But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him?

2 Chronicles 2

But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? v6

Indeed...we should not think of a church building as a place where God lives.  God lives in the hearts of those who attend the church...yes, God is everywhere...but He lives, manifests Himself, and is glorified through His children - that is why we exist as believers - to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
  
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is able to do all things, and You saved me!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I am unclean and broken.  Please forgive me for my selfishness, etc. and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.

1 Chronicles 29

We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. v15

As a follow up to yesterday's post, David continues to remain humble and he demonstrates this further by stating what all believers should recognize - that we exist solely to glorify God and we should not conform to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2).  We are foreigners, we should be mindful of our host (God), and live with eternity in mind (considering Heaven is our Home).

Also, apart from God we have no good things.

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of compassion.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am selfish - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn from You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.

1 Chronicles 29

Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.  Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. v11-12

David, as great a king as he was, remained humble for nearly all of His life.  With exception to his indiscretion with Bathsheeba and the ensuing cover up (including the conspiracy to have her husband killed), David was a "man after God's heart" who shunned arrogance and instead gained his confidence and strength from God alone.

For more on arrogance, see posts here. 

For more on humility and being humble, see posts here and here.

We must remember from where all things come.

[E]very good and perfect gift is from above[.] James 1:17

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the creator of the heavens and the earth and You provide for all of my needs - I need You alone.  Thank You for how You bless me.  Yet I am not worth such a loving God - I worry and I often rely on my own understanding and strength.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[F]or the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

1 Chronicles 28

[F]or the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. v9

For those of us with children, this is an important perspective because we should consider the distinction between a sincere profession of faith and a mature profession of faith - a distinction written about by John Piper.

Bottom line - faith should be anchored by a recognition that we need a savior, Jesus is that Savior, and that we commit ourselves to follow Him (pray, read Bible, go to church, serve, grow, etc.).

I have a 15 yr old son who is not baptized and while I continue to shepherd his heart towards Jesus, I am not in any rush to baptize him.  I agree with John Piper and agree that we should baptize children once they fully appreciate what it means to be baptized, and I would go further to add what "what it means to be a believer", including implications of key commands from God such as love God and love others.

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29

 
My prayer is that my children will seek Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who saved me, provides for all my needs, and who loves me beyond my comprehension - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry and am harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Of these, twenty-four thousand are to be in charge of the work of the temple of the Lord and six thousand are to be officials and judges. 5 Four thousand are to be gatekeepers and four thousand are to praise the Lord with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose.” 1 Chronicles 23:4-5

1 Chronicles 27

“Of these, twenty-four thousand are to be in charge of the work of the temple of the Lord and six thousand are to be officials and judges. Four thousand are to be gatekeepers and four thousand are to praise the Lord with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose.” 1 Chronicles 23:4-5

1 Chronicles 23-27 details many of the duties of the temple and of other roles within the kingdom.  God provides for all of us to have roles in His Kingdom.

In 2 Peter 1:1-10, Peter encourages us to grow in our faith so that we are effective and productive i His glory.

Additional posts here encourage us to use our gifts.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has created everyone uniquely with gifts where we can depend on and learn from one another.  Thank You Jesus.  You created community, church, marriage, family, etc. and we are all blessed by Your perfect design.  I am not worth such blessings.  I worry and am harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel.

1 Chronicles 22

May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. v12-13

David is "a man after God's heart" and someone whom God loved.

Yet in his guidance for Solomon, David focuses on performance vs the condition of his heart.  I have often focused on my own sons' external condition vs their heart condition.  We must instruct our children that any success we experience is solely because of God's grace and His sovereignty.  This is why God had to send His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us - because there is nothing we can do to earn God's grace, His blessings, or His love.  God also does not promise a trouble free life - see John 16:33.  If we work hard for anything it should be because it glorifies God through us - not because we expect any gain - see also 1 Corinthians 10:31. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me - even though I am broken.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

David said to God, “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Lord my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.”

1 Chronicles 21

David said to God, “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Lord my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.” v17

For his sin (v1-8), David repents and goes to the Lord to intercede on behalf of Israel and Judah.  We should recognize that just as David was a great king and a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), all of the pastors and leaders of our churches are human and fallible.  David sought to shepherd the Israelites and our pastors/leaders choose to do the same thing.  

