August 1

Creation: How Did It Begin?

God Created
Genesis 1:1-2

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 31-36 : PM - Acts 22

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (Gen. 1:1)

We hear many views concerning the origin of the universe. An important principle to recognize is that no contradiction exists between truth of Scripture and truth of science. A basis for accepting the biblical view of creation is the belief that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Tim. 3:16). From inspired scripture we know God created everything. God was before time or space, which He created. He is the one eternal God, without beginning or end.

The majestic beauty and distinct design and order of creation reveal the power and sovereignty of God. Jesus is Lord of creation. John 1:1, 3 states; "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by Him." Genesis 1:2 tells, "The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." God is Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and is the One who sends the Spirit to help us.

Thank You, Lord, for all You have made and for continuing to be involved in a meaningful way with Your creation.

July 31

God Wants Me to Be Under Control

In light of the prize
1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 25-30 : PM - Acts 21:17-40

Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown (1 Cor. 9:25)

The Olympic Games began in ancient Greece. Even Corinth had some games of its own. Thus, the metaphor used by Paul about striving for the prize was well understood by his readers.

As we follow the Olympics on television, we recognize immediately the well-disciplined attitude of the participants. An Olympic contender when asked what it takes to win replied, "Time, discipline, and sacrifice." Olympic hopefuls give up the good in the hunt for the best.

As believers, we also need to willingly give up whatever it takes to be what God wants. Without goals, few are willing to make the sacrifices. When we realize, however, whatever we deny ourselves is nothing when compared with what He sacrificed for us, our striving will be worth it all! Go for the gold!

God, give me sight of the goal so I may be willing to make any sacrifice needed to attain it.

July 30

God Wants Me to Be Under Control

As a maturing Christian
2 Peter 1:5-7

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 19-24 : PM - Acts 21:1-16

To knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness (2 Pet. 1:6)

"Grow up!" might sound like an admonition to a teenager exhibiting childish behavior, However, the advice is appropriate for every Christian.

All believers have experienced God's grace in Jesus Christ, but far too many fail to see the importance of growing toward maturity. In our devotional passage, Peter urged believers to grow in Godliness.

Spiritual growth is neither automatic nor easy. Neither is it optional; it is imperative. Salvation, though free, demands something on our part - faith and the willingness to work. The attributes listed in verses 5-7 reflect the character of Christ Himself. We don't finish one before we start on the next one; we work on them simultaneously. And we never finish! While God inspires and enables us, He expects us to put forth the effort to grow in His likeness. To do so, we must be completely under His control.

Help me to see, O God, the importance of advancing in godliness. May I understand it will never come without bible study, prayer, and discipline.

July 29

God Wants Me to Be Under Control

Experiencing god's peace
Philippians 4:8-9

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 13-18 : PM - Acts 20:17-38

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things (Phil. 4:8)

Paul made a direct connection between the peace of God and godly thinking. Nobody needs to tell sincere Christians they need to guard their hearts and minds. In a day when we are bombarded by evil thoughts and sights, we know this to be true.

Godly thinking has a great deal to do with any peace we experience. When computers first came out, we learned about "junk in and junk out." It's the same way with our minds. All of us need to examine daily what we put into our minds through television, radio, print media, and conversation. Focus your mind on the things Paul mentions in verse 8. Replace evil with good. The writer of Proverbs was right when he said, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Pro. 23:7)

Let me, help me to guard my mind so my actions will reflect good and not evil.

July 28

God Wants Me to Be Under Control

Displaying God's Wisdom
Daniel 1:17-21

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 7-12 : PM - Acts 20:1-16

As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. (Dan. 1:17)

The end result of Daniel's and his friends' faithfulness and commitment to God was that the king found them 10 times better than all his magicians and enchanters. God gave them wisdom and understanding beyond mere human achievement.

One of the amazing truths of Scripture is that God wants to do this for each of us. Just imagine! The resources of the God of the universe are available for you. As James so eloquently put it, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).

Faith and wisdom are not contradictory; they are complimentary. Knowledge has to do with the accumulation of facts, and wisdom refers to the best use of those facts. We desperately need more people whose minds, as well as their hearts, belong to God. Daniel understood this and so should we.

Let me, O God, reflect your wisdom in all I think and do.

