THE EMPOWERING WORD OF THE LORD

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 6/15/10 - 1 Ki 16; 2 Chr 15,16; Col 1 - THE EMPOWERING WORD OF THE LORD

S- 2 Chr 15:1,2,7,8 - The Spirit of God came upon Azariah. He went out to meet Asa (King of Judah) and said to him, "Listen to me... As for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah the prophet, he took courage. He removed the detestable idols from the whole land... He repaired the altar of the Lord.

O- The nation of Judah was blessed with King Asa for years. He listened to the prophet's words and removed idols and repaired the altar of the Lord in front of the temple. He led them in seeking God. He took the word and ran with it.

A- There is something really powerful that happens when we receive a word from the Lord; it empowers us like nothing else can. My friend and I were recalling the effect that the Lord's words had on her life: He spoke to her one day running that she would lose 20 pounds. That personal word spurred her on and kept her going. It gave her hope and determination.  It was a promise that she held on to with full belief.  And she indeed lost 20 pounds!

P- Lord, please give us your word. May we listen for it, believe it when we receive it, and believe it even more when the tough times come. May we believe in the dark what we received in the light - never doubting the word but pressing on with it in our hands and hearts. May we never give up and may our work be rewarded too, like King Asa's!