2 Chronicles 19-20, Romans 10:14-11:12, Psalms 21:1-13, Proverbs 20:4-6

What God said to me – There is an old television show called “Undercover Boss” where the owner of a large company goes undercover in disguise and works in various areas of his business to evaluate his employees and the effectiveness of processes.  He usually finds some employees who are great and hard workers and others who are lazy and ineffective.  They are always surprised and sometimes embarrassed when he reveals his true identity to them.  When Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, appointed judges, he said to them, “consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man, but for the Lord who is with you when you render judgment,”  This is true for you as My child so do all you do as if you were doing it for Me or to Me because “I AM” always with you  When you truly live this way you will find yourself automatically walking in a manner worthy of your calling because you are always seeking to please Me and to honor Me.

2 Chronicles 17-18, Romans 9:25-10:13, Psalms 20:1-9, Proverbs 20:2-3

What God said to me – The Jews prided themselves on being the sons of Abraham and yet they continually tried to earn their righteousness before Me by following the Law even though they knew I declared Abraham righteous because he believed Me and not because he obeyed Me.  They had it backwards – obedience doesn’t lead to belief – belief leads to obedience.  So many people think that they can be saved by being “obedient” – by doing “good”.  They may go to church regularly or even teach a Sunday School class – they are good neighbors and take care of their family and give to charity and don’t cuss or smoke and on and on, but it is all them – it is works, not faith.  They are seeking to establish their own righteousness rather than subjecting themselves to Me.  For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is My gift, not because of works so you can’t boast about it.  It is all of Me – I gift you the faith necessary to believe and then declare you righteous because of that belief.

2 Chronicles 14-16, Romans 9:1-24, Psalms 19:1-14, Proverbs 20:1

What God said to me – King Asa was one of the rare kings of Judah who did what was right in My sight.  He removed the high places and the incense altars and led the people in returning to Me.  Throughout his reign when he was faced with immense armies, he cried out to Me and I delivered them.  However, toward the end of his reign, King Asa relied on a treaty he made with the King of Aram rather than turning to Me.  He won the battle, but he paid a high price for his foolishness.  Even at the end when he was suffering from a severe disease, he relied on physicians and didn’t seek Me.  Learn from Asa – sometimes when you face a trial it is easier to cry out to Me when you know you lack resources or ability than it is when you are successful and established.  Don’t fall into the trap of relying on yourself because you think you can handle it, so you don’t need to call on Me – learn to seek Me in all things at all times.  Make it the habit of your whole life to pray about everything, seeking My direction and blessing.  You never arrive and you never outgrow your need for Me.