June 15, 2010- Easier Said Than Done

Scripture to read today:
1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15; 2 Chronicles 16; Philippians 4

Scripture that spoke to me:
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Observation:
In Matthew, Jesus tells us not to worry. Don’t worry about food or clothes, don’t worry about tomorrow, and don’t worry about what to say. Here, Paul is telling us to not worry, but pray instead. Pray for what you need and leave the rest to God, and you will have peace.

Application:
This becomes one of my catch-22 situations. I know I shouldn’t worry. But with worry comes planning and action. Because I worry, I work toward making sure we have food and clothes. But by my worrying, is that saying that I don’t trust God? I sure do think I can trust Him! How much responsibility am I supposed to have in providing things for my family? I don’t think I can sit on the sofa and hope that God will deliver groceries to my door. So I end up trying not to worry but just keep on working.

Prayer:
Lord, forgive me when I don’t seem to trust You to provide for my needs. I trust You to give me the strength to provide for my needs. Help me to not worry about tomorrow but praise You today. Amen.

June 15, 2010- Making a Difference

Scripture to read today:
1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15; 2 Chronicles 16; Colossians 1

Scripture that spoke to me:
1 Kings 16:29-30
In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel twenty-two years. Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the LORD than any of those before him.

Observation:
Israel is God’s chosen people, yet they do not always do right. Their leaders certainly do not always do right. However, there are always some faithful within the nation- those who remember what the laws are and strive to keep them.

Application:
I was reading Greg Laurie’s daily devotional today. His verse was “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14). This verse doesn’t say “if congress…” or “if Hollywood….” but MY PEOPLE. We can’t rely on the leadership of our nation to do the right thing for us. It is up to us to do it!

Prayer:
Lord, forgive me when I think that I’m insignificant and that what I do doesn’t matter. I can only change me, I can only affect my little bit of the world around me. Help me to make a positive difference where I can. Amen.