chariot of fire. Elisha takes over as prophet.

Moab rebels against Judah after Ahab's death. Ahab's son, Jehoram, rallied along with Israel, Judah, and Edom to bring them back into order. God miraculously provided water to the armies, and they defeated the Moabites.

Through the LORD's willingness and power, Elisha began performing miracles.

Today marks the halfway mark through the Bible! How exciting that we have made it to this point! I hope being in His Word has brought you encouragement, wisdom and peace!

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is Obadiah 1 and Psalm 82-83. Here's what stood out to me:

Obadiah warns that prideful Edom will be brought low by the LORD.

Edom's allies will betray them and turn against them. Edom will be cut off by the LORD because they didn't come to Jerusalem's aid when they were under attack. What Edom has dealt out to others will be dealt back to them.

Verse 17 says the LORD did provide a place for those with changed hearts to hide so they might escape the coming destruction.

In the end, the kingdom is always the LORD's.

God is just, and justice is good for us all. We need it for protection and guidance. God will deal justly with those who abuse justice itself.

Chapter 83 is an appeal for help from Israel. That the LORD might intervene and take action against those who are set on destroying them. There is also a cry for vengeance...as the LORD has provided before, might He provide again. In the end, the goal is that they "may know that You alone, whose name is LORD, are the Most High over all the earth."

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 2 Chronicles 19- 23. Here's what stood out to me:

Upon Jehoshaphat's return to Jerusalem, he set his heart to seek God. He went out to the people and brought them back to the LORD. He appointed judges who would fear the LORD and show no partiality or take bribes. He also appointed certain Levites and priests to dispute cases, also while putting the LORD first in their judgments.

Neighboring nations joined forces to attack Jehoshaphat. When he was informed of the multitude coming his way, he immediately "set his face to seek the LORD." He proclaimed a fast so all would seek help from the LORD.

Jehoshaphat brought up the fact that God drove the original inhabitants out of the land to give the Israelites the land through His promise. Why would He allow them to take it back now? The LORD responded, "The battle is not yours but God's," and said, "You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf." And the LORD kept His promise and gave them the victory!

When circumstances seem overwhelmingly difficult, stop and seek the LORD. Trust His character and His promises. And praise Him on the other side!

Jehoram, Jehoshaphat's son, was extremely wicked and reigned after his father. He killed all his brothers and some princes as well. He worshipped other gods and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. God sent a plague to destroy all the wickedness Jehoram created, including himself. Jehoram's son began to reign with the same wickedness and eventually was also killed.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18. Here's what stood out to me:

Instead of being content and grateful for times of peace, after three years, Ahab and Jehoshaphat met up and began discussing a plot of land they owned but didn't occupy. Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to join him in invading the land and getting it back. Jehoshaphat wanted to go to the LORD first.

Ahab's "prophets" were not men of God but rather, most likely, government officials who worshipped Baal. When they gave their advice, Jehoshaphat asked if there were other prophets of the LORD they could ask.

Ahab didn't like Micaiah because his prophecies always proved troublesome for him...most likely because he spoke truth from the LORD and the other "prophets" told Ahab what he wanted to hear.

It was asked of Micaiah to agree with the popular opinion, but Micaiah refused and told them what the LORD said, which was that if they went into battle, Ahab would be killed. That definitely took bravery and courage, and he eventually ended up in prison as a result. Doing the right thing doesn't always result in the outcome we want, but it's still the right thing!

Ahab attempted to save his life by disguising himself while telling Jehoshaphat to still wear his robe.

When the Syrians see Jehoshaphat, they think it's Ahab, but Jehoshaphat cried out to the LORD in prayer, and the Syrians realize their mistake and call all the men to stop pursuit. But one soldier drew his bow at random and struck Ahab and killed him...just like the LORD said.

This is another one of my favorite accounts in the Bible because it's a powerful reminder that God's plans are never thwarted by man. God's will will be done! And remember, it all began with pride of the eyes and a lack of contentment.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 2 Kings 20-21. Here's what stood out to me:

We get to see the account of Hezekiah's illness again. This time through the lens of 2 Kings.

