Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

May 23
Read II Chronicles 7 -- 9

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Holy fire, worship, and dedication (7:1-10)! God responds (7:12). Don't miss 7:14. The rules of God are laid out -- obedience (7:13-18); disobedience (7:19-22). Twenty years later the work is done (8:1). Enter the Queen of Sheba (9:1). Solomon's wealth, splendor (9:13-28), and demise (9:29-31).
When Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the House (7:1).

After the great dedication, the Lord again appeared to Solomon by night: If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people; If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My Face (by reading His Word), and turn from their wicked ways (by keeping His commandments); then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (7:13-14). Consider carefully the qualifications for God to heal their land. First, He is speaking of My people, who are called by My Name. This includes Christians.

Then, to humble themselves (ourselves) means, first and foremost, a confession of our sin of neglecting His Word. To humble oneself includes an acknowledgment of sin, but also having a sorrow for that sin, a genuine repentance, and a decision to read His Guide to Life. He alone can and does offer forgiveness and cleansing from all sin to all who will humble themselves.

For our best interest, God says: Seek My Face. This means for us to hear and then do what He has to say. God desires to answer prayer, but He will not answer the prayers of those who assume they can ignore the only inspired Guide to life. We need to know our Bible in order to be the people He has planned for us to be in preparation for eternity. Without the knowledge of the Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to reveal His will for our lives (John 16:3), we are no match for the Devil, who fanatically seeks to deceive us and destroy our effectiveness to accomplish the will of God (I Pet. 5:.

The Lord Jesus said: If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified (John 15:7-8).

Thought for Today:

In these most perilous times we need to come to God in full repentance for our sins. Only then can His blessings be restored.
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; 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: Mongolia (2.4 million) in east-central Asia • Major language: Khalkha Mongol • As a 70-year era of communism wanes, Bibles are now on sale in the capital, Ulaanbaatar • 95.5% Tibetan Buddhist; 4% Muslim; .3% Christian; .2% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray without ceasing (II Tim. 1:3).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 10

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:21

[Judy Harder]

May 24
Read II Chronicles 10 -- 13

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Rehoboam becomes king and seeks advice. His first blunder was choosing the irresponsible advisers (10:1-16). The northern tribes revolt (10:16-19). God intervenes (11:2-4). Rehoboam blunders again (12:1-5). Judah repents! Guess what happens (12:7-8,12). Rehoboam dies and his son Abijah is king. Read the amazing account of how he proclaims the Word of God. In return the Lord honors him.
When the son of Solomon, Rehoboam, became king, there is no mention that he began his reign with altar sacrifices and prayer. And it is no surprise to read that he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord (12:14). Forty years earlier his grandfather David had urged Rehoboam's father Solomon to keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep His Statutes, and His Commandments (I Kin. 2:3). Nowhere do we read that Solomon urged his son to remain true to the Lord. It is no surprise that Rehoboam had no desire to be faithful to God, nor could he realize how impossible it is to make wise choices unless he prepared his heart to seek the Lord.

The leaders of the nation who met with Rehoboam made a reasonable request that he lower the excessive taxes and lessen the forced labor Solomon had imposed for 30 years.

Rehoboam's first decision as king was an exceedingly foolish blunder but to be expected since it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps (Jer. 10:23). Rehoboam's young, egotistical friends suggested that he let the people know that he was in control and that he would impose much greater burdens. His offensive, inconsiderate declaration led 10 tribes to secede and form the Northern Kingdom. Rehoboam was left with a small fraction of the people that remained faithful.

Rehoboam's problem was that he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord. It does not say "to serve the Lord." It was not better service that God expected, but for his heart to seek the Lord. Spiritual principles are the same today -- God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble (James 4:6). Rehoboam continued his willful independence from God and forsook the Law of the Lord, and all Israel with him (II Chr. 12:1).

Rehoboam is an example of how pride goeth . . . before a fall (Prov. 16:18). Pride keeps us from being submissive to the will of God just as Satan, whose great sin of pride was to exalt my throne (himself) above the stars of God (Is. 14:13). Each of us is faced almost daily with opportunities to prepare our hearts to serve the Lord. And, oh, how we need to remind ourselves each day of redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:16).