July 27

God Wants Me to Be Under Control

Using reason
Daniel 1:9-16

Read the Bible through:
AM - Psalm 1-6 : PM - Acts 19:21-41

"Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink" (Dan. 1:12)

A marriage counselor asked a couple to express their views about compromise. After a few minutes one spouse spoke up, "I guess that means neither of us is happy!" Compromise or fighting are two methods we may use in confronting conflict. The Scripture today suggests another more productive possibility.

Anything short of complete obedience to King Nebuchadnezzar means execution for the officials. Knowing these circumstances, Daniel, rather than rebel, tried reason. He suggested a 10-day trial diet. At the end of that period of time, Daniel and his friends looked healthier and better nourished than any of those who ate the royal food. Reason won the battle without compromise.

We would do well to look for creative, reasonable solutions to our problems before we choose to compromise or fight.

Teach me, O Lord, to use my mind as well as my emotions in working out problems.

July 26

God Wants Me to Be Under Control

When Tempted
Daniel 1:5-8

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 40-42 : PM - Acts 19:1-20

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself (Dan. 1:8)

Daniel and his companions were all given new names to help them assimilate into their new culture.

When Daniel "purposed" not to defile himself, he was being true to a lifelong commitment to do what was right and not give in to temptation. Without some resolve, it is very easy to succumb to the enticement of the moment. We are constantly assailed by Satan to compromise our convictions and become more like the world around us.

Decisions made while I was a teenager not to get involved with drugs or to subject myself to the sexual morales of this world were important. I had already decided where to draw the line. Thus, when these temptations came, I was prepared to say no.

Father, in a day when it is so easy to compromise, help me stand by my convictions.

July 25

God Wants Me to Be Under Control

When circumstances threaten
Daniel 1:1-4

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 38-39 : PM - Acts 18

Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king's descendants and some of the noble (Dan.1;3).

Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, was feared throughout the world. Following a victory the Babylonians would often take the most talented and useful people back to Babylon and leave the poor to take whatever land they wanted and to live peacefully on that land. This fostered loyalty from conquered peoples and ensured a steady supply of wise and talented men for civil service in Babylon. In addition, the conquered were left without leadership, making them easier to control.

The circumstances were threatening for Daniel; but he and the other young men taken to Babylon chose to stay faithful to God and under His control. To remain faithful like Daniel is the course of action we need to seriously pursue.

Lord, help me remain committed to You in all circumstances.

July 24

God Wants Me to Be Humble

Because He will lift you up
James 4:8-10

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 35-37 : PM - Acts 17:16-34

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).

Prayer is a struggle. After a hot July night of tossing and turning, some of us who are reading this devotion may find all we have in our hearts is a formula prayer. We may have set our agenda for the day. Perhaps prayer is merely an item on a list. The kind of struggle we may face is to make prayer a pleasing offering to God.

This devotion may be a blur because our minds are focused on the concerns of our hearts. Our struggles may be struggles of faith. We may be humbled by how little control we have over our lives and the lives of others.

Prayer is a struggle because it draws us humbly before God. Humility in prayer is a path not paved, but plowed. When the furrow of humility is dug deeply, God will lift us up. The reward is sweet for the laborer who perseveres.

Lord, lift me up as I humble myself before You.

July 23

God Wants Me to Be Humble

Because God will reward
Hebrews 11:26

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 32-24 : PM - Acts 17:1-15

Moses, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward (Heb. 11:26).

The illustration of gathering stars for our crowns is not one we hear much anymore. In previous years, when someone would do an act of kindness in secret for another, they were said to be gathering stars for the crown they would wear in heaven. The phrase showed a simple relationship between earthly acts of humility and heavenly rewards.

Think about what your crown might look like. Think about the Sunday school class you taught because no one else would teach; the times you cleaned up the overflowing toilet in the rest room; or the Saturdays spent on youth outings when you would like to have been almost anywhere else.

When you get to heaven, the Bright and Morning Star will be waiting for you. What greater reward than to hear the Master say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matt. 25:21)

Lord may the humble deed I do be acceptable in Your sight.

July 22

God Wants Me to Be Humble

Even when suffering is involved
Hebrews 11:24-25

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 29-31 : PM - Acts 16:16-40

By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, (Heb. 11:24-25).

We sometimes forget Moses had a choice when it came to serving God. God presented a strong case, but Moses could have refused to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Once he made his choice there is no evidence Moses ever looked back. He was committed to walk humbly before God even if the path involved suffering.

The Hebrews looked constantly to the past. Suffering brought out the worst in them. The unfortunate image we have of the Israelites in the desert is one of a bunch of whiners and complainers.