The LORD answered Hezekiah's prayer and healed him, allowing him to live 15 more years. He even goes beyond that to say He will deliver Jerusalem from Assyria for His own sake and the sake of David. Is this because Hezekiah had begun to wander from the LORD's will?

Hezekiah does challenge Isaiah's prophecy of how he will know the LORD's promises are true, as opposed to just having a strong enough faith to believe them.

We also catch a glimpse of Hezekiah's prideful heart when he shows off his wealth to the men of Babylon. "They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them."

Hezekiah also has such a strange response when Isaiah tells him Babylon will conquer all, including taking some of his sons. Was his prideful heart blinding him?

Both Manasseh and Amon did evil in the sight of the LORD. They rebuilt all the high places that Hezekiah had torn down. They worshipped and served idols. Both abandoned the LORD and His commands.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 1 Kings 17-19. Here's what stood out to me:

The LORD told Elijah to tell Ahab a drought was coming. The LORD continued to provide for Elijah though throughout the drought.

I thought this was interesting... I have a note in my Bible that according to Canaanite religion, Baal had authority over rain and fertility. We know, of course, that it is the LORD who is always in control. He wanted the people to see it was His authority governing them, not a pagan god.

In the LORD's provisions for Elijah, He had him stay with a widow. The widow had little, but the LORD promised more to her if she had faith to be generous. The LORD kept His word and provided more than she had to begin with. When the widow's son dies from illness, the LORD allowed Elijah to raise him back to life. It wasn't until after this miracle that the woman truly believed Elijah spoke truth.

Obadiah feared the LORD greatly and had been hiding prophets in caves, feeding and providing for them. What faith he had!

Elijah confronted Ahab. Ahab blamed Israel's calamities on him, but Elijah said, "I have not troubled Israel, but you have abandoned the commandments of the LORD and followed the Baals."

Then we come to one of my favorite accounts of God's awesome power and authority. Through God's instruction, Elijah challenges Ahab's god, Baal, to a fire making contest. The Baal worshippers do everything they can think of to summon fire... call out to him, limped around the altar, eventually cutting themselves to no avail. Then Elijah rebuilds the stone altar they had torn down and calls for them to pour jars of water on the site, not once, not twice, but THREE times, so much that it created a trench of water. Elijah calls on the LORD to send fire so that their hearts might be turned back. This time the fire came fast and not only consumed the wood but also the stones, the dust, and the water in the trench! That's the power of our God! And then He sent the rain! Who do we need to pray for that the LORD might bring "the fire" to change their hearts?

Elijah slaughtered the prophets of Baal. Jezebel threatened his life, so he fled to the wilderness.

When Elijah found himself in a state of discouragement, the LORD called him to push ahead. He wanted him to get back to doing His work, and Elijah did.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 1 Kings 16 and 2 Chronicles 17. Here's what stood out to me:

King after king in chapter 16 proved to be more wicked than the last, and each one was very far from the LORD.

The last one we read about, Ahab, "did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him." He married Jezebel and built altars to worship Baal.

Jehoshaphat stopped the cycle and sought God and walked in His commandments. He fortified Israel and tore down the Asherim and pagan high places.

The people of Israel were taught the law again. During this time, neighboring lands feared the LORD and Israel, and there was peace.

The fear of the LORD creates peace in the hearts of men! Reading God's Word creates that proper fear in the hearts of men.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 1 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 13-16. Here's what stood out to me:

We now begin the back and forth between those kings who were "wholly true to the LORD and did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" and those who "did what was evil in the sight of the LORD."

Even though based on 1 Kings we know Abijah was wicked, he did speak truth to Jeroboam, and the LORD used him to defeat him. Again, numbers and man's might are no match for God's sovereignty!

King Asa reigned and began tearing down all the pagan pillars and altars. He understood their years of peace were due to their obedience to the LORD. I love his battle cry to the LORD! "O LORD, there is none like You to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You." What a mighty prayer that we can pray! And the LORD blessed and protected them!

Asa entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, and the LORD gave him rest and courage. He even removed his mother from being queen because she had a "detestable image."

