June 25 & 26

June 25

2 Chron 18-20/Eph 3

June 26

2 Chron 21-23/Eph 4

June 25

The student edition of the NIV bible calls the prayer in 20:6 of 2 Chronicles a "model prayer." This is a model prayer because Jehoshaphat begins with the adoration of God, reminded him of his promises, set forth a problem, and asked for help. Jehoshaphat was so confident that he even thanks God for the answer before it came! Perhaps this week you could follow Jehoshaphat's model prayer when you pray to God.

In Ephesians we are also reading a prayer, this time written by Paul to the church at Ephesus. Paul's hope for the church applies to the mission of First Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg, IA today as well:

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurability more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church an din Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Amen!

June 26

I thought the most powerful passage from the readings for today is the one issued by Paul in 4:29-32. Its a nice challenge to try to live up to his words for tomorrow.

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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Its been great blogging with you this week!