Still, Moses chose to roam with those whiners and complainers instead of living on the riches of all Egypt. Perhaps Moses learned early in life it was better to suffer with the saints then to inherit with the heathen.

Lord, may I be patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.

July 21

God Wants Me to Be Humble

Allowing the lord to judge
Numbers 12:1-9

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 25-28 : PM - Acts 16:1-15

(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth) (Num. 12:3).

I find it best to leave the assessment of my abilities and the abilities of other to the Lord. My assessment of a particular friend was that he would never make a good pastor. He read his sermons like one would read a textbook. If the Lord had allowed me to be judge over my friend, I would have told him he must have received the wrong number when he was called to the ministry.

Moses may have been lacking some of the characteristics we think of as being important to a leader. However, God also was working to humble a people who would follow a flawed leader.

Yesterday, I talked to my friend who now has a ministry of eternal importance. I am sure there are many out there who said of me, "He never seemed like the pastor type to me."

God, let me leave judging others to You.

July 20

God Wants Me to Be Humble

And follow good advice
Exodus 18:19-24

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 22-24 : PM - Acts 15

So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said (Ex. 18:24).

Mike is a horseman. His dark brown Kentucky Morgan is a beautiful animal. Mike and Midnight spend hours together traveling the mountain passes of the Sierra Nevada. Hunting and fishing are Mike's hobbies. I, on the other hand, am not a horseman. I spend my free hours playing tennis or reading. So when Mike asked me to ride with him, I tried to see it as a life experience about which I would one day speak.

I could have told Mike all I knew about horses and faked my way down the road. However, I humbled myself and asked for a few pointers. Mike received a blessing from teaching me how to handle a horse. It put us on even ground. Later in the day, I had the blessing of sharing with Mike what I knew about the Lord. I think both of us learned how profitable it is when we find the right teacher and follow that teacher's good advice.

God, I still have things to learn. Open my eyes to Your wisdom in all areas of life.

July 19

God Wants Me to Be Humble

When others speak wisely
Exodus 18:13-18

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 18-21 : PM - Acts 14

"Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself (Ex. 18:18).

"You are not able to perform it by yourself." Those words cut at the heart of our independence. We seldom appreciated hearing someone tell us we cannot do something without help.

Yet when others speak wisely we need to take their counsel to heart. It may have been difficult for Moses to hear what Jethro had to say and perhaps harder still for Jethro to speak to the man God had chosen. Both had to obey the voice of the Lord.

Our loved ones and spiritual leaders have an obligation to speak to us in wisdom. In obedience, we should consider the leading of God's Spirit. Being perceptive to God's using others to provide help we need takes a person with a heart of faith and humility.

Lord, may I be open to hearing Your voice through others.

July 18

God Wants Me to Be Humble

Because He is at work
Exodus 18:10-12

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 15-17 : PM - Acts 13:14-52

And Jethro said, "Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. (Ex. 18:10)

We need deliverance. We need someone to set us free - not just from the physical, external things that enslave us, not just from our own inability to say no, not just from our insatiable greed or terrible temper or our need to control others. We need deliverance from the consequences of our own choices. That's what enslaves us. We need to break the bonds of our own guilt. Like the children of Israel we need deliverance.

The same God who set Israel free from the slave drivers of Egypt can deliver us from our sin. In that sense the rescue from Egypt can be our story. We can find ourselves in Israel's journey from bondage to freedom, from oppression to release.

When personalized in this way, it's a pilgrimage that starts in the depths of our own minds and hearts and ends in the vast and glorious spiritual freedom of Christ made possible because of the love of God, our Redeemer.

Father, help me never forget that You are able to deliver me

July 17

God Wants Me to Be Faithful

Evidencing faith
1 John 5:4-5

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 11-14 : PM - Acts 13:1-13

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. (1 John 5:4)

Noah's faith was obvious to God and everyone around him. The evidence: obedience to God's commands.

Debbie had lots of opportunities for dates with men who did not walk with God. Though they appeared charming and attractive, she knew they did not accept God's standards for relationships. Her "thanks, but no thanks" response enabled her to overcome the empty lure of worldly popularity. The evidence of her faith was her walk with God. Her victory in life was her relationship with Jesus Christ.

We can evidence our faith by obeying God in our daily lives. Through Bible study we learn what God expects of us in every aspect of our lives. By being faithful to these expectations, God can give us victory for daily living. Even though we struggle through life, God's expectations or commands are not a burden for His children. The victory is already ours.