Sadly, Asa eventually started following after his own desires and no longer relied on the LORD and even stopped crying out to Him for help. As a result, the LORD allowed other nations to war after him. He died with a heart full of anger and pride.

What a very important reminder to continually seek after the LORD. Stay in the race! We will never be completely content unless we follow Him and intentionally seek Him out.

I thought it was worth mentioning... I have a note in my study Bible that "high places" were worship sites for local pagan gods. Before the temple was built, Israelites often offered sacrifices in such places. After the temple was built, however, the people were required to sacrifice there instead of at the high places.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 2 Chronicles 10-12. Here's what stood out to me:

In 11:4, the LORD intervenes and prevents a civil war.

All the priests were forced to leave their homes and their duties. They all moved south to be nearer to the temple and to continue what the LORD called them to do. Some of the people who had also "set their hearts to seek the LORD" joined them.

We know they remained faithful for at least 3 years.

Because Rehoboam and Israel turned their hearts away from the LORD, He allowed the king of Egypt to overtake them. Many times before we've read that He promised protection and provision if they obeyed but also punishment or chastisement if they unfaithfully chose their own way. "You have abandoned me, so I have abandoned you to the hand of Shishak."

In response, Rehoboam and the people humbled themselves and the LORD graciously chose not to destroy them but allowed them to be servants to humble their hearts.

It seems as though whatever humbling Rehoboam experienced was short lived because 12:14 said, "and he did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the LORD."

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 1 Kings 12-14. Here's what stood out to me:

On behalf of the people, Jeroboam (whom the LORD said would be king) came to Rehoboam and asked if he would lift the heavy burdens that had been placed on the people by Solomon.

Rehoboam sought advice from an older crowd who advised if he acted as a servant to the people, they would in turn be his loyal servants. But Rehoboam then asked a younger crowd, who advised adding to the yoke and instead of whips, use scorpions. 12:15 said Rehoboam didn't listen to the older crowd, "for it was a turn of affairs brought about by the LORD that He might fulfill His Word." This was part of God's plan to make Jeroboam king.

The people revolted and sided with Jeroboam and made him king.

Out of fear, Jeroboam built golden calves and instructed the people to worship them. He thought if the people continued making sacrifices to the LORD, their hearts would turn back to Rehoboam. Jeroboam was afraid of losing power and potentially his life...but straying from the LORD...there's nothing worse than that!

The LORD sent a prophet to Jeroboam, and even though he performed a miracle in front of him, Jeroboam still didn't change his ways.

We also see firsthand how important it is for us to listen to the LORD's words versus those of man. It can lead to death!

Chapter 14 detailed the tragic results of the LORD's people not obeying and following after Him. 14:9 says Jeroboam did more evil than all those who lived before him! The LORD struck down members of Jeroboam's family and told him He would strip him of his kingdom. He warned He also planned to uproot the people and scatter them due to their disobedience and unruly hearts.

We learn Rehoboam's rule is just as evil. The people also built pagan shrines and worshipped other gods. The LORD allowed the temple to be ransacked and treasures to be stolen.

There was constant war between Jeroboam and Rehoboam...a far cry from the united tribes following after the LORD's presence.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is Proverbs 30-31. Here's what stood out to me:

Agur says his wisdom can't compare to the One who has "gathered the winds in His fists,"  "wrapped up the waters in His garment," and "established all the ends of the earth." I know this is a rabbit trail, but too good not to share. I read recently that while we know the LORD walked on water, do we think about the fact that he holds water in the air?! There is around 37.5 million-billion gallons of water in the atmosphere. If it were to all fall at once, it would raise the global ocean level 1.5 inches...that's our God!!!

Every word of God proves true. It's so important we are in His Word so that we can determine Truth from lies.

In 30:8, while I'm sure Agur is referring to literal food, I couldn't help but wonder if he could also have been talking about God's Truth. His Word is definitely food for our souls!

As Tara Leigh mentioned, it is believed that chapter 31 could be Bathsheba speaking to Solomon. She went through many of these experiences with David. She warned him about drinking and allowing women to distract him from leading. She also told him to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves.

