Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read II Chronicles 4 -- 6

Highlights:

Chapter 4 describes the Altar and golden furnishings. Then the House of the Lord is finished. Picture the scene when the Ark was brought into the Temple; cloud of the Lord's presence fills the Temple; Solomon's prayer of dedication.
Much time and effort were given in preparation for the dedication of the Temple which took about 7-1/2 years to build (I Kin. 6:37-38). The Ark was placed within the Holy of Holies. Perhaps no event has ever equaled this momentous occasion. The king led the way to the Temple's great court (II Chr. 4:9). As they went, they sang: Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into Thy resting place, Thou, and the Ark of Thy strength . . . let Thy saints rejoice in goodness (6:41).

This awe-inspiring Ark contained the original Commandments from Moses. These were to be a constant reminder of the Covenant of God with Israel to make of them a holy nation.

In the first four of the Ten Commandments we have commands regarding man's relationship to God. All ten were summarized by our Lord in two: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbour as thyself (Luke 10:27).

After Adam and Eve sinned, all mankind was born with a sinful human nature. But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: Which were born (again), not of blood (physical birth), nor of the will of the flesh (efforts to be good enough), nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13). As Jesus said to Nicodemus (a very good religious leader): Except a man be born again, he cannot . . . enter into the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (3:3,5-6).

When a person is born of God he is indwelt with the Spirit of God. As we meditate daily upon His Word (II Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17), the Lord impart the strength and understanding to do His will. The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me (Gal. 2:20). Jesus promised: The Holy Ghost (Spirit) . . . shall teach you all things (John 14:26). We have the mind of Christ (I Cor. 2:16).

Thought for Today:

For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the rightousness of the Law (requirements of the law) might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Rom. 8:3-4).
Christ Revealed:

Through Solomon's prayer to God (II Chr. 6:14). Jesus is God: I and My Father are One (John 10:30; 17:22; 1:1; I John 5:7-8).
Word Studies:

4:2: molten sea =b> large metal, round basin; 4:22 censers =b> incense burners; 6:10 room =b> throne of Israel; 6:24 be put to the worse =b> are defeated; 6:28 dearth =b> famine; blasting =b> blight; sore =b> plague; 6:40 attent =b> attentive.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bruce Rutherford's birthday • Government Officials: Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), Sen. Lisa Murkowski (AK), and Rep. John Sarbanes (MD) • Country: Laos (5 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Lao and French • Great suppression of all Christian activities • 58% Buddhist; 33% belief in spirits and ancestor worship; 2% Christian; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray with unwavering faith so that your prayers may be answered (James 1:5-7).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 9

Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:5

[Judy Harder]

Bible Pathways

Sunday, May 23, 2010   
 
Read II Chronicles 7 -- 9

Highlights:

The confirmation of God was fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice. The people bow in reverence! The seven-day feast follows with innumerable sacrifices. Then God appears again. Note the qualification for answered prayer (II Chr. 7:14) and the consequences of sin if Israel ignores the Lord's Commandments (7:19-22). Solomon's fame gains the attention of the queen of Sheba (I Kin. 10:1-40).
The fame and wisdom of Solomon attracted the attention of the world. From far away the queen of Sheba came to prove (test) Solomon with hard questions (II Chr. 9:1). There was something beyond herself that her wealth and position could not satisfy. Her restless spirit led her on a long and difficult journey. She was astonished at Solomon's profound discernment and declared: Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on His throne, to be a king for the Lord thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made He thee king over them, to do judgment and justice (9:.

Christ commended the queen for her desire for Truth that led her to come from the uttermost parts of the earth (Matt. 12:42). Her reception by Solomon illustrates the welcome all receive when they come to the KING OF KINGS who gives according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love. . . . might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus (Eph. 3:16-21). Those who receive Christ and His Word are never disappointed. There are wonders of His grace and depths of experience beyond all comprehension to be discovered in the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge (3:19).

