Sometimes I wonder why things aren't all going well in my life and in the things around me. There are tangible implications of making God your last priority and putting faith in other things. For me, that's hard thinking and methods and planning for resolving issues with people and trying to change people.

My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak. They will, however, become subject to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands. (2 Chronicles 12:7b-8)

We don't really wake up to what we've been missing or taking for granted until the day it's taken away from us. I'm glad that God wants us to learn.

These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. (Jude 1:16)

This one stuck in my heart as I read it. I would have lost hope had I not finished the chapter:

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)