Lord, give me the courage to evidence my faith.

July 16

God Wants Me to Be Faithful

Acting on faith
Hebrews 11:7

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 8-10 : PM - Acts 12

By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith (Heb. 11:7).

Noah's obedient reverence for God caused him to build the ark. He totally trusted God when he had no clue about what was to come with the flood. His faith and obedience were inseparable. God warned him about the flood. Noah's obedient reverence helped him prepare the ark even though he could not possibly fully comprehend what the flood would bring.

In much the same way, blind people have this experience when they trust dogs to lead them. This experience is especially true for those who have been blind since birth. They learn how to totally trust animals they have never seen. Through extensive training and spending time with these animals, they learn to let the dogs guide them. When danger looms, blind people know they can trust the warnings of their dogs.

Lord, teach me how to listen to your warnings and act on faith.

July 15

God Wants Me to Be Faithful

Worshipping the Lord
Genesis 8:20-22

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 4-7 : PM - Acts 11

Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar (Gen. 8:20).

God gave Noah more instructions as he left the ark. But without instruction, Noah built an altar and worshiped God. In response to Noah's praise, God promised to never flood the earth again.

In our fast-paced living, worship often becomes routine and thoughtless. We often fail to follow Noah's example. As we worship, our minds fast-forward to our next activity -- What's for Lunch? What time does the baseball game start?

We have things to do just like Noah, but Noah stopped everything to worship God for all He had done. To worship God was a natural act for Noah.

How can our worship today be fresh and natural like Noah's? We can begin by living our lives in obedience to God's expectations. The outpouring of our love and adoration frees us wherever we are to worship God.

Lord, may my worship be a natural response to who You are.

July 14

God Wants Me to Be Faithful

God cares for the faithful
Genesis 8:1

Read the Bible through:
AM - Job 1-3 : PM - Acts 10:24-28

Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided (Gen. 8:1).

So how long did Noah stay on the Ark? Did he have any idea how long he and his family would be on the ark before he entered this floating houseboat? If we were in Noah's sandals, these are questions we might ask God. Our culture makes us driven by time, but for Noah time was not a concern. His purpose was to be faithful and obedient. He trusted God's care.

Sally prayed many years for her husband to become a Christian. In God's time, her husband surrendered his life to his Savior. Sally followed Noah's example by being faithful to both God and her husband. Why did she have to wait so long? Perhaps the same reason Noah waited a long time. The point is "God remembered Noah."

When we are faithful and obedient, we give God the opportunity to remember us and love us with His care.

Lord, I know You remember me and You care for me.
Thank You.

July 13

God Wants Me to Be Faithful

Continuing to Follow God's commands
Genesis 7:1-5

Read the Bible through:
AM - Esther 7-10 : PM - Acts 10:1-23

And Noah did according to all that the LORD commanded him (Gen. 7:5).

Surely Noah wondered what God was doing. But, even though Noah was moving beyond the familiar, he continued to follow God's instructions.

Todd is a young Christian businessman. His faith is challenged everyday to carry out his business dealings according to Christian principles. Many times he faced the temptation to use unfair business practices commonly practiced by his associates. Noah however serves as a Bible hero for Todd as he learns how to trust and obey God in every circumstance of his life. Noah's courage and obedience gives Todd the wisdom to continue his faithfulness to God in both his career and personal life.

Noah is Todd's mentor: Who are some biblical mentors who have helped you? To whom can you be a mentor of faithfulness to God?

Lord, guide me to do all You command, even when the going gets tough.

July 12

God Wants Me to Be Faithful

Following God's instructions
Genesis 6:12-14, 22

Read the Bible through:
AM - Esther 3-6 : PM - Acts 9:23-43

Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch (Gen. 6:14).

God knew Noah would follow His instructions. Noah's previous obedience earned him the special assignment to build the ark. Noah obeyed every instruction.

God's specific instructions for Noah indicated how God wanted to care for His children. Noah's response was continued obedience. God wants us to follow Noah's example.

God give us instructions for our assigned tasks. The Bible provides His instructions for teaching, parenting, ministering, and assuming responsibility in other areas.

The key, however, to following God's instructions is our commitment to obey God. This attitude of commitment is a powerful internal motivator to glorify God in all we do and say each day.

Just like Noah, we can follow God's instructions with obedience and joy.

Lord, guide me to listen to and follow Your instructions.