An excellent wife is more precious than jewels. Her husband trusts her. She is a helper to her husband. I believe she has enjoyment in caring for her family, it's not a burden or degrading. And most importantly, she is praised because she fears the LORD.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 1 Kings 10-11 and 2 Chronicles 9. Heres' what stood out to me:

The Queen of Sheba heard stories of Solomon's wisdom and traveled to see if they were true. She tested him with difficult questions and was taken back by how much he knew.

The LORD's gift of wisdom to Solomon was a testimony to others. This pagan queen eventually praised the LORD, "Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel."

Solomon continued to acquire more and more wealth. It was noted that his drinking vessels were even made of gold. My mind immediately thought back to how the most precious items in the temple were gold. It seemed as though Solomon slowly began to let his wisdom and wealth go to his head. I love the verse sandwiched in the middle of all the descriptions of Solomon's lavishness, that it was GOD who put the wisdom in his mind, lest we and Solomon forget!

Solomon dismissed and disobeyed the LORD's commands not to marry a foreign woman, and in fact married MANY foreign women. In doing so, Solomon began to worship their gods, and his heart grew far from the LORD. He even built pagan shrines for these gods.

The LORD raised up an adversary to take the kingdom away from Solomon, while still maintaining His covenant with David. He promised to give Jeroboam ten tribes and leave Solomon with only the one, but said for the sake of David He would wait till his son was king.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is Ecclesiastes 7-12. Here's what stood out to me:

7:13 reminds us that the LORD is sovereign. We will go through times of great joy but also great sorrow. All the while, the LORD is in control of both.

True wisdom says we can't understand everything that happens on earth.

The conclusion after examining all areas of life was that fearing God and keeping His commandments were what we were created to do. In the end, God will also bring judgment to every deed.

Wisdom comes from the LORD. True wisdom is loving and obeying the LORD no matter the circumstances that come our way because we trust Him and His character. When we listen to true wisdom, we find our delight in God alone.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is Ecclesiastes 1-6. Here's what stood out to me:

Most likely, it's Solomon who is reflecting on the meaning of life in the book of Ecclesiastes.

I'm sure Solomon felt he had it all (wisdom, wealth, fame, women, and authority) and yet it all still fell short of true joy.

2:10 says, "And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in toil, and this was my reward for my toil." But 2:11 says, "All was vanity." In other words, life was still empty.

He wrestles with the thought of why bad things happen to good people and why good things happen to bad people. And how, if you walk in wisdom, it doesn't necessarily keep you from difficult times or circumstances.

God's enduring work lasts forever, of which nothing can be added or taken away. So grateful His plans aren't thwarted by man. And also grateful that, through His grace and mercy, He hears our cryful prayers and brings joy and peace to our hearts.

Many times our hard work and toil can stem from envying what others have. But these material things or experiences will never satisfy our need for true joy. It's God who keeps our hearts occupied with joy, not stuff!

Vernon McGee said, "It is rather empty to give one's life to the pursuit of that which does not bring happiness here and has no value hereafter." I would only switch the word happiness with true joy.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is Proverbs 27-29. Here's what stood out to me:

27:6 says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." Verse 9 says, "The sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel." Verse 17 says, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Godly friends keep us accountable to the LORD and His Word. I am so very grateful for those priceless friends in my life!

27:19 says, "The heart of a man reflects the man," which is why the LORD continually looks at the heart.

When we read God's Word and see the many accounts of times the LORD lovingly warned those who continued to go astray, we understand His justice. 28:5

The treasure of confessing our sin is mercy.

28:26 reminds us, "Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered." His Word gives us the wisdom to deliver us!

Our pride will bring us low, but humility brings honor.

29:25 says, "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe." This should also tell us that it is not man's approval that we should be living for.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is Proverbs 25-26. Here's what stood out to me:

Even though there are certainly many things the LORD has not revealed to us, what He has revealed to us...His Word...we should search and study.

25:11 speaks to the power of the tongue. Many times, we say the wrong thing or the right thing at the wrong time, and even sometimes we ought not say anything at all. Asking for the LORD to guide our tongue is a great place to start!

The LORD is not pleased with us seeking our own glory. He created us to glorify Him.

