W10D2: Focus on the right things. Overflow from your heart and faith will produce.

Starting today with my morning dog walk the idea of what is being put in will impact what will come out. You’ve heard the saying “from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks“, right? How about how you can tell if it’s a good or back tree based on the fruit it produces and similarly, “‘But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.’” Today’s verse of the day tells us about pure and faultless religion in the eyes of God as follows:

So today, let’s refuse to let the world corrupt us and choose to pursue the type of religion that is acceptable to God. What can we use our time and energy today to produce good fruit that will bless others and honor God? Let’s invite the Holy Spirit to do some spring cleaning in our hearts and to refill it to overflowing with His love as described in 1 Corinthians 13 so that what comes out of us will be pleasing to God rather than being “a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal“, being “nothing”, or “gaining nothing“. Let’s remember that ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.‘

Guard Your Heart

The Bible teaches us the importance of guarding our hearts, as it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This verse highlights the necessity of being vigilant about what we allow into our hearts, as it influences our thoughts, words, and actions. To guard your heart, immerse yourself in God’s Word, surround yourself with positive influences, and avoid negative and harmful content. By doing so, you cultivate a heart filled with love, peace, and righteousness, which naturally produces good fruit in your life.

Faith in Action

James 2:17 tells us, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” This powerful verse underscores the importance of demonstrating our faith through our deeds. Our actions reflect the state of our hearts and our relationship with God. When we live out our faith through acts of kindness, service, and love, we not only honor God but also become a testimony to others. Strive to put your faith into action daily by seeking opportunities to help others, showing compassion, and living out the teachings of Jesus.

Overflowing with Love

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 reminds us that without love, our actions are meaningless. “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” This passage emphasizes that love should be the foundation of all we do. Love is patient, kind, and rejoices in the truth. It protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. As we allow God’s love to fill our hearts, it will naturally overflow into our interactions with others, reflecting the character of Christ and bringing glory to God.

Living Out Our Faith

In conclusion, what we allow into our hearts significantly impacts our lives and the lives of those around us. By guarding our hearts, putting our faith into action, and overflowing with love, we can produce good fruit that blesses others and honors God. As you pursue a new job, remember to stay rooted in God’s Word, let His love guide your actions, and seek to glorify Him in all you do. Trust that as you focus on the right things, God will provide and guide you according to His perfect plan. Keep pressing forward with faith, knowing that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).

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Today’s Reading:

• 1 Kings 21
• 1 Kings 22

My Notes:

Every day it’s important to turn to God’s Word to hear directly from Him in order to hear what He has to say to help us understand and receive knowledge from His teaching, find accountability and growth through His rebuking, improve and get into alignment through His correction, develop skills and be prepared through His training. God’s Word is active and alive, never returning void and sharper than a double-edged sword, able to cut to the core of the situations and circumstances we are going through. So don’t go it alone, turn to God and choose to walk out today what He has for you. Don’t limit yourself to my notes but instead use the links above to read or have it read to you so that you can make your own notes and receive what God has to say to you.

1 Kings 21

Ahab’s Covetousness and Its Consequences

In 1 Kings 21, we see King Ahab’s covetous desire for Naboth’s vineyard leading him down a path of grave sin. Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, orchestrates a deceitful plan that results in Naboth’s unjust death (1 Kings 21:7-16). This act of injustice stirs God’s anger, prompting the prophet Elijah to confront Ahab with a severe prophecy of judgment (1 Kings 21:19). This narrative illustrates the dangers of allowing covetousness and deceit to take root in our hearts. Guard your heart against envy and desire for others’ possessions, as these can lead to actions that dishonor God and harm others. As you search for a new job, remain content and trust in God’s provision, avoiding the temptation to compromise your integrity for the sake of gain.

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• Naboth’s Vineyard
  • ‘Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him. In those letters she wrote: “Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them bring charges that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them. They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.” As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead.” When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard. ‘ – 1 Kings 21:7-16
  • ‘Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?’ Then say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’” ‘ – 1 Kings 21:19

1 Kings 22

Jehoshaphat’s Alliance and Seeking God’s Counsel

In 1 Kings 22, King Jehoshaphat of Judah joins forces with Ahab to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead. However, before proceeding, Jehoshaphat insists on seeking God’s counsel. Despite Ahab’s prophets predicting success, Micaiah, a true prophet of the Lord, foresees disaster (1 Kings 22:17). This passage highlights the importance of seeking and heeding God’s guidance, even when it contradicts popular opinion. Always seek God’s direction and wisdom in your decisions. In your job search, commit your plans to God, and seek His wisdom in every opportunity you consider. Trust that His guidance will lead you to the right position, even if it means waiting longer or passing up seemingly good opportunities.

The Fall of Ahab and God’s Sovereignty

The final section of 1 Kings 22 recounts the battle at Ramoth-Gilead, where Ahab meets his end despite his attempts to disguise himself (1 Kings 22:34-37). This outcome underscores God’s sovereignty and the fulfillment of His word. Ahab’s fate, as prophesied by Micaiah, serves as a stark reminder that no human scheme can thwart God’s plans. Trust in God’s sovereignty and His control over all circumstances. As you wait for the right job opportunity, remember that God is in control. Even if circumstances seem unfavorable, trust that He is working for your good and His glory. Remain faithful and patient, knowing that His timing is perfect.

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• Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab
  • ‘Then Micaiah answered, “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, ‘These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.’” ‘ — 1 Kings 22:17
• Ahab Killed at Ramoth Gilead
  • ‘But someone drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the sections of his armor. The king told his chariot driver, “Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I’ve been wounded.” All day long the battle raged, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans. The blood from his wound ran onto the floor of the chariot, and that evening he died. As the sun was setting, a cry spread through the army: “Every man to his town. Every man to his land!” So the king died and was brought to Samaria, and they buried him there. ‘ — 1 Kings 22:34-37

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Trusting God and Walking in Faith

In conclusion, the stories of 1 Kings 21-22 teach us valuable lessons about guarding our hearts, seeking God’s guidance, and trusting in His sovereignty. By avoiding envy and deceit, earnestly seeking God’s will, and trusting in His control over our lives, we can navigate our daily challenges and opportunities in a way that honors Him. As you continue your job search, let these principles guide you. Stay rooted in God’s Word, put your faith into action, and allow His love to overflow in your interactions. Trust that God, in His perfect timing, will provide the right opportunity for you. Keep moving forward with confidence and faith, knowing that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

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Today is a day that thanks to Jesus is filled with inspiration. So let us make sure we receive the gift of grace through Jesus by faith in Him and step up and out to accomplish all the good works He has prepared in advance for us to accomplish. If you haven’t received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not choose today to be the day your life is transformed and you become a new creation and start the journey of becoming everything God created, purposed, and planned for you to be?

Let’s pray: