July 25

2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14, Romans 9:1-24, Psalm 19:1-14, Proverbs 20:1 

Pray: Lord, Creator of all things, I celebrate Your name today and pray for those who are in need of Your love and grace. Father, reveal to me ways that I can be Your servant here on Earth and live into Your plan for my life. Give me discernment to see You in each moment and the willingness to look for Your beauty in all things. Amen.

Read: Our readings today are a history lesson of the reign of Asa and a review of the Israelites being chosen as God’s people. Asa’s reign is a critical reminder for all of God’s people and can be boiled down to a few words in Chronicles 15:2 that are just as poignant to us today as it was to the Old Testament followers of God. It tells us that, “The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him!” What simple, yet profound truth for all people! 

Edify: Today’s reading struck me with its simply stated, profound truths. I am reminded of how easy it could be to try and live our lives for ourselves and under our own power yet still have the expectation that God will bless our mess. There are so many in our world today who live by this standard, yet Scripture tells us clearly today that if we desire to have God on our side, be eligible to receive a blessing from God, to be in right relationship with God, then we must abide in God and “stay with him”. Too many people, even those in the church, want the blessing but aren’t willing to do the work of remaining in Him.

Practice: Let’s use today to refocus our lives around the One who created us. Spend time today in thanksgiving to the God of Creation and in right living with our neighbor. Maybe today would be a good day to buy a cup of coffee for a coworker who has had a tough time recently or pick up the phone and call someone and tell them that you have been thinking about them and catch up or maybe spend a few extra minutes in prayer today, asking God to pour out His unmerited favor on our community as we pray for and seek revival!