They Praised the Lord

On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day - 2 Chronicles 20:26.

Jehoshaphat's reaction 

               As soon as Jehoshaphat heard that a great multitude is coming against them to battle, he proclaimed a fast and all people gathered together to ask help from the Lord and to seek the Lord. It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord - 2 Chronicles 20:1-4.

Jehoshaphat's acknowledgement

                Jehoshaphat acknowledged God’s power and sovereignty over all the earth and remembered the great deeds and victory God had granted. Then he acknowledged that they have no power to face the vast army attacking them, do not know what to do and their eyes are on God. Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? . For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord - 2 Chronicles 20:6, 7, 12,13.

God's response

              This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” - 2 Chronicles 20:15- 17.

The Lord fought the battle

                  Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him at the front of the army and led the way into battle with thanksgiving, praise and worship. Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated - 2 Chronicles 20:21,22. God caused the enemies to destroy each other and the people of Judah were delivered without even lifting a sword.      

After victory, they praised the Lord

                    After victory in the battle, Jehoshaphat and his people assembled themselves in the valley of Berakah and praised God. On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day. Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies - 2 chronicles 20:26, 27.       

                                                                       

        

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us always seek You, keep our eyes upon You and praise You when enemies come against us. We praise You for fighting for us and giving us victory over enemies in the battle. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.         

Power of The Tongue

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit - Proverbs 18:21.           

1. Psalm 19:14 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

2. Psalm 34:13 

Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!

3. Psalm 141:3 

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

4. Proverbs10:19 

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

5. Proverbs 10:31

The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.

6.  Proverbs 12:14 

 Wise words bring many benefits.

7.  Proverbs 12:18 

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

8. Proverbs 13:3 

The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

9. Proverbs 15:1 

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

10. Proverbs 15:2 

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

11. Proverbs 15:4

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

12. Proverbs 15:28

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking.

13. Proverbs 16:24 

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

14. Proverbs 17:27 

He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

15. Proverbs 18:7

A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

16. Proverbs 21:23 

 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

17. Proverbs 25:11 

Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.

18. Proverbs 25:25 

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

19. Proverbs 29:20 

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

20. Proverbs 31:26 

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

21. Matthew 12:36 

But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.

22. Matthew 12:37 

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

23. Matthew 15:11 

It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.

24. Matthew 15:18 

But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.

25. Mark 11:23 

For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 

26. Romans 10:10 

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

27. Ephesians 4:29 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

28. James 1:26

 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

29. James 3:3-6 

The tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

30. James 3:10 

And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 

31. 1 Peter 3:10 

If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.

                                                                         

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Help us to control our tongue as death and life are in the power of the tongue. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Light of the world

I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life - John 8:12.   

Jesus is the light of the world 

                    Jesus is the light of the world who came into the world to give us light. God is light, and in him is no darkness at all - 1 John 1.5. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world - John 9:5. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness - John 12:46. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world - John 1:9. In Your light we see light - Psalm 36:9. The Lord will be your everlasting light - Isaiah 60:20.  

Jesus is the light of Salvation 

                 Jesus is the light of Salvation who delivered us from the power of darkness into His marvelous light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son - Colossians 1:13. The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned - Matthew 4:16. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light - 1 Peter 2:9. 

We are the light of the world

                   We are the light of the world. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light - Ephesians 5:8. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house - Matthew 5:14, 15. I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth - Acts 13:47.  

Let our light shine before all 

                   Let our light shine before all men for the glory of God. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world - Philippians 2:14,15. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven - Matthew 5:16.       

                                                                                 

 PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for coming into the world as a light to give us light. We are the light of the world and so let our light shine before all people. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.                                                           

Grace And Peace Be Yours In Abundance

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord - 2 Peter 1:2.

                 God will give us grace and peace in abundance as we grow in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. The Word of God is the ultimate resource that helps us to grow in the knowledge of God and thrive in our spiritual life. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed - 2 Timothy 3:16-17. 

