April 15 -- "Believe God and His Prophets"

  Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 20

"Believe God and His Prophets"

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often find ourselves facing daunting challenges and uncertain circumstances. We may feel overwhelmed, wondering how we'll ever overcome the obstacles before us. But in these moments, we can find solace in the timeless wisdom of Jehoshaphat's words. He stood before the people, encouraging them to place their trust in the Lord their God and His prophets.

Now, when it comes to trusting God, I can't help but chuckle at the absurdity of us humans thinking we have it all figured out. It's like watching a hamster on a wheel, trying to be the master of its own destiny. We scurry about, trying to control every aspect of our lives, when all we really need to do is trust in the One who holds the universe together. It's a bit like trying to navigate the high seas with a paper boat. So, let's take a moment to laugh at our own folly and surrender our paper boats to the almighty Captain who knows the way.

Trusting in the Lord doesn't mean blindly ignoring the circumstances around us. It means acknowledging the difficulties but choosing to place our confidence in God's character and promises. It's like trusting a GPS system on a road trip; we may not understand every turn or roadblock, but we trust that it will guide us to our destination.

“Believing in the prophets” involves recognizing that their words are not mere human opinions or ideas, but are divinely inspired messages from God Himself. It means accepting and heeding the prophetic words as reliable and true, understanding that they carry the authority and wisdom of the Lord.

In a practical sense, believing in the prophets means following the instructions and guidance given through them. It means embracing the warnings, promises, and teachings they conveyed, aligning one's life with God's revealed truth. As Christ-followers, it is imperative that we take Jehoshaphat’s advice and believe in the Lord our God so we will be able to stand firm and believe in the divine origin of His prophets’ words so we will succeed.

April 14 -- "Embracing Justice"

Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 18 & 19  

"Embracing Justice"

In our Scripture passage today, we find Jehoshaphat, the righteous king of Judah, admonishing the judges he had appointed to carry out justice in the land. He reminds them of the nature of our God, who is just and impartial, and expects the same from His people. Jehoshaphat's words echo through the ages, reminding us that justice is not a mere human construct, but a divine attribute rooted in God's character.

Justice is a topic that continues to be relevant in our lives today. It encompasses not only the judicial system but also our personal interactions and attitudes. God desires His followers to embrace justice in all its forms, whether in the courtroom or in our everyday lives. We must be careful to treat others fairly, without partiality or taking bribes. Remember, justice is not just an external obligation; it's an inward reflection of our relationship with God.

For judges, this is a critical principle. It requires judges to be impartial, to act with integrity, to apply wisdom and knowledge, to treat all with fairness and equality, to approach their work with humility and seek wisdom from God, and to be accountable for their decisions and actions. By embracing these principles, judges can strive to fulfill their duty to administer justice in a way that honors God and serves the best interests of society. It is a challenging task, but with a sincere commitment to upholding justice, judges can play a vital role in promoting fairness and equity in the legal system.

As believers, we have a responsibility to champion justice in a world often plagued by injustice. This begins by aligning our hearts with God's heart for justice. Let's seek His wisdom and discernment, allowing Him to shape our actions and decisions. Be an advocate for the oppressed, speak up for those who have no voice, and strive to bring about fairness and equity in every area of life.

Remember, justice matters. It matters to God, and it should matter to us. As we walk in the fear of the Lord, let's strive to be agents of justice in a world that desperately needs it. 

April 13 -- "Going Against the Flow"

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 22  

"Going Against the Flow"

As believers, we often find ourselves in situations where speaking the truth isn't the popular or easy choice. We're tempted to go along with the crowd, saying what people want to hear to avoid conflict or gain favor. But Micaiah's example in 1 Kings 22 teaches us the value of prophetic wisdom—the courage to speak God's truth, even when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable.

In this passage from 1 Kings, we find ourselves in the middle of a high-stakes situation. King Ahab of Israel, seeking to reclaim the city of Ramoth-Gilead, consults his prophets to determine the outcome of the battle. But there's a catch! The prophets are all singing the same tune, telling the king what he wants to hear, rather than speaking the truth. Enter Micaiah, a prophet who doesn't play by those rules. He declares that he will only speak what the Lord tells him, no matter the consequences.

