Better Words, Better Actions: PraiseLive's 30 Day DevotionalSample

By Graham Power, Global Voice of Prayer

Over the past two decades, the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14 have become my life statement. It's been the anchor in the storms, and the guide that determines every decision. 

In October 2006, I encountered the living God, and He showed me a vision of three waves sweeping across the African continent and then the globe. As the waters of this wave covered the earth, it created a tsunami. This was not a tsunami of drowning and fear but of revival, such as the world has never seen. Across all three waves, the words of 2 Chronicles burnt like a flame in the dark.

The blueprint for living a life using Better Words and Actions is so clearly defined in this verse. Let's take a look. God clearly states that there is a condition for the restoration of our land. And the condition? God requires that you and I, His people, humble ourselves, pray and seek His face. We are not to be proud and arrogant but to consider others better than ourselves and look for ways to serve others. The Covid-19 pandemic has provided many opportunities for Christ-followers to be His hands and feet to a reeling world in confusion, loss, and pain. If we are to meet condition number two, we need to intentionally, daily seek His face. This may require a rescheduling of our activities to include a daily quiet time with the Father. God's last requirement is that we turn from our wicked ways. This means living our lives in purity, ethically, and with love and compassion.  

There is so much evidence of a world in chaos. Neither politicians nor scientists have answers, but God does, and He promises to forgive our sins and heal our land if we humble ourselves, pray and turn from our wicked ways.

Reflection Question: 

Does your life demonstrate humility and a desire to intentionally spend time in prayer every day?

Are you willing to live an ethical life in your family, your business, and your community? If you need to make adjustments, are you ready to pay the price? (Resource: www.unashamedlyethical.com.)

Praise + Prayer:

Father God, we come to You as Your children. We recognize that we have not followed Your guidelines; we have not turned from our wicked ways, and we are desperate for Your intervention in the world's issues.  Father, forgive us for the times we have been arrogant or self-serving.  Forgive us for our lack of prayer. I pray, Holy Spirit, that You will keep illuminating sin in my life to quickly repent and turn from my wicked ways.

Lord, we need You to heal our land, to save the nations, and to reveal Yourself to the lost. Amen.

Action Idea:

1. Take time with your family and discuss how you can intentionally spend time in prayer every day, and then set some goals for ‘family outreach.’ It could be as simple as making a meal for someone in need or mowing a lawn for an elderly neighbor.
2. Reflect on the decisions you make in your business or workplace. Are there areas where you cut corners, adjust figures or conceal taxes?  List 3 things to do to rectify these activities to live a life that is intentional and unashamedly ethical.