Some Good in You

July 27, 2012    **Friday. Starbucks. 7:54a**

2 Chronicles 19:1-3

When King Jehoshaphat of Judah arrived safely home in Jerusalem, Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him.  "Why should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?"  he asked the king.  "Because of what you have done, the Lord is very angry with you.  Even so, there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles throughout the land, and you have committed yourself to seeking God."

Jehoshaphat was the Kingdom of Judah's fourth king, a descendant of David.  He was known to be one of the most successful and prosperous ruler because of his commitment to God.  He removed Asherah poles and demanded that his people also follow God.  His only fault or failure is in his choice of alliances.  He kept sketchy friends.  In these verses, his alliance was the king of Israel, King Ahab, who the led both their armies into war where he met his death.

Since the bible is a book of stories, this story teaches me a valuable lesson about wisely choosing your friends.  King Jehoshaphat did really well during his kingship but he chose the wrong set of friends.  In life we all have our various sets of friends that we associate with.  During my life, I know I've chosen the wrong ones and have kept one really good friend.  Those wrong friends and the choices I've made during our friendships have caused me to face consequences where at times they may have been minor but more often than not, they were life altering.  

Lord, Thank you for your book of stories that is alive and true.  Help me to recognize principles, truth, and correction in the words that are written.  There are so many times where I don't know what to do and I know that your instructions for living life are breathed into the very ink of this wonderful masterpiece.  I love you for giving us the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, our holy BIBLE.  Amen.

Just like King Jehoshaphat, there may be times where God is mad at us, but since there is some good in us, we are able to know, have, and experience God's GRACE.

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