To the honest doubter, our appeal is that of Philip to Nathanel: We have found Him, of whom Moses in the Law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth. . . . Come and see (John 1:45-47). To all who come with a searching heart and read all His Word, 1the Bible, all doubt will be removed. They too will say: Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world (John 4:42).

Thought for Today:

We are shielded from deception when we put on the whole armour of God (Eph. 6:11-17).
Christ Revealed:

Through the glory of Solomon's kingdom (II Chr. 9:1-28). Even though Solomon had a rich and glorious kingdom, it cannot begin to compare to Christ's coming Kingdom. The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it (Rev. 22:1-5).
Word Studies:

7:11 prosperously effected =successfully accomplished all that God had planned for him to do, 7:14 seek My Face =b> know My Word; 8:5 nether =b> lower; 8:16 perfected =b> completed; 9:1 prove =b> test; 9:14 chapmen =b> merchant traders; 9:15 targets =b> large shields; 9:18 stays =b> armrests; 9:24 harness =b> armor; 9:26 the river =b> the Euphrates River.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Dina Titus (NV) • Country: Latvia (2.48 million) eastern coast of Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe • Major languages: Latvian and Russian • Religious freedom • 20% Protestant (mainly Lutheran); 20% Roman Catholic; 15% Orthodox; .9% Jewish; .4% Muslim; 43.7% Atheist/Agnostics/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith, without doubting (James 1:6).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 10

Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:6

[Judy Harder]

Read II Chronicles 10 -- 13
Highlights:

After Solomon's death, Rehoboam succeeds him and Jeroboam leads a revolt and becomes king over northern Israel; continuous war between the north and the south; apostasy and judgment. When Rehoboam dies his son Abijah (known also as Abijam) becomes king; war continues; Jeroboam dies; After a three-year reign, Abijah dies.
We are saddened to read: When Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the Law of the Lord (12:1). This is the fatal step in apostasy. Rehoboam, the grandson of the godly King David, promoted the worship of Ashtoreth, images of Baal, and other heathen abominations in the Kingdom of Judah. Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah . . . to Jerusalem because of Shishak (king of Egypt, who soon). . . . took away the treasures of the House of the Lord . . . he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made (12:5,9). This severe loss of wealth and the gold shields was the price he paid when he forsook the Law of the Lord (12:1). Added to that, the Lord said: Ye have forsaken Me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak (12:5). For the first time in more than 500 years since the Exodus, the Israelites were once again in bondage to Egypt.

The splendor of the gold shields was the symbol of the nation's pride and power and preceded the king on his journey from his home to the Temple worship. How foolish for Rehoboam to replace the magnificent shields of gold with worthless shields of brass in his traditional procession! Vain and proud, he was desperate not to appear before his people degraded by the absence of the shields, his wealth, and freedom.

The loving-kindness of God desires that we return to Him and once again enjoy His freedom, the peace that only God can provide.

When God forsakes us, we are unable to resist sin and the enemy can influence us. We do know there is a satanic power that controls this present world system. In times past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2). This is the summing up of Rehoboam's life — he lived contrary rather than obedient to the true Counsel from Jehovah. In striking contrast to King David who followed the Lord, he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord (II Chronicles 12:14).

Thought for Today:

All who receive Him (Jesus), to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name: Which were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13).
Christ Revealed:

Through the Golden Candlestick (Lampstand) (II Chr. 13:11). Jesus is the Light of the world (John 9:5).
Word Studies:

10:4 yoke grievous =heavy, severe burdens; 10:10 loins =waist; 11:12 every several =each separate.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Staff: Mike Moore • Government Officials: Rep. Stephen Cohen (TN), Rep. Charlie Dent (PA), and Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO) • Country: Lebanon (4.3 million) in the Middle East • Major languages: Arabic and French • Limited religious freedom • 55% Muslim (Shi'a, Sunni); 41% Christian (Maronite, Orthodox, Melchite, Protestant, Chaldean, Assyrian, Syriac); 3% Druze; 1% Others (Jewish, Baha'i, Alawi, Jehovah's Witness) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for grace to overcome temptation, and God will reward you (James 1:12).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 11

Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:6

[Judy Harder]

Read II Chronicles 14 -- 17

Highlights:

Asa follows Abijam as king of Judah; King Asa's reforms; his covenant with God and doing right in the eyes of the Lord; then he turns away from God and he is warned by the prophet Azariah (II Chr. 15:7); rebuked by Hanani. Asa dies (16:13) and his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his stead (17:1).
When Zerah, the Ethiopian king, declared war on the Southern Kingdom of Judah, King Asa and the nation of Judah were faced with a million soldiers who had 300 chariots — the largest army recorded in the Old Testament (14:9). And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with Thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go against this multitude. O Lord, Thou art our God; let not man prevail against Thee. So the Lord smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled (14:11-12).

Asa and his small army could have slept in and just left their impossible problems in the hands of their great God. But God always expects us to do what we can and the Lord will then make up the difference. It is not surprising that as Asa and his outnumbered army fought, the Lord smote the Ethiopians.

Asa then led the people to renew their covenant with the Lord to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; That whosoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be put to death. . . . And all Judah rejoiced at the oath . . . and sought Him with their whole desire; and He was found of them: and the Lord gave them rest round about (15:12,15).

Asa and the Kingdom of Judah enjoyed many years of prosperity. Later when Baasha, King of Israel, became a threat to his border cities, Asa should have prayed. Instead, he gave silver and gold out of the treasures of the House of the Lord (16:2) to Ben-hadad, King of Syria, to declare war on Israel. This marked a spiritual decline in Asa's life (16:10-13). Asa's wealth became his weakness and he felt no need to rely on God.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Prov. 3:5-6).

Asa is a warning. Too often we tend to rely on our money and influence with other people instead of depending on God — even though we have received answers to prayer in the past. An independent attitude of self-sufficiency has its root in pride and can destroy our trust in the Lord.

Thought for Today:

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness (II Pet. 3:17).
Christ Revealed:

Through the rest that God gave Judah (II Chr. 14:7). Jesus pleads: Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28).
Word Studies:

14:15 tents of cattle =b> tents of the cattle herders; 15:5 vexations =b> disturbances, troubles, turmoil; 15:16 mother =b> grandmother; stamped it =b> crushed it to dust; 16:14 sepulchres =b> tombs; 17:12 waxed great exceedingly =b> became increasingly powerful; castles =b> fortresses, strongholds.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Government Officials: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN) and Rep. Ed Whitfield (KY) • Country: Lesotho (2 million) within the east-central part of the Republic of South Africa • Major languages: Sesotho and English • Limited religious freedom • 43% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 6% ancestor worship, divination, and spirit-possession cults • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to enable you to endure temptation (James 1:12).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 12

Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:6

[Judy Harder]

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 

Read II Chronicles 18 -- 20

Highlights:

King Jehoshaphat relies on God, but his association with wicked Ahab, and later Ahaziah, lead to some serious mistakes. Bad choices and compromise can have serious consequences
Surrounded by vast enemy nations, the people of Judah hastened to Jerusalem, bowed before God, confessed their sins, and prayed earnestly for His protection. They trusted in God when the prophet Jahaziel said: Be not afraid . . . for the battle is not yours, but God's. . . . Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established (II Chr. 20:15,20). Then they sang and praised the Lord.

Jehoshaphat was one of the few godly kings in the 500-year history of Judah. He appointed Levites throughout the land to read and instruct the people in the Law of God. He forced the Baal and Ashtoreth cult followers, and the male cult prostitutes, out of the Kingdom of Judah (I Kin. 22:46; II Chr. 17:3-9).

Jehoshaphat made a serious mistake when he associated with Ahab, the Baal-worshiping king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The marriage of Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram to Athaliah, Jezebel's daughter (18:1; 21:1,6), opened the door to Baal worship in Judah and the eventual massacre of all of Jehoshaphat's sons and grandsons, except for one-year-old Jehoash (Joash) who was hidden by the high priest Jehoiada for six years (22:10-12).