Thought for Today:

We should be cautious when seeking advice from others. Make sure to seek godly advisors and, more importantly, make sure that their advice agrees with the Word of God.
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 Staff: Mike Moore • Government Officials: Rep. Stephen Cohen (TN), Rep. Charlie Dent (PA), and Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO) • Country: Morocco (28.2 million) on the northwestern coast of Africa • Major languages: Arabic and French • Government very hostile to Christians and missions • 99.75% Muslim (mostly Sunni); .25% Christian (including foreigners); small numbers of Jews and Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for those who forsake or disappoint you (II Tim. 4:16).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:32

[Judy Harder]

May 25
Read II Chronicles 14 -- 17

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Asa reigns. How many years of peace (14:1)? And why (14:2)? Check out his prayer (14:11)! He's warned (15:2). Bold reforms follow (15:. Asa slips up and reaps the consequences (chap. 16). Asa dies. Jehoshaphat rules (17:1). This is a "good" king (17:3-6). He wants everybody to know what God said!
Asa, the third king of Judah after the division of the kingdom, was the great-grandson of Solomon. But Asa rejected the pagan cults that his father Abijah had supported. Asa was greatly encouraged by Azariah the son of Oded, a prophet who influenced the king to destroy the idols and restore the Temple worship to what it was during the days of David (15:1-15).

We know very little about Oded except that he spoke to Asa, who then took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin . . . and renewed the Altar of the Lord . . . And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul (15:8,12). Revival swept throughout Judah.

Asa even removed his grandmother from being queen because she had made an idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron (15:16). He left no room for compromise. He destroyed the high places and the altars set apart for idolatrous worship. He cut down the groves (II Chron. 14:3); he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made (I Kin. 15:12). You can be sure that when anyone takes a firm stand openly for the Lord that Satan will seek every way possible to bring about a compromise. So it is no surprise when we read: There came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots (II Chron. 14:9).

This army of a million was the largest recorded in biblical history. However, this did not shake the faith of Asa who, with his comparatively small army, boldly faced the enemy -- not relying upon his own strength but on the Lord. And he prayed 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 (14:11).

As a result the people united with him. Just think! There were no wars for ten years and rest (14;1,7; 15:12-17). Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him (Ps. 37:7).

Thought for Today:

Compromise is one of the greatest sins of our day. It happens every time we disobey the Word of God and accept this world's values.
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 Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by M. Ora Anderson • Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Pam Ford • Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd • Government Officials: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN) and Rep. Ed Whitfield (KY) • Country: Mozambique (19 million) on the eastern coast of Africa • Major language: Portuguese • Religious freedom • 40% worship of false gods, ancestral spirits, and some witchcraft; 23% Roman Catholic; 14% Protestant; 13% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for your Christian friends (Phil. 1:4).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 12

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:32

[Judy Harder]

May 26
Read II Chronicles 18 -- 20

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Our lesson is "never forget to trust the Lord." Jehoshaphat appealed to the people to return to God (19:4). He warned the judges and priests (19:5-6,9-10) to make judgments that please God. But, he decided to join with the idol-worshiping kings Ahab (18:1-3) and Ahaziah (20:35-37).
Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was one of the most godly kings in the history of Judah. He was wonderfully blessed because of his dedication to the Lord (17:3-5). He appointed Levites who went throughout the country reading and instructing people in the Law of God (17:7-9). He forced the vile Baal cult and Ashtaroth devotees as well as the male prostitutes (homosexuals) out of his country (17:3-9). But we also read that Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria (18:1-2).

Jehoshaphat made a serious mistake when he associated with Ahab, the idol-worshiping king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. However, some today would consider this as wise political strategy. At the time, it seemed open-minded and expedient for Jehoshaphat to be friendly to King Ahab.

