Stuff, stuff, and more stuff. If we are really honest about what we actually need, than nearly all of us have too much of it. All that stuff requires so much attention, maintenance, and devotion. What if it was all cleared out? What would you do with all that energy and time? God can suggest something...get your feet moving, your mouth talking, your hands comforting...and reach out to people. Share the Word and look to meet others' needs. Look beyond your front door and be bold to the work of the Lord that you've always been to busy to do. All of this, everything we own, is just dirt...when people's souls are at stake, why are you holding onto dust?

If you asked someone what Jesus said was the greatest commandment, most would answer, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” They'd be right...partly. Right before He spoke about loving others, He said, “Love the Lord God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind.” Loving your neighbor the way Jesus means isn't possible without the first part of that commandment. Only God can empower us with the ability to love like that. I mean, think about it...not everyone is easy to love. As we'll hear in today's study, all of the things the Lord has commanded us to do are IMPOSSIBLE in our own hands. But in HIS, there are no limits.

Food, water, shelter...those are all basic needs for every person. But there's something that trumps all of those things, that every person needs...and that's forgiveness. While we can't offer it ourselves, we can certainly point people to the One who can...and as Christ-followers, that's what we've been tasked to do. Jesus, the WORD, is alive, and here on earth, we get to be His mouth, hands and feet. Jesus' mission was clear, to bring people to salvation...and we are to be a continuance of that mission. Today, you'll hear about how we're to accomplish the goals He set out for us, through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

You probably don't have to think too hard to remember a time when you really blew it with God, right? Maybe you didn't set out to get carried away with pride, or be fixated on that bigger house and consumed with greed...but our flesh often leads the way if its left unchecked. As we'll see today, in the case of Hezekiah...God is a merciful Father. When you go to Him with a spirit of repentance, He responds with love. Even though our sin can leave a residue of consequences...what's most important is that you are reconciled to Him. Especially when our days are limited and our time is short...we should seek to serve Him as long as we are still breathing.

Whether you're seeking healing for yourself, or praying for someone else, there is something that can hinder your communication with God: Sin. If you're a person of faith, the Lord wants to deal with the transgressions in your life. Sin mucks up your relationship with Him by creating distance and confusion. Once you're right with Him, only then can you have faith that you're seeking Him with a pure heart. As we'll see today in 2 Chronicles, Hezekiah will have to humble himself before the Lord when he's seeking to avoid God's wrath against the people. Once his heart is right, God can listen and respond to his pleas, and answer his prayers.

If you've ever encountered a seemingly hopeless situation, where it seems like you'll be on the losing end of the battle...think of Hezekiah. When a powerful army comes against Judah, it seems like inevitable defeat. But, all it takes is one angel of the Lord to take down a formidable enemy. God is always on our side if we have faith in Him. In our limited reasoning, we can't see how things could possibly work out...but nothing is too difficult for God. If a single angel could annihilate an entire army, think of how the Lord can work in your life. As you'll hear today, “He took care of them on every side.” He thinks of everything, all those things that you don't.

No matter how much you do for the church, your community, your family, it's not in service to God if your heart isn't right with Him. If your heart isn't motivated to serve because it's full of the Lord, then eventually you'll become burdened and burned out. The Lord will energize you to do His work when it comes from the right place. Today in 2 Chronicles, the people of Judah will seek to serve the Lord through hard work and sacrifice. Not because they were ordered to, or felt guilty to do it...but because in their trust and faith in God they sought to bless Him. If we are motivated by love, out actions and serving will glorify the Father as well.

When you make a decision to give your life to the Lord, it's such a transforming event that it's feels like you're always going to be overwhelmed with devotion to Him. But, putting faith into practice isn't easy when problems and spiritual warfare continue to come. As we'll see today, the people of Judah continue to make progress in their commitment to God, giving generously to Him and getting rid of anything that would be offensive to the Lord. Little by little, as you reject your old ways, you'll mature spiritually because of that obedience. Give generously of yourself in service to Him, and He'll be faithful to you.

When you have been a believer for a while, you may forget that people who are newly saved have a lot to figure out. They may be confused by things that a seasoned churchgoer might not. But, as long as they are not in opposition to the Word...it doesn't really matter. The Lord is looking at the heart, and His delight is in the amazing work being done there. When King Hezekiah invited all of Israel and Judah to come to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover...many of the people didn't know what to do. But, they will come with humble hearts, desiring to worship and know God. The Lord hasn't changed. He's still interested in our hearts, and wants to bring joy to our lives.

Believer, because of your desire to share the truth of Jesus, you probably have a list of people who you pray for and witness to...and desire for them to be saved. But, there are also those who have fallen away from the Lord. They have heard and known the truth...but are no longer fellowshipping with God. They are also in need of prayer and guidance. Today, in our teaching from 2 Chronicles, a king will seek to bring back an entire nation that has turned from God. Through His devotion and obedience, the people will receive a message of hope and grace. It's the same message for people today...that He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.