Some do not agree that fellowship with the ungodly and marriage with the unsaved are not wise; they foolishly assume themselves to be exceptions to the wisdom of God.

All of our relationships should be guided by the Scriptures: Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the Temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (II Cor. 6:14-17).

When difficulties mount, misunderstandings arise, or you are threatened by situations you can neither deal with nor escape, take courage that victory is always sure to those who trust in the True Source of strength.

An important principle in praising God is to take your eyes off the problem or predicament and put them on Him as you pray unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man (Eph. 3:14,16).

Thought for Today:

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. . . . Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:11,16).
Christ Portrayed:

By Micaiah, who told the Truth even though it was unpopular with his listeners (II Chr. 18:12-27). We are reminded of Christ when He spoke the unpopular Truth to the Pharisees (Matt. 12:1-14). Jesus responded: Now ye seek to kill Me, a Man that hath told you the Truth, which I have heard of God (John 8:40).
Word Studies:

18:1 joined affinity =b> allied himself by the marriage of his son to Ahab's daughter; 18:9 a void place =b> an open area near the city entrance; 18:15 adjure =b> command under oath; 18:33 at a venture =b> randomly without aim; harness =b> armor.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Sen. Kay Hagan (NC) and Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL) • Country: Liberia (3 million) in West Africa • Major languages: English and more than 20 local languages of the Niger-Congo language group • Religious freedom • 41% ancestor worship and witchcraft; 21% Muslim; 13% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that you will obey the Word of God and not be just a deceived hearer (James 1:22).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 13

Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:6

 

[Judy Harder]

Read II Chronicles 21 -- 24

Highlights:

Jehoram's evil reign over Judah. The Lord smote him . . . with an incurable disease. . . he . . . departed without being desired (II Chr. 21:18-20). Don't overlook vss 20 & 21 of chapter 24. King Ahaziah also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab . . . to do wickedly (22:3). Athaliah takes over the throne of Judah, murders all her grandchildren except one child destined for the genealogy of Jesus; Joash's reign is influenced by Jehoiada the priest; the Temple repaired and revival in the land; after Jehoiada dies, Joash does evil.
Jehoshaphat was a successful ruler and his Kingdom of Judah flourished, but he foolishly put policy before principle in his son Jehoram's marriage to Ahab's wicked daughter Athaliah.

As is often the case, Jehoram was more greatly influenced by his idol-worshipping wife more than by his father's godliness. After the death of Jehoshaphat, his son Jehoram proceeded to destroy all the godly influence of his father's reign. He also slew all his brethren with the sword. . . . And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel . . . for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought (did) that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord. . . . Moreover he . . . caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication (worship false gods), and . . . Judah thereto (II Chr. 21:4,6,11).

Jehoram is a solemn warning to all parents of the importance of their children marrying a godly person. Can a young couple stand side by side before God and take their wedding vows to be united with each other except in spiritual things? Can they have interests in common — except the most vital of all — Jesus as head of their family? Can they talk with openhearted confidence about everyone else except for the most precious and personal of all — the Lord Jesus Christ? One is preparing for an inheritance incorruptible (I Pet. 1:4) and the other treasureth up . . . wrath against the day of wrath (Rom. 2:5).

Marriage to an unsaved partner is open violation against the Word of God that states: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers (II Cor. 6:14). Even to consider marriage to someone with whom you agree in everything except your relationship with Christ is to question the authority and wisdom of the Word of God. An unequally yoked marriage usually results in many conflicts and a lifetime of regret.

God still asks: What concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel (unbeliever) (II Cor. 6:15)?

