Give a Little Extra

In yesterday’s post Barely Hanging On, I wrote about how the church at Sardis was in decline. They needed to give a little extra to make good things happen. In our own lives today, that’s still a lesson we need to hear. 

What steps can you take to go the extra mile to solve a problem? One idea is to come up with questions that need answered. Another is to ask for directions or seek advice that may help. Below are examples of what giving a little extra can do: 

• A commander of an Army was thought to be a total failure but he didn’t give up. His name was George Washington.
• A company had some problems with their systems at first but then they came up with a new system. The system was Windows and the company was Microsoft.
• Moses and Caleb rose to prominence and fulfilled God’s purpose after the age of 80
• Jesus can change dark days into ones of joy and hope. That’s what He did for two of His followers on the road to Emmaus
• At 211 degrees, water is hot but at 212 degrees, it’s boiling. Ask God to help find that little extra passion to make things happen.

Ask God to help you find that little extra today. Here is a video to inspire: Help Me Find It – Sidewalk Prophets.

So you must be brave. Don’t give up! God will honor you for obeying him. – 2 Chronicles 15:7

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.

Putting God First

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As recorded in 2 Chronicles 8, the temple was built first and then Solomon’s own palace. Except for a hint of inconsistency (V. 11),  he kept up the holy sacrifices according to the Law of Moses. Solomon was dependable in adhering to putting God first even under the pressures of administering the kingdom (vv. 12-15).

Like Solomon, we should also put God first. Then we can carry out our other work with a purpose and continue to build upon a good foundation. We can have the right priorities and apply our faith by using our talents to help others. Our life can be the proof of God’s love in us. Growing, praying, and studying can become a great adventure when we are intentional about doing what is most important and intentional about feeding our soul good nourishment.

Spiritual sacrifices are required of us on a daily and weekly basis. Let us pray to build up treasures in heaven rather than toys on earth. Let us fulfill the duty of each day and make it our priority to glorify God in all that we do.

For an inspirational start to each day, join the journey at:

This Day with God Devotional.