So you have not lost your mind-I have. Smile. Ya'll-I am laughing so hard right now. Your fearless leader actually made a vlog for Sunday's reading not Monday's reading.
"Early the next morning..."
2 Chronicles 20:20
2 Chronicles 20:20
My Take Aways
Something Old:
I love the prospect of the what can happen early in the morning. The Lord works powerful in the am and the pm. He is a powerful and mighty God-no one can stand against Him." (to quote King Jeoshaphat.) What a great prayer!
Our most difficult battles can become our "Valley of blessings" when we allow God to do battle for us.
Something New:
Miykayahau-Me-kaw-yaw'-hoo
I love how God, in the Old Testament, allows the Spirit to fall on every day people to use them in extraordinary ways.
Something to Do:
In the midst of the battle remember to confuse my enemy by praising my Lord .
22 Comments:
I love this story of Jehosephat fasting and praying, and I don't remember it from last year. Growing up, I never knew anyone who fasted like this, and God has definitely been teaching me about it this year! As you pointed out, Wendy, I thought it was cool that the king wasn't too proud to admit that he needed help, nor to listen to the guy who just started to talk and give directions. I suppose he could've refused to listen to the little 'peon' but he accepted the wisdom and direction from where it came.
1 Kings 22:14 We should say only the things that God wants us to say and not add our own opinions, judgements, or embellishments. We should keep quiet and stay focused on what is good, right, pure, and true.
The phrase 'armies of heaven' caught my eye. This is something I know very little about. It's nice to think that God has armies ready at his disposal, but what exactly does He need them for? He's God. What do they do now, and why would he entertain a spirit with evil thoughts? Not so sure I get this ...
As for today, I liked the part where God just made the water appear to fill their needs and then used that to defeat their enemies. That's so cool! I love the reminder that He's totally in charge and will do what He wants. Why do we fight and question it? He always has the best plan.
It's another firemuff day - the only for this week and next week is it! - and it's to be above 100 here. We're going to make something for her daddy for father's day and play outside with water. Hoping to keep her from trying to eat the lamppost today. Jacque, your firecracker description is right on!
Good morning, GIG's
The internet has been down at my home since yesterday morning right after I posted. I came to work early to jump on and say "Hello". A handful of my daughter's wedding photos have been posted on the photographer's marketing blog. (Scroll down past the "maternity photos." What will they think of next?) ANYWAY, my feelings are a little hurt that the Mother of the Bride did not rate a photo in this "preview". Of course, when all the photos are posted, I'll be there. In the meantime, enjoy this look at the happy bride and groom. Thanks again, Lord, for holding off on the rain so the photos could be outside.
I have to hustle out to recess duty. I prayed for all this morning, especially our travelers.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Wendy I was so blessed that you did the 'wrong' day! I am thinking it really is the 'right' day with the right message! lol No mistakes in God!
Michelle I tried to find the photos & couldn't. I clicked on your name & there was no place to scroll down to on your blog. I am new to trying to blog & have had trouble setting up mine. So I am thinking I did something wrong. Help
Praying for all the needs.
Watch for God He is working a might work today!
Blessing & Peace, Mary
Thank you so much Wendy for your words today, which I needed to hear so much! This was such a powerful story, that your enhancement made it even more meaningful to me. This morning I will be taking my place on my face. Praising to confuse the enemy...
Blessings and prayers for all,
Jacque
Mary, I'm sorry. In my haste I didn't give the address. Go to www.melissacoephotography.blogspot.com
Then scroll down to the second entry for the Lauren and Josh wedding.
Michelle in New England
Waking up and praising Him today – a new day that we can all see Him busy at work, transforming lives from the east to the west coast!
Yesterday’s reading, oh my goodness I loved it! As I read yesterday my heart was on our group from Brandee’s blog that weekly fast and pray for our unsaved husbands! I thought about God’s perfect timing to allow us to read about Jehoshaphat the night before we fast/pray.
