June 2020

28/06/2020

2 Chronicles 15 v 1 - 7
The Lord is with you...

People tend to turn to the Lord in times of distress, but should it take a crisis to force us on our knees?

When all the plans you have made, fall through and everyone you have consulted, disappoints you or chastises you like Job’s friends, the only One remaining is the Lord. Why not turn to Him in the first place?

Let’s look at what the prophet Azariah said:
“The Lord is with you, when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.” (vers 2)

Your first response might be, that it is said multiple times “He will never leave us, nor forsake us” [paraphrase] and this is true. His love for us might be unconditional in the sense that we don’t have to qualify in order to receive His grace – it has always been a free gift for all to receive – but we cannot go about our own lives and place God in the background, doing as we please, yet expecting Him to bless us.

Then we are no better than Israel was, when they longed after and served other gods. Relationships take effort. It is hard work and a successful relationship is not shared 50/50, but 100/100. Think about it. Jesus gave up His life so we may live and now we are only willing to give 50% of ourselves when WE CHOOSE to accept His grace.

In conclusion;

1. The Lord is with you when you are with Him
   God does not need us, but we are in need of Him and His grace. He is everywhere and in everyone (through His Spirit) who repents and turn to Him for salvation.
2. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him
   Today is the day of salvation. “Hear what God says: “When the time came for me to show you favor, I heard you; when the day arrived for me to save you, I helped you.” Listen! This is the hour to receive God’s favor; today is the day to be saved!” (2 Cor 6 v 2) [Good News Translation]
3. If you forsake Him, He will forsake you
   How do we forsake God then? It’s simple. When we choose the world over Him. When people become more important. When we would rather decide to do things our way.

May the Lord become your everything, living each moment, with every breath and every heart beat as if it is your last.

“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation”