April 18 -- "Deceived by Pride"

 Today's Reading: Obadiah 1

"Deceived by Pride"

Pride is an inflated sense of one's own importance, abilities, achievements, or qualities. Pride has a sneaky way of deceiving us. It creeps into our hearts and distorts our perception of reality. It whispers lies into our ears, making us believe that we are better, smarter, or more important than others. It puffs us up like a balloon, filling us with an inflated sense of self-worth. It was true for the Edomites in Obadiah's day, and it is true for us.

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Hebrew Scriptures, consisting of only one chapter. This book is attributed to the prophet Obadiah, whose name means "servant of Yahweh" or "worshipper of Yahweh." Obadiah delivers a message of divine judgment against Israel’s neighboring country, Edom, predicting its downfall and punishment for its actions. The book emphasizes that no nation or individual can escape God's justice, regardless of their power or pride.

Today's verse takes us to the prophet Obadiah's scathing rebuke of the Edomites, who thought they were invincible in their mountain strongholds. The Edomites were filled to the brim with pride, living high and mighty while looking down on others. They suffered from a severe case of what you could call "Mountaintop Syndrome." It's that feeling of superiority that makes you think nothing can ever bring you down.

How often do we fall into the trap of Mountaintop Syndrome? We might not dwell in literal lofty dwellings, but pride can infiltrate our hearts, making us feel untouchable. It could be our accomplishments, possessions, or even our spiritual knowledge that puffs us up. But here's the catch: pride always leads to a fall. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)

So, let's humble ourselves before the Lord. Remember, pride is a deceptive enemy lurking in the shadows, ready to trip us up when we least expect it. Let's trade in our Mountaintop Syndrome for a spirit of humility, recognizing that it is God alone who sustains and protects us. Any other attitude results in self-deception.

April 17 -- "Be Who You Are"

 Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 23

"Be Who You Are"

They were already the Lord’s people. Yet here they are encouraged to BE the Lord’s people. In other words, be who you are! This reveals to us the reality that it is possible to be one thing and yet live as something completely different.

In this passage, we witness the righteous priest Jehoiada orchestrating the coronation of young King Joash. Jehoiada recognized the importance of establishing a covenant between the people, the king, and the Lord. This covenant served as a declaration that they would BE the Lord's people, committing to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Just as Jehoiada rallied the people around this covenant, we are reminded of the significance of our commitment to the Lord. As believers, we have entered into a new covenant through the blood of Jesus Christ. This covenant calls us to dedicate our lives to the Lord and live in obedience to His Word. In other words, to BE who we are in our daily living.

In the New Testament, Jesus asked, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). By these words, Jesus directly questions those who claim to follow him but don't act on his teachings. Being who we are is a critical aspect of what it means to follow Christ. The Apostle John emphasized this truth when he said, "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18)

These verses showcase the importance of aligning your actions with your faith.  Being a follower of Christ goes beyond simply believing; it involves actively living out your beliefs through your words and deeds.

As Christ followers, let us emulate the faithfulness of Jehoiada and the people of Judah by wholeheartedly committing ourselves to being the Lord’s people. Renew your covenant, walk in His ways, and experience the power of God. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His loving care.

April 16 -- "A Void in Leadership"

 Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 21 & 22

"A Void in Leadership"

It's important to recognize that leadership matters. Whether it's in a nation, a community, or even our personal lives, the quality of leadership can make a tremendous difference. A leader's character, values, and decisions have far-reaching effects on those under their care.

Today's verse records these words, "And the house of Ahaziah had no one able to rule the kingdom." These words, though brief, carry profound implications. Ahaziah's demise not only resulted in his own downfall but also left a void in the leadership of the kingdom of Judah. The phrase highlights the consequences of Ahaziah's unfaithfulness and the significance of having a capable ruler.

In the case of Ahaziah, his wickedness and disregard for God's ways left a vacuum of leadership. The absence of a capable ruler brought instability and uncertainty to the kingdom. This serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of leaders who will shun sin and corruption and prioritize righteousness and the Lord's guidance.

We can apply this lesson to our own lives by considering the roles we have as leaders in our families, workplaces, or any area where we exert influence. Are we leading with integrity, humility, and a heart that seeks after God? Our actions and choices impact those around us, and we should strive to be the kind of leaders who inspire others to follow God's ways.

Furthermore, as followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light in the world. We should be proactive in nurturing and raising up leaders who will bring positive change and impact their spheres of influence for God's glory. Let's invest in the next generation, encouraging and equipping them to lead with wisdom, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the Lord.

The void left by Ahaziah reminds us of the far-reaching consequences of ungodly leadership and the vital role of capable, righteous leaders. As we navigate our own roles of influence, may we strive to lead with integrity, seeking God's guidance and raising up a new generation of leaders who will bring about positive transformation in our world.

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!