Focus
Scripture Reading — 2 Kings 12:1-16
"Let it be used to repair whatever damage is found in the temple." 2 Kings 12:5
Athaliah's sons had trashed the temple (see 2 Chronicles 24:7). So Joash got the priests together and came up with a financial plan for cleaning it up. The only trouble was that it took a while to get started--23 years! Money was gathered, but after 23 years the temple was still not repaired. Apparently everyone was honest and well-intentioned, but not focused.
So they came up with another plan. Jehoiada plunked down a big wooden chest with a hole cut in the top: "There! The money that goes in that box pays for the workers to restore the temple."
We had something like that happen in our church with regard to prayer. Often we talked about praying more. "Good idea!" "Amen!" We yearned for deeper communion as a congregation, with each other and the Lord. But things pretty much stayed the same.
Then our prayer team read a book called Red Moon Rising--How 24-7 Prayer Is Awakening a Generation, and they plunked down a calendar and a sign-up sheet and said, "Let's each pray for an hour, and take turns, day and night, for a week." So we did, putting into action what had earlier been only an idea. And God blessed us richly, touching our hearts as a congregation.
Is there something in your walk with God that needs an overhaul? Plunk it down before the Lord today.
Lord, this is it. I'm starting now. Help me to follow through and accomplish what you've laid on my heart to do. Help us all serve you faithfully as your people. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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