The enormity of God’s grace can certainly be seen in the life of King Hezekiah. When King Sennacherib of Assyria threatened Judah, God heard Hezekiah’s prayers and miraculously rescued Judah. Hezekiah had been a picture of courage and leadership in the face of great odds against him, because he trusted in God. “Be strong and courageous!”, he encouraged his people. ‘Don’t be afraid of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are just men. We have the Lord our God to help us and fight our battles for us” (II Chronicles 32:7&8).
When Hezekiah became deathly ill, the prophet Isaiah went to visit him and Isaiah told Hezekiah that he was going to die (II Kings 20:1; Isaiah 38:1). But, Hezekiah was a mighty prayer warrior. He had turned to God by faith in the past. God had heard Hezekiah’s prayer then and demonstrated in His answer to Hezekiah’s prayer that He can do all things. Once again, God heard Hezekiah’s prayers and God pledged to heal Hezekiah and give him fifteen more years of life (II Kings 20:2-7; Isaiah 38:2-6). The Bible then tells us, “But Hezekiah did not respond appropriately to the kindness shown him, and he became proud. So the Lord’s anger came against him and against Judah and Jerusalem” (II Chron.32: 25&26). When the King of Babylon sent an envoy to visit Hezekiah and ask about his miraculous healing, Hezekiah showed the envoy everything he had accumulated. Hezekiah was so proud of his treasures and his wealth, there was nothing he didn’t show these foreign visitors. Neither was there any recognition on his part that what he had, came from God. As punishment, Isaiah was sent from God to inform Hezekiah that all these treasures he had bragged about, would be carried off to the palace of Babylon (II Kings 20:16-18; Isaiah 39:5-7). In one of the most selfish statements in all of scripture, Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “This message you have given me from the Lord is good. At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime” II Kings 20:19; Isaiah 39:8) Hezekiah cared only about himself. Hezekiah didn’t care what happened to his people after he died. Hezekiah didn’t care what happened to his treasures after he died. All he cared about was his own personal health and wealth. What a sad life. What a sad legacy. As you think about your life and what is important, what is it that you really care about?
Monday, July 21, 2014
Sunday, July 13, 2014
July 17
There is a right way to live, and it is God’s way. There is a wrong way to live, and it is called sin, or man’s way. No matter how intelligent we may be, and no matter how wise we may consider ourselves, our way of living always leads to death. “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). “The wages of sin is death.....” (Romans 6:23). Make no mistake. “You can’t ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death” (Galatians 6:7&8). Irregardless, of how small or inconsequential our sins may seem to us, sin is always found out or revealed (Numbers 32:23), and sin always results in destruction and death.
In fact, our sin not only affects and impacts ourselves and other people, but it also affects the world and the environment in which we live. The prophet Isaiah reminded God’s people, “the earth dries up, the crops wither, the skies refuse to rain. The earth suffers for the sins of it’s people, for they have twisted the instructions of God, violated His laws, and broken His ever-lasting covenant. Therefore, a curse consumes the earth and it’s people.....All the joys of life will be gone. The grape harvest will fail......The city writhes in chaos; every home is locked to keep out looters....The world is shaken beneath you. The earth has broken down and has utterly collapsed....The earth staggers like a drunkard......it’s sins are very great” (Isaiah 24:4-10,18-20).
Before God brought order to planet earth, our world was a mess (Genesis 1:1). Adam and Eve’s sin messed up creation all over again. The apostle Paul wrote in the New Testament, “all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are. Against it’s will, everything on earth was subjected to God’s curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Romans 8:19-22).
God will some day make everything right. But, in the meantime, if you think your sins are no big deal, you best think again!
In fact, our sin not only affects and impacts ourselves and other people, but it also affects the world and the environment in which we live. The prophet Isaiah reminded God’s people, “the earth dries up, the crops wither, the skies refuse to rain. The earth suffers for the sins of it’s people, for they have twisted the instructions of God, violated His laws, and broken His ever-lasting covenant. Therefore, a curse consumes the earth and it’s people.....All the joys of life will be gone. The grape harvest will fail......The city writhes in chaos; every home is locked to keep out looters....The world is shaken beneath you. The earth has broken down and has utterly collapsed....The earth staggers like a drunkard......it’s sins are very great” (Isaiah 24:4-10,18-20).
