July 26

2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34, Romans 9:25-10:13, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 20:2-3 

Pray: Father, today I ask forgiveness of all the negative and harmful words I have spoken about myself. I do not want to abuse myself in such a way again. Transform my thoughts and let me understand how marvelously You made me. Change my habits so I use my tongue to speak hope and favor upon my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Read: In our Old Testament reading today we read about the reign of Jehoshaphat and the way that he led well by trusting in God and shared the Law with the people of Judah by sending priests to teach them.  In his fear of the Lord, Jehoshaphat was blessed with peace and the opportunity to become a mighty military force. We also see Jehoshaphat put his love of God into action when he seeks the Lord's guidance before entering into a conflict alongside of Ahab. This story is a testament as to the evil forces that lurk around every corner to which God’s people must be wary. It is only through our trust in God that we will be able to differentiate between those who are in tune with God and His Will and those with a spirit of Ahab who are in something for the glory and their own interests.

Edify: Romans 10:13 tells us that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” What a joyous text to read. Doesn’t it give you hope for millions of those who have yet to call on the name of the Lord… that all they have to do is believe in their heart and confess with their tongue that Jesus is Lord. The problem is that there are many who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus taught with love and compassion. They may have experienced it in another way but never with the love that Jesus Himself shared. I pray that we would be convicted of this and be willing to step out in faith and share the Good News with all people.

Practice: Find an opportunity to share the love of Christ in a practical way somewhere today. It may be buying a cup of coffee. It may be a phone call. It may be a text message. Find some way to love your neighbor that glorifies God.