25:28 speaks of the man or woman with no self-control. But 2 Timothy 1:7 says it is God who gives us not a spirit of fear but power and of self-control.

The fool is someone who believes there is no God. He or she doesn't mind sacrificing honor because they have none.

A foolish teacher will hurt himself and those who listen to him.

The ending of 26 speaks to those people who are out to deceive and disingenuously flatter us. We are warned not to listen to them.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 1 Kings 9 and 2 Chronicles 8. Here's what stood out to me:

After Solomon finished the temple, the LORD appeared to him and told him He would meet with them there. This is the place to come to be in the presence of the LORD.

It is very encouraging to me that the LORD told Solomon He wanted him to walk closely to Him as his father David did. Despite David's sinful, life-altering mistakes, the LORD used him. But David also confessed his sin and turned from it, and the LORD pointed this out when He spoke of David's integrity of heart. I loved when Tara Leigh mentioned that God is not "just after our obedience; He's after our hearts." This is so that we take hold of Him and continue obeying and following after Him.

The LORD warns that if His people turn from Him, He will cut them off. Today, the site where the temple once stood is now a mosque. The result of Israel forsaking the LORD.

The LORD did not condone Solomon's use of forced labor. He also didn't condone his many wives. I think it says a lot that Solomon didn't allow his Egyptian wife to live in a place that the ark once was. He knew the LORD was not pleased that he married outside of his people. He recognized that the result of that sinful act of marrying a pagan woman was not worthy of being near the ark of the LORD.

There are many things Solomon did well, but there were also many things he didn't do well. This is why God wants our hearts! When He has our hearts, we will do what He desires and not what our sinful desires convince us we ought to do. We can't do it on our own friends! We need Him and His strength!

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is Psalm 134 and 146-150. Here's what stood out to me:

The five psalms that conclude the book of Psalms are all hallelujah psalms. They begin and end with "Praise ye the LORD."

We shouldn't put our trust in men, for they perish just like us and can't bring us salvation. By contrast, the LORD can be trusted with our lives...He's Creator, He brings justice; He watches over us; and He sets the prisoner free!

The LORD doesn't take delight in the strength of man or beast but rather in those who fear Him and hope in His steadfast love.

I love that we are all called to praise Him, no matter our age. Even creation can't help but praise Him!

There are numerous reasons we have to praise the LORD and numerous ways to praise the LORD!

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 2 Chronicles 6-7 and Psalm 136. Here's what stood out to me:

2 Chronicles 6 repeated what we read yesterday from 1 Kings 8. But I love the repetition because it speaks to the accuracy and authenticity of God's Word.

Tara Leigh mentioned it, but I also noticed it was noted by the LORD that while He did not give David the pleasure of building the temple, He saw the intent in his heart and said he did well because of it.

As soon as Solomon finished his prayer of dedication, fire came down from heaven and consumed the offerings, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. What a sight that must've been to see! The people bowed to the ground and worshipped.

I thought it was pretty cool that during the dedication it was mentioned that the instruments David made for thanksgiving to the LORD were used.

In 7:12, the LORD graciously heard the earlier prayers of Solomon and agreed to forgive the people if they would humble themselves, pray and seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways.

Because the LORD chose and consecrated the temple, His ears would be attentive to the prayers made there.

The LORD made it very clear that Solomon was to be held to the same standards as the people. He must also walk in the way of the LORD and allow his heart to seek after Him.

The Creator of the universe faithfully provided for His people, and He continues to provide today for you and me. How marvelous is it...His steadfast love for us!! We certainly have numerous reasons as evidence of His unending love for us!

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 1 King 8 and 2 Chronicles 5. Here's what stood out to me:

All the holy vessels and the ark were moved with great care this time to their permanent place in the temple.

I thought it was interesting that 8:8 talks about how long the poles were. It made me wonder if they were more so than before so as to be confident there wasn't a repeat of what happened back in 2 Samuel 6:3-8.

8:9 noted that only the two stone tablets were in the ark...no mention of the jar of manna and Aaron's rod.

The LORD's presence filled the temple so much that the priests couldn't stand.