Let us embrace Micaiah's spirit. Let us be people of integrity, unafraid to speak the truth in love, even when it goes against the prevailing opinion. When faced with decisions, seek the Lord's guidance and stand firm on His Word. Remember, our ultimate loyalty is to the One who called us, not the whims of popular opinion or cultural trends.

So, be like Micaiah—bold, unapologetic, and committed to speaking God's truth. Even if it means going against the flow, let's trust in His wisdom and rely on His guidance. Don't be afraid to be a voice in the wilderness, because that's where the truth often resides!

Now, I'm not saying you should go around wearing a prophet's robe and growing a long beard to look the part (unless that's your thing, no judgment!). But remember, being a prophet isn't about appearances—it's about faithfully representing the Lord. 

In conclusion, let us be people who, like Micaiah, have the audacity to stand up and say, "As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak." May we never shy away from standing up and sharing God's truth, even if it means standing alone. Keep your hearts open to His leading, and let His wisdom guide your words. 

April 12 -- "His Remarkable Mercy"

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 21 

"His Remarkable Mercy"

In 1 Kings 21:29, we find a powerful display of divine mercy. After King Ahab's wickedness and the unfortunate events surrounding Naboth's vineyard, the prophet Elijah delivered a sobering message from the Lord. Despite Ahab's evil deeds, God promised to delay His judgment upon Ahab's household, showing His incredible mercy. The verse mentions that Ahab humbled himself before God, but it does not provide explicit details about how he did so.

Divine mercy is an incredible gift that God extends to all of us who, like Ahab, will humble ourselves before Him. Like Ahab, we often make mistakes and find ourselves entangled in the consequences of our actions. Yet, God's mercy is not determined by our virtues but by His loving character. He is always ready to forgive and grant us a second chance. No matter how far we've strayed or how deep our regrets, God's mercy remains available to us.

Knowing about God's mercy should inspire us to humble ourselves, seek His forgiveness, and extend mercy to others. If God, in His infinite grace, can show mercy to Ahab, we can surely find it within ourselves to forgive those who have wronged us.

Remember, mercy is not just a theological concept but a life-transforming experience. It is the balm that heals the wounds of our past and restores our relationship with God. So, let us embrace God's mercy with gratitude and share it generously with others.

Mark Twain once said, "Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it." So, let's be like forgiving violets, spreading the sweet scent of God’s love and mercy everywhere we go!

This is a reminder that no matter how deep our failings, God's mercy is deeper still. Embrace it, extend it, and let it transform your life today!

April 11 -- "Strengthen Yourself"

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 20 

"Strengthen Yourself"

In 1 Kings 20, we find ourselves in the midst of a high-stakes conflict between the king of Israel and the king of Syria. King Ahab of Israel had just experienced victory over the Syrian army with the help of the Lord, but now he faced another imminent threat. In the face of this challenging situation, a prophet is sent to encourage and counsel the king.

When the prophet advised King Ahab to "strengthen yourself," it wasn't about hitting the gym or downing protein shakes (although those things have their merits!). It also wasn’t about “reaching deep down” and mustering up his personal energy. No, this strengthening is of a spiritual nature and it only comes from the Holy Spirit when we turn to Him. It's about fortifying your faith, deepening your relationship with God, and tapping into His unlimited power.

To strengthen yourself spiritually, immerse yourself in God's Word, spending time daily in prayer and meditation. Seek His guidance and wisdom. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can provide support and encouragement. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you, transforming your weaknesses into strengths.

In the battles we face, we often have a tendency to rely on our own strength, wit, and resources. But let's not forget that the battle is the Lord's. Our trust should be in the Commander-in-Chief, not in our limited abilities.

Instead of mustering up our own strategies or self-help plans, let's surrender our plans to God and seek His direction. He knows the enemy's every move and has the power to overcome any obstacle. When we surrender to Him, He fights on our behalf and ensures victory.

So, my fellow soldiers of Christ, as we face battles in this world, let's remember that true strength lies in surrendering to the Almighty. Let's trust in His promises, draw near to Him, and allow His strength to flow through us.

The battles you encounter may seem daunting, but take heart, for the Lord fights for you. Strengthen yourself spiritually by immersing in God's Word, seeking His guidance, and surrounding yourself with fellow believers.

