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SOME BACKGROUND:  I read through my Bible every year and I write out a daily prayer.  I read 2 to 4 chapters out of the Old Testament, a chapter of Ps., Proverbs, Job (wisdom literature) and a chapter out of the New Testament.  I start by writing in my journal about things going on - good and bad and issues - and then asking God to speak to me.  I’ve done this since ‘96.  Some years I’ll write prayers in the Bible for my son or daughter or someone else and give them that Bible.  It has where I speak, my sermons, my trips, people I meet - tons of stuff.  Get a wide-margined Bible to use and you can design it how you want.  ANYHOW . . . . .

MY BLOG:  I know this is a blog - one that a lot of different kinds of people read - pastors, church planters, diplomats, businessmen, educators, plumbers, international people, Muslims, Buddhist, Atheist - you name it - I gots lots of friends!  So when I write I try to do so in such a way that everyone can understand - whether we all agree or not. 

TODAY as I write - I don’t mean to write a devotional - but this morning as I was reading my Bible - the Old Testament portion was 2 Chronicles 14-16.  This would be good for all my friends - Jews, Christians, and Muslims - we all accept the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures.

Read the entire passage slowly - and reflect on your life - I’ve highlighted the verses that stood out with me.  Asa was a good king but that didn’t prevent him from having people attack him and him having to respond- but he responded as God wanted because he knew that God was real.  He also knew that God rewards those who seek him.  What was the reward?  Peace.  Even in the midst of the battle.  He did very well, but the reality is towards the end he turned away from God and God judged him.  But it climaxes in how God works in 16:9.  May that be the desire of all of us.

Are you a pastor or church planter facing some things that aren’t easy right now and you want to give up or give in?  Read this.

Are you a diplomat or political leader and know there are answers and solutions but you don’t know how to get it done and fine yourself blocked at every point to find peace?  Read this.

Are you a businessman trying hard in these difficult times but ready to give up?  Read this. 

Bottom line - for those who seek God, there is the promise of his reward.  His reward isn’t our outward success but an inner-peace that knows he is in control and guiding us, and that regardless of how dire the situation may be God is in control.  If we seek him, he will lead us and guide us.  It can have the impact of peace in the lives of others as well. 

2Chronicles 14:1 . . . . Asa became king in his place. The land was undisturbed for ten years during his days. 2 ¶ Asa did good and right in the sight of the LORD his God,

2Chr. 14:6 He built fortified cities in Judah, since the land was undisturbed, and there was no one at war with him during those years, because the LORD had given him rest. 7 For he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

2Chr. 15:1 ¶ Now the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded, 2 and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the LORD is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.

2Chr. 15:7 “But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.”

12 They entered into the covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and soul;

15:15 All Judah rejoiced concerning the oath, for they had sworn with their whole heart and had sought Him earnestly, and He let them find Him. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.

2Chr. 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. (One of my favorite verses of all time!)

Whatever your questions, circumstances, challenges, opportunities, or obstacles, may you seek him today with all of your heart.