Start the New Year in Prayer - 2016

We live in an upside down world! Those who insult Islam or stand for Christianity are beheaded. 
Terror attacks in Paris, Colorado Springs and San Barnardino have left us dismayed and horrified.
Our country is experiencing government corruption, lies spun as truth and our youth being mislead by the false propaganda of the media. We no longer trust our government, our leaders, our newspapers, our investors and even our religious leaders. 

As we approach 2016 - Isaiah 60:1-2 is a verse to focus on!
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. We live in a world that is enveloped in thick darkness, God commands us to arise, let our Light shines, and the distinctive glory of our Lord will be obvious to all.  

What do we do - knowing the enemy is advancing?  Follow the example of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. When Jehoshaphat knew an evil army was advancing he inquired of the Lord and proclaimed a fast for all of Judah.  We like Jehoshaphat should cry out in a desperate prayer for help before we plunge past the point of no return into the abyss of God's judgment.  As believers we need to come together to seek help from the Lord. 

God reassured Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 - Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battles is not yours, but God's.  You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.

What do we do - we start the 2016 year in a position on our knees as we humble ourselves, seek God's face, repent our our sin, and intercede for  out nation.  Then having done all, we stand firm in our faith that God has heard and will answer our prayer. 

Adapted from Anne Graham Lotz

Rely on God - Debbie McGrath

Today's reading using the Divine Mentor Plan -
2 Kings 6,7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Tim. 3

As I was trying to spend time in the Word today, I realized how Satan prods to clutter our lives with a frenzy of distractions.  I wander how much time I waste looking at Facebook, Pinterest and emails.  I know in my heart - too much time.  Thankfully God has given us a spirit of discipline - 2 Timothy 1:7.

My favorite part of the scripture today came from 2 Chronicles 20.

Jehosphaphat is the king of Judah and as soon as he realizes multiple armies are coming after him - He turns to the Lord.  He tells all of Judah to fast and seek the Lord. I love this - neither did Jehosphaphat or the people complain about the problem, they immediately turned to the Lord and sought His face.
Jehosphaphat had a huge army but did not rely on his own strength - He knew he needed the Lord.  This demonstrates the humility of Jehosphaphat.

After seeking the Lord, God answers them and says - the battle is not yours.  God lets them know he is going to take care of everything.  The people did not doubt this answer, they had faith and believed.  They praised God for the victory before the battle ever started.

I have to ask myself - do I truly trust the Lord to go before me and work everything out?

Do I rely on God or do I do things in my own strength to help Him out?

Jehosphaphat is an example to all of us - seek, believe and praise God before He even answers our prayers.