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Devotionals Pointing the Way

John Maisel, Founder of East-West Ministries

Spiritual Reflections, a weekly devotional, is written by East-West Ministries founder, John Maisel. The aim of our weekly email devotionals is to minister to you, the reader. These devotionals are designed to encourage, inspire, and strengthen in your Christian journey. Register now to begin receiving these weekly devotionals.

John's most recent devotional:

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Intentional Acts of Faith to Honor God Part 5

We’ve been highlighting the three keys to living the abundant life that Jesus promised:

INTIMACY with Jesus
INTEGRITY through the Holy Spirit
INTENTIONAL acts of faith to honor God

After we’ve established intimacy and integrity in our spiritual walk, we are called to engage in intentional acts of faith to honor God.

Jehoshaphat was one of the godly rulers of Judah. 2 Chronicles 20:1 describes a time when a vast army came to make war on Jehoshaphat. What is Jehoshaphat’s first response? Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah (20:3). Jehoshaphat is afraid, so the first thing he does is to turn his attention toward seeking the Lord. That’s intimacy!

Then he prays an eloquent prayer that ends with this crucial phrase: We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. That’s integrity through the Holy Spirit.

Then the Lord speaks to Jehoshaphat, saying, Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them… You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you (20:15–17).

Jehoshaphat had heard from the Lord. Then he had to be intentional in leading his people into battle. 2 Chron. 20:20 says, Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld… Then he led the people in singing praises to the Lord.

As the people began to praise the Lord, God set ambushes against the men who were invading Judah, and they were defeated (20:22–23). This passage ends with the pronouncement, And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side (20:30).

When we follow Jehoshaphat’s example and act intentionally by faith, He will fight for us. If we focus on the circumstances, we’ll be overwhelmed. The only way we can have the victory is to step out intentionally in faith and say, Lord, we do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.