A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by “Equipped with the Light” which offered some thoughts in how to apply our faith even if faced with difficulties.
It is in dark times that light is the brightest so let us be inspired and equipped with the bright light of Christ.
We give praise with the song God of Brilliant Lights by Aaron Shust as He shines over us to cover all the earth with a bright future.
In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. – Psalms 41:12
The people of Israel went through some difficult times as brought out in “Leaders with Integrity Needed”. The common denominator of the kings of Israel during this time in history is the worship of useless idols rather than the ONE true God.
Useful lessons can be learned from history and especially from the historical record of God’s Word. Leaders of integrity, of principle, and character, that take stands on tough issues are the ones that set in place a positive environment that is beneficial to their people.
The world tells a big lie but as the song Take the Lead by Jimmy Levy points out, Jesus took the lead by putting His life on the line and showing us what is wrong and what is right. We need more leaders that follow Jesus so an environment for success is set in place.
This picture was taken by my daughter when she went on a school trip to Washington D.C. in 2012. Just looking at this picture brings some thoughts in mind. One thought is that many national governments around the world are in debt so leaders of a nation need to be held to account when handling the people’s money frivolously. Another thought is that a nation cannot survive under corruption.
We can study God’s historical word and be given examples of how a nation that is not following His ways end up being destroyed. In 1 Kings 15:25 through 16:34, the common denominator of the kings of Israel during this time in history is the worship of useless idols rather than the ONE true God.
King Ahab took it even further by serving and worshiping Baal. He also made an Asherah pole and did more to arouse the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than did all the kings of Israel before him (See 16:32-33).
Useful lessons can be learned from history and especially from the historical record found in the Word of God. Leaders of integrity, of principle, and character, that take stands on tough issues are the ones that set in place a positive environment that is beneficial to their people.
This day with You Lord, we reach for Your high standards. We are thankful for the Holy Spirit, grace, and Your power to help us grow each day towards these high standards. We are thankful for the lessons learned from the historical record of Your word that teaches us that everything in life comes together when we worship You only. When everything in the world is broken, our trust in Jesus puts everything back together. For we begin today with these thoughts in mind as we pray in Jesus’ name … amen.
Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done. – 1 Kings 15:11
We studied in 1 Kings 15:9-24 about a king that did what was right in the eyes of God as pointed out in “Wisdom of the Word”. Situations can make it difficult to change everything immediately, but a person can plan, organize, give direction, and begin switching their situation to the point that positive reform can start.
A nation under God and not idols will begin to see the tide change and momentum for success kick in because the nation becomes strong. Then threats from God’s enemies can be handled as attacks are thwarted.
There is peace in God’s holiness. Listen to the song Word of God Speak by MercyMe. As the song says, let us hear what God says in His word and rest in His holiness. Let us just be quiet for a few minutes because God is with us in the quiet and we can see His majesty all around us.
The decisions made now have a big impact on the future. That’s why it’s so important that we are led by people that put God first so we are guided by the wisdom of the Word and towards the right decisions. The best way to achieve this aim is to constantly be in God’s Word, pray for direction, and always act on the instructions given.
We have gone through studies of several kings in previous passages that had a negative impact on their nation but today in 1 Kings 15:9-24, we read of a king that does what is right in the eyes of the Lord (v. 11). Situations can make it difficult to change everything immediately, but a person can plan, organize, give direction, and begin switching their situation to the point that positive reform can start.
We see in today’s passage that Asa began to switch the situation his nation was in by instituting reforms. He expelled the male shrine prostitutes from the land and got rid of all the idols his ancestors had made (v. 12). He even deposed his grandmother Maakah from her position as queen mother because she had made a repulsive image for the worship of Asherah (v. 13). Building up a nation under the ONE true God makes a nation strong.
A nation under God and not idols will begin to see the tide change and momentum for success kick in because the nation is strong. Then threats from God’s enemies can be handled as attacks are thwarted and there is peace. God’s gives hope and can make our future flourish so make an appointment with God each day in prayer asking that disappointments of the past can be turned around so there is more joy and peace.
Lord thank You for Your Holy Word. You are with us as Your Word speaks to us and transforms us as we follow, believe, and obey each day. The lessons You teach in Your Word and the Holy Spirit speaking to us deep in our hearts will change hearts and transform a nation one individual at a time until there is greatness being dispersed throughout the land. We pray this in Jesus’ name … amen.
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This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 