Humble, Pray, Seek, and Turn

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." — 2 Chronicles 7:14

There are conditions for the fulfillment of the promise given to God's people:

Humble Themselves: Recognizing our sinfulness in light of God's holiness fosters humility. It takes humility to acknowledge our guilt.

Pray: A heart humbled by guilt instinctively turns to prayer, seeking God's forgiveness.

Seek the Lord's Face: Seek His presence, His Word, and His power.

Turn from Wicked Ways: Repentance for sin is genuine if we stop committing it.

When these four conditions are met, the Lord has promised to hear, forgive, and heal.

From my diary,

July 31, 2024

Not Just Admiration But Action

 "But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?" — Luke 6:46

Jesus' question challenges us to examine whether we are truly His servants. It is not enough to hear, enjoy, talk about, or even quote His words. A true servant of Jesus obeys His commands. How simple it is! If Jesus is my Lord, I will do what He says. If I don't, then I acknowledge someone else as my lord, and I serve another master.

Those who ignore Jesus' words, those who admire but do not follow them, and those who decide to obey but delay, are all disobedient. By their actions, they reveal that someone else is their lord. A true servant not only listens to what their Lord says but also obeys it.

Jesus is my Lord. I want not only to hear and admire His words but also to obey them.

From my diary,

July 30, 2024

Righteous Before God: The Ideal Couple

 "And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." — Luke 1:6

Is there no perfect couple? The world's ideal couple is nothing like what God describes. It is often said that there is no perfect couple. Yet, the Bible describes an ideal couple: Zacharias and Elizabeth. It’s not written that one of them was righteous, but that both were righteous—not righteous before men, but righteous before God. They walked blamelessly not in a few of the Lord's commandments, but in all of them.

There are many exemplary couples in the Bible, but two stand out to me: Zacharias and Elizabeth, and Aquila and Priscilla.

From my diary,

July 29, 2024

In Tribulation, In Prayer

"Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth." — Psalm 54:2

The psalmist faces tribulation and danger, but he finds safety in prayer. I love Spurgeon's quote on this verse: "As long as God hath an open ear, we cannot be shut up in trouble."

Let me learn to run to the throne of grace in every peril. The greatest danger is the temptation to sin. But let me remember that as long as I am in prayer during temptation, I will not fall into sin.

From my diary,

July 28, 2024

 

From Him, Through Us, To Him

 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You." — 1 Chronicles 29:14

In natural life, it would be considered strange if someone gave me a gift and I then took that gift back to them. Yet with God, it is exactly like that. What I give to God is His gift. Everything I can lay on His altar is what He has given me, for I have nothing good of my own. I can only offer Him the talents, money, time, and strength that He provides.

May I always remember that I am giving back to the Lord what He has first given to me.

From my diary,

July 27, 2024

He Has Done All Things Well

 "He has done all things well." – Mark 7:37

Reflecting on all the works of my Lord and what He has done in my life, I can say with conviction, “He has done all things well.” When I look at His creation, rejoice in His statutes, see His power, admire His wise works, and marvel at His countless mercies, which I do not deserve, I am compelled to say: “He has done all things well.” Delighting in the salvation He has granted, witnessing the renewal of my life, tasting the sweetness of His Word, and finding comfort in His love, I can confidently declare: “He has done all things well.” His daily guidance in my life, the remembrance of the captivity He has delivered me from, and even His negative answers to my prayers that are for my good, all lead me to testify: “He has done all things well.” Seeing how He makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him, I am assured: “He has done all things well.”

Everything, without exception. He makes all things beautiful in His time.

From my diary,

July 26, 2024

Seeking His Nearness

"Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, be not far from me!" — Psalm 38:21

This prayer of David resonates deeply in the hearts of God's children. No child of God can bear being distant from Him. His presence is vital for us at all times, not just in times of trouble.

Lord, do not be far from me. Do not depart from me, and sin will depart from my life, complaints will leave my lips, and sadness will flee from my heart. Do not depart from me in times of joy, lest my heart be consumed by that joy. Do not depart from me on my journey, for my path is full of snares and dangers.

Be not far from me, and do not let me stray far from You.

From my diary,

July 25, 2024

 

Reassured by His Presence

 "Is not the LORD your God with you?" — 1 Chronicles 22:18

What David said to all the leaders of Israel, God's Word says to all His children. This rhetorical question is an important reminder: the Lord my God is with me.

He is with us to guide, to comfort, to deliver, and to protect.

When temptations arise, is not the Lord with us to grant us victory? When we are troubled, is not the Lord our God with us to provide peace? If He is with us, why should we fear? Why should we worry?

Amid today's worries, God's Word reassures me that the Lord my God is with me.

