seek God's will – Be Still…

1 Chronicles 19:1-19 – Defender

Read 1 Chronicles 19:1-19

David and his army are quite the defenders of their promised land. The skirmishes that we read about in this reading could have been avoided. David’s intentions in giving tribute to an old ally seemed legitimate. Even in David’s day, people in power misunderstood each other and took offensive action.

If only the grieving son, Hanun, had not listened to his commanders. As such, these commanders were on the ready for war, so of course every action, including David sending his sympathy, became a potential act of war. Hanun didn’t skip a beat before gathering some help to defeat David.

Ezra 6:19-22 – Passover Celebration

Read Ezra 6:19-22

The first part of Ezra and the temple restoration ends with this passage – the celebration of Passover. It sounds like this was the first time the returnees celebrated this festival of remembrance since being back “home.” What a beautiful bridge to close the chapter of their past wrongs and open the new chapter full of promise of following the Lord and his decrees!

To celebrate the Passover is to remember how God showed up powerfully to save you. We can celebrate what Jesus did for us every day! Sharing in this celebration was a brilliant way to signify a unified heart devoted to God. Such a fitting end to the dedication festivities!

Micah 2:1-5 – Do We Let Evil Win?

Read Micah 2:1-5

We still see some of these very same sins in our day, don’t we? Striving for power often leads to manipulation, fraud, and violence. This is not new to our times. It might not even look that much different. The bottom line is that evil is still alive and well. Even though centuries have passed, the evil one is still using the same tricks to lure and engage his subjects.

I can truthfully say that I have laid awake at night on numerous occasions. However, I have never schemed against another. In those nights of tossing and turning, I’m usually extremely excited about something about to happen (like a trip to see family) or distraught over a situation that is really outside of my control, but for some reason I want to take it back rather than leaving it in God’s hands.