Thought for Today:

Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord . . . and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (II Cor. 6:17-18).
Christ Portrayed:

By Jehoiada, the high priest, who faithfully hid and protected Joash (II Chr. 23:1-11). Jesus is our High Priest (Heb. 5:5-10) and we are hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
Word Studies:

21:9 compassed him in =b> surrounded him; 21:19 of sore diseases =b> in severe suffering; no burning for him =b> no funeral fire to honor him; 22:10 seed royal =b> royal offspring of the house of David; 23:9 bucklers =b> small shields; 23:14 Have her forth of the ranges =b> take her outside beyond the Temple under guard; 24:13 in his state =b> in its original condition; 24:25 great diseases =b> intense suffering.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR) and Sen. Christopher Dodd (CT) • Country: Libya (5 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and Italian • No form of Christian witness to Libyans is permitted • 98% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Draw near to God in prayer with a clean and pure heart (James 4:.
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 14

Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:6

 

[Judy Harder]

Read II Chronicles 25 -- 27

Highlights:

Three kings in today's reading all began doing right in the eyes of the Lord. But, from a great spiritual beginning Amaziah turned to idols and God destroyed him. Uzziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord (26:4) and became a powerful king, but he presumed to take to himself the position of priest. Consequently, the Lord struck him with leprosy. Then his son Jotham reigned as king and became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God (27:6).
Amaziah of Judah had hired men from Israel to fight Edom when he should have prayed and relied upon God for direction. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart (25:2). When threatened by war with the Edomites, he hired . . . an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel (25:6) to join his army in battle. A prophet said: O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee, for the Lord is not with Israel (25:7). Amaziah expressed concern: But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given (he had already paid) to the army of Israel (25:9)? The prophet assured him that God was able to give him victory if he would put his trust in God. Amaziah had a great victory without Israel's army and took much spoil (25:13). But it is shocking to read that he also brought the gods (their gods) . . . and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Amaziah, and He sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand (25:14-15)?

Like Amaziah, some, when confronted with a crisis, seek help from worldly resources rather than pray for the will of God.

The Bible was provided by our Creator and is the One True Source of wisdom for daily decisions and direction. As we read the Word of God desiring to do His will, the Spirit of Christ — the Living Word — guides our thoughts and actions (John 16:13). Every man (person) that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3).

The enemy is a wolf in sheep's clothing deceiving many who are ignorant of the Word of God.

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of Man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed (John 6:27).

Thought for Today:

Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's (Matt. 22:21).
Christ Portrayed:

By Azariah the high priest who stood between Uzziah and the Altar, because there was only one proper way to approach the Lord God of Israel and that was through the service of the priests (II Chr. 26:17-18). Jesus, our great High Priest (Heb. 4:14), is The Only Way for anyone to come to God. Jesus saith unto him, I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6).
Word Studies:

25:21 saw one another in the face =faced each other in battle; 26:10 husbandry =b> farming.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Officials: Rep. Steve King (IA), Rep. Tom Petri (WI), Gov. Mark Sanford (SC), and Rep. Aaron Schock (IL) • Country: Liechtenstein (32,000) in western Europe • Major languages: German and Alemannic dialect • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 15

Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:6

[Judy Harder]

Read II Chronicles 28 -- 30

Highlights:

Another era of wickedness begins with King Ahaz spiritually defiling the whole nation. Be sure to read the consequences of his action in 28:19. After his death, revival comes with godly king Hezekiah. Worship is restored in the Temple, they keep the Passover, and confession is made to the Lord (II Chr. 30:27).
Hezekiah began restoring biblical principles and true worship of God. He recognized the blessings of God as of utmost importance and as most essential. This was in striking contrast to the ungodly example of his wicked father and his corrupt court. Hezekiah. . . . did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David . . . had done (29:1-2). He proclaimed a national Passover that exceeded all Passover observances since the time of Solomon. He sent special letters to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, inviting them to keep this Passover. Hezekiah feared neither the reaction of King Hoshea of Israel nor the Assyrian kingdom that dominated them.

The secret of his inspiration and power is explained: He clave to the Lord and the Lord was with him (II Kin. 18:6-7). Thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and Truth before the Lord his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the House of God, and in the Law, and in the Commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered (II Chr. 31:20-21). He repaired and cleansed the Temple. Under extreme difficulty and danger, he was determined to do the will of God: It is in mine heart (29:10). No compromise, no half-measures, no delay. A lawyer, asked . . . Master, which is the great Commandment in the Law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy soul, and with all thy mind (Matt. 22:35-40). There is a strong spiritual tie between our estimate of God and what we think is important in our life. Without exception, every Christian should seek . . . first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things (natural necessities of life) shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33). Christ calls us to a life of faith and dependence, because it is the life He Himself led.

