Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional by Kenton Cheek

Reading From I Kings 15:1-24, II Chronicles 13-16

“Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done. He expelled the male shrine prostitutes from the land and got rid of all the idols his ancestors had made. He even deposed his grandmother Maakah from her position as queen mother, because she had made a repulsive image for the worship of Asherah. Asa cut it down and burned it in the Kidron Valley. Although he did not removethe high places, Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life. He brought into the temple of the Lord the silver and gold and the articles that he and his father had dedicated.”

—I Kings 15:11-15

Our forefathers and foremothers were imperfect humans just as we are. The only perfect man was also God; the Lord Jesus Christ. In examining our heritage no matter the context, we must use the same Golden Rule that we would like applied to us.

History is to be learned from and if we need a course correction, then we should do so. The good things from those that went before us ought to be celebrated and the mistakes used to educate.

“God, I pray that we would be fair and balanced as we look to the past and build a legacy for the future.”

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love.Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

—Romans 12:9-21