My Walk With Him: Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.... 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.

Monday, August 17, 2020

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.... 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.

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left....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 22:1-2, 2 Chronicles 34:1-2, and 2 Kings 23:25

Day 203 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move from Nahum's prophecies back to 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles where my commentary* describes how Nineveh falls "[j]ust as Nahum prophesied", how Manasseh's reign comes to and end in Jerusalem, and how his son takes over - does evil in the eyes of the Lord, and is ultimately assassinated. "He is succeeded by Josiah, the most godly king that Judah has ever known. Josiah takes the throne when he is only eight years old and initiates sweeping reforms when he is 16."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

I am reminded this morning how God uses everyone - including the young and those who may feel ordinary. I think of Amos, of the apostles, and even Paul - referred to as a murderer (see Acts 9:1). There are countless stories, even in modern day, how God uses everyone in for His glory and purpose. God equips all who serve. The only requirement is of course is to love God just as Josiah did - with all your heart, soul, and strength.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me - I have seen Your hand in my life and in the lives of those around me - extraordinary things through ordinary people. I am blessed that You would use me. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of Your rich blessings and love. I worry and I have other sins. 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 love me. 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.