📜 Scripture Focus (OT):

“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father’s early years and did not worship the images of Baal. He sought his father’s God and obeyed his commands instead of following the evil practices of the kingdom of Israel… He was deeply committed to the ways of the Lord… They took copies of the Book of the Law of the Lord and traveled around through all the towns of Judah, teaching the people… So Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful and built fortresses and storage cities throughout Judah.”
— 2 Chronicles 17:3–4, 6–7, 9–12 NLT

Devotional Thought: A Tale of Two Kings
What a contrast we see today between two kings: Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and Ahab, king of Israel.

“Ben-hadad sent messengers into the city to relay this message to King Ahab of Israel: ‘This is what Ben-hadad says: “Your silver and gold are mine, and so are your wives and the best of your children!”’ ‘All right, my lord the king,’ Israel’s king replied. ‘All that I have is yours!’”
— 1 Kings 20:2–4

King Ahab was willing to give away all he had—even his family—to a pagan enemy bent on destruction. His heart was filled with fear and compromise. Though the Lord gave him victory not once but twice, it was not because of his faith or obedience.

“Then a certain prophet came to see King Ahab of Israel and told him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do you see all these enemy forces? Today I will hand them all over to you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
— 1 Kings 20:13 NLT

God’s victory was not to reward Ahab—it was a mercy, so that he would know who God is.

“But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!”
— Jeremiah 9:24 NLT

Meanwhile, Jehoshaphat modeled something far better. He was deeply committed to the Lord, tore down idols, obeyed God’s commands, and made sure the people were taught God’s Word. The result? The Lord’s favor rested on him. Jehoshaphat was strengthened, enriched, protected, and respected—not because of his military power, but because of his faithfulness.

Lesson for Me
Ahab shows how fear can lead us to surrender ground that belongs to God. When we fear man more than we fear God, we open doors for compromise and destruction—of our peace, our families, and our witness.
Jehoshaphat reminds me that a life deeply rooted in the Lord—one committed to obedience and truth—will bear the fruit of strength, peace, and honor from God.

Application Questions

1. Where in my life am I allowing fear or compromise to creep in?
2. Am I surrendering anything that truly belongs to God—my peace, my trust, my priorities?
3. What specific steps can I take this week to commit more deeply to God’s ways and resist the influence of the world?

Prayer
Father, I don’t want to be like Ahab, ruled by fear and quick to surrender to pressure. Teach me to walk like Jehoshaphat—with a heart fully committed to You. Show me where I’ve allowed fear or compromise to linger, and give me the courage to tear it down. Help me stay grounded in Your Word and trust You fully, that my life would reflect Your power, peace, and presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

📅 June 17
📖 New Testament Reflection: Colossians 3
📜 Scripture Focus (NT):

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”
— Colossians 3:1–2 NLT

Devotional Thought:
 The Life I’m Called to Live
Colossians 3 is one of those chapters we need to come back to again and again. It’s packed with practical instruction and rich truth about the kind of life we are now called to live in Christ. It reminds us that if we truly belong to Him, we are no longer who we once were. We’ve died to the old life—and now we must live as people who have been raised with Christ.
Paul begins by urging us to set our minds on the things above—not earthly things. But what are these “heavenly things” that should fill our hearts and thoughts?


☁️ Heavenly Things to Set My Mind On

• Christ Himself—His character, His power, His mercy, and His lordship over my life.
• Eternal priorities—like obedience, love, holiness, and the mission to reach others.
• My identity in Christ—chosen, forgiven, set apart, deeply loved.
• The hope of eternity—knowing I will one day see Him face to face.
• God’s will—what pleases Him, not what pleases me or the world.

This is the mindset of a believer walking in newness of life. It is intentional, eternal, and focused on honoring Christ in every area of our lives.
Paul doesn't stop with where our minds should dwell—he gives us a clear list of what we are to put off and what we are to put on.
He tells us to put to death what belongs to our old nature: sexual sin, greed, anger, slander, lying. These are chains from the old life—we don’t wear them anymore.
Instead, we are to clothe ourselves with things that reflect Jesus: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all—love.

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
— Colossians 3:14

He also calls us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and the word of Christ dwell in us richly. When we do, our words will change, our relationships will change, and even our daily work will become worship to God.

Lesson for Me
This chapter reminds me that my life is not my own. I’ve been raised with Christ, and now I must live like it—choosing every day to put off the old and put on the new. My thoughts, habits, relationships, and attitudes should reflect the reality that Jesus is alive in me.

Application Questions

1. What thoughts or habits from my old nature still try to take root in me?
2. Am I setting my mind daily on the things of heaven—or letting earthly things dominate my focus?
3. What Christlike quality do I need to put on more intentionally this week?

Prayer
Lord, thank You for raising me to new life with Christ. Help me to set my mind on the things above—on You, Your will, Your love, and Your truth. Teach me to take off what doesn’t belong and to clothe myself in Your character. Let my heart be ruled by Your peace, and my life be filled with Your Word. In everything I do, may I reflect that I belong to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.