Before God brought order to planet earth, our world was a mess (Genesis 1:1). Adam and Eve’s sin messed up creation all over again. The apostle Paul wrote in the New Testament, “all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are. Against it’s will, everything on earth was subjected to God’s curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Romans 8:19-22).
God will some day make everything right. But, in the meantime, if you think your sins are no big deal, you best think again!
July 14
What happens when we hold a grudge against someone? What does remembering someone’s sin against us do to our relationship with that person? Anger towards someone because of what they have done to us, can literally destroy us. Bitterness can not only ruin us mentally, psychologically, and spiritually, but also physically. Those who do not believe in the Lord or trust in Him can be corrupted by their bitterness (Hebrews 12:15).
Forgiveness can restore a relationship as sweetly as a rain can wash a dense humidity right out of the air. God has given us a very clear example when it comes to dealing with sin. “If you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you” (Psalm 130:3&4). We have more sins God could count against us than any of us even knows. God is so holy and pure that if we tried to approach Him with even one sin still in our account, it would disqualify us from relating to Him. Consequently, when God forgives our sin, He removes it from our account. God will “not constantly accuse us.....He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does He deal with us as we deserve......He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:9-12). “If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth” (I John 1:8). We have the assurance that if “we confess our sins to God, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong” (I John 1:9). Note, the author did not say that God would forgive us from some of our wrongs or even most of our wrongs, but every wrong. Now, if the all-knowing God is willing to forgive us from every wrong for the sake of our relationship with Him, how do you suppose God expects us to act toward those who have offended us? In the same way, of course. “Forgive one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are His dear children” (Ephesians 4:32-5:1). Those who are able to forgive others even as God has forgiven us, bring a refresh-ment to our world that can only come from God.
Forgiveness can restore a relationship as sweetly as a rain can wash a dense humidity right out of the air. God has given us a very clear example when it comes to dealing with sin. “If you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you” (Psalm 130:3&4). We have more sins God could count against us than any of us even knows. God is so holy and pure that if we tried to approach Him with even one sin still in our account, it would disqualify us from relating to Him. Consequently, when God forgives our sin, He removes it from our account. God will “not constantly accuse us.....He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does He deal with us as we deserve......He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:9-12). “If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth” (I John 1:8). We have the assurance that if “we confess our sins to God, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong” (I John 1:9). Note, the author did not say that God would forgive us from some of our wrongs or even most of our wrongs, but every wrong. Now, if the all-knowing God is willing to forgive us from every wrong for the sake of our relationship with Him, how do you suppose God expects us to act toward those who have offended us? In the same way, of course. “Forgive one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are His dear children” (Ephesians 4:32-5:1). Those who are able to forgive others even as God has forgiven us, bring a refresh-ment to our world that can only come from God.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
JUly 12
The Hebrew writer tells us, “the Word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are” (4:12). How can that be? How can the Word of God be as relevant for us today as it was for those who first read it many centuries ago? How is it possible that the Word of God knows me so well and when someone uses God’s Word or quotes from God’s Word, it often seems as though they are speaking directly to me? It’s because “nothing in all creation can hide from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done” (4:13). We need to understand that God’s Word is not a collect-ion of writings from the mind of man. Peter says, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God” (II Peter 1:20& 21). The God who sees all and knows all, is the same God who inspired human beings to record His infinite wisdom so that we might find true life by following His Word, which is His will.
The individual who was inspired by God to write what we know of as Psalm 139, spent 176 verses reaffirming the importance of God’s Word. This is the longest chapter by far, in the entire Bible. Listen to the many things the author says about God’s Word. “Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord” (vs.1). “Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!” (vs.5). “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following it’s rules” (vs.9) “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (vs.11). “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your law. I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands” (vss.18&19). “Your laws are all I want in life” (vs.39). “Your law is more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver!” (vs.72). “I will never forget your commandments, for you have used them to restore my joy and health” (vs.93). “Your word is my only source of hope” (vs.114). “Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much” (vs.140). “Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble” (vs.165).
Jesus Christ said of himself, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). He also said, “you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Love the Word of God. Read the Word of God. Memorize the Word of God. Live by the Word of God, and the Word of God will be the lamp and the light that helps you successfully navigate your journey through life (vs.105).
