July 31

2 Chronicles 29:1-36, Romans 14:1-23, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 20:12

Pray: Hezekiah opens today’s reading. He was 25 years old and was the king of Judah. That’s quite a task for such a young man. Yet, we read, “He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight…” I wonder what would be said of you and me? Would we be counted among those who did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight? May our prayers be that we would follow in Hezekiah’s footsteps, just as he followed in King David’s.

Read: Proverbs 20:12 tell us, “Ears to hear and eyes to see - both are gifts from the Lord.” It’s so simple we may just skip right over the significance. We take much of the blessings of life for granted. We don’t adore our spouse any longer because we’ve been married for many years…we don’t give thanks for our home because we’ve lived in it a while…we ignore our health because we think we’ll never get seriously ill. Hearing and seeing are two simple, yet profound, gifts from the Lord. What gifts has God blessed you with for which you need to pause and give thanks?

Edify: Wow! If ever there was a timely word for today’s world, it comes from Romans 14:13. It reads, “So let’s stop condemning each other.” It’s shameful when people, Christians especially, condemn and demonize others simply because we have a difference of opinion. Our political climate lends itself to such behaviors, but we ought to be better. The Apostle Paul thought so, and I believe he was right. It’s okay to disagree with another person or even an entire group, but Christians are called to speak the truth in love. We don’t condemn or demonize. 

Practice: What is God asking you to do? You must know that there is something the Lord wants you to be doing. It could be serving in the church, become a missionary, enter ordained ministry, a greater level of sacrificial giving, join the care team or prayer ministry, etc. What is it? When Hezekiah met with the Levites, he told them, “Do not neglect your duties any longer!” Then we read they “got right to work.” You’ve delayed long enough. Now is the time. Let’s get to work!