Day 40
Today's Scripture:
2 Chronicles 16
Key Verse:
2 Chronicles 16:9
"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars."
The Point:
A Thriving Heart is Fully Devoted to God
God is deeply drawn to a heart that is fully surrendered to Him, a heart that is devoted and undivided. When our hearts are "perfect" or wholehearted toward God, He actively searches for us to show His strength through us. This means He wants to empower, revive, and work mightily in our lives. The key to experiencing God's strength and revival is not in our own abilities but in our full surrender and devotion to Him.
When we give God our complete hearts, He promises to meet us, strengthen us, and move powerfully on our behalf.
Study Today's Scripture (2 Chronicles 16) and answer the following questions:
- Asa was a king of Judah. His reign started off with great spiritual and religious reforms, military victories through his complete dependence on God, and a period of extended peace. Unfortunately, he didn't handle the period of peace well. What grave mistake did he make when Judah was threatened by Baasha king of Israel?
- Why did God send Hanani the seer to deliver a message to king Asa? (Note: the Key Verse quoted above is very relevant here.)
- How did king Asa respond?
- What happened to Asa when his heart was not fully devoted to God?
Prayer Time
Confession:
- What areas of my heart am I holding back from God? Agree with God about those areas and ask God to forgive your resistance to His leadership.
- We all need help with the continuous process of committing our hearts to God. When you sense that gap ask God, How can I cultivate a heart that is fully devoted and surrendered to You?
- If you have experienced God showing His strength when you were fully dependent on Him, ask Him to do what only He can do.
- What might God want to revive or empower in my life today if I give Him my whole heart?
Praise:
- "Thank you, Lord, for Your grace, mercy, love, and abiding presence which encourages me to have my heart fully devoted to You."
- "Thank you, Lord, that You have written your will for me in Your word in every promise for me to claim."
Intercession:
- Ask God to draw to Himself someone you know that doesn't know God.
- Ask God to help that struggling Brother or Sister in Christ who needs to see His power, grace, mercy, and love to encourage them to fully devote their heart to Him.
- Ask God to bless and empower those you know who are carrying burdens they need to turn over to God.
Petitions:
- "Lord, my heart is fully Yours. I surrender all that I am to You today. Revive my spirit, renew my passion, and empower me to walk boldly in Your strength. Help me to keep my heart pure and devoted, so that You can show Your power through my life."
- Ask God to Glorify Himself in every service we have at our church.
- Ask God for the boldness to invite your friends, relatives, coworkers, and neighbors to come and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior.
Action Step:
- Today, take a moment to quiet your heart before God. Write down any distractions or divided loyalties you need to surrender. Then, intentionally give those areas over to God in prayer, inviting Him to revive and empower your heart. Consider setting a daily reminder to check in with your heart's devotion throughout the week.