We should make every effort to pray for and support our church pastors and leaders given their great responsibilities to shepherd the flock.

See also posts here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and give us church leaders that support our growth in You - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God - I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly spouses and friends to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.

1 Chronicles 21

Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. v1

Ever since The Fall, sin has been part of the world.  Even the greatest among us fall prey to Satan.  

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

Our personal relationship with Jesus, The Word, the Holy Spirit, and our fellow believers all offer strong support for us to protect ourselves against sin.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is always with us and who protects us from sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I worry - far too much!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?

1 Chronicles 17

Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? v16

Following a dream where God appears to Nathan who relays God's message to David, and how David's son Solomon will build The Temple, David appropriately goes to the Lord in prayer, expressing great humility.

We all need a savior, for we all have sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:18).  While I have yet to meet anyone who does not claim to be without sin, I have met many, including those in my own family, who do not see the need for a savior.  We need a savior not only because of our sin, but also because of the consequences of our sin.  The wages of sin are death (Romans 6:23), which manifests itself in the cycle of sin, shame, guilt, more sin, etc. and ultimately the price of sin is eternal damnation.

James explains this process:

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:15


Shame, guilt, and more sin is inevitable and only God can break this cycle by giving us freedom over both sin and death.  God does this by giving us His Son Jesus who is nailed on the cross - along with all of our sin - so that we have victory over sin and death. 

This is why we need Jesus and it starts with humility - which is why Jesus started the Sermon on the Mount with the following:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

Lord Jesus, please give me humility.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has come to save me - thank You Jesus!  I am in desperate need of a Savior.  My sins are many - including worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the Lord in this manner[.]

1 Chronicles 16

That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the Lord in this manner[.] v7

When we worship God we must recognize who He is and His attributes.

When we take the time to reflect on who God is, what He has done corporately and personally, then our natural response is to humble ourselves and ask forgiveness for our sin so that we are not separated from for too long...that we can remain near to Him. 

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:15

Instead, just as David instructed Asaph we are to "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." v11

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has created the heavens and the earth, yet You humbled Yourself to save me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I lazy and I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses for Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

These were the chiefs of David’s mighty warriors—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised— this is the list of David’s mighty warriors[.]

1 Chronicles 11

These were the chiefs of David’s mighty warriors—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised— this is the list of David’s mighty warriors[.] v10-11

This commentary provides a useful summary of 1 and 2 Chronicles as "an executive summary of God’s covenant with David, and how things played out afterward".

We first learn of David's Mighty Warriors in 2 Samuel 23.  Here in 1 Chronicles we get added details about the importance of these men as these men gave David and his kingship "strong support".

We all need such strong support - men specifically need this from other men.

I have gained much through Men's Fraternity (later versions of this study found here as 33 The Series).

See also post here and here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are an awesome God who has perfectly modeled manhood for me so that I can live as You intend for me.  Thank You that You provide also Your Word, the Holy Spirit, and other men who can provide strong support for me.  I am not worthy of such love and support.  I often fail to live up to being who You intend for me.  I worry and I often fail to serve when the opportunities arise.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Do not be afraid of the Babylonian officials,” he said. “Settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you.”

2 Kings 25

“Do not be afraid of the Babylonian officials,” he said. “Settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you.” v24

Not everyone in Judah went into captivity (v12) and Gedaliah was appointed to rule over those left behind.  Yet Gedaliah was swiftly assassinated (v25).

This is a reminder for us all that while we are to respect earthly authorities placed above us, we should not trust in them above God.  Gedaliah was not in a position to make such a statement that "it will go well with you". 

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9

 

See also additional posts on this topic.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are in control and You are worthy of my reverent fear and love.  You are full of grace and compassion and I have experienced Your love in overwhelming abundance.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I worry and I am harsh with my words and actions. Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Surely these things happened to Judah according to the Lord’s command, in order to remove them from his presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all he had done, including the shedding of innocent blood. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the Lord was not willing to forgive.