April 10 -- "Sound of a Low Whisper"

 Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 19

"Sound of a Low Whisper"

God doesn't need to shout to get our attention. He knows that a gentle whisper can be just as effective. In this passage, we find the prophet Elijah hiding in a cave, feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. God instructs Elijah to stand on the mountain because He is about to pass by. Then, a great wind, an earthquake, and a fire occur. However, the Lord is not in any of these dramatic displays. Finally, Elijah hears a gentle whisper, and he recognizes it as the voice of God.

Like Elijah, we often seek God in the midst of life's storms, looking for grand signs or dramatic displays. We expect Him to speak to us in booming thunder or through life-altering events. Yet, God often chooses to communicate with us in unexpected ways, with a still, small voice that requires our attentive hearts.

It's important for us to tune out the distractions and busyness around us and listen for that gentle whisper. We may find it in the quiet moments of prayer, the stillness of nature, or the pages of Scripture. God longs to speak to us personally, intimately, and He often chooses to do so in the subtlest of ways.

Let's make a conscious effort to create space for God's gentle whisper in our lives. Instead of demanding thunderous signs, let's cultivate a listening heart. It's easy to get caught up in the chaos and noise of this world, but let's remember that God's voice is often found in the stillness.

So, find a peaceful spot, away from the distractions, and spend time in quiet reflection and prayer. Open your Bible and let the words on those pages come alive. Pay attention to those subtle nudges, whispers of encouragement, and prompts from the Holy Spirit. Embrace the gentle whispers of God, for they can bring profound wisdom and comfort to our souls.

Remember, God doesn't need to shout to get our attention. He knows that a gentle whisper can be just as effective.

So, let's heed the example of Elijah and listen for God's gentle whisper. It may not make the headlines or shake the earth, but it will resonate deeply within our hearts, leading us into a closer relationship with our loving Creator. May we be attuned to the whisper today and every day, for therein lies the voice of God.

April 9 -- "Choose Your Altar"

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 18 

"Choose Your Altar"

Elijah is about to humiliate the false prophets of Baal. He has challenged them to a duel to prove that his God (Yahweh) is the one and only true and living God. Just before the contest begins, Elijah shouts out a dare to the people – challenging them to stop “sitting on the fence” and make the choice of which God they will serve. “If Yahweh is the real God, then go after Him; if it’s Baal, then go after him.” But whatever you do, MAKE UP YOUR MINDS!  Don’t just stand there hesitating between two opinions. The people were stuck between two altars. So, Elijah draws a line in the sand and tells them (in no uncertain terms) that they must choose which side of the line they’re going to be on. Choose your altar.

Here we see the problem of indecision that faces so many people in our world today. They say they want to follow Jesus, but they still have attachments to the world. They are sitting on the fence. They can’t decide which altar to worship at – the altar of the one true and living God; or the altar of the culture around them. Sadly, these people have “too much of Jesus to be happy in the world, and too much of the world to be happy in Jesus.” They are hesitating. They are limping between two different opinions. Fear of God or fear of man? Devotion to God or devotion to this world’s ways? Choose your altar.

As the day progressed, the people were witnesses of a spectacular show of God’s power as He brought down fire upon the altar set up by Elijah. The false prophets were utterly humiliated when their so-called “god” did nothing for them. Their altar was fire-less. This is always the case when someone chooses the wrong altar. Those today who choose any form of modern idolatry – the gods of self, materialism, sensual pleasure, possessions, naturalism, pride, intellect, or self-indulgence, will always end up with a fire-less altar. In the end, there is no power in any of those idols. Choose your altar.

Which altar do you choose? Are you hesitating to give your life wholeheartedly to Jesus? Are you, like the people of Elijah’s day, limping between two different opinions? Are you holding back, sitting on the fence? Not sure who to follow? The choice for all of us is pretty clear – follow Jesus wholeheartedly or don’t follow Him at all. There really is no middle ground. Don’t think you can float along without making a decision. Your failure to fully choose Jesus is your choice to reject Him. “If Yahweh is the real God, then go after Him; if it’s anyone (or anything) else, then go after him.” Choose your altar.