“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?” (Psalm 22:1)

July 28, 2012

David wrote this Messianic psalm that predicted not only what Christ would say on the cross but the manner of His death as well. The Son of David took our place, offering us His. He took our sin, our separation, and our death. He offers us His righteousness, His relationship with the Father and eternal life. God forsook Him to embrace us.

“Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15)

July 27, 2012

God’s reply to King Jehoshaphat’s prayer is for us too. Judah was facing a mighty foe, but God promised to fight for them. What are you facing today? Is there a situation so overwhelming that you are discouraged and afraid? Pray. Ask God to fight this battle for you. Say, “This battle is not mine, but it is the Lord’s!”

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9)

July 26, 2012

This salvation has immediate, ongoing, and future implication. You are saved from sin’s penalty (Justification). You are being saved from sin’s power (Sanctification). You will be saved from sin’s presence (Glorification). Salvation in Christ is whole and complete. He saves to the uttermost. Have you yet trusted Jesus as the Resurrected Lord and Savior of your life?

“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

July 25, 2012

King Asa started well but finished poorly. He trusted God early in his reign and overcame a million man army. Later, he trusted his accumulated wealth and tried to bribe a foreign king to help him. God rebuked him for this, but he was unrepentant, ending his life with a bitter heart and bad feet. Where is your trust today? God is looking for those whose hearts are fully trusting Him.

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words” (Romans 8:26)

July 24, 2012

There are days when we don’t know what to pray. Perhaps we feel overwhelmed or spiritually dry. Some days we are really wanting God’s best, but we lack the clarity to know how to pray for it. Whatever our state, as believers we have the Spirit as our Counselor and Friend. He knows what to pray. Say, “Spirit of God, please pray for me.” Then, listen to hear what He says.

“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection” (Psalm 18:30)

July 23, 2012

How many of God’s promises do you know? Have you yet prayed them? The Lord keeps them all. He loves to hear His children pray His Word back to Him. Pick a promise today and put it on like body armor. God’s promises always come true.

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

July 22, 2012

God’s promise to King Solomon after the dedication of the temple. Although this promise was for Israel, the same God hears our prayers today. Pray for revival in our nation and in our world.

“Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm” (Proverbs 19:23)

July 21, 2012

Do not fear the things of this world, instead fear God. The news is filled with reports of terrorists and gunmen killing. Yet, we trust God. Living in respect and awe of Him we are found safe.

“Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God” (Romans 6:13)

July 20, 2012

Stop trying to break a sin-habit and focus on giving that part of your life to God. Draw on the spiritual life of Christ that abides within believers. The Christian is not focused on no longer sinning, but living righteously for God.

“Who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us” (1 Chronicles 29:14)

July 19, 2012

David’s prayer as he donated his wealth to the building of the temple. He recognized that even our ability to give comes from God. Like David, when we recognize God’s ownership and our stewardship, we are found trustworthy to manage God’s resources.