Today's Devotional: The Upper Room Daily Devotional "A Simple Question" for Wednesday, 27 May 2015 - Scripture: 2 Kings 22:11 – 23:3

Today's Devotional:

The Upper Room Daily Devotional "A Simple Question" for Wednesday, 27 May 2015 - Scripture: 2 Kings 22:11 After the king had heard what was written in the scroll of the Torah, he tore his clothes. 12 Then the king issued this order to Hilkiyah the cohen, Achikam the son of Shafan, ‘Akhbor the son of Mikhayah, Shafan the secretary and ‘Asayah the king’s servant: 13 “Go; and consult Adonai for me, for the people and for all Y’hudah in regard to what is written in this scroll which has been found. For Adonai must be furious at us, since our ancestors did not listen to the words written in this scroll and didn’t do everything written there that concerns us.” 14 So Hilkiyahu the cohen, Achikam, Akhbor, Shafan and ‘Asayah went to Huldah the prophet, the wife of Shalum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harchas, keeper of the wardrobe — she lived in the Second Quarter of Yerushalayim — and spoke with her. 15 She told them, “Adonai the God of Isra’el says to tell the man who sent you to me 16 that Adonai says this: ‘I am going to bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants, every word in the scroll the king of Y’hudah has read; 17 because they have abandoned me and offered to other gods, in order to provoke me with everything they do. Therefore my anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched.’ 18 But you are to tell the king of Y’hudah, who sent you to consult Adonai, that Adonai the God of Isra’el also says this: ‘In regard to the words you have heard, 19 because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before Adonai when you heard what I said against this place and its inhabitants — that they would become an object of astonishment and cursing — and have torn your clothes and cried before me, I have also heard you, says Adonai. 20 Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, you will go to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see all the calamity I am going to bring on this place.’” So they brought word back to the king.

23 Then the king summoned all the leaders of Y’hudah and Yerushalayim, and they assembled with him. 2 The king went up to the house of Adonai with all the men of Y’hudah, all those living in Yerushalayim, the cohanim, the prophets and all the people, both small and great; and he read in their hearing everything written in the scroll of the covenant that had been found in the house of Adonai. 3 The king stood on the platform and made a covenant in the presence of Adonai to live following Adonai, observing his mitzvot, instructions and regulations wholeheartedly and with all his being, so as to confirm the words of the covenant written in this scroll. All the people stood, pledging themselves to keep the covenant.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.[Exodus 20:7 (KJV)]

“Ginger, do you love God?” my friend Sherry asked.

“Well yes! You know I do.” I was shocked by this question. Sherry walked with me every day on our breaks, and we talked about our faith and life in general. We came to know a lot about each other, or at least I thought we did — until I heard this question. We had talked about the changes we had been through and how God had delivered each of us.

“Then why do you constantly take God’s name in vain?” Just like that, she had let the wind out of my sails. I accepted the loving admonishment and made a change that very day. I wasn’t raised to disrespect God in any way, big or small.

King Josiah also knew he needed to make a change. When a book of the law was found, he had it interpreted by the prophetess Huldah. The interpretation let him and the people know that they had abandoned God and that God was angry.

Just like Josiah, I began a new relationship with God. I thanked Sherry that day for pointing out something that I had been too careless or blind to see. I’ll never forget how much love she showed for me and for God with one simple question.

The Author: Ginger Robinson (Texas, USA)

Thought for the Day: How do my words express my love for God?

Prayer: Dear God, you know our hearts and that our desire is to be close to you. Correct us when we wander from your path. Amen.

Prayer focus: Spiritual Friends

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