Back from vacation and thinking about Jehoshaphat!

After two weeks away, I felt like I was starting a new job when I began to prepare myself last night for this morning's activities. It is great to be back in action.

This morning in our AM devotional service, we read 2 Chronicles 17. It is the beginning of the story of Jehoshaphat which will be our topic for the next few days. The story of Jehoshaphat is a great one. I was struck by the fact that this story is part of our spiritual heritage, yet we know so little of this history. Here was a great man of courage, who prepares us for the coming of Christ. In chapter 17 we are told that Jehoshaphat sent out levites, priests, and other officials to teach all the people from the Book of the Law. I was struck by the fact that the King of the church is now doing the same thing. He sends Ministers of the Word throughout His kingdom to teach His marvelous word. Yet our King also gave His blood for our peace, a central fact that we are sent out to communicate.

This coming Sunday I begin a new series in Matthew. As you may have noticed yesterday, on the back of the prayer list there are daily tools that will help you to be prepared for Sunday. Matt Parks has put these together, and they are worth taking a look at.

I have 58 messages planned for Matthew's gospel, but I may take a break here and there to do some other things. One possibility I am considering is a brief summer series on the prayers in Chronicles. One of these is the recent commercial sensation (prayer of Jabez), but there are others that are also worth looking at, including a prayer by Jehoshaphat that I will touch upon this Thursday morning (2 Chronicles 20). They are very rich and would help us all to grow in our understanding of the history that is our "family" heritage. What a blessing to be related to God through Jesus Christ, who is both the Son of David and the Son of God. More on that this Sunday.

Many thanks to Tim Andrews for his ministry among us yesterday. It was well received. Looking forward to seeing you all next Sunday or before.