Ahab invited Jehoshaphat for a feast (18:2). Can you imagine Ahab and his wicked Baal-worshiping wife Jezebel feasting together on terms of friendship with the godly Jehoshaphat? Their friendship also led to the marriage of Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram (Ahaziah) to Ahab's daughter Athaliah that eventually opened the door to Baal worship in the Kingdom of Judah (21:1,6). Ahab then asked Jehoshaphat to join him in a battle to regain his northeast border city of Ramoth-gilead from Syria to which he agreed (18:3).

When Jehoshaphat was surrounded in battle by the Syrians, he cried out to the Lord in prayer, and the Lord helped him (18:31). Later, as Jehoshaphat . . . returned to his house in peace (19:1), God sent the prophet Jehu, not to congratulate the king on his safe return but to rebuke him: Jehu . . . said to King Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? there is wrath upon thee from before the Lord (19:2).

After Ahaziah was killed by Jehu (II Kin. 9:27), Athaliah massacred all the seed royal except for young Jehoash (Joash) (II Kin. 11:1-3).

The principles of God never change. Christians are never justified in dating or having close associations with an unsaved person, regardless of how good the unsaved person may seem. The New Testament provides no exceptions to the rule. All who do so should be reminded that whosoever . . . will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4).

Be . . . not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? . . . Wherefore come out from among them (II Cor. 6:14,17).

Thought for Today:

A saved person should be kind to the lost, but we can have no true fellowship with nonbelievers (II Cor. 6:14).
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 International Shortwave Broadcasts for the week in honor of Jesus Christ • Staff: George Kopchak • Government Officials: Sen. Kay Hagan (NC) and Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL) • Country: Myanmar (formerly Burma) (48.1 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Burmese and ethnic languages • Limited religious freedom • 87.5% Buddhist; 6% Christian; 4% Muslim (mainly Sunni); 1% animist; .5% Hindu; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for the spiritual rest that is in Him (Heb. 4:9-10).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 13

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:32

[Judy Harder]

May 27
Read II Chronicles 21 -- 24

Highlights In Today's Reading:

A reminder that we reap what we sow. How sad to read the atrocities the kings commit. Read Elijah's letter (21:12-15). Some Israelites revolt (21:10-11). Jehoiada, the priest, is a hero, putting Joash, a descendant of David, on the throne (chap. 23) and later leading in the repair of the Temple (24:12-14).
During Jehoshaphat's reign, he maintained fellowship with the idol-worshiping, ungodly kings of the Northern Kingdom. Although it didn't seem to affect him personally, his evil associations caused his son to become a sinful leader. He could well have said: "I know God said we shouldn't have close association with unsaved people, but I don't let it affect me." However, it had a horrendous effect on his son, his son's wife, and his grandchildren. Without fail, we reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7).

After Jehoshophat's death, his son Jehoram began to reign. Jehoram had married Athaliah, the wicked daughter of Jezebel and Ahab, a result of the friendshp that Jehoshaphat had chosen with Ahab. When Jehoram took control of the kingdom, he destroyed all the godly influence of his father. With his wife's encouragement, Jehoram set up the evil worship practices of Jezebel; built altars to Baal and Asherah with their obscene, male prostitutes; and caused those in Jerusalem to commit fornication (II Chr. 21:5,11-13; II Kin. 8:16-18).

During that time Ahab's son Jehoram (Joram) was wounded in battle. While Jehoram was recovering from his wounds in Jezreel, Ahaziah went down to see him and both were slain by Jehu (II Chron. 22:5-9). Ahaziah was a mere puppet of the Queen Mother Athaliah during his short, one-year reign (22:3).

After the death of her son Ahaziah, Athaliah seized the rule of the kingdom of Judah and proclaimed herself queen. To make sure she had no competition, she murdered what she thought were all of David's descendants. But she missed one (22:10-12).

Jehoshabeath, the wife of Jehoiada the high priest, was used of God to save the one-year-old Joash from assassination. Joash was soon smuggled into the Temple where he was brought up under the care of Jehoshabeath and the high priest and trained and prepared for his destiny as king.

How tragic the story! Jehoshaphat never knew the misery that followed after he arranged the marriage of his son to Athaliah. Many a Christian father and mother have experienced the misery that results after a son or daughter has married an unsaved person.