2 Kings 24

Surely these things happened to Judah according to the Lord’s command, in order to remove them from his presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all he had done, including the shedding of innocent blood. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the Lord was not willing to forgive. v3-4

As I posted last Friday, God's patience is not unlimited.  However, his justice is perfect.

In today's verses we see further demonstration of God's perfect justice. Coffman's Commentary provides further insight which quotes from Jeremiah:


Jeremiah 15:1 explains why this was true. "It was because the measure of their sins was full, and in justice God had no choice except to punish them. Even if the greatest intercessors such as Moses and Samuel had come before the Lord (pleading for Judah), it would have done no good."

While God does punish us, just as parents would hope for their children, we should see God's punishment as for the glory of God and good for us.  See also this post and posts on viewing discipline as training.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God whose love for us never stops even when You discipline us.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I worry and I am harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to Jesus and for them to choose Him as their Lord and Savior.  Provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.

2 Kings 23

Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses. v25

Further evidence (see also yesterday's post) that God does not promise a trouble free life.  Josiah loved the Lord and led God's people in Judah to renew their covenant with the Lord (v3).  

Yet the Lord remained angry with Judah (v27) and Josiah ends up being killed in battle (v29).

We cannot love God with the expectation that He will bless us in earthly ways - He may or He may not.  We must find joy in God alone - when all else is stripped away - even our life, we have Jesus. 

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ[.] Philippians 3:8

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who has rescued me from very difficult circumstances and You have given me joy these circumstances.  You have given me You Son, the Holy Spirit, my church, my family, brothers and sisters in Christ, etc.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry and I am harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me.  Help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The word of the Lord you have spoken is good, Hezekiah replied.

2 Kings 20

The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. v19

Isaiah delivers a grim prophecy to Hezekiah:

Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord: The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord. And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” v16-18

The Macarthur Bible Commentary indicates that this a "surprising" reaction from Hezekiah and that perhaps Hezekiah is somewhat relieved that such doom will come to pass only after he is gone.

Yet such a reaction causes one to think - what is our reaction to God's will for our lives?

Jesus willingly submitted His life to God's will by going to the cross:

My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done. Matthew 26:42

God does not promise us a trouble free life (see yesterday's post) so we should be prepared to view our circumstances through God's lens.  God is in control (Colossians 1:16-17) and He will either allow or cause our circumstances.

Our circumstances may be difficult yet we cannot begin to understand the "goodness" (using Hezekiah's words) of difficult circumstances until we draw closer to God (Romans 12:2).  God "transforms" us by "renewing" our minds.  Of course it is only God who can give us such "renewing".

God please help me understand - good or bad - how my circumstances are Your will for my life and how Your will and plans for my life are perfect, for Your glory, and my good.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God, full of grace and love for me...even though I am sinful and broken.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such grace and love...I am harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors.

2 Kings 19

Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above.  For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. v30-31

Although Assyria has already laid siege to Israel and taken captive its inhabitants, Judah remained, and King Hezekiah "trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. (2 Kings 18:5-6)"

As such King Hezekiah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, and with God's strength was able to overcome and defeat the Assyrians (v35-36).

Just because Hezekiah found favor in the eyes of the Lord does not mean that He was any more deserving of God's favor than Israel.  In fact, Hezekiah is sinful and broken just like other great kings (David, Solomon) and like all of us.  Read more about Hezekiah's pride in 2 Chronicles 32.

We should not expect a trouble free life just because we are faithful.  God does not promise a life without trouble - He does promise that He will never leave or forsake us and that we will overcome.


In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God - You have helped overcome many troubles in this world.  I know that You are always with me and You will help me overcome any troubles.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry and I am selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve, You my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left, and even Judah did not keep the commands of the Lord their God. They followed the practices Israel had introduced. Therefore the Lord rejected all the people of Israel; he afflicted them and gave them into the hands of plunderers, until he thrust them from his presence.

