6 Minute Read
Be Still
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a couple of minutes to breathe deeply, to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, prayerfully ask the Lord to speak to you in this time and let Him know that you will be listening and will make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Today’s Bible Reading:
2 Chronicles 6:12–8:10
Romans 7:14–8:8
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 19:24-25
Listen to the Lord
Slowly and reflectively read the following verses and listen to what God will say to you through them. Then, consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
2 Chronicles 7:12-14 (NLT): “Then one night the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, ‘I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then 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.”
Reflections from Scripture:
A few years ago, my family served in a mission project in Denver, Colorado. After our work was done, we headed further over the Rocky Mountains into Utah. As we made that trip, we noticed that the Rockies are hundreds and hundreds of mountaintops.
Reading God’s Word is like that. Every passage moves us upward like a trip through a mountain range.
Yet, some places in Scripture are mountain peaks. They would seem to take us higher than others.
Second Chronicles 7 and Romans 8 are two very, very high mountain peaks.
In 2 Chronicles 7:12-14, we read what God told the Israelites to do when they fell into sin and out of favor with Him. They were to humbly acknowledge their failure, reach out to God in repentant prayer, seek God’s face and favor once again, and resolutely turn from their sin and sinfulness. At that point, God would renew fellowship with them.
In Romans 8, we read of the Spirit-filled life. We read of the victory that is ours to be had if we will only comply with God’s principles of Spirit-filled living.
Rather than go into an extensive discussion about the Spirit-filled life, I would simply encourage you to spend time at the feet of Jesus today reading and then re-reading Romans 8.
Many years ago, I read a little pamphlet called “Have You Made the Wonderful Discovery of the Spirit-Filled Life?” That pamphlet has been preserved online, and I could encourage you to check it out.
As we continue to read God’s Word this year and explore its truths, I hope you are enjoying this trip through the mountains.
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, I often feel as if I’m living so far below what You desire of me. I look into Your Word and realize that I have access to principles and the Holy Spirit that would enable me to experience much more effectiveness at living the life that is pleasing to You and beneficial to myself and others. Help me, Lord, to follow the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14 while depending upon the Holy Spirit to empower me to do that. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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