But it is of utmost importance that we never underestimate the power of God to answer our prayers when evil circumstances are beyond our control. God had promised he will answer when we call (Ps. 91:15; Isa. 65:24; Jer. 33:3). God is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (Heb. 13: and He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Eph. 3:20).

Thought for Today:

The way we live our lives as Christians has a far-reaching affect on those who are watching us, hoping to find a Christianity that really works (I Tim. 4:12).
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 Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Helen A. Porter • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR) and Sen. Christopher Dodd (CT) • Country: Namibia (1.6 million) in southwest Africa • Major languages: Afrikaans and German • Religious freedom • 89% Christian; 10% Traditional; 1% Other (Muslim, Jewish, Baha'i) • Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for the power of His Word (Heb. 4:12).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:32

[Judy Harder]

May 28
Read II Chronicles 25 -- 27

Highlights In Today's Reading:

We read of the spiritual danger of pride, praise, and power. The first two kings in this reading at first please the Lord, but pride, power, and success greatly change their personalities (25:14-24; 26:16-21). However, read King Jotham's report (27:6).
Jerusalem had been captured by Hazael, king of Syria, and his small army because they (Judah) had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers (24:24). King Joash was left in great diseases (badly wounded) (24:25) and then was slain by his own servants because he had killed the sons of the high priest Jehoiada, whom God had used to make Joash king and mentor him. It was in the midst of these difficult circumstances that Joash's son Amaziah began his reign at the age of 25. He followed the Lord, but not with a perfect heart (II Kin. 14:3-6; II Chr. 25:2-4).

Amaziah was successful against the Edomites. But we are disappointed to read that he brought the gods of the children of Seir (Edomites), and set them up to be his gods (25:14). This led to the inevitable judgment of God. He then became overconfident and challenged the more powerful King of Israel. It was a disastrous defeat. Amaziah lost his kingdom with all its treasures and then he was murdered.

His son Uzziah (Azariah) was one of the most successful kings of Judah. His father's victory over Edom opened the way for Uzziah's greatest achievement in rebuilding the port city of Elath -- located near the northern tip of the modern Gulf of Aqabah, where Solomon had built a fleet of ships (I Kin. 9:26; II Sam. 8:14). This strategic location was a great asset. Judah again became a powerful influence upon its surrounding enemies. Among Uzziah's many other achievements were bringing into subjection, once again, the Philistines on the west, the Arabians on the south, and the Ammonites on the east; and fortifying Jerusalem (II Chr. 26:6-10). The key to his success is unmistakably clear: As long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper . . . he strengthened himself exceedingly . . . his name spread far abroad (II Chr. 26:5,8,15). But notice that when he was strong . . . he transgressed against the Lord his God (26:16) -- meaning he became proud with an overestimation of his own importance.

With Uzziah, it was his success that exposed his weakness. It was seeing himself as more important than the Word of God. He decided to offer incense upon the Altar in the Holy Place while the high priest and others tried to keep him from entering and defiling it. But God struck him with leprosy and he was unable, during the last ten years of his life, even to enter his own palace. God had blessed him with great success, but it did not permit him the privilege of disregarding the Word of God.

Few remain spiritually submissive once they are successful. Prosperity is seldom a blessing: Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him? (James 2:5).

Thought for Today:

Sin never stays the same. It always leads to more sin, and, as we sin, the more certain we are that judgment will follow (Heb. 10:26-27).
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 International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Rep. Steve King (IA), Rep. Tom Petri (WI), Gov. Mark Sanford (SC), and Rep. Aaron Schock (IL) • Country: Nauru (11,000) in the central Pacific • Major languages: Nauruan and English • Religious freedom • 57% Protestant; 24% Roman Catholic; 10% Buddhist and Chinese folk-religionist • Prayer Suggestion: Go to God in prayer with boldness and seek His grace and mercy (Heb. 4:16).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 15

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:32

[Judy Harder]