-Begging the Lord for guidance (2 Chron 20:3)
-fasting (3)
-seeking the LORD’s help (4)
*Oh my goodness, Jehoshaphat’s prayer was AWESOME…AWESOME…AWESOME…I copied it to pray again and again! (5-9)
-When we don’t know what to do we look to Him for help (12)
-We are reminded not to be afraid or discouraged (15)
-The Lord is with us! (17)
-and, after we turn it over to God…we bow low, face to the ground and WORSHIP HIM! (18)
It just continues to get better!!!!!!
-BELIEVE in the LORD your GOD, (20) and we will be able to stand firm! Yes, ladies – sure footed, not wavering to the right or to the left!
-Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever! (21)
-anticipate being overjoyed when the LORD will give us victory (27) Each husband will be saved, dear GIG!
-With every single one of our trials and sufferings the Lord himself will fight against our enemies (29)
-What will come over us when we let go and let God take over: peace, pure peace! (30).
Lord, I fall down before you at your feet and worship You, - You, Lord are my one true God - my savior - my leader – my Father - my everything. Today, hear our prayers. Bend down low, as we each are coming to you with our desires for our husbands. Save their souls dear Father. Open their eyes to You. Blow their veils off of their faces. Draw them close, so that their unbelief turns around into belief! Lord we join together, surefooted, not wavering to the right or to the left, bowing down before you. Pleading with you to save our precious husbands. We want to see your Kingdom furthered. We want to increase the numbers Lord. We want our families seeking you with all of our hearts, not one member, not believing - 100% following you till we meet you face-to-face. May your perfect will be done. Thank you Lord for sharing this desire that we each have. Thank you Lord, that you are busy at work this very minute. We love and adore you with all of our hearts - with all of our souls - with all of our bodies!
What an honor to be praying across the miles with you today! Praying and fasting, Lori
PS Yes, sweet Wendy, God's Word is alive inside us! Thank you for mixing up the days! Yesterday I was sooooo excited about the reading and so wanted to write about it! I love God's Spirit coming out through you!
aaahhh twin, typing again at the same time!!!! Thank you for posting the address! I knew you'd come back to do it! smile...off to check out your pic's now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lori
Beautiful, absolutely breath-taking pictures. Stunning bride – handsome bridegroom! Endearing details capturing moments that will be treasured over a life-time! My heart went pitter-patter as I scrolled down each picture and felt as tho I was there! The red barn, the green carpet – grass…The contrast between black and white and colored photo’s! Thank you Lord, for allowing for no rain!!! My heart swelled as I read the ring picture! Also, the first dance (back ground!) Thank you sweet Michelle for inviting us into your life! Looking forward to seeing my twin, haha - the Mother of the bride! Smile! Hugs, Lori
PS I tried to post and it went poof!
Hi Everybody,
Wendy that was some good stuff….Today my strength feels low…. so I plan on counting all the times he has been faithful to me!! Lori….I needed a BIG PUSH out the door this morning for my run. Defeat the enemy that is truly what I tried my best to do. I did do it….not the greatest time. I will keep going. Wendy what I am going to post is for today’s reading….Hope this will be okay. I am Learning much in his word.
Bible verse today: 2 King 1:2 Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his roof terrace at Samaria and had been injured. So he sent out messengers with the instructions: “Go and inquire of Baalzebub,* the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this injury.”
*footnote 1:2: Baalzebub: in this form, “Baal of flies.” The name in the Hebrew text is a derisive alteration of Baalzebul, “Prince Baal.” The best New Testament evidence supports the latter form in Mt 10:25; Lk 11:15. Later associations with Aramaic Beelzebub, “enemy,” gave the ancient name its connotation of “devil.”
Mt. 10:25, It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul,* how much more those of his household!
*footnote 10:25: Beelzebul: see Mt 9:34 for the change linking Jesus with “the prince of demons,” who is named Beelzebul in Mt 12,:24. The meaning of the name is uncertain; possibly, “lord of the house.”
Mt 9:34, But the Pharisees said, He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”*
Mt 12:24, But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This man drives out demons only by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons.*
Loving how a lot of this is relating to….. and getting (some) understanding.
I also looked up this bible verse 2 King 1:8: “Wearing a hairy garment,”* they replied, “with a leather girdle about his lions.” “It is Elijah the Tishbite!” he exclaimed.