July 11

God Wants Me to Be Faithful

Walking with God
Genesis 6:5-9

Read the Bible through:
AM - Esther 1-2 : PM - Acts 9:1-22

This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God (Gen. 6:9).

The reason Noah was chosen by God to build the ark was because he walked with God. His walk set him apart from everyone else. Because Noah walked with God, he was righteous and blameless. His faithfulness made him obedient and trusting.

Our daily walk with God can open the way for us to obey and trust God in the same way. When assignments come, we are prepared to meet the challenges because of a proven track record resulting from our daily walk with God.

Our southern Baptist missionaries are called by God because of their faithfulness. For example, Monte and Janet Erwin have served as Christian education missionaries in Latvia. Their walk with God is a witness to the people of Latvia as they minister and live among them. Even in times of great personal sacrifice, they remain faithful to their call.

Lord, guide me to walk with You in such a way, that people see You in me.

July 10

God Wants Me to Do What Is Right

With deepest devotion
2 Kings 23:25

Read the Bible through:
AM - Nehemiah 12-13 : PM - Acts 8:26-40

Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him (2 Kings 23:25).

For his total devotion to God, Josiah is nearly always first on Judah's roster of good kings. Verse 25 presents the highest compliment one could receive. He embodied God's greatest commandment - to love God with all one's heart, soul, and might. He was incomparable.

Josiah lived out his devotion. The people followed his example. Under his leadership, idolatry was choked out. Righteousness was restored as the norm for living. Suppose most of today's leaders had the spirit of Josiah. What a difference it would make in contrast to the public's distrust of many leaders.

Devotion to Christ must be thorough. One dictionary meaning of devotion is "the state of being ardently dedicated and loyal.' God desires that kind of deepest devotion.

Master, may my devotion be deep-rooted in You.

July 9

God Wants Me to Do What Is Right

In keeping God's commands
2 Kings 23:21-22

Read the Bible through:
AM - Nehemiah 10-11 : PM - Acts 8:1-25

Then the king commanded all the people, saying, "Keep the Passover to the LORD your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant" (2 Kings 23:21).

I never served in the military. But I became familiar with commands when I accepted Christ. That is when God's expectations entered the picture.

One of the first verses I learned was John 2:5, Mary's instructions to the servants: "Whatever He says to you, do it." The servants obeyed and Jesus performed His first miracle.

Many of our churches still sing "Trust and Obey." God's commandments are given in order that we may obey. How simple it is to hear His commands. May we follow through on them.

Loving Lord, Your commands are not grievous. Help me to answer, "Yes, Lord," and then do them.

July 8

God Wants Me to Do What Is Right

In turning away from evil
2 Kings 23:11-13

Read the Bible through:
AM - Nehemiah 7-9 : PM - Acts 7

The altars that were on the roof, the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the LORD, the king broke down and pulverized there, and threw their dust into the Brook Kidron (2 Kings 23:12).

Second Kings 23 records Josiah's extensive reforms. His stern measures led to tearing down the altars of idolatry in Judah.

As a teenager I heard, "Anything that comes between God and you is sin." We often abhor the idolatry of animists, Hindus, Buddhists, and others. Yet what could obsess us and become our idols? Hobbies? Sports? Entertainment? Vacations? Business? In themselves they are not usually evil, but they can end up consuming our energy, time, and money - to the detriment of our Christian calling.

Satan can deceive us into thinking our idols are harmless when they gradually sap our spiritual strength.

Lord, may I turn away from evil that creeps into my life.

July 7

God Wants Me to Do What Is Right

In leading others
2 Kings 23:1-3

Read the Bible through:
AM - Nehemiah 4-6 : PM - Acts 6

Then the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people took a stand for the covenant (2 Kings 23:3).

Most people tend to follow the attitudes and actions of their leaders. While previous kings had led the people into sin, good King Josiah led the people to reverence God's Word. The people responded in a revival that swept the land.

I have preached the gospel for 44 years, always aware people are watching me. Perhaps my most humbling experience came when a little boy said, "Brother Johnny, you must be just like Jesus." With tears in my eyes, I had to reply, "No, no, Son, I'm not very much like Jesus at all." And I'm not, although I'm hopefully becoming more like Him in my "golden years."

There is probably someone like that boy in your life.

Father, help me to be mindful of my leadership influence on others for good or bad.