The individual who was inspired by God to write what we know of as Psalm 139, spent 176 verses reaffirming the importance of God’s Word. This is the longest chapter by far, in the entire Bible. Listen to the many things the author says about God’s Word. “Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord” (vs.1). “Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!” (vs.5). “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following it’s rules” (vs.9) “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (vs.11). “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your law. I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands” (vss.18&19). “Your laws are all I want in life” (vs.39). “Your law is more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver!” (vs.72). “I will never forget your commandments, for you have used them to restore my joy and health” (vs.93). “Your word is my only source of hope” (vs.114). “Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much” (vs.140). “Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble” (vs.165).
Jesus Christ said of himself, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). He also said, “you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Love the Word of God. Read the Word of God. Memorize the Word of God. Live by the Word of God, and the Word of God will be the lamp and the light that helps you successfully navigate your journey through life (vs.105).
July 7
Throughout the centuries, many have fought wars in God’s name and killed other people in God’s name. Some had pure motives. Many didn’t. “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you?” James asks. “Isn’t it the whole army of evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can’t possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them” (James 4:1&2). Wars are oftentimes fought because someone wants something from someone else they don’t already have. To be sure, there are others who end up in fights or battles simply by defending them-selves and their families against those who are evil and selfish. Only God knows when our motives are pure and right. God “knows everything - - doesn’t He also know what you are doing? The Lord knows people’s thoughts” (Psalm 94:10& 11).
There are those from every religion who believe their cause is right, many who will “claim that God is on their side.” Among them are “leaders who permit injustice by (the) laws (they make). They attack the righteous and condemn the innocent to death” (94:20&21). But, God knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:13). God knows when rulers wage war for their own selfish gain and when rulers wage war to defend their people. One of the purposes for those who rule is to protect those whom they rule. “The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. (For) the authorities are established by God....to punish those who do wrong” (Romans 13:4). We may not always see justice done immediately in our lifetimes. And we may not live long enough to always see the evil punished and the righteous redeemed. Faith is know-ing that, “God will (eventually) make the sins of evil people fall back upon them. He will destroy them for their sins” (94:23). “The Lord will not reject His people; He will not abandon His own special possession. Judgment will come again for the righteous, and those who are upright will have a reward” (94:14&15).
There are those from every religion who believe their cause is right, many who will “claim that God is on their side.” Among them are “leaders who permit injustice by (the) laws (they make). They attack the righteous and condemn the innocent to death” (94:20&21). But, God knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:13). God knows when rulers wage war for their own selfish gain and when rulers wage war to defend their people. One of the purposes for those who rule is to protect those whom they rule. “The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. (For) the authorities are established by God....to punish those who do wrong” (Romans 13:4). We may not always see justice done immediately in our lifetimes. And we may not live long enough to always see the evil punished and the righteous redeemed. Faith is know-ing that, “God will (eventually) make the sins of evil people fall back upon them. He will destroy them for their sins” (94:23). “The Lord will not reject His people; He will not abandon His own special possession. Judgment will come again for the righteous, and those who are upright will have a reward” (94:14&15).
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
July 3
There do exist women who are immoral, selfish, and dangerous to be around. That which comes out of their mouths is poisonous and destructive. They do not realize how their decisions are destroying not only their own lives, but the lives of others around them (Proverbs 5:1-14). These women see nothing wrong with their self-centered lifestyle (30:20).
Proverbs is a long book and it has much to say about women. How appropriate that it closes with a description of a woman that every girl and lady should strive to be like. A virtuous and wise wife is “worth more than precious rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She will not hinder him but help him all her life” (31:10-12). Godly women have for centuries, been credited for influencing their husbands to come to the Lord (I Peter 3:1-6) and for raising godly children. The example of a godly woman’s outstanding character as well as her unselfish lifestyle often speaks volumes to those privileged to be around her. A godly woman works hard and works long. She is concerned more about others than she is herself. She carefully weighs the words she uses before she speaks. More often than not, she lives in relative obscurity. But, she deserves to be praised. She is worthy of praise. At the very least, her children should stand and praise her, as should her husband (31:28-31).
