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.

Photo Credit – http://salesianity.blogspot.com

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.

Reaching New Heights

Reading in 2 Chronicles 19 and writing some thoughts yesterday, I noted that Jehoshaphat reformed the system of justice as he appointed judges of integrity. Justice, fairness, consideration, and cooperation shape societies of integrity for a future that reaches new heights.

Photo Credit – http://cindysphotoquest.blogspot.com

I remember once when my daughter was in Kindergarten and they invited all Dads over for a few hours of flying kites. We went out into a field beside the school. In short time, I looked over and many could get their kites to fly but ours struggled. Then I looked at our kite and noticed the part that holds the wings together was not secure; the part that is in the shape of a cross. Once I secured this part of the kite, it immediately was lifted and flew high.

Photo Credit – http://www.hcsv.org/education/crafts/build-a-kite/

This day with God, I would like to say to you my friends that the part that holds us together is the Cross. Because of Christ dying on the Cross, we are lifted higher. Like the part of the kite in the shape of a cross, the integrity of the Cross secures all sides together and allows the power of the Holy Spirit to lift to new heights.

Faith in the Rock of Ages

Reading in 2 Chronicles 16, we should learn to rely not so much on what men can do but on what the Rock of Ages has done and will continue to do. Be connected to the source of everything good; His love is certain, His guidance is trustworthy, and His Word is timeless. With faith in God, we can move mountains like this video explains: Only a Mountain – Jason Castro.

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9

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

This Day with God Devotional.

Be Lifted to New Heights of Accomplishment

Photo Credit - http://www.coastlinepilot.com

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.

Law of the Lord

Photo Credit – sheddinglightonthepath.blogspot.com

Rehoboam and his kingdom were at one point strong but he and all of Israel abandoned the law of the Lord as recorded in 2 Chronicles 12. Keeping God out encourages the enemy and in this reading, we get a good picture of this occurring. Shishak king of Egypt saw Israel’s lack of faithfulness and was encouraged to attack Jerusalem in the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign.

Rehoboam responded with humility and God did not bring total destruction upon Israel but did make them subject to Shishak. The treasures of the temple and of the royal palace were carried off by Shishak (V. 9). Even the gold shields Solomon had made were taken and there was a general decline of the kingdom as evidenced in verses 10 and 11.

The chronicler’s general verdict concerning Rehoboam’s reign is that he started out demonstrating some good characteristics but did not make seeking God a priority. He then lost strength as a leader because he did not have God’s favor. The kingdom declined under Rehoboam but he did humble himself so God did not bring total destruction.

History has recorded that Rehoboam did not take advantage of God’s power and this resulted in weak leadership and a weakened kingdom. This day with God, let us learn from history and pray for goodness. Let us gain favor by setting our heart on seeking God. Let us remember that it is evil that takes treasure from our soul but being faithful to God, giving Him glory, and worshiping Him alone will build up treasures for the soul.

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

Putting God First

Photo Credit - http://biblegodquotes.com

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.

First Order of Business is Prayer

Photo Credit - http://thespiritmagnus.blogspot.com

After the temple was built, the first order of business was prayer. Solomon’s main request in 2 Chronicles 6 is for God to hear their prayers of repentance and forgiveness. Solomon knew what God had promised and in prayer ask that it come to fruition; that they would learn, receive protection, and that their prayers would be heard.

After Solomon’s prayer, fire came down from heaven and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.  The people responded in worship and in giving thanks. This should be our response when we are aware of God’s presence. Today, our hearts are His resting-place. Christ dwells in us by faith and we are set apart as God’s temple where we can meet each day and listen for His voice in the quiet.

We can ask these questions: God do I limit your power in my life by trying to hide my weaknesses? What do I need to be honest about in order to receive your power? Is there something I can share that will provide a good lesson for those that follow in my path?

There is Never a Day We Should Not Pray

Give us this day our daily bread
And bless those O Lord whom have not yet been fed
I thank God for my food and I can honestly say
There is never a day that we should not pray

If not for ourselves there are plenty in need
Of hope and compassion it’s their hearts we must feed
The light of God can show us the way
There is never a day that we should not pray

He gave us his son who taught us to share
To love and forgive, he taught us to care
For he died on the cross and for our sins he did pay
There is never a day that we should not pray

~ Michael Gannon

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

This Day with God Devotional.