Uzziah started out a great and godly king, but he didn’t finish well. Once humbly dependent on God, success went to his head. He spent his final years leprous and alone. When you are blessed don’t forget the God that blesses. Remember the One who made you and gave you all that you have. How do you want to finish this life?
Look for someone “ordinary” to sit next to at church today. And if you notice that several are looking to sit next to you, perhaps they read today’s quote too.
David wrote this Messianic psalm that predicted not only what Christ would say on the cross but the manner of His death as well. The Son of David took our place, offering us His. He took our sin, our separation, and our death. He offers us His righteousness, His relationship with the Father and eternal life. God forsook Him to embrace us.
God’s reply to King Jehoshaphat’s prayer is for us too. Judah was facing a mighty foe, but God promised to fight for them. What are you facing today? Is there a situation so overwhelming that you are discouraged and afraid? Pray. Ask God to fight this battle for you. Say, “This battle is not mine, but it is the Lord’s!”
This salvation has immediate, ongoing, and future implication. You are saved from sin’s penalty (Justification). You are being saved from sin’s power (Sanctification). You will be saved from sin’s presence (Glorification). Salvation in Christ is whole and complete. He saves to the uttermost. Have you yet trusted Jesus as the Resurrected Lord and Savior of your life?
King Asa started well but finished poorly. He trusted God early in his reign and overcame a million man army. Later, he trusted his accumulated wealth and tried to bribe a foreign king to help him. God rebuked him for this, but he was unrepentant, ending his life with a bitter heart and bad feet. Where is your trust today? God is looking for those whose hearts are fully trusting Him.
There are days when we don’t know what to pray. Perhaps we feel overwhelmed or spiritually dry. Some days we are really wanting God’s best, but we lack the clarity to know how to pray for it. Whatever our state, as believers we have the Spirit as our Counselor and Friend. He knows what to pray. Say, “Spirit of God, please pray for me.” Then, listen to hear what He says.
How many of God’s promises do you know? Have you yet prayed them? The Lord keeps them all. He loves to hear His children pray His Word back to Him. Pick a promise today and put it on like body armor. God’s promises always come true.
God’s promise to King Solomon after the dedication of the temple. Although this promise was for Israel, the same God hears our prayers today. Pray for revival in our nation and in our world.
Do not fear the things of this world, instead fear God. The news is filled with reports of terrorists and gunmen killing. Yet, we trust God. Living in respect and awe of Him we are found safe.