June 30

2 Kings 17:1-18:12, Acts 20:1-38, Psalm 148:1-14, Proverbs 18:6-7

Pray: Paul says to the Ephesian elders that he has ONE message, “…the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:21). Paul continues that he has only ONE work despite any opposition, and that is to “tell others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Ask God to be a person of one message and one work as well. Spend time applying that one message to your life as you confess sin and receive God’s forgiving work in your life through Jesus today.

Read: How does Hezekiah stand apart from the long list of kings in recent Old Testament readings? What can you learn from both Hezekiah and Paul?

Edify: Hezekiah in a difficult climate with mighty Assyria invading yet he had a singular focus to be faithful to the Lord and carefully obey all His commands. There’s a shift in the Gospels as Jesus sets His eyes toward Jerusalem because He knows the atoning and grave-conquering work that it is God’s will for and only for Him to do. Jesus has a singular focus as the initiator and perfecter of the one message and one work that we all are to be about. It is the Gospel message and the kingdom building work that Paul had a singular focus on, as he also was “bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem” with certain jail and suffering lying ahead of him. 

Practice: Carry that one message as your one work as you go about your ordinary day. Pray and be ready for the opportunity to “tell others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” This practice can make today an extraordinary day as God works through you to impact generations and store up treasures in heaven.