Joash became king when he was very young and he was influenced in a positive way by the priest. “And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.” (2 Chronicles 24:2) But it proved that Joash’s faith was rooted in that of Jehoiada. “Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the LORD,…
The prophet Micaiah made it clear where his words would come from. “And Micaiah said, “As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak.” (2 Chronicles 18:13 NKJV) We also should follow and not modify the words of our Lord. “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2 NKJV) Today’s reading: 1 Kings…
Even though he was a king and had great material blessings, Ahab went to his room and pouted when he was not able to buy a vineyard that he coveted. “So Ahab went into his house sullen and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat…
Elijah received a threatening message from Jezebel. He was afraid and asked God to let him die. Letting him die was not in God’s plan. An angel was sent to take care of Elijah and get him going again. Later Elijah was trying to hide in a cave and God asked him what he was doing. “He said, ‘I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown…
Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sent a threatening message to Hezekiah, king of Judah. “Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’” (2 Kings 19:10) The message listed many other countries that had been taken by Sennacherib and basically said that Judah was next on his list. Hezekiah did the best thing that he could…
Jehoshaphat appointed judges and gave them instructions on how they were to judge. “Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality or taking bribes.” (2 Chronicles 19:7) Paul also told us thru his letter to the Colossians how we should act toward our just God. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you…
With all the knowledge that he had, Solomon recognized that there were still things only God knew. “then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways, for you, you only, know the hearts of the children of mankind,” (2 Chronicles 6:30) It is easy for us to think we know someone’s heart or motive, but Jesus also said that only God can do that. “The Pharisees, who were…
Elijah had the power of God behind him when he challenged the prophets of Baal. His challenge was for each to take a bull, place it with wood on an altar and let their god provide the fire. After Baal was not able to start a fire on their altar, Elijah had his altar soaked in water before he made his request to God. “Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are…
We receive blessings from our Heavenly Father that are too numerous to count. Some of these blessings are intended to help others. “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16) “Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:9) No matter how great we are blessed in this life, it will not compare to the life we can have with Him in Heaven. “Do not lay…
Just like in our country’s history, the nations in Bible times had both good and bad leaders. Asa was one who reigned over Judah. “And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:” (2 Chronicles 14:2) We see how when nations followed God, He blessed them in whatever way that He knew they needed. “and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, ‘Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The LORD…