Happy Wednesday. Today is June 14, 2023. Everything rises and falls on leadership. Israel was sinking morally and spiritually, but at last, Asa, the new king, began to lead the return to God. God is faithful, and He inaugurates an era of great prosperity. It can happen again. Read on …
Today's Reading:
1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13,14; Philippians 4
Scripture
“Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord, his God He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and to obey His laws and commands.” (2 Chronicles 14:2-3)
Observation
The villages were aflame with idolatry, infighting, and debauchery, and all that leaches from a society infected with evil. Then, finally, a man named Asa arrives on the scene like a fresh breeze. He wastes no time. His first order of business is to restore the preeminence of God and remove the idols. In a bold act of courage, he remands his grandmother Maacah to house arrest after dethroning her. I'm sure it makes front-page news in all the surrounding village papers! Now, with new leaders and an era of spiritual peace and order, the citizens can once again 'build and prosper.' God is re-installed as the King, and the townspeople can lift their eyes and look into the future.
Application
When the seas are angry, progress ceases. But when the storms are stilled, seaports bustle with activity: shipbuilding, conversation and laughter, buying and trading … all the things that make for a great life. The same is true in the church and our families. Building a culture where an undying devotion to Christ is preeminent paves the road for future building. One of the greatest contributions a leader can make is to increase morale and culture through restoring people’s relationship with God.
Prayer
Thank you, Father, for the faithful blessings You promise those who follow You. I cannot comprehend why people would not take You up on Your offer! Well, I do. I sure do. I pray that all of us followers will do the same in this next season.
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