Solomon recounted with the people the promises made and fulfilled by the LORD.

There is no god like our LORD!

Solomon recognized that the house he built for the LORD couldn't contain Him...He is so much bigger!

Solomon asked the LORD to hear the pleas of the people when they come to this place in repentance, asking for forgiveness.

Only the LORD knows the hearts of all the children of mankind. 8:39 And He will act according to how He sees fit.

Not one word of God's promises failed!

LORD incline our hearts to You! When our hearts are wholly true to You, everything of importance will fall into place.

I love how 8:66 says the people "went to their homes joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had shown to David." This is an awesome example of how remembering leads to gratefulness and worship!

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 1 Kings 7 and 2 Chronicles 4. Here's what stood out to me:

Now the attention moves to the construction of Solomon's house, which sounds more like a palace. Some of the same materials used in the temple were used in Solomon's home. It took him 7 years to build the temple and 13 years to build his own house.

I read something interesting about the two pillars used in the temple...Jachin and Boaz. Jachin means "God shall establish" and Boaz means "in his strength".

I also read that the pomegranates mentioned in 4:13 represent fruitfulness. The various colors throughout are also symbolic. Blue is for the color of heaven itself; purple is for royalty; crimson represents the redemptive blood of Christ; and white points to the holy walk.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is 1 Kings 5-6 and 2 Chronicles 2-3. Here's what stood out to me:

The LORD gave Solomon rest from his enemies on all sides so that he could begin building the temple.

All the details described help us visualize the temple. Remember that gold signifies the most precious areas.

I thought 6:7 was interesting when it mentioned, "When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built." I would imagine this was to keep the area holy and continue to hold it up as a place of reverence for the LORD's presence.

I love the added details of Solomon's humility in 2 Chronicles 2. He echoed some of the things the LORD said to David when he wanted to build the temple himself. "But who is able to build Him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain Him? Who am I to build a house for Him, except as a place to make offerings before Him." Solomon understood the building of the temple wasn't about his leadership or knowledge but about providing the people with a proper place to offer sacrifices and worship the true King.

I also love how Tara Leigh explained that the temple site was where Abraham offered up Isaac before God stopped him and said He would provide the sacrifice. And then later, it was the spot where God kept His promise and provided the ultimate, final sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary. Friends, isn't that so awesome! It blew my mind and brought me to tears! Just another reminder of God's sovereignty.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is Proverbs 19-21. Here's what stood out to me:

There are so many wise words in these chapters. 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." Just a reminder that it is God who directs our steps even when we have things "all planned out."

19:23 says, "The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied he will not be visited by harm." I take this to mean that once you have a proper relationship with the LORD, the trust outweighs life's uncertainties. We can trust the character of God!

20:5 was an interesting verse. To me, it sounded as if spending time in the Word with the Holy Spirit, who knows our hearts best, would help us work through the LORD's purpose for our lives. There's intentionality in the searching.

21:2 says, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart." Over and over, the LORD looks at our hearts. It's the measurement of our intent in all we do. And in Jeremiah 17:9, we read that our hearts are prone to self-deception and sin.

21:3 goes in line with how the LORD didn't just want the Israelites to offer sacrifices as a ritual. He wanted to see a heart change in them.

~Ann Mays

Today's reading is Proverbs 19-21. Here's what stood out to me:

There are so many wise words in these chapters. 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." Just a reminder that it is God who directs our steps even when we have things "all planned out."

19:23 says, "The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied he will not be visited by harm." I take this to mean that once you have a proper relationship with the LORD, the trust outweighs life's uncertainties. We can trust the character of God!

20:5 was an interesting verse. To me, it sounded as if spending time in the Word with the Holy Spirit, who knows our hearts best, would help us work through the LORD's purpose for our lives. There's intentionality in the searching.

21:2 says, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart." Over and over, the LORD looks at our hearts. It's the measurement of our intent in all we do. And in Jeremiah 17:9, we read that our hearts are prone to self-deception and sin.

21:3 goes in line with how the LORD didn't just want the Israelites to offer sacrifices as a ritual. He wanted to see a heart change in them.

~Ann Mays