RTW June 14
The Summary Of My Life
When Jehoshaphat died, he was buried with the ancestors in the City of David.
2 Chronicles 21:1a
My Takeaways
Something Old
He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, but not to the same extent as his father and mother. He AT LEAST—-tore down the sacred pillar of Baal that his father and mother. (2 Kings 3:2) Of Joram
He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight- HOWEVER—- he failed to remove all the pagan shrines. (1 Kings 22:43) Of Jehoshaphat
I don’t want the summary of my life to end with an “at least” or a “however.”
I want to be completely obedient in all things at all times.
John 14:15, “If you love me you will obey what I command.”
What God asks of me may be hard but he will supply the strength and wisdom to do what He wills. I don’t have to do it alone
Something New
Something to Do
I also want to be remembered as a woman who loves and obeys God. I make so many mistakes along the way – I am so thankful for the grace and forgiveness we are offered through Jesus.
It is interesting to read about these OT kings (a list in my journal is very helpful to keep it all straight!) Each one just has a short few sentences to summarize his life.
2 Chronicles 21:7 “But the Lord did not want to destroy David’s dynasty, for he had made a covenant with David and promised that’s his descendants would continue to rule, shining like a lamp forever.” There’s our covenant keeping God. Even when Jehoram was evil and wicked, God kept his covenant and did not destroy David’s dynasty. That’s a comforting thought. God is always there, keeping his promises, even when we are knee deep in sin. We have the gift of forgiveness and grace, and can “shine like a lamp again.”
My Take Aways: God was not in their hearts
Something Old: Israel’s Kings just can’t get it together. They constantly forget. They learn very little from their past mistakes. The people continue to turn further and further away from God. America is exceptional among the nations, because of its founding principles of God, of His Word, of Christianity. America was founded as a nation under God. As it was with Israel, if Americans continue to abandon the Lord and His principles, America will forfeit His blessings and incur His wrath. History does have a way of repearing itself. I hope America gets it together before it’s too late.
Something New: 1 Kings 1:13 “… but this time the captain… Fell to his knees before Elijah. He pleaded with him, ‘O man of God, please spare my life and the lives of these, your 50 servants.’ ” This Captain was unlike the other two. He was genuine. He humbly begged for mercy. He showed respect for God and his power. By doing so he was able to save the life of his men. I must always have a right attitude toward God. My heart needs to be in the right place when I come before Him.
Something To Do: Always let respect, humanity, and servanthood characterize my attitude toward God and others. If I remember this the summary of my life will reveal it.