2 Kings 17

So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left, and even Judah did not keep the commands of the Lord their God. They followed the practices Israel had introduced. Therefore the Lord rejected all the people of Israel; he afflicted them and gave them into the hands of plunderers, until he thrust them from his presence. v18-20

God is full of grace yet His patience is not unlimited.  We all die and will face judgement - if we have not accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior then we face eternal damnation.  At the end of times, God waits until the very last moments to give people an opportunity to repent and turn towards Him yet even then the appointed time arrives.

We see this here with Israel where the case against Israel is laid out in v7-20.

God had seen enough with Israel and His patience had run out.

John Piper explains the limits of God's love and patience:

"This means that God’s patience with unrepentant sinners will not last forever. They eventually cross a line beyond which God will not pursue them anymore. He will let them go, and they will never be forgiven. At this point, whatever love he was pursuing them with (Romans 2:4) is gone, and they become the objects of his eternal wrath (Revelation 14:10-11)." 

Piper quotes Jesus to define the trigger for the end of God's patience:

Whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come” (Matthew 12:32).

Jesus also makes it clear that love of God is of paramount importance.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  Matthew 22:37-38

It is clear that Israel failed to do this and God's patience ran out.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is full of compassion, grace and patience.  Your justice is perfect and Your love never runs out - even when You discipline us.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love because I worry.  Please forgive me and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. 

He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree.

2 Kings 16

He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. v4

According to the Macarthur Bible Commentary, Ahaz was the first of Judah's king's since Solomon to personally worship at the "high places".  Previous kings in the line of David had merely tolerated (for example see 2 Kings 15:4 where it says high places were not removed) such worship but Ahaz actively participated in it.  Ahaz's sin did not stop there however.  To appease and serve the king of Assyria, Ahaz builds an altar to a foreign God and modifies the Temple of the Lord - both of which are contrary to God's commands and instructions.

We know that God does not destroy Judah as He keeps His promises that the line of David will always sit on the throne.

The extent to which God is so full of grace is demonstrated time and time again in the Old Testament with this example of Ahaz being as glaring as it can be.  

We must appreciate God's grace not just for Israel and Judah but also for ourselves because none of us is without sin. 

For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. James 2:10

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who is SO full of grace and compassion for me.  I know I sin and I am in desperate need of Your grace and forgiveness.  You provide it - as a gift - not because I am deserving.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

The Lord had seen how bitterly everyone in Israel, whether slave or free, was suffering; there was no one to help them. And since the Lord had not said he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash.

2 Kings 14

The Lord had seen how bitterly everyone in Israel, whether slave or free, was suffering; there was no one to help them. And since the Lord had not said he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam son of Jehoash. v26

God goes to great lengths to get our attention, demonstrating that we don't get what we deserve (wages of sin is death - Romans 6:23) and we do get what we don't deserve (grace is gift - Ephesians 2:8-9).  As part of this, we see God as someone who once again always keeps His promises, and this stops Him from destroying or allowing the destruction of Israel.

Our response to such grace should be one of repentance.  We should turn towards God. 

Yet according to the Macarthur Bible Commentary, Israel enjoyed prosperity not experienced since the days of Solomon but failed to turn towards God.  Instead, Jeroboam and Israel rested in material wealth.

This is our story - we too often place our faith in ourselves, others, and in earthly possessions and material wealth.  

Lord Jesus, please help me trust in You alone!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are - You save me from the sting of sin and death and You provide eternity in heaven.  Thank You Jesus - You are the greatest gift of all time.  I am not worth such a gift.  I worry - FAR too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence.

2 Kings 13

But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence. v23

Jehoahaz (as well as Jehoash v11) did evil in the eyes of the Lord and he led the people of Israel to sin as well (v2), yet God was full of grace and compassion for the people of Israel.

Once again we see God as faithful, keeping his promises, and as full of grace and compassion.  

We all need God because we are all broken (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) and in need of forgiveness and salvation.

However, we should be careful not to "shame" others into seeking God.  We should love and forgive others as God does for us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You are faithful and keep all of Your promises.  You are also so full of grace and compassion - I cannot fully comprehend the depth and breadth of Your love.  Thank You for Your love.  Yet I am not worth such love.  Please forgive me for my worry and selfishness.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all I had in mind to do, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit.

