BEDROCK CONFIDENCE

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 23

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

On several occasions when Israel was in big trouble, they cried out to the Lord (eg. 2 Chronicles 20:9). This photo is of an initiative called “The CRY” from this past Saturday, Canada’s 150th birthday. Many Christians gathered to cry out to God in intercession on behalf of Canada. It took place in Kingston, Ontario, the home of our first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.

Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 23:16

Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself, the people and the king that they should be the Lord’s people.

In the midst of a record of ungodliness and the self-seeking lives of the Israelites, our key verse stands out like a jewel. In one of the darkest periods of Israel’s history, it is encouraging to find leaders who are faithful to the true God. The actions of the priest, Jehoiada, along with Jehoshabeath, reveal a bedrock confidence in the faithfulness of God. They had not rescued Joash for selfish purposes; instead they had a deep desire to see the people brought back to a relationship with God. The influence exerted by this God-fearing pair resulted in the nation being raised from the depths to which it had fallen.

We need to look beyond our present circumstances to the living God. In our day, spiritual renewal will become a reality when we, as individuals, are willing to risk all in a fresh covenant relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to commit to a renewed covenant with You today and every day. I ask for Your Holy Spirit to enable me to risk all for You. In Your Name I pray, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

After I had made my lifetime decision at 16 to be a 100% follower of Jesus, I must confess that I slipped from 100% to 99%, and lower, from time to time. I would be moved by the Spirit to rededicate myself to the Lord over and over. Someone said that my “rededicator” was broken from so much use. I’ve mentioned this before I’m sure, but here goes again. I learned thoroughly the foundation of my faith in the doctrines of salvation. I reaffirmed that I was kept by the power of God. I memorized the words of Jesus in John 10:27-29, “My sheep know My voice, and I know them and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” Those words of Jesus, and other Scriptures, gave me a solid foundation on which to build a consistent Christian life. This is a primary reason why I’m so very committed to this program of reading the Word of God every day. It’s tough going here in 2 Chronicles, but please don’t give up. In a few days we’ll shift over to the “Epistle of Joy,” Philippians.

Yours for the development of a more solid knowledge of God’s Word,

David