May 29
Read II Chronicles 28 -- 30

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Twenty years old, in charge of the kingdom, and living like the devil (28:1-4), Ahaz faces the Lord his God (28:5-8). Read why (28:19). The prophets of God speak for the people (28:9-15). God always saves His seed. Ahaz' son Hezekiah reigns and the Spirit of the Lord returns to Judah (chap. 29). Read about the Passover observance -- what a celebration (30:26).
Ahaz had the wonderful heritage of a godly father Jotham, and a godly grandfather, Uzziah -- both of whom were among the better kings of Judah (27:6; 26:4-5). But Ahaz was one of the most wicked kings in the history of Judah. He promoted the false worship of Baal, which had long dominated the Northern Kingdom (28:2) as well as the worship of Molech, the savage god of the Ammonites. King Ahaz sacrificed at least one son there in the Valley of Hinnom (II Kin. 16:3; II Chr. 28:3).

Molech's huge metal image had a human figure with a bull's head. It was made hot by a fire around it. The children were laid in its arms and rolled from there into the fiery lap below. The screams were drowned out by the noise of flutes and drums. Wherefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and . . . the king of Israel . . . smote him with a great slaughter (28:5). Ahaz robbed the Temple of its gold and costly furnishings, drained the national treasury, confiscated the resources of leading citizens, and gave it all to the Assyrian king to have him attack the Northern Kingdom and Syria. Because of his wickedness, his kingdom suffered serious losses of territory and strength (28:21; II Kin. 16:.

Still, Ahaz vehemently rejected the Lord. During his reign he encountered many defeats in war, and thousands of his people were taken as slaves by neighboring nations. As the nation grew weaker, the people lost all hope that the promised Messiah would come; but at this time the Lord gave Isaiah a glorious revelation. Isaiah attempted to encourage the king with a prophetic message from the Lord, but Ahaz responded with contempt (Is. 7:3-13). Wicked Ahaz could not thwart the fulfillment of the promise God gave of Immanuel (God with us). Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His Name Immanuel. . . . For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given . . . and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (7:14; 9:6; Matt. 1:20-23).

Just as Ahaz did everything he could to suppress the true worship of God, Satan attempts to discourage and defeat the people of God. The world with all of its attractions is constantly endeavoring to draw us away from the Lord, but we have nothing to fear if we remain faithfully committed to Him.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised) (Heb. 10:23).

Thought for Today:

No matter what the devil would like to do to us, he cannot overcome the power of the Name of Jesus (Phil. 2:10).
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 International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (TX), Rep. Frank Kratovil (MD), and Rep. Jerry Moran (KS) • Country: Nepal (24.3 million) a mountain-ringed Himalayan state between Tibet and India • Major language: Nepali • Limited religious freedom • 85% Hindu; 10% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for ways to share His love with others (Heb. 6:10).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 16

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:32

[Judy Harder]

May 30
Read II Chronicles 31 -- 33

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Hezekiah cleans up the country by removing paganism (31:1). The people tithe, and God is pleased (31:19-21). Then, in chapter 32, the enemy attacks and the Lord rescues His people just like He will you and me. But, in chapter 33, evil creeps back in and, although Manasseh finally repents, God still wields judgment, especially to the unrepenting Amon.
After the death of Ahaz, his son Hezekiah became king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, a nation where idols had been popular for about 20 years. Furthermore, Ahaz had subjected his kingdom to Assyria which was becoming the world's most powerful kingdom. Its seemingly invincible armies had conquered Syria and the Northern Kingdom. The Assyrians could also boast of control over 46 walled cities surrounding it, but they were unable to conquer Jerusalem: For this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried (prayed earnestly) to heaven. And the Lord sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour . . . of the king of Assyria. . . . And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. Thus the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem (32:20-22).

The key to Jerusalem's remarkable recovery was Hezekiah who did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father did. . . . He trusted in the Lord God of Israel . . . (and) kept His Commandments (II Kin. 18:3,5-6). He had more zeal for the Lord than his father had shown toward pagan worship. He also removed the sites of pagan worship that had remained since the days of Solomon. He reopened the Temple, which his idol-worshiping father had desecrated, and he reinstituted the Passover Feast (II Chr. 30:1-6,15-27). His efforts to return the nation to serving the Lord and keeping His Word resulted in national prosperity during his 29-year reign (29:1; 32:27-30).

