“He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys.” – 2 Kings 2:23-24

What a stunning reminder that God can always and abundantly take care of His people! Don’t be afraid of human opposition. Don’t worry about what people may think or say about you as you serve the Lord. Be willing to be made fun of for Jesus. Be confident that God has always got your back! God is always with His servants and He will honor you if you’re faithfully following Jesus. Even if nobody else honors you for it.

Of course, it’s also a really terrible idea to make fun of godly people (even the bald ones)! Simply #FollowJesus

“How long will you judge unjustly
and show partiality to the wicked?  
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
– Psalm 82:2-4

These verses are an elegant, though blunt, reminder of what God expects from leaders, particularly those impressed with themselves and their power. THIS is God’s standard. Remember these words as we celebrate a milestone in our nation’s history. Remember them when political ads choke the airwaves during the second half of this year. Do not compromise on these standards, especially when it comes to your favorite party or candidates!

God gives authority to human leaders for them to use it justly. God expects earthly leaders to pursue justice, to punish the wicked, to defend those who have no other defender, and to care for and help those in need. That is what God expects in our leaders. Be sure to demand the same things! #FollowJesus

“Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3

What a perfect response to a crisis! King Jehoshaphat received news of a powerful invading army. An overwhelming crisis was looming and the king had no idea how to deal with it. Unlike so many kings before him (and Christians after him), Jehoshaphat didn’t immediately start trying to think his way out of the situation, buy his way out of it, run away from it, or collapse before it in fear and anxiety.

He knew the situation was beyond his abilities, resources, and powers. So he sought the Lord in prayer and fasting. That is the best and most perfect first response to any crisis. Fasting and prayer. Seeking God’s will, guidance, and intervention. Instead of rallying his resources, the king got on his knees and encouraged everyone else to do the same. To seek God, Who has absolute power over every situation.

The good news is that it worked! Of course, God heard their prayers. Of course, God was pleased that unlike so many foolish and failed kings before him, this king sought the ultimate power. And of course, God intervened and saved the day, defeating Judah’s enemies.

Take a moment to consider how your instincts typically work. What’s your first thought when you become frightened by a situation or overwhelmed by a crisis? Is it to earnestly and humbly seek the Lord? It should be! Learn to take every thought captive. Try to re-train you mind and your heart to turn to prayer first rather than last. Spend more time with the Lord before the next crisis so you’re very close to Him when it strikes. Then devote yourself to prayer and fasting rather than fearing, fretting, fleeing, or failing. #FollowJesus

“And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, ‘Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.'” – 2 Chronicles 18:12

That isn’t how prophecy works!!! It doesn’t matter how many false prophets tell a powerful person exactly what they want to hear. Numbers don’t make them right and their noise shouldn’t crowd out God’s true word. The true word of God is true and never subject to a majority vote!

This matters a great deal in this present time when you can find a teacher, pastor, or “prophet” to tell you anything you want to hear. It doesn’t matter how good it sounds and it doesn’t matter how many people echo their words. The word of God is the word of God. If something sounds entirely too satisfying to your ego, your flesh, or your politics check it very carefully against Scripture.

God will never contradict Himself nor give an insight to someone that runs counter to what He’s already revealed in Scripture. Having a large following or great financial success is NOT an indicator that someone is accurately teaching God’s Word. Historically, those who teach truth and accurately explain and apply God’s Word aren’t very popular. After all, God’s Word usually challenges us to change and it seldom pats us on the back.

Don’t follow the crowd. Follow God’s Word. #FollowJesus

“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel.” – 2 Chronicles 17:3-4

God repeatedly emphasizes throughout the Bible that He is gracious, merciful, AND slow to anger. Because this is true, He often gives people and nations many opportunities to turn things around. Years of spiritual decline can be reversed with a change of heart or a change of leadership. King Jehoshaphat’s father has started well and ended badly. However, God didn’t hold that against Jehoshaphat. He earnestly sought the Lord and the Lord blessed his rule.

God is a God of second chances (and third, and fourth…). He is a God eager for repentance and renewal. The future is never doomed to repeat and continue the downward movement of the past. Rising generations are never doomed to repeat the sins of those who came before them. As our nation prepares to celebrate a milestone birthday, remember these truths. It’s a difficult time, but don’t give up!

Pray for our nation. Pray for godly leadership across party lines. Pray for spiritual revival and awakening. Pray for a turning away from the sins that are so prevalent and a turning toward the Lord Jesus. Pray for unity in Christ rather than the deep division that defines the present season. Pray, because God is the same as He has always been. #FollowJesus