What does it mean when Amaziah did right in the sight of the Lord but not with a whole heart in 2 Chronicles 25:2? What was the driving force in Amaziah’s life? In 2 Chronicles 25 Amaziah makes an alliance with one hundred thousand fighting men of Israel but when a man of God gives him a warning he breaks the alliance. Why did Amaziah send away the hired men from Israel? When he speaks to the man of God about turning the men of Israel away he is concerned not that he offended God but about the money spent on the men of war. Amaziah feared the Lord but did he find his delight in Him? The life of Amaziah seems very similar to the life of may people today where we seek out the riches of this world first before we seek out God. We can never whole heartedly seek God when we have placed a greater value on anything in this world. Continue Reading…
A warning against idolatry and pride: 2 Chronicles 25 and 26
The amazing and unwavering faithfulness of God: 2 Chronicles 5 and 6
How do people experience God in real and tangible ways yet still wander from Him like a twirling weathervane in a chaotic storm? In 2 Chronicles 5:14 the glory of the Lord filled the newly built temple so that the priests could not enter. From 2 Kings we know that the people of Israel strayed away from God after Solomon’s reign. What hope is there for mankind for overcoming this inherent failure? Are our expectations focused correctly on what truly matters? Do we have a proper perspective on failure?
In 2 Chronicles 6:12-42 Solomon offers a prayer of dedication to God for the Temple. As you read through this prayer of Solomon remember that he has been blessed with a wisdom from God that no man can rival. Solomon pleads with God to remember the promises He has made with the people of Israel. Solomon knew that the most important key to survival was God alone. Continue Reading…
God’s sovereignty in tribulation instills clarity: 2 Samuel 15 and 16
Who is David? As I have read through 2 Samuel I have been getting a better picture of this great leader of Israel. My initial view of David prior to this time of quiet reflection about his character was built upon what I heard in sunday school, church services, and bible studies. I remember hearing that David was a man after God’s own heart but I never wondered about him in a deeper way beyond the touted characteristics repeatedly presented to me. The picture that we are presented in 2 Samuel shapes David into a man plagued with personal problems, family problems, and problems ruling over Israel but the consistent trait that David displays through out his life is total dependance upon God. Continue Reading…
Unconditional love and devotion remembered by God: Ruth 1 and 2
How do you react in times of trial and tribulation? Do you desire to take the easy way out making your burden, grief, or pain easier to bear? Does persistence in troubled times pay off? As the story of Judges plays out where God raises up people to deliver Israel in the midst of their disobedience we are given hope because all of Israel has not fallen away from God as evidenced in the book of Ruth. Continue Reading…