2 Kings 10

The Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all I had in mind to do, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit. v30-31

Jehu was partially committed to the Lord.  Yet God wants all of our heart.  Jesus calls this the Greatest Commandment.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37

This command is also found five other times in Deuteronomy and once in Joshua.

We should be careful to avoid creating a wedge between us and God because this wedge will widen over time - see also this post as well as this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You reign - You created all things, are in all things and hold all things together.  You provide for all of my needs, especially my daily manna.  I am nothing without You.  Thank You Jesus for all that You do and for all that You are.  I am not worthy of a God who would willingly send His Son to die for me.  Thank You Jesus.  Please forgive me for my selfishness.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

This is the word of the Lord that he spoke through his servant Elijah the Tishbite: On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs will devour Jezebel’s flesh. Jezebel’s body will be like dung on the ground in the plot at Jezreel, so that no one will be able to say, ‘This is Jezebel.’”

2 Kings 9

This is the word of the Lord that he spoke through his servant Elijah the Tishbite: On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs will devour Jezebel’s flesh. Jezebel’s body will be like dung on the ground in the plot at Jezreel, so that no one will be able to say, ‘This is Jezebel.’” v36-37

After Ahab kills Naboth and steals his vineyard, Elijah prophecies in 1 Kings 21 that both Ahab and Jezebel are to die gruesome deaths and in 1 Kings 22 Ahab dies.  Now we see Jezebel's death unfold just as Elijah said it would.

As I posted yesterday, God always keeps His promises - this is true regardless of the nature of the promise.  In the case of Revelation, God reveals to John the end of times and the promise of eternal damnation for those who do not believe.  

Paul also writes of the end times in his letter to the church in Thessalonica:

He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10

We should be mindful of the Day of Judgement whether it happens when we die or when Jesus returns as described by John in Revelation. God promises destruction to those who lack faith. For those of us who believe, we are promised eternity in Heaven with Jesus.  What an amazing gift - the greatest gift of all time!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that are reserving a place for us in Heaven!  We should rest in the confidence of knowing that You are doing this for us...and so much more.  Thank You for doing all that You do for me Jesus.  I just need to trust in You.  Yet sometimes I waver in my faith.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my lack of faith.  Help me turn away from my sin towards You and love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses for Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah. He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.

2 Kings 8

Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah. He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever. v19

When Jehoram becomes king of Judah, "[h]e followed the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord" v18.

God always keeps his promises - He made a promise (the Davidic Covenant) and He kept it.

According to John Piper, this is the same as the promise God makes to all believers in His Son - that we are saved and that if we persevere in our faith we will not lose our salvation.

God is faithful!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You are SO faithful!  We can depend on You and Your promises when all of the world lets us down.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love - You are my rock!  Please forgive me for my selfishness and worry.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The officer had said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” The man of God had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!” And that is exactly what happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died.

2 Kings 7

The officer had said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” The man of God had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!” And that is exactly what happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died. v19-20

In 2 Kings 6-7 Elisha performs several miracles, including floating an ax head, producing protection around himself via hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (v17), and blinding the Aramean army.

Yet even with God's power on display not all are convinced that God reigns, is all powerful, all knowing, all seeing, and in control (Colossians 1:16-17).  

Elisha prophecies about the end of a siege and famine:

Elisha replied, “Hear the word of the Lord. This is what the Lord says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of the finest flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.”

The officer on whose arm the king was leaning said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” 2 Kings 7:1-2

It is not clear whether the officer witnessed all or part of God's power yet it would be hard to imagine, given his position close to the king, that he has not seen God's power at some point.  The MacArthur Bible Commentary refers to this officer as the King's chief adviser.

Ultimately, this officer dies, just as Elisha prophesied.  

The questions become - for those of us who believe, do we doubt God's power?  Do we have faith?

We can only have faith by building our relationship with Him and by drawing near to God.