When God says: Seek My face (II Chr. 7:14), He means for us daily to seek His will in His Word that we may know the true values in life and what He expects us to do. As we read His Word, the Holy Spirit not only enlightens our understanding to know His will, but He empowers us to live it and assures us that the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us. . . . according to the will of God (Rom. 8:26-27).

If we truly love the Lord Jesus Christ, we will do everything we can to invite anyone and everyone we can to Him. Christ's command is clear: As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you (John 20:21) — into homes, factories, offices, and to all nations.

Thought for Today:

We need to ask ourselves: "Will what I'm seeking in prayer bring honor to the Father or merely benefit me?"
Christ Portrayed:

By King Hezekiah who offered an intercessory prayer for every one That prepareth his heart to seek God (II Chr. 30:18-19). Jesus Christ our King, now seated at the right hand of God, intercedes in prayer for all who continue to seek Him (Rom. 8:34). Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God (Col. 3:1).
Word Studies:

28:3 Hinnom (Gehenna — translated as "hell" in the New Testament); 28:10 keep under =b> make slaves; 28:15 shod them =b> gave them sandals; 28:25 several =b> single; 30:6 posts =b> runners, couriers; 30:22 comfortably =b> encouragingly; 30:23 took counsel =b> agreed.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (TX), Rep. Frank Kratovil (MD), and Rep. Jerry Moran (KS) • Country: Lithuania (4 million) eastern coast of Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe • Major languages: Lithuanian and Russian • Limited religious freedom • 80% Roman Catholic; 5% Russian Orthodox; 1% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray when you are afflicted and suffering (James 5:13).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 16

Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:6

[Judy Harder]

 
Read II Chronicles 31 -- 33
Highlights:

Hezekiah seeks to destroy all idols. He inspired the people, renewing Burnt Offerings . . . set feasts (II Chr. 31:3), as well as commanding them to tithe and support the priests so that the people might be encouraged in the Law of the Lord (31:4), firstfruits, tithes, and many Biblical reforms. Hezeiah . . . wrought that which was good and right and Truth . . . in every work . . . and in the Law, and in the Commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered (31:20-21). A powerful enemy rises up and threatens to destroy the nation of Israel. Notice which prophet Hezekiah joins forces with to pray for the Lord's protection (32:20-22).
Hezekiah appealed to the people to supply the financial needs of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the Law of the Lord. . . . the children of Israel brought in abundance . . . and the tithe of all things. . . . The Lord hath blessed His people (II Chr. 31:4-5,10). When Jerusalem was cleansed of idolatry, the tithes poured in from all parts of the nation. The king was amazed at the overabundance when the people were in a right relationship with God. Faith in the ever-present God inspires worship, and faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). This, in turn, encourages spontaneous generous giving.

After Hezekiah's death Manasseh reigned and committed more evil acts than any king before him. After being captured, bound, chained and imprisoned, when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself . . . and prayed unto Him (33:12-13). He repented, was miraculously set free, and regained his throne. He repaired the Altar of the Lord . . . and commanded Judah to serve the Lord (33:16), but it was too late for him to restore the nation to worship the One True God. His evil son Amon was murdered and the people . . . made Josiah his son king (33:25) when he was only 8-years-old.

Repentance and cleansing from sin are followed by a desire for fellowship with God. This inevitably results in various offerings and worship since all offerings are directly related to the basic principle of love. What God wants first is not what you have; He wants you and me first, then our offerings are acceptable.

In your giving, recognize that you are giving to the Lord what belongs to Him. We are merely His ambassadors and responsible as His stewards to reach the world with His Word (Matt. 28:18-20) through every means that is available.