Godly Hezekiah did not dwell on the failures and difficulties that he inherited. We, too, are taught: Forgetting those things which are behind . . . press toward the mark (Phil. 3:13-14). How thankful we can be that once we repent of our sins God forgives and chooses never to remember them (Heb. 8:12; 10:17). Our first concern should be to pray, committing our needs to Him, then trust in the Lord and be obedient to His Word.

Hezekiah was honored for having trusted in the Lord God of Israel . . . He clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His Commandments (II Kin. 18:5-6).

No matter how hopless our situation may appear, the Lord has promised: Let not your heart be troubled . . . believe . . . Me. . . . Lo, I am with you alway (John 14:1; Matt. 28:20).

Thought for Today:

When we sincerely repent of our sins and begin obeying God's Word, the guilt is replaced by the assurance of forgiveness (II Cor. 5:17).

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 =relied; 32:17 rail on =belittle; denounce; 32:18 affright =brighten; 33:11 fetters =chains.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Official: Rep. Steve Israel (NY) • Country: Netherlands (15.8 million) in northwestern Europe • Major language: Dutch • Religious freedom • 35% Catholic; 28% Protestant; 3% Muslim; 1% Hindu; .9% Buddhist; .1% Jewish; 2% Other; 30% Unaffiliated • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that it is by the blood of Christ that we have access to God in prayer (Heb. 10:19).
Optional Reading: II Corinthians 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:32

[Judy Harder]

May 31
Read II Chronicles 34 -- 36

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Eight-year-old Josiah takes the throne, institutes religious reforms, and restores the Passover (chapters 34 -- 35). Sadly the book ends with a line of evil kings: Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. Jerusalem is defeated by Egypt and then Babylon, and the Temple is destroyed fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy (Jer. 25:9-12; 27:6-8; 29:10; Ezra 1:1-4).
The last four kings of Judah -- Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah -- were evil and quickly carried the nation to its disastrous end. Jehoahaz (Shallum) (see 36:1; Jer. 22:11), the son of Josiah, succeeded his father; but he was removed by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt three months later and was taken captive to Egypt (II Chr. 36:1-4; II Kin. 23:30-34). Pharaoh Neco appointed Jehoahaz' brother Eliakim, who remained loyal to Egypt, to govern and changed his name to Jehoiakim. Soon the Babylonians conquered the Assyrians and then Judah. Preferring Egyptian rule, Jehoiakim rebelled -- expecting the Egyptians to support him. Denounced by Jeremiah (Jer. 22:15;26:20), Jehoiakim burned Jeremiah's prophesy that had been read to the people by Baruch. Both would have been murdered but the Lord hid them (36:26). After reigning 11 years, Jehoiakim died before Nebuchadnezzar could deport him to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar bound him in fetters, to carry him to Babylon (II Chr. 36:6). His 18-year-old son Jehoiachin, also known as Coniah (Jer. 22:24,28; 37:1), replaced him. He reigned only three months and ten days (II Chr. 36:9) from the death of his father until the capture of Jerusalem and Nebuchadnezzar carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon (II Kin. 24:15).

Nebuchadnezzar then placed the youngest son of Josiah, Mattaniah -- Jehoiachin's uncle -- on the throne and changed his name to Zedekiah. He was equally as evil, reigning only as a puppet-king. During this time he also rejected the counsel of Jeremiah and refused to humble himself before the Lord (36:12). Finally, after 11 years, Zedekiah rebelled against Babylon's domination. The Lord allowed Jerusalem to be defeated -- its walls torn down, its Temple looted and burned, and the survivors of the 18-month siege carried as captives to Babylon.

The long-suffering of God can be seen in that He sent the Israelites messengers, prophets, and priests because of His compassion. But they mocked the messengers, despised God's gracious offer, misused His prophets, and murdered some of them, until there was no remedy. The judgment of God at last had to be fulfilled since He also is a righteous God. The people were carried away into captivity to fulfill the Word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah (II Chr. 36:21; Jer. 32:43; 33:12; 25:11-14; 29:10).

