July Day 19

2 Chronicles 17-19 - Jehoshaphat pleased God because he was deeply committed to the ways of God. He even sent officials out into the land to teach others the ways of God. Jehoshaphat made an alliance with king Ahab, but king Ahab did not seek God and did not like learning from the Lord‘s prophet. As a result, they went into battle and Ahab attempted to escape the prophecy that he would die in battle by disguising himself. However, he was shot by what seemed to be a random arrow and died. Repentance is the only hope to avoid God‘s wrath. Jehoshaphat called out to God and God saved him. Jehoshaphat then appointed judges and gave them these instructions: 1) Think carefully before you make decisions, 2) Be fair, 3) Act with integrity. Ultimately they should judge in a way to please God not people. In all things that we do, we should live to please God not people.

Psalm 144 - It is only by God's might and favor that we have success. We shouldn’t attempt to depend on our own strength and abilities, but recognize our complete dependence on God and give him praise.

Luke 11:29–36 – Jesus predicted his own death and resurrection by referring to the sign of Jonah. Jonah went into the belly of a whale for three days. Jesus would go into the belly of the earth, and return to prove that he is the Messiah. For those who believe in him and have received spiritual life, we must be a light to the world and remove all dark corners in us. The way to remove darkness is to apply God‘s truth to our lives completely.

2 Thessalonians 1:1–7 – God will allow persecution and trials in our lives to resign our faith, but he will also give us rest one day. Be faithful and in due time, God will come through.