DAILY READINGS: Gen. 35; Psalms 7-8; Matt. 19:16 to 20:16

And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove, and Asa cut down her idol. 2 Chronicles 15:16

It is hard to take a stand against family. But for Asa the issue was plain—the Lord must come first and his mother was breaking God's first commandment and also His warning against idols. It must have been a tearful scene with his mother weeping and screaming at him. But Asa chopped down the idol and destroyed it. God must come first. Does God come before family influence in your life? Never compromise your spiritual stand or activity because of family. Be a good witness to them by putting God first in your life. —Donald L. Norbie