2 Chronicles 20:17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem.

When we are standing up for God’s ways, we are many times going to go against our culture. Christian disciples are actually called to be radically counter cultural. This means that if someone is against you for following God, you do not attack or withdraw. You stick with God, and graciously treat the one who opposes you with respect. God will figure it out. He always does.

Pray for those who think they are doing the right thing opposing God and his ways.

2 Chronicles 17:9 They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people.

King Jehoshaphat is a remarkable ruler. He is a wise king of Judah, and not only does he follow God’s ways, he sends his government officials to teach the people, as well! O, that the Christian community would have such passion to seek God’s guidance.

Read a chapter of the Bible today and pray concerning what you read.

2 Chronicles 1:22 He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.

This passage is about King Asa, who gets rid of all the idols in the land, and then even other tribes come and live with him as his kingdom is right with God. There is no compromise or nuances when it comes to being a follower of Jesus. You are either with him or seeking him. If you are forsaking him because you think you have something better in mind, he won’t stick around. Doesn’t really like to spend much time where he is not wanted.

Pray for those who are seeking to learn more about Jesus.

1 Chronicles 29:14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

This is from King David’s prayer in thanksgiving for the offering that has come in to build the Temple. What we give God is from God. He enjoys our giving generously though he certainly doesn’t need it.
It reminds me of the process of shopping for groceries and the cook who prepares a luscious meal. The gift of the meal is the love that
goes into preparing the offering, not the ingredients themselves.

Pray for all those involved in food services.

vacation- pre-dated to follow

2 Kings 6:16-17 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

I have this passage in mind whenever I am in situations that there is need of protection. It could be driving a windy road or protecting against my own sharp tongue. I also pray this covering over our children. They haven’t returned singed by the fire but I know they are being watched over.

Pray for the protection of your loved ones today.

1 Kings 8:10-11 When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. 11 And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple.

In worship, we are not the participants, we are the witnesses. We mainly see God’s Spirit at work or we mainly see people at work. You can tell the difference and it doesn’t have a lot to do with enthusiasm, entertainment, awe or reverence.

O, all those can be expected when God is at work. Yet, you can tell the difference. It is about being authentically open and expectant that the Spirit is there. Already waiting for you. Just don’t do too much to get in the Spirit’s way.

Pray for those who lead worship.

2 Sam 22:20 He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

“Rescue” is the key to the story of God’s people, not escape. We don’t get out of having to live in the reality of life. There is no way to try to convince ourselves otherwise. There is no secret wisdom that makes us immune to pain, suffering, or disappointment.

Yet, in the middle of it all, someone is absolutely thrilled we are here. The one who gives us our existence in the first place. There is nothing that gets in the way of his love, and this includes many rescues along the way. Even the greatest rescue of all. From ourselves.

Pray for firefighters today.

2 Sam 5:24 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.”

Have you ever suffered because you did the right thing? Have you ever been unfairly treated and yet didn’t strike back in revenge? Have you been misunderstood because you follow Christ rather than your own desires?

God is marching ahead of you. Can you hear him?

Pray for patience and strength for those suffering persecution today.

1 Sam 18:12 Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul.

Saul has known God’s hand all his life. Now God is gone. Do you think he realizes what has happened? The evidence of life without the Lord is all around him. He begins comparing himself to David and blames him for his situation. Fear and anger become his new companions. Despair has arrived.

It’s tough to follow the Lord, but it’s a lot tougher not to.

Pray for those who are resisting the love and influence of Jesus.