Has your life been blessed by such a woman? Whether she is your mother or she is your wife, take time to praise her, to let her know that you notice her example, and that your life is greatly impacted by hers.
Proverbs is a long book and it has much to say about women. How appropriate that it closes with a description of a woman that every girl and lady should strive to be like. A virtuous and wise wife is “worth more than precious rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She will not hinder him but help him all her life” (31:10-12). Godly women have for centuries, been credited for influencing their husbands to come to the Lord (I Peter 3:1-6) and for raising godly children. The example of a godly woman’s outstanding character as well as her unselfish lifestyle often speaks volumes to those privileged to be around her. A godly woman works hard and works long. She is concerned more about others than she is herself. She carefully weighs the words she uses before she speaks. More often than not, she lives in relative obscurity. But, she deserves to be praised. She is worthy of praise. At the very least, her children should stand and praise her, as should her husband (31:28-31).
Has your life been blessed by such a woman? Whether she is your mother or she is your wife, take time to praise her, to let her know that you notice her example, and that your life is greatly impacted by hers.
July 1
During the reign of King Asa of Judah, Hanani told the King, “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (II Chron-icles 16:9). Asa’s life is a good example of that truth. When we follow God with our whole hearts, God sees our obedience and blesses us. When we don’t follow God with our whole hearts, God sees our disobedience and removes His hand of blessing.
After generations of his ancestors before him had been very lukewarm, if not cold, in their walk with God, King Hezekiah of Judah, embarks upon a spiritual reform the likes of which had not taken place in a long time. The Bible says, “Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly. As a result, he was successful” (II Chron.31:21). It is amazing what God can do through one person whose heart is totally sold out to Him. In the very first month of his reign, Hezekiah reopened the Temple and ordered the priests to purify themselves and the Temple of the Lord (II Chron. 29:1-11). The Bible says it took sixteen days to clean out the Temple (29:17). Now, what is meant is not that it took that long to sweep, dust, and mop the Temple. No, it took sixteen days to clear out all the pagan idols and images that previous generations had taken into the Temple of the Lord!
Paul writes in the New Testament that “God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him” (Philippians 2:13). During this revival that Hezekiah was orchestrating by his leadership and obedience to God, the Bible says, “God’s hand was on the people in the land of Judah, giving them a strong desire to unite in obeying the orders of the king and his officials, who were following the word of the Lord” (II Chron.30:12). In other words, the people were ready. God’s people were starving for someone to give them the correct spiritual direction. It is thrilling to read about the impact that Hezekiah had on an entire nation of people. Why? Because he was willing to do the right thing. Because he boldly took his stand for the Lord.
Is it naive for us to think that God would do the same thing for anyone seriously seeking God’s will with their whole hearts today (Joshua 1:6-9)? Why don’t you be one who finds out?
After generations of his ancestors before him had been very lukewarm, if not cold, in their walk with God, King Hezekiah of Judah, embarks upon a spiritual reform the likes of which had not taken place in a long time. The Bible says, “Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly. As a result, he was successful” (II Chron.31:21). It is amazing what God can do through one person whose heart is totally sold out to Him. In the very first month of his reign, Hezekiah reopened the Temple and ordered the priests to purify themselves and the Temple of the Lord (II Chron. 29:1-11). The Bible says it took sixteen days to clean out the Temple (29:17). Now, what is meant is not that it took that long to sweep, dust, and mop the Temple. No, it took sixteen days to clear out all the pagan idols and images that previous generations had taken into the Temple of the Lord!
Paul writes in the New Testament that “God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him” (Philippians 2:13). During this revival that Hezekiah was orchestrating by his leadership and obedience to God, the Bible says, “God’s hand was on the people in the land of Judah, giving them a strong desire to unite in obeying the orders of the king and his officials, who were following the word of the Lord” (II Chron.30:12). In other words, the people were ready. God’s people were starving for someone to give them the correct spiritual direction. It is thrilling to read about the impact that Hezekiah had on an entire nation of people. Why? Because he was willing to do the right thing. Because he boldly took his stand for the Lord.
Is it naive for us to think that God would do the same thing for anyone seriously seeking God’s will with their whole hearts today (Joshua 1:6-9)? Why don’t you be one who finds out?
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