LESSONS LEARNED?
Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 13-14
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is located on one of the roof portions of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem. Here, you can see two Ethiopian nuns in front of their home in the courtyard of the church.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 14:11
And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”
Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, had forsaken the counsel of his father and that of the elders, and the nation was split in two. Jeroboam, who had returned from exile in Egypt after the death of Solomon, ruled the north and Rehoboam the south. When Rehoboam humbled himself and prayed, things would go well. But he sought the Lord only when he was in trouble.
Jeroboam also forsook the Lord and appointed false priests and established the religion of Egypt, the worship of golden calf gods. War between the north and the south was fairly constant. What a tragedy!
Rehoboam died. His son Abijah ruled in the south. War continued. Then came King Asa, great-grandson of King David. Our key verse says it all! Can we learn from these stories, or must we repeat over and over the poor decisions of former generations?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, help me to learn the lessons of history, I pray. Like Asa, I cry out to You for Your help. May I receive the grace from You to rest on You. I ask this, not only when I’m in trouble, but every day! In the Name of the One who cried out to You again and again as recorded in the Gospels, the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!!! (Luke 22:39-46).
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Information on excellent, educational, and informational reading is important for me. A great read is a book called, “The Blessing.” It’s all about experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit. The authors, Trask and Goodall, begin the book with these words about their country, “The decadence and darkness of our nation is more profound than it has been since the founding of this nation more than two centuries ago. The only power that can cleanse and restore this nation is the power of Christ.” I have read parts of this book before, but this time I’m reading it all carefully. My wife bought copies for each of our grandchildren. We gave them out at a gathering of our family when we had the opportunity for a serious devotional exercise. Click here for ordering information on “The Blessing.”
Like King Asa, I recognize that only God can help me, my family and all with whom I’m in contact.
Yours for the most powerful blessing, the intervention of the Holy Spirit in our lives,
David
The entrance to one of the rooms at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Jerusalem.
Centuries old Christian symbols in the walls of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church courtyard.
I had to read this scripture a couple of times and in 2 different versions to try and get it straight in my mind. It is always beneficial to call on the Name of the Lord when having to make a decision. His ways are above our ways and understanding. Thank You Lord for being such a truly dependable God – our God. Amen
Amen!!
Hi Gwen, thank you for sharing your diligence in seeking deeper understanding, it is inspiring! At church this evening we will be listening to the story of Jairus’ daughter returned to life from death… Jesus had said to Jairus, “Do not fear, only believe.” The Holy Spirit faithfully empowers us with faith beyond our human capacity—especially facing excruciating suffering, such as the death of a child! Come Holy Spirit! May Almighty God continue to bless your faith!
Agreeing with you Linda, re: Doreen’s comment. God bless you sisters-in-Christ. May He bless your day!
“Prayer Map of Canada” for the 27th day:
1. Pray that God’s Spirit will melt the pride that causes many to hold to wrong opinions about Christ and His salvation. (2 Cor. 10:4-5)
2. Pray the the Lord will awaken a desire in the hearts of those who are lost to seek Him and seek the Truth.
Thank You, Lord God, for those who consistently stand for You. Thank You for those who stand for Truth, for righteousness. Bless and strengthen each one. Be magnified and glorified in all Your people, Father, in Canada and throughout this world. May we be like those who trusted in You despite overwhelming odds. May we lift You up in praise because You are worthy of all our praise, in Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen.
One year ago today, on June 27, 2020 I began my first day of “A Daily Walk Through the Bible”. I wrote in my journal a prayer asking the Lord to help me to commit to reading David’s blog each day. Praise the Lord, I have been able to do so, and it has been such a blessing to me. I have enjoyed reading the “thoughts” and thank the Mainse family and all those that add their comments and prayers. May God Bless you all.