Many temptations face every one of us, but the Word of God provides guidance so that we might understand the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11). We are not ignorant of his devices (II Cor. 2:11). The judgment on the Israelites is also a solemn warning that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers (Eph. 6:12).

Thought for Today:

We can rejoice that God is long suffering and patient with us, but it is a sin to assume we can take advantage of His graciousness by continued disobedience.
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 Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Government Official: Del. Madeleine Bordallo (Guam) • Country: New Zealand (4 million) two large islands southeast of Australia • Major languages: English and Maori • Religious freedom • 51% Protestant; 16% Roman Catholic; 3% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Draw near to God in prayer with a true heart in assurance of faith (Heb. 10:22).
Optional Reading: II Corinthians 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:31

[Judy Harder]

June 1
Read Ezra 1 -- 2

Highlights In Today's Reading:

God stirs hearts: 1st of King Cyrus to send the Israelites to rebuild the Temple and return its vessels confiscated by Nebuchadnezzar (1:1-3,7-11); 2nd of the priests, Levites, tribal leaders, and others to willingly return to Jerusalem (1:5); 3rd of the ones left to help pay the expenses (1:6).
When Cyrus began conquering the world, he did not know that the One True God was giving him the victories. But it was God who inspired Jeremiah to predict the exact year Cyrus would conquer Babylon (Jer. 25:12) and Isaiah to write: I am the Lord. . . . I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me (Is. 45:5).

Seventy years had passed since Nebuchadnezzar had taken King Jehoiakim, Daniel, and other captives along with the vessels of the House of the Lord to Babylon (II Chr. 36:6-7). Daniel, who lived in Babylon from the time of Nebuchadnezzar until the reign of Cyrus (Dan. 10:1), knew that Jeremiah had prophesied that there would be 70 years of captivity (Jer. 25:8-12; 29:10; Dan. 9:2). Daniel also had to have known that Isaiah had prophesied more than 200 years before that Babylon would be overthrown by a man named Cyrus and that the Lord had said of this heathen monarch: He is My shepherd, and shall perform all My pleasure (Is. 44:21-28; 45:1,5). When Daniel began to see these events coming to pass, it prompted him to fervently pray.

History records that Cyrus proclaimed in Babylon: The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him an House at Jerusalem (Ezra 1:2-3).

Most of the new generation of Judah had never been in Jerusalem and had no reason to leave Babylon except to rebuild the Temple in the old, ruined city of Jerusalem about 900 miles away. Only a few were willing to hazard the long and difficult four-month journey on foot, sacrifice all the social and material pleasures available under the new Persian Empire, and return with Zerubbabel to the place where they could restore true worship of God (1:5). The Jews desired to please the Lord and build the House of the Lord God . . . in Jerusalem (1:3).

Each of us must decide what is most important in our life. Are we motivated by secular goals, worldly possessions, and pleasures, or are we like Ezra and the few faithful Jews who seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33)?

Thought for Today:

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the First Commandment. And the Second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other Commandment greater (more important) than these (Mark 12:30-31).
Christ Portrayed:

By Sheshbazzar, another name for Zerubbabel, the prince (governor) of Judah (Ezra 1:. Christ is both The Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6) and the Lion of the tribe of Juda (Rev. 5:5).
Word Studies:

1:6 strengthened their hands = gave them assistance; 2:43 Nethinims = Temple servants; 2:63 Tirshatha = governor.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts for the month of June sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • English International Shortwave Broadcasts to all of Africa sponsored by Thomas & Marrianne Beaghan • Radio Sri Lanka Broadcasts for the month of June sponsored by Mrs. Charlene Black • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Tim Bishop (NY) and Rep. Gregg Harper (MS) • Country: Nicaragua (5 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Limited religious freedom • 95% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that the Lord is faithful to keep His promises (Heb. 10:23).
Optional Reading: II Corinthians 3

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:31