July 6

God Wants Me to Do What Is Right

In humility toward God
2 Kings 22:18-20

Read the Bible through:
AM - Nehemiah 1-3 : PM - Acts 5

Because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you," says the LORD (2 Kings 22:19).

If only we could have the qualities of King Josiah! His heart was tender, he humbled himself, and with tears he showed his compassion.

In a true sense, Josiah revealed the traits of David. All we need do is read Psalm 51 to see how David poured out his heart before God.

And God, through David's son Solomon, called for the people to humble themselves, pray, seek God's face, and repent. (2 Chron. 7:14).

Jesus set the ultimate example of humility. Though He was perfect, He humbled Himself before the father and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Phil. 2:5-8).

Have you demonstrated humility toward God lately?

Merciful God, I humble myself before You today.

July 5

God Wants Me to Do What Is Right

In the repentant reverence
2 Kings 22:3-13

Read the Bible through:
AM - Ezra 9-10 : PM - Acts 4:23-37

"Go, inquire of the LORD for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us" (2 Kings 22:13).

We have at least 16 Bibles in our house, not including a number of translations on CD. Yet it is sad that we believers may sometimes take "the words of this book" for granted.

Thank God many of our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers "obeyed the words of this book." If they had not, we might already have become a heathen nation. Many countries that sent the gospel to the New World have now largely rejected the Christian faith.

The book was found, but how was it lost? The leaders of Judah ignored it. On pressing issues, too many of our leaders seek the world's opinions instead of God's Word. Could our society lose the Word by not giving heed to it?

Lord, may I never ignore Your Word

July 4

God Wants Me to Do What Is Right

In the sight of the Lord
2 Kings 22:1-22

Read the Bible through:
AM - Ezra 7-8 : PM - Acts 4:1-22

And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left" (2 Kings 22:2).

What a glowing testimony to a person's influence! "Did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left" meant that King Josiah did not compromise morally or spiritually. Today we hear countless alibis for heinous crimes; "Oh, his parents were bad; so he just couldn't help it." "His environment was so terrible, so what could you expect?"

In this passage David is referred to as Josiah's father. This means Josiah was in the lineage of David. Second Kings 21 makes it plain that Josiah's father, Amon, and his grandfather Manasseh were corrupt.

Josiah rose above the filth of his forebears, restoring godliness and worship of the Lord to the land. On Independence Day, may we pray for leaders like Josiah, who will "break the mole" and govern by the highest godly convictions.

Lord God. On this day of celebration, help me to do that which is right in Your sight.

July 3

God Wants Me to Be Kind

Participating in God's plans
2 Kings 9:1-6

Read the Bible through:
AM - Ezra 5-6 : PM - Acts 3

Then he arose and went into the house. And he poured the oil on his head, and said to him, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'I have anointed you king over the people of the LORD, over Israel (2 Kings 9:6).

Jehu was commissioned to carry out God's plans. God still uses people to participate in his plans.

He was saved when he was a young child. Then at eight, he felt the call to participate in God's plans. He realized the church bulletins needed folding for Sunday services. So he volunteered.

His father brought the flat sheets home on Fridays, and he folded them by Sunday morning.

He felt a hefty spiritual responsibility. Without him, the congregation would be minus song page numbers, names of sick folk, and important announcements.

At an early age, he realized he could have a part in the work of God's kingdom. As an adult, that call is still fresh and vital.

Lord, reveal to me my part in Your plans and guide me to respond willingly.

July 2

God Wants Me to Be Kind

Watching out for others
2 Kings 8:1-6

Read the Bible through:
AM - Ezra 3-4 : PM - Acts 2

Then Elisha spoke to the woman whose son he had restored to life, saying, "Arise and go, you and your household, and stay wherever you can; for the LORD has called for a famine, and furthermore, it will come upon the land for seven years"

(2 Kings 8:1).

Years ago, a mother was killed in a fire, leaving five children orphaned. Her sister, Millie was a single mother herself but she took the five in.

Millie stretched her few resources to be fair to all. Months later, a check arrived; and to Millie's surprise, it was the resolution of her sister's life insurance policy. With no knowledge of portfolios or money markets, Millie invested, all the while living frugally. Years later when the oldest of the five graduated from college, Millie handed him a book and said, "Here's a little something to help you get started." It was a bankbook and written on the first page was "Balance - $10,000!" Following this example, Millie gave the same amount to each child thereafter.

As Elisha watched out for the Shunammite woman, Millie watched out for those children.

Lord, guide me to identify needs and then do good.