July Day 18

2 Chronicles 13-16 - Israel and Judah went to war. Judah pointed out that Israel wasn’t being led by a descendant of David and were allowing anyone to become a priest, not following God’s instructions. Judah had not abandoned God. He was their leader and God gave them victory. King Asa did what was pleasing in God’s sight. He got rid of the altars to false gods and objects of idle worship and commanded the people to seek and worship God alone. When over 1 million Ethiopians came against them, they turned to God and acknowledged that he alone can help the powerless against the mighty. God once again gave them victory. King Asa led the people to earnestly seek God and God gave them rest from their enemies. At the end of King Asa’s reign, King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah. This time, instead of turning to God for help, he turned to another king. Even though that king was able to help, Asa was rebuked by God through Hanani the seer. Verse nine says the eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. Is your heart fully committed to him?

Psalm 143 – When we are troubled and distressed, we can turn to God for help, not because we deserved it or earned it but because of his love and goodness to us.

Luke 11:14–28 – Jesus’s ability to cast out demons was a sign that he was the Messiah and the kingdom of God had arrived. Those who refuse to trust in and follow Jesus are acting as enemies of Jesus. Those who follow and obey are more blessed in Jesus’s mom Mary.

1 Thessalonians 5:12–28 – Paul’s final instructions were that they take care of one another demonstrating love, kindness and care. They should be joyful, prayerful and thankful and always open to what the Holy Spirit may want to say to them personally or through others. They should also stay away from every kind of evil. These are great instructions for all who follow Jesus.