*footnote 1:8, Hairy garment: a sign of ascetical and prophetic calling, imitated by John the Paptizer: see Mt. 3:4; Mk 1:6
Mt.3:4: John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild homey.*
Mk 1:6: John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist.* He fed on locusts and wild honey.
*footnote 1:6: Clothed in camel’s hair…..waist: the Baptist’s garb recalls that of Elijah in 2Kgs 1:8. Jesus speaks of the Baptist’s as Elijah who has already come (Mk 9:11-13; Mt 17:10-12; cf Mal 3, 23-24: Lk 1,17).
Praying for many…..Betty SIL Evelyn, Elizabeth & Jacque jobs, Safe travels Morgen….also congradulation on daughters engagement. Dylan, Ryan, Kelly, Michael…Lets keep defeating!!
Michelle plan on visiting the website when done here.
Counting all the times he has been faithful,
Rhonda
Michelle....Very breathtaking view...God's land...Beautiful Bride... Handsome Groom...Well done my good and faithful servant!!
Loved her bouque...The thoughts and feelings I had after you told me she had white peony's....That was a God moment and feeling his presense. His majestic work.
Beautiful...Beautiful....Beautiful!!
God Bless.....Rhonda
Michelle! Oh my gosh those are absolutely gorgeous pictures. Goosebumps! Your daughter is BEAUTIFUL!! I was starting to get teary eyed just looking at the pics and she's not even my daughter (and I don't have one). Everything was just so breathtaking. I can imagine how you must have felt! It was also touching that they did the donation in honor of Denise. Wow. Thank you so much for sharing.
Praying for the requests made yesterday: Evelyn, Roy - for health, healing and peace, and Elizabeth who's looking for a job. Where in California are you, Elizabeth?
Amy, the evil spirits still have access to the throne of God as we remember from Job 1. But what their power is limited only by what God allows. The "heaven's armies" are comprised of archangels like Michael and Gabriel. In Daniel 10:12-13 we read: "Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia." It pictures the spiritual battle going on in the spiritual realm.
In today's reading what caught me was the end of Jehoshaphat's reign. Eventhough he was a good king, there were two things that marred his legacy. First was his failure to destroy all the "high places" in the land which were the place of idol worship. And his alliance with Ahab's son, Ahaziah "to embark on a shipping venture to secure gold (1 Kings 22:46-49)." Jon Courson said that "Just as they do in our lives any alliance that compromises our high calling as servants of God is destined for shipwreck just as surely as Jehoshaphat's ships were."
Have a blessed day everyone!
Wendy,
That was great, there was a lot of good teaching there and I've always wondered how you kept your days straight. Nice to know you're human too. (big smile) We know you are that's what makes you good at what you do. Thanks!
Michelle, great pictures thanks for sharing with us.
Have a blessed day everyone.
Lynn - OR
Michelle, it looks like it was an incredibly beautiful wedding! Was that Denise in the background of the dancing pic??
Grace and Peace, thanks for the info about the angels and armies. I guess my head knows that they exist and that although they are battling, neither side can act without God's permission. It seems so ... silly's not the right word, but ... God can do absolutely anything He wants, so while I like that He has angels watching out for us and fighting the bad guys, it's hard for me to understand WHY they're there when God can do it all. Guess it's not for me to know!
Lori, your prayer was beautiful! Thanks for sharing and being one of our amazing prayer warriors on here! :-)
GM, my age wants me to rebel against all these acronyms, but I did it the morning. GM.
Wendy - God must have wanted you to reveal yesterday's reading to us. It was just the best. Thank you God, that you know what we need better than we do.
I have worked in the senior market, meaning working with retirees, and have found so many have depression because they cut them selves off from others. I would ask them to make a blessing book. Everyday to write 2 or 3 blessings from God. And then when you have many in your book and you can't think of any that day, read your blessing book, and see what God has done for you.
I am blown away about the many miracles God did in the OT. He is the same God, yesterday, today and tomorrow. We just don't have a written word about it from an inspired writer so that we know the miracles in your life that come from His loving care. He made us conquerors and we must always give Him the credit. I don't think we can ever give Him more credit than He deserves.