From my diary,

July 24,   2024

Keys to Victory

Be of good courage, and let us be strong  for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the LORD do what is good in His sight. — 1 Chronicles 19:13

Joab's words teach a principle for victory.

The right motive: for the cities of our God

The right action: to fight with courage

The right trust: may the Lord do what is good in His sight

To achieve victory, we must both fight and rely on the Lord. We will fight against sin with courage, and God will do what is good: He will grant us victory.

From my diary,

July 23,   2024

 

Belonging to Christ: A Life of Holiness and Joy

 "And you belong to Christ…" — 1 Corinthians 3:23

I belong to Christ; there is no greater happiness than this. May my life reflect that I belong to Christ. To temptation, I will declare, "You cannot overcome me because I belong to Christ." To the allurements of the world, I will assert, "You cannot ensnare me because I belong to Christ."

In tribulation, I will find encouragement because I belong to Christ. In sorrow, I will experience joy because I belong to Christ.

Above all, I desire to live a holy life, for I belong to Christ who is holy.

From my diary,

July 22,   2024

Yes, Lord: Understanding God's Word

Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” — Matthew 13:51

Today, as I read Matthew 13:51, a question lingered in my mind: "Have I truly understood?" Blessed are the disciples who could confidently answer "Yes, Lord" to Jesus' inquiry. They understood because the Lord personally explained it to them. It was not men, but the Lord who opened their minds to understand, and it was the Lord who predestined them to understand His teachings. Anyone who understands what Jesus says has no reason to boast, for it is not through their own wisdom. Instead, they will be thankful and humble. If they have understood, they will apply it in their lives, rejoice, and seek more understanding from God's Word. There is no one who sincerely wants to understand whom Jesus will not help.

Let me open the Bible with the desire to understand the Word of God and not close it until I understand what will bring me closer to Him, what will renew my mind, and purify my heart and life. And when Jesus asks me, “Have you understood all these things?” I want to be able to give the disciples' answer every time: "Yes, Lord." If I have understood, let me realize that it was not by my own wisdom, but that the Spirit of God enlightened my eyes to see the wonders of His Word.

So, with gratitude, with humility, and with a desire to know more, I will practice what I have understood.

From my diary,

July 21,   2024

Equipped to Instruct: Full of Goodness and Knowledge

I am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, brimming with knowledge, and able to instruct one another. — Romans 15:14

To teach others effectively, we must be filled with goodness and knowledge—the knowledge of God's Word. Without a solid understanding of Scripture, we cannot offer sound advice. Goodness is not something that exists naturally within us; it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

If someone lacks the fruit of the Spirit, their instruction will likely be harsh or judgmental. Likewise, without knowledge of God's Word, their teaching will fall short. Before admonishing others, I must first be well-versed in Scripture and obedient to it. When I offer guidance to my sisters—whether they are of my age or younger —let me do so with humility and love. Likewise, I should be open to receiving instruction and advice from other believers with willingness and gratitude.

From my diary,

July 20,   2024

 

Single-Minded Devotion: The Path to Spiritual Triumph

 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart. —1 Chronicles 12:33

Armed troops came to Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul to David. Scripture records their exact numbers, their military skills, their courage, and, most importantly, their undivided hearts.

Those who want the kingdom of Jesus must be clothed in the armor of God, must be able to keep ranks, and have an undivided heart—not be double-hearted. Their goal, like the soldiers of Zebulun, must be singular and unwavering: the advancement of Jesus' kingdom.

Elijah urged the people to choose whom they would serve—either the true God or Baal—highlighting the impossibility of serving both. One cannot pursue both holiness and worldly pleasures. You cannot have the reputation of a generous Christian while hiding the sale price of the farm.

When God's army is free of double-heartedness, ranks are kept, and victory is assured.

From my diary,

July 19,  2024

No longer slaves of sin

 Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. — Romans 6:6

This verse highlights the “no longer” of our new life in Christ. Though we were once enslaved to sin, God's children are now empowered to break free from its dominion.

Having witnessed the destructive consequences of serving sin, one who is truly transformed will resist it with resolve. Such a person will earnestly pray and strive to remain free from sin. The desire to maintain a close communion with God, to preserve joy and peace, and to keep prayers from being hindered motivates this resistance. Most importantly, there is a deep yearning not to grieve the Savior who has delivered him. Therefore, he will no longer serve sin.

From my diary,

July 18,  2024

The Unique Joy of God's People

 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. (Psalm 149:2)

God's people rejoice not only in God's works, in the blessings He has bestowed, but also in Him. They have a true reason to rejoice, a joy that no other people possess.

God's people have a King who is almighty, omniscient, just, holy, merciful, and ever-caring for His people.

Because of this, God's people experience lasting joy, a true joy that far surpasses any earthly imitation.

