From Believers to Disciples
Friday, April 27, 2007
From Believers to Disciples Calendar
Daily Bible Study Menu
A note about online study
“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Heavenly Father, the people of Judah set apart a place known as the Valley of Blessing after You gave them victory over their enemies. In the same way I thank You for all the blessings You have given me, most important of all the salvation I have received through Jesus. I pray that You will fill me with the Holy Spirit today that I may be a blessing to others as I have received Your blessings in my life. This I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
God’s Word Today—2 Chronicles 20:1-30
Since this week’s Scripture is so long, we’ll look at a portion of it each day—Monday through Friday. In order to view the whole Scripture, you may want to look it up in your Bible for reference! Today’s reading is 2 Chronicles 20:24-30:
24So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, there were dead bodies lying on the ground for as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped. 25King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all! 26On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the LORD there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today.
27Then they returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, full of joy that the LORD had given them victory over their enemies. 28They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets and proceeded to the Temple of the LORD. 29When the surrounding kingdoms heard that the LORD himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. 30So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.
From Today’s Reading, a Believer …
What significance is there in the people of Judah naming the place where God overthrew their enemies, “The Valley of Blessing”?
What do you suppose the impact would have been on King Jehoshaphat when he realized that all the neighboring nations feared him? Why?
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
What happens in your walk with Jesus when you take the time to “count your blessings”?
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
Once the people of Judah realized the completeness of their victory, and the vast spoils God had given them, they renamed the place “The Valley of Blessing.” Take some time right now to “count your blessings,” and to thank God for all He has done for you.
Ministry, Mission, Outreach, Service Opportunities to Consider
One of the great ministry opportunities available to us every single day is “prayer walking.” Prayer walking as the name suggests is simple praying as we walk. We can prayer walk in our neighborhoods, in the place we work, at school or anywhere! Several of us prayer walk in Saxonburg every Wednesday morning from 8:30-9:15 or so. We meet at Chuck Matus’ store on main street and take off from there. I raise this opportunity this week, because the national day of prayer is approaching—It will be May 3, and in light of our calling as citizens of God’s Kingdom as well as citizens of the USA, the more we involve ourselves in intentional prayer the better!
My Journal
Note any thoughts from Through the Bible or the Daily Reading here:
The Valley of Blessing!
The people of Judah were so grateful for all God had done in defeating their enemies that they renamed the place of the victory “The Valley of Blessing.” In each of our lives God has provided blessing after blessing. Actually, after THE blessing of salvation that comes through Jesus anything else in addition is a bonus! We’ve already taken the time to “count” our blessings, so now as we go about our day let’s keep recognizing the blessings God provides and keep thanking Him for all He is and all He does! Gratitude is the key attitude demonstrated by God’s people, because we recognize that every good thing in our lives comes from Him!