Month: July 2024

2 Chronicles 29:1-36; Romans 14:1-23; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 20:12

When you read the Old Testament, you see a great deal of rules and regulations that God instituted to set His expectations for His people’s  behavior. It is easy to overlook the fact that even though God instructs us what to do, there is still a free-will component.

As King Hezekiah leads the people to restore and rededicate the Temple, the people bring the traditional offerings. But, they do not just stop there. They willingly brought additional sacrifices. They were so generous, that there were not enough priests to make all of the offerings. What would cause this depth of generosity?

The people were consecrated to the Lord. The Word “Consecrated” means to fill or be full. These people were complete in God and their response to the fullness of what God had done in their lives was to give. What motivates you to give? Is it from a heart that is fulfilled and complete? If you are free on the inside, then you can give willingly to God. See yourself as complete (Consecrated), because you are. You are complete in Him!

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21; Romans 15:1-22; Psalm 25:1-15; Proverbs 20:13-15

2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27; Romans 13:1-14; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 20:11

The traditional wedding vows contain a commitment to remain faithful to our spouses in the good and the bad, rich and poor, healthy and the sick times. At both ends of the spectrum, we should never let our commitment go. I have found that it is in those good times when we have to be careful because when life is going well, we tend to let things slip. And, because there is a very active devil, all he needs is one strategic slip up, and he can bring us down.

King Uzziah had a magnificent reign as King. He carried on the tradition of his father and aggressively put Judah’s house in order. He even defeated Judah’s biggest enemies and fortified all his towns against future attack. He brought peace and prosperity. But while things were going well, he left a spiritual door open and pride invaded his life. He was so remarkable in his leadership that he crossed the line between priest and king.

He went into the Temple and offered incense which is what only the priests were assigned to do. Even when he was confronted by the High Priest, he was belligerent until he saw the leprosy break out on his head. Beware when things are going well. Be certain to keep depending on God’s guidance in all you do. If you do, you will go higher and higher. Don’t give any place for the evil one to derail you. Keep your heart pure when all is going well, and God will elevate you beyond what you could ask or think!

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 29:1-36; Romans 14:1-23; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 20:12

2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28; Romans 12:1-21; Psalm 22:19-31; Proverbs 20:8-10

Did you know that there is something worth more than money? There actually is. It’s called the Favor of God! Amaziah learned a powerful lesson about this. He had paid some soldiers to come and fight along side his troops. He contracted them and gave them his expectations. He paid them in full and right when they were about to engage in the battle, the man of God came and challenged King Amaziah not to use people who did not have God’s favor on them.

At first all Amaziah could see was that they had already been paid in full! The prophet helped him gain a new perspective by saying, “The Lord is able to give you much more than this” (2 Chronicles 25:9). In other words, whatever you spent on troops is nothing compared to what God will bless you with.

Almost daily we are called to choose between God’s favor and money! Culture tempts us to trust in bank accounts and economics but God nudges us to just obey Him and allow His favor to take us where money can’t! Some of us will obey God in every area, except with finances. Yet, this is the area where many of us need the favor of God. Take a lesson from Amaziah. God is well able to give you more than this!

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27; Romans 13:1-14; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 20:11

2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21; Romans 11:13-36; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 20:7

One of the saddest epithets I’ve ever heard was said about Jehoram, “No one was sorry when he died” (2 Chronicles 21:20). No one would want this said about them. But, if we look at his life, we can see where Jehoram missed it and erased his legacy.

Jehoram took someone else’s purpose and didn’t live out his own. He desired to be a king but he was not in the succession line. He stole it and because he assumed something that was not meant for him, he did not have the grace to accomplish it. Be careful not to run after someone else’s dreams because God has given you a unique dream for your life.

Also, Jehoram did not follow the godly example that was set before him. Each of us has been shown a better way through Christ but knowing it and not living by it means nothing. If you abandon the righteous way that God has shown you, you run the risk of canceling your legacy.

Then, Jehoram associated with those who rejected God. Everyone knew that Ahab and Jezebel’s children were god-haters. But, Jehoram married one of their daughters. He was on the wrong road and when he got married, his life  was taken further off course. His life was heading off a cliff and he did not repent.

With all of this, he died and never received a royal burial and people were glad he was gone. Let this not be said of us! Let us live out our purpose and follow the godly example set before us while we associate with like-minded people of faith. When we do this, our legacy will shine brightly!

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28; Romans 12:1-21; Psalm 22:19-31; Proverbs 20:8-10

 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37; Romans 10:14-11:12; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 20:4-6

When you understand your real relationship with God, then you will never try to fight for yourself again. As a believer, you are a child of God. You are as much a child of God’s as Jesus is. So, do you think that God would let someone or something come against you and not step in to help?

Jehoshaphat returned home from the victory against Aram and is besieged by enemies. He calls the people to prayer and fasting. God tells King Jehoshaphat that he did not need to fear because the battle was not theirs but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15) And, God fought on their behalf and they won the victory. 