We need God's Word to live 

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God - Matthew 4:4 

Plant God’s Word in heart 

I keep your law in my heart, so that I will not sin against you - Psalm 119:11.

We will be fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God as we grow in God’s Word

You may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God - Colossians 1:9b-10.

Continue to grow in God’s Word  

But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen -  2 Peter 3:18.  

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus - 1 Timothy 1:14. 

Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble - Psalm 119:165.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for giving us grace and peace in abundance as we grow more in Your knowledge by Your Word. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

Wisdom

In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge - Colossians 2:3.

             All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in God. God will give us wisdom as we seek Him, fear Him, read His Word, find wisdom, ask wisdom from Him, walk in His ways and grow in His knowledge. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding - Proverbs 2:6. 

🙏 Seek God

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you - Matthew 6:33.

☝Fear God

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom - Proverbs 9:10. 

📖 Read God's Word

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105.

📚 Find Wisdom

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding - Proverbs 3:13.

🧠 Ask God for wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him - James 1:5

❤️ Walk in His ways

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! - Psalm 128:1.

🌱 Grow in the knowledge of Christ

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - 2 Peter 3:18. 

         Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His - Daniel 2:20. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in You. We thank You for giving Your wisdom to walk in your ways. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

By A Mighty Hand And An Outstretched Arm

You brought your people Israel out of Egypt with signs and wonders, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror. You gave them this land you had sworn to give their ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey - Jeremiah 32:21,22.           

                        God brought people of Israel out of the captivity of Egypt by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. So the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. He has brought us to this place and has given us this land, “a land flowing with milk and honey” - Deuteronomy 26:8,9. And it came to pass, on that very same day, that the Lord brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt according to their armies - Exodus 12:51.

God who dried up & divided the Red Sea 

                       God dried up the Red Sea and made a road in the depths of the sea for the Israelites to walk on the dry ground and cross the Red Sea. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt - Joshua 2:10. Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea so that the redeemed might cross over? - Isaiah 51:10. To Him who divided the Red Sea in two, For His mercy endures forever - Psalm 136:13.

God who does great wonders

                 Our God alone does great wonders. To Him who alone does great wonders, For His mercy endures forever - Psalm 136:4. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things - Psalm 72:18. I will show them wonders - Micah 7:15. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied. And praise the Name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you, and my people shall never again be put to shame - Joel 2:26. 

Nothing is too hard for God

            Nothing is too hard for our God who made the heavens and the earth by His great power and outstretched arm. Oh, Lord God! You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you - Jeremiah 32:17. Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? - Isaiah 53:1. Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear - Isaiah 59:1. 

                      Let us thank and praise God who brings us out of captivity with a mighty hand, an outstretched arm and with great wonders as nothing is too hard for Him. When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad - Psalm 126:1-3. And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm - Deuteronomy 5:15.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory - Psalm 98:1. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for bringing us out of captivity by a mighty hand, an outstretched arm and with great wonders as nothing is too hard for You. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

Be Thankful To Him And Bless His Name

                                Be thankful to Him, and bless His name - Psalm 100:4.

1. We are to be thankful for God's grace

 God's grace is exceedingly abundant and sufficient in our life.

"The grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant"(1 Timothy 1:14). 

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work "(2 Corinthians 9:8).

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness "(2 Corinthians 12:9).

2. We are to be thankful for good health

Good health is a great blessing from God and so let us thank God for healing us and giving us good health. 

"O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me" (Psalm 30:2).

3. We are to be thankful for God saving our life from distresses

God protected us and saved us from distresses as we called upon Him and so let us be thankful to God.

"Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses" (Psalm 107:13).

4. We are to be thankful for God's mercies

God's mercies are great, abounding and new every morning in our life.

"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust" (Psalm 103:8-14).

"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."(Lamentations 3:22-23).

5. We are to be thankful for God's provision

We need to be thankful for God providing for us all that we need.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1).

       Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever - Psalm 118:29.

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ - Ephesians 5:20. 

                                                                            

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We are thankful to You for all You have done in our life. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.