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.  For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:33-35

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8

See here an interesting commentary on whether faith is a choice or a gift from God.  Regardless of how we achieve faith, we must have it as it drives us closer to Him and His promises for us await.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are - all seeing, all knowing, all powerful - yet You left God's side to die for me so that I may have life...to the full.  Thank You Jesus for the greatest gift of all time.  I am not worth such a gift.  I am selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow. v26-27

2 Kings 5

But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow. v26-27

Once again we see parallels between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

With Naaman, we have a "highly regarded" commander who through him God brings a great victory (v1). Naaman also has leprosy. Elisha initially provides indirect instructions (through a messenger v10) to wash in the Jordan River seven times.  Naaman initially scoffs at such instructions but ultimately follows the instructions and is healed.

In Matthew 8:5-8, Jesus encounters a centurion of great faith whose servant is quite ill.  The centurion has such great faith that he says that a direct in person healing is not necessary and that Jesus need only assure the centurion that his servant will be healed.  Of course the servant is healed that very moment.

When we ask for God's assistance and He responds - we often do not like His response or we may not be aware that He even responded because we are looking for a specific type of response.  God ALWAYS hear our prayers and when we cry out - He will respond....in His timing and method.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens[.] Ecclesiastes 3:1

In 2 Kings 5 we also see parallels between Gehazi and the servant from the Parable of the Gold Coins (or Talents). Gehazi and the lazy servant seek selfish gain instead of using earthly wealth to glorify Him.  Notice in 2 Kings 5:24 how Gehazi "put [his gain] away in the house".

We should understand that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17) and that we are be good stewards of how He blesses us with time, treasure, and talents.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are!  You bless me abundantly with Your Son, Your Word, the Holy Spirit, the church, my family, job, health, home, etc.  My cup certainly overflows.  I am not deserving.  I worry far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.    

But Elisha answered, “Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the Lord says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” Then he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord.

2 Kings 4

But Elisha answered, “Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the Lord says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” Then he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord. v43-44

Much like yesterday's post, we see similarities between Elisha and Jesus.  Elisha has a double portion of God' spirit on him and he performs miracles like that of Jesus, including raising people from the dead and feeding many with little.

We should all understand that God's spirit is in all of us as believers and we should serve with the same confidence as Elijah and Elisha - God is able and will do amazing things when we submit to His will and trust in Him.


I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.   

That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  Ephesians 1:18-21

I pray for myself that I recognize this on a daily basis and life for His glory and not my own.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and You provide the Holy Spirit for me - what an amazing blessing.  Thank You Jesus. I am not worth such love.  I am weak and I worry.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.”

2 Kings 2

“The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” v15

I see symbolism in Elijah's life that points us to Jesus.

Elijah is taken to heaven but He is not the promised Messiah - Jesus is.

When Elijah dies, Elisha tears his cloak in two. When Jesus dies, the curtain of the temple is torn in two (Matthew 27:51). 

When Elijah dies, others look for Him for three days but they do not find him.  When Jesus dies, he returns in three days and He is seen by many.

When Elijah dies, a double portion of God's spirit rests on Elisha.  When Jesus dies, the Holy Spirit is provided to the disciples at Pentecost and to all of us.

Bottom line: there is significance in Elijah's life and his life is worthy of study as is all of the Bible - but in particular Elijah.

Great commentary on Elijah here.

From this commentary:
"The world today still has its Ahabs and Jezebels. The present age also has its idolatry, though it is more subtle than that of Elijah’s day.

The shrines of pagan worship may not be as visible in a basically Christian-professing society, and there may be very few carved images that people actually worship, yet millions are following after the gods of this world. Today’s idols can be riches, fame, pleasure and the pleasant-sounding fables that occupy the hearts and minds of many who are unwilling and disinterested in learning about God."

The commentary also says this about Elijah:
Elijah is considered one of the most important prophets of the Old Testament. He faithfully carried out God’s mission in the face of danger and hardship. His was a singular voice of “one crying in the wilderness” to rebuke sin in the land and to expose the false prophets and false religions of his day.


Believers such as myself may also, as Elijah does, feel alone and discouraged sharing the Gospel and living as Christ commands us to.  Yet if we earnestly seek Him and cry out to Him as Elijah does (see 1 Kings 19).  

See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  You will never leave or forsake us and You always hear and respond to our call.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.