What are you facing today? Is there an enemy that has arisen to disturb your peace? Is there a problem that is plaguing your mind? Don’t forget that you have a covenant with God and you can always count on Him to keep His Word! Turn it over to Him, and He will fight for you. All you have to do is do what He tells you and you will win every time! 

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21; Romans 11:13-36; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 20:7

2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34; Romans 9:25-10:13; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 20:2-3

When it comes to making decisions, we may seek the counsel of many people around us. There are usually trusted advisors to whom we go before we make key decisions. It may be family members, friends, or mentors. But, there is one person who should never be left out of any deliberations: God. 

Ahab proposed that he and the king of Judah go to war against Aram. Jehoshaphat was sensitive to know what God’s opinion was before they went forward. Interestingly enough, after Jehoshaphat heard God’s Word, he still went forward with the war knowing that it would not end well for Ahab. In fact, Ahab was disguised and hiding among the troops and he still met his death as the prophet had said. 

We, who are called to live Spirit-led lives, should never get ahead of God. Always seek His counsel on matters big and small. God never wants us to wonder what our next step will be. Have a listening ear to heaven to hear God’s voice and then obey. Your greatest counselor is the Holy Spirit. Let Him guide you! 

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37; Romans 10:14-11:12; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 20:4-6

2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14; Romans 9:1-24; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 20:1

God will truly help those who call on Him. Have you ever faced what seemed like insurmountable odds? You know, that situation when you tried everything that you could but nothing worked; in fact, your situation even grew worse. Only a miracle would do!

King Asa found himself in a situation like that. He had 580,000 skilled fighters. He assumed that no one could amass a better fighting force than he. One day, they faced an army of 1,000,000 men! They were outnumbered. It was like seeing a sea of people! Asa knew that he could not win in his own military might. So, he called on God to help him. And, that is exactly what God did.

God will help you in your impossible situations. You cannot earn God’s help, it is an act of His mercy so that you will know the depth of His love for you! Always believe that when you are in trouble, God will find you, and help you, if you will just turn to Him for help! God really knows how to deliver His children! So, let Him!

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34; Romans 9:25-10:13; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 20:2-3

2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22; Romans 8:26-39; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 19:27-29

What does evil look like to God? Most times we define evil as doing heinous acts that bring great harm and devastation to people. Yet, when God speaks of evil He uses a different definition.

Rehoboam was considered evil in God’s eyes. What was his crime? “He did not seek the Lord with all his heart.” This King who walked in the line of King David, committed great evil because he departed from the example of his grandfather, David, by letting his heart be stolen away from the Lord. We focus on the evil actions but God focuses on the root cause. The root cause of evil is letting your heart turn from God. At that point, anything is possible. 

Evil is not necessarily what you do wrong, it can also be what you don’t do that is right. In other words, those things that you omit. Don’t allow yourself to slide into evil or sin by letting your heart turn from God. Keep seeking Him daily and God will guide you daily. 

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14; Romans 9:1-24; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 20:1

2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19; Romans 8:9-25; Psalm 18:16-36; Proverbs 19:26

Solomon had a vast kingdom with more wealth than anyone on earth. He received gold and silver from every king on earth. His wealth and opulence was world-renowned. As high as Solomon rose, his story ends like all the other kings: “When he died, he was buried in the City of David, named for his father.” (2 Chronicles 9:31)

You see, no matter how many things we possess or how much money we have, it will all pass to someone else upon our death. As wise and wealthy as Solomon was, it could not grant him eternal life. Immediately following Solomon’s reign, the kingdom was torn in two and never again was unified. The Bible never states who received all of Solomon’s wealth. But, he could not take it with him.

Our lives have to be worth more than the things we possess. Solomon’s own reflections on his life are recorded in the book of Ecclesiastes. It is a dismal look at life because things cannot satisfy the greatest need we have. Build your life upon more than possessions. Build you life on eternal purpose so that when you are promoted to heaven, your legacy will shine brightly.

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22; Romans 8:26-39; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 19:27-29

2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10; Romans 7:14-8:8; Psalm 18:1-15; Proverbs 19:24-25

Solomon is known for his wisdom but he should also be known for being a man of prayer. Even though the Temple was an architectural wonder, it was built as a place to honor God and be a place for God’s presence to dwell. 

The building was not complete until God was invited to inhabit it. Solomon prayed a prayer that was so powerful that when he finished, God’s presence filled the Temple in such a way that the priests could not complete their duties. 

What made his prayer so powerful? He prayed believing God would answer. Solomon prayed based on the written law of God. He knew that everything God said He was going to hold His people to. Solomon also relied upon the grace and mercy of God. 

In your prayer life, believe that God will answer all prayers that are in alignment with His Word. Trust that God will answer and know that God’s grace and mercy will always outweigh His judgment. Cultivate a dynamic, joyful prayer life. 

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19; Romans 8:9-25; Psalm 18:16-36; Proverbs 19:26