Amazing Verse of Scripture...

As I read through 2 Chronicles 16(that's right! Chronicles!), I discovered a verse today that made me truly stop and reflect. Check out this verse:
"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
In this scenario, King Asa had made an agreement with the king of Aram to help protect him from the invasion of Baasha king of Israel. After all God had done for his people, this King turned to others for help rather than to the God of the universe. Then, God sends a seer named Hanani to Asa and speaks these words to him.
Just think about these words - "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth..." - Whoa! You mean that God is active and alive? He's not just a benevolent deity checking things out from His view in Heaven? He is watching us - why? "To strengthen the hearts of those who are fully committed to Him." Read that verse again and let the weight fall on you. Those two words especially - fully committed - are most definitely convicting. Am I fully committed to Him? Are you?
I rejoice that we have a God who is contantly aware and at work in our world.
I am reminded again today that God desires all of me - not just the Sunday me, or the someday me - "someday, I'll start...", or the part of me that I allow myself to give to Him. What would I be like if I gave Him all of me? What would our country look like if all believers took this challenge?

5 Years and Counting!

5 Years have passed since we said "I do." On January 10, Lindsey and I celebrated our anniversary. It's been an amazing 5 years together. I still remember the wedding day in St. Louis (or Nellyville as Ross and George refer to it). It was a beautiful service that Lindsey and her mom had worked so hard to organize. That day, Lindsey and I made some serious vows to one another. We have both done our best to keep those sacred vows.
Let me say that I am a blessed man. Why in this world would Lindsey agree to marry me? Maybe it was my cool pick up lines - "you should meet us for lunch - we won't kill you or anything" or "Brad, let's go. We're late as can be." No, probably not.
It must have been the Lord that brought us together, and it's been Him who has kept us together. In Lindsey, I see the woman of God as mentioned in Proverbs 31. Of course, she wouldn't agree - but I'm not sure the Proverbs woman would have either. My wife is my greatest encourager, helper, and friend. I truly enjoy spending time with Lindsey.
I didn't blog about it 11 days ago - but I thought I shouldn't let this great occasion pass without mentioning it. My wife is the greatest! Condolences to Ralph Kramden...Alice was pretty good.