Doing What's Right

How refreshing to read: Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done. (1 Kings 15:11) The story of many of those kings we just read about began different, "_____ did evil in the eyes of the LORD."

Asa wasn't perfect, but he tried to follow the Lord. He successfully made some difficult decisions about his faith. He got rid of the idols his ancestors made, he deposed his own grandmother because she continued to worship Asherah. (More information on the life and rule of King Asa can be found in 2 Chronicles 14-16).

The fact Asa followed in King David's footsteps instead of in his own father's, is noteworthy. It reinforces that not only the sins of the fathers' can follow us or influence our lifestyle; so to, the righteousness and pleasing goodness of our fathers' impact us in a strong way. These stories are not only interesting, they are great teaching moments. 

I realize from this story; it isn't good enough to abolish most of the evil in our lives. We must banish all. King Asa removes most of the idols, but not all. I wonder why? Can this behavior be compared to us, when we follow Jesus, but keep one foot in our old life?

Once I began to grow my relationship with Jesus, I would recognize things I needed to turn away from. My old friends didn't always like that idea and encouraged me to go back to the times we used to enjoy. They didn't understand my new heart rejected that old fun. I wanted different things, my goals and desires changed.

But sometimes I still struggle with the 'old me', I still fight against those things which once controlled my heart. I suppose it is natural, but not necessary if I truly cast aside the sin that so easily entangles, (from Hebrews 12:1). Therein lies the value of reading scripture on a regular basis. When I spend time in the Old and the New Testament, I am informed and challenged to live a better life. I want to trust God for all things, always. One day I want to hear It said, "she did what was right in the eyes of the Lord."

1 Kings 15:9-24

A Hope Worth Shouting About

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 

My grandma and grandpa were amazing people. They loved and cared for my sister and me for many years. I know they had a relationship with Jesus just by the way they acted. Their love for each other was evident and their love for others was too. They were in church every Sunday and involved in church community too.

They were raised in the quiet generation sometimes called the silent generation. They lived through WWI and the great depression. They didn't talk about their painful experiences, nor did they talk about their faith. Faith was a very personal thing and one didn't discuss it openly. My grandparents were no different. But still I knew they were Christian by their actions and their love.

When my world as a child was in turmoil, there was peace and hope for a good day at grandma's. When I would spend time with grandpa in his workshop repairing my bicycle or building a chest of drawers for my bedroom, I felt hope in my heart. He was strong and silent and that is what I loved. When all around me was chaos and drama, there was peace in the silence that comes from authentic love.

I recognize now, that peace could only come from a relationship with Jesus. I feel it now too, but my generation isn't silent. We can't afford to be. It is now time to tell the reason for the hope we have. It is time to share the good news and tell everyone who will listen, just how amazing is Jesus and what a life filled with hope can be like. And sometimes our actions speak even louder than our words.
1 Peter 3:13-18