Thought for Today:

Giving in order to gain financial prosperity from God is motivated by greed and never acceptable. But the Scripture teaches us that: Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:.
Christ Revealed:

By Hezekiah's offering of the king's portion (share) of his substance for the Burnt Offerings (II Chr. 31:3). Burnt Offerings were wholly consumed, symbolic of total surrender, and offered as a sweet savour to the Lord (Lev. 8:28; Num. 15:3). God offered His King's portion in Christ Jesus who, in total surrender on the cross, was wholly consumed, even unto death. Christ . . . hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour (Eph. 5:2).
Word Studies:

31:10 store =abundance; 31:14 oblations =free will offerings; 31:16 courses =assigned tasks; 31:18 set office =appointed office; 31:19 every several city =every city; 32:6 comfortably =encouragingly; 32:8 rested themselves =elied; 32:17 rail on =belittle; denounce; 32:18 affright =frighten; 33:11 fetters =chains.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Steve Israel (NY) • Country: Luxembourg (429,000) in western Europe • Major languages: Luxembourgish and German • Religious freedom • 84% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede fervently in prayer for others (James 5:16).
Optional Reading: II Corinthians 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:31

[Judy Harder]

Read II Chronicles 34 -- 36

Highlights:

The Temple is repaired and what Treasure do they find (vss 14-16)? Don't miss the promise of God to the king and the king's covenant with the Lord. Josiah's godliness is precious (II Chr. 35:24-25) but, after his death, the nation's sins result in their destruction. Decree of Cyrus to rebuild the Temple.
Josiah walked in the ways of David . . . while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David (34:2-3) He reigned on David's throne for thirty-one years. It was the last surge of political independence and spiritual revival before the disintegration of the Southern Kingdom which ended with the destruction of Jerusalem.

Josiah's leadership ranked him with David, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah as an outstanding godly king, for he took a firm stand against idol worship and other evils that had permeated the Israelite kingdom (34:1-7). Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the Lord in Jerusalem. . . . sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that they may do according to the Word of the Lord. . . . And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (35:1,6,18). But the nation did not follow Josiah's love for God and his righteous example.

Josiah's leadership ended when he attempted to stop Pharaoh Necho's plans to go through the valley of Megiddo (35:22) to attack the Assyrians. Josiah did not believe that Necho, a worshiper of many false gods, received a message from the One True God.

Josiah was a godly man. If God wanted to stop Josiah, He would speak to him, not to Pharoah Necho, an idol worshiper. There is a time to die (Eccl. 3:2). It is a fact that all things work together for good to them that love God (Rom. 8:28). Furthermore, there was no reason to believe that God was displeased with Josiah. Compare Solomon (I Kin. 11:9-11). Josiah died a young man and so did Stephen and Jesus. The thirty-nine-year-old king was fatally wounded at Megiddo. He fulfilled the will of God who spared him from the tragedies that were to soon come upon Jerusalem and the Temple because of the nation's sins, and God welcomed him home. There are few people during biblical history of whom it is said: He (Josiah) did that which was right in the sight of the Lord . . . and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left (II Chr. 34:2).

Thought for Today:

Blessed are they that do His Commandments, that they . . . may enter in through the gates into the city (Rev. 22:14).
Christ Revealed:

Through the messengers of God who were rejected by His people (II Chr. 36:15-16; compare Is. 53:3; Mark 9:12). Jesus came unto His own (own people), and His own received Him not (John 1:11; also Matt. 21:42; Mark 8:31; 12:10; Luke 9:22; 17:25; 20:17).
Word Studies:

35:13 sod =b> boiled; 36:3 put him down =b> deposed him; condemned =b> taxed; demanded tribute; 36:10 brother =b> uncle; 36:15 rising up betimes =b> early every morning.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Government Official: Del. Madeleine Bordallo (Guam) • Country: Macedonia (2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Macedonian and Albanian • strongly Orthodox country • 67% Macedonian Orthodox; 23% Muslim; 3% Catholic; 2% Protestant; 5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that prayer changes things (James 5:16-18).
Optional Reading: II Corinthians 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:31