From my diary,

July 17,  2024

Battle belongs to the Lord

 And they were helped against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hand, and all who were with them, for they cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him. (1 Chronicles 5:20)

The Israelites went to war against their enemies and won. There were 44,670 warriors. They were strong, able to bear shield and sword, to shoot with the bow, and skillful in war.

However, their victory was not determined by their number, weapons, or military skills. They won because they cried out to God and trusted in Him. They won because in addition to their shields, swords, and bows, they wielded a powerful and effective weapon that their enemies lacked: prayer.

Instead of relying on their own strength and weapons, they relied on the all-powerful Warrior, God. They won because the war was God’s. (1 Chronicles 5:22)

We, too, are engaged in a continuous spiritual battle as long as we are on earth. Our war is from God, and although we are making efforts, we do not rely on our own strength, but we rely on the Lord and call upon Him.

From my diary,

July 16,  2024

The Wonder of God's Omniscience

 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it. Psalm 139:6

The reality that God can do anything, is present everywhere, knows everything about us, sees all our works, and hears both spoken and unspoken words, is awe-inspiring.

Like the psalmist, I say: "I can't attain it." Indeed, I cannot fully grasp this knowledge, but I can believe it without understanding. I can admire it, be thankful, rejoice, and live free from worry.

From my diary,

July 15,  2024

The Lord is Great: Understanding through Personal Experience

 For I know that the LORD is great, and our Lord is above all gods. Psalm 135:5

The psalmist's declaration is not based on hearsay or secondhand information; it comes from his personal experience. He did not say, "I was told that the Lord is great," "I read that the Lord is great," or "I think that the Lord is great." Instead, he proclaimed with conviction, "I know that the Lord is great."

Every child of God has this knowledge and confidence. The Lord is great; I know this.

I know this by witnessing His great works, experiencing His boundless love, observing the great changes He has made in my life, and feeling the transformative power of His living Word.

My Lord is great; therefore, great is my longing to draw closer to Him. Great is His holiness; therefore, great is my admiration and reverence. Great is His love; therefore, great is my joy. Great is His power; therefore, great should be my faith.

His works are great; that’s why I have great gratitude in my heart. His miracles are great; that’s why I have great confidence in Him.

Great is His wisdom; therefore, great is my peace.

Let my big problems not frighten me, for great is my Lord who solves every problem.

From my diary,

July 14,  2024

From plot to pitfall

 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. Proverbs 26:27

This verse is a threat to the wicked who conspire to harm God's children. It is also a comfort to God's children that the Lord will protect them from the plot of the wicked.

Remember Haman and his plot to destroy Mordecai and how it backfired, leading to his own demise on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. (Esther 7:9,10).

Remember the officials who conspired against Daniel.They were thrown into the lions' den themselves after their plot was revealed. (Daniel 6:24)

Remember Abimelech who killed seventy of his brothers on a stone. He himself was killed by a stone thrown by a woman. (Judges 9:5, 18,53).

If they are plotting against you, don't be afraid, the Lord will protect you.

From my diary,

July 13,  2024

Finding Joy in God's House

  "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the LORD.'" - Psalm 122:1

Throughout the book of Psalms, I see that the psalmist has the right reasons for joy: he rejoices in God's Word, God's works, God’s promises, and God's mercy. In this verse, I see that he also rejoices in hearing the right invitation: "Let us go to the house of the LORD."

As he rejoices in the Word of God, it is natural that he should rejoice in going where the Word of God is spoken. If he rejoices in the works and mercy of God, he will surely rejoice in being in a place where His mercy is thanked and His works are praised.

Every man whose home is in heaven goes with joy to the house of God because the words he hears there prepare him for heaven.

From my diary,

July 12,  2024

The Dual Declaration: Proclaim and Confess

 "With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth." Psalm 119:13

"I have declared my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your statutes." Psalm 119:26

The psalmist not only learns the Word of God but also shares what he has learned with others: he declares God’s Word. He not only thinks about his ways but also tells them to God. He declares the Word of God so that people can correct their ways, and he tells his ways to God so that he can correct his own ways with God's power and guidance. He knows how to evangelize: he declares God's Word. He knows how to confess: he declares his own ways to God.

From my diary,

July 11,  2024

Unshaken by Bad News

 "He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." - Psalm 112:7

The person who is not afraid of bad news is the one who fears God (Psalm 112:1). He is not afraid of bad news because he has believed the good news. He is not afraid because his heart is steadfast, and his heart is steadfast because he trusts in the Lord. His fearlessness is built on a firm foundation: God's power, wisdom, mercy, love, and holiness. In an age filled with bad news, God's children remain unshaken.

From my diary,

July 10,  2024