Because of Him we are GIG's
forgot to sign it
Donna - TX
Hi everybody:
Wendy, I just had a "DUH" moment today, when I realized I can read
the daily lesson right off my computer until I purchase my NLT Chronological Bible. Sure beats flipping through my NKJV. I want to get one for my sister, too.
I also thought it was kind of odd, that the King of Judah was hanging out with the King of Israel..I also
looked up Baalzebub, as did the other Rhonda. Sure gives you a perspective where there heads were at.
Michelle, I have a newly married daughter, (December 2007), and I will try and look at your pics next. I was so melancholy after she got married, I would cry every time I walked into her old bedroom.
AND, she only lives down the street!! I am an emotional Italian.
Until tomorrow - Rhonda in NY
Donna--
Awesome advice. I am starting a blessing book-- today. And Jehoshaphat's prayer will be on the first page. I will try to recall the big and small wonders God has done in my life as they come back to me, as well as my present blessings, and will begin to document them. What a testimony this would be to leave to my children, God's work in my life. I know that just being mindful of my blessings every day will help me to be more grateful for and dependent upon the Lord for everything. Thank you for that great idea!
Jacque
Wendy, Your message was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you so much. Even if you got the wrong day you wanted to use, God guided you to share Sunday's readings and not Monday's.
Grace and Peace - I live in Santa Rosa, California. It is about an hour to an hour and a half north of San Francisco, depending on the time of day and traffic.
I have two unspoken prayer requests besides needing to find a job. Thank you.
Praying for all of you.
Blessings, Elizabeth
Elizabeth,
I hope you find something soon. If you lived in So Cal, I know of a job opening but you're too far north. Praying that God will send His angels to minister to your spoken and unspoken needs. (((HUGS)))
Jacque,
My son and I are doing a GodSTOP journal per Lori's suggestion which she took from a Beth Moore book. Daily we write about these STOPs (Savoring The Observable Presence) of God. Some days it's easy to pick an entry. Other days are harder but they're there if we look hard enough. For instance yesterday was hard to choose because we spent a good chunk of our day sitting through the Awana Awards ceremony. But my GodSTOP was tucked in one of the comments the emcee made. I'm sure your journal will be beautiful!
Donna, that is a great idea for the seniors. My own Dad has a tendency to be melancholy as well since my Mom died almost 6 years ago. Maybe I will suggest that to him.
Amy, I guess we'll never understand the why's behind the armies. It's a Deut 29:29 moment. When we get to heaven, we'll let you ask Him. :)
Jennifer Renee, you're MIA girl. Missing your post. I hope all is well.
God is so Faithful and HIS timing is perfect!
Wendy- I am so glad that you had a teaching on this.Thank You Wendy!
Lori-Thank You! You are such a blessing to this group.
Rhonda-Counting all the times HE has been faithful! Thank You.
Thank You Dear Lord, You are everything we need..
Praise you name!
Continued prayers and Love to all.
Michelle in New England the wedding pics are beautiful!!! I am so glad the sun was shining! Thanks for sharing this special time with us.
My son is getting married this Oct. So far no stress. I am guessing being the groom's mom is different then the bride's mom. lol
Blessings & Peace, Mary
Michelle, thank you for allowing me to peek into your family's happy occasion! The sky was so powerful-- didn't you say the wedding was planned for outside, had to move to plan B inside, and the rain stopped just for the photos? It turned out so amazingly beautiful! I wish Lauren and Josh much happiness.
G&P-- it is so rich that you are sharing a SAP journal with your son, witnessing every day's blessings. He will have this experience with you in his heart forever.
On today's readings... I just wanted to comment that when Elisha prepared to receive the Spirit of th LORD before the victory over Moab, he called for music.
2 Kings 3:15, "'now bring me someone who can play the harp.' While the harp was being played, the Power of the LORD came upon Elisha."
God's gift of music is so powerful! Its higher energy calms us and gives us a chance to meditate, to be open to His messages. It is exciting that Elisha called on music to open the door of communication to the LORD. Harp music is of heaven, no words, only vibrations. It doesn't even need to be a song, because anything played sounds beautiful! I think I will try to just "jam" with God on my harp, and let his Spirit whisper to me.
Prayers for all,
Jacque
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