Let it Go

In the post Redeemer, one point written about is how the family of Jacob was being destroyed by the past. When Judah steps ahead and begs Joseph for the chance to take the place of Benjamin, we are reminded of Christ who died for us on the Cross. Judah was willing to take the place of Benjamin and become a slave so that Benjamin could go free.

Many times in life, our past begins to wear on us and consume our joy. Individuals and families feel that there is no way out. It is during times like this that the only hope is to let it go. Once the past is let go, a change can take place through faith to set us free.  

Today’s video is about a hopeless life being turned around; a new believer seeing the light and being changed by the amazing cleansing power of the blood of Christ: Something in the Water – Carrie Underwood.

For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - Colossians 1:13-14

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Follow the Path to Freedom

In the post The Importance of Honesty and Doing What We Say, I wrote about just one of many examples found in the Bible of how life gets difficult when people are deceptive and get off the path that should be followed in life.

We all want things to go our way but if our way is not God’s way then it leads to places we may not want to go. Deceivers lead themselves and others down a path of rough times.  Living the way Jesus teaches is following the right path; leading to meaningful places and making an impact on lives.

We can be thankful for God’s plan for us. With God there is a freedom ... a freedom that helps us live, give, and love. A freedom that will speak and teach; laying out a clear path that we can follow. Here’s today’s inspirational video: Losing – Tenth Avenue North

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

Index of devotionals

The Faith Factor

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The most important factor in the growth of Uzziah’s power is that he sought God and grew in faith as presented in 2 Chronicles 26-27. Uzziah received help from his instructor named Zechariah who taught him to fear God. He was victorious in war and he rebuilt towns as God helped. Other accomplishments included building towers to help with securing Judah and cisterns to help provide water for the livestock in the rural areas. He put to work many in the fields and vineyards of the fertile lands (V. 26:10).

He had a well trained army with plenty of weapons and supplies. His political power and fame spread until pride got to him. He burned incense to God in the temple and this was not right because only the priests were consecrated for this activity. The priests corrected him but Uzziah became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead (V. 26:19). He spent the rest of his life in seclusion.

Jotham his son became king at the age of 25 and he learned from his father’s successes and mistakes.  The only weakness of his rule as noted by the chronicler is that the people continued their corrupt practices (V. 27:2).  He did not enter the temple of the Lord and he kept his pride in check and was mostly successful throughout his reign.

Faith was a factor in success for both Uzziah and Jotham. It can also be a major factor in our own life and goals. It is faith that provides a balanced life; assuring hope for a positive future during difficulties and humility during good times. This day with God, believe that every doubt or fear will be replaced with a deep abiding trust in Him.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Faith Inspires True Courage

Reading in 2 Chronicles 20:14-37, the people of Judah had assembled and Jahaziel stands up to tell them what the Lord has said to him which is to not be afraid or discouraged about the vast army coming at them because He will be with them. God had spoken to Jahaziel with instructions and the people believed in the plan. They responded with worship and praise to God. Then set out with faith to carry out the plan.

Faith inspires true courage. King Jehoshaphat stood in front of the people of Judah to inspire and give courage to his people as they set out to face the enemy. They then started singing and praising the Lord as they headed to battle. While doing this, the Lord was already setting up events for victory; giving advantages to Judah and even confusing the enemies so they were destroying each other.

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The Lord gave them victory. At this point in history, the other kingdoms began to notice that God was on Judah’s side so they were afraid to attack them. There was peace and rest for Judah at this time in history but the people again didn’t put their total heart and soul on God so there was mediocrity instead of excellence in their future.

This day with God, pray for protection from evil and victory over temptation. Note how the Bible gives great advice and have assurance that there is victory in Christ to win any battle that life brings.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at: This Day with God Devotional.

Be Lifted to New Heights of Accomplishment

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The event recorded in 2 Chronicles 13 is another inspiring occurrence where we see the results of God’s favor at work just like David defeating Goliath, the Red Sea and Moses, or Daniel and the lion’s den. If we can just simplify our life and let God do the amazing part, we can be lifted to new heights of accomplishment. God can expand our thinking and give us confidence to adventure out to explore new opportunities that fulfill the purpose He has for us.

In today’s reading, Jeroboam’s northern kingdom seemed to have the military advantage with an army twice the size as Abijah’s fighting men but God was not on their side because the priests in Jeroboam’s northern kingdom were selected by them and their gods were idols like golden calves. On the other hand, the southern kingdom called Judah led by Abijah worshiped the LORD; Jehovah, the only true God. The priests in Judah were the sons of Aaron and the Levites who assisted them.

Jeroboam had set up an ambush and with the number soldiers in his army, it looked like a sure win but Judah had one big advantage; God was on their side. They ended up routing Jeroboam because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers (v. 18).

When the God of the universe intervenes, there is optimism, confidence, and decisiveness. It is like the runner with the wind at their back or the team with momentum. This day, think about what it means to have a God who intervenes. Believe that He will lead you to where you did not expect to go and shape you in ways you had not anticipated.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at This Day with God Devotional.