Today's reading: II Kings 21, 22, 23; Psalm 24, 54, 84, 114, 144; Proverbs 24
II Kings 21:1, "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah."
The name Hephzibah is defined in Strongs Hebrew dictionary #02657 - "my delight (is) in her;". I thought this was interesting. Many years ago we attended a Church that supported a ministry called "Hephzibah House". It was a home for troubled girls. The girls were brought there in order for God to work in their lives and for them to be transformed into the young women He designed them to be. It is a great ministry. We were treated very well as we toured the facilities.
The reason I liked this ministry so much was because they were teaching the young women a proper view of God and how He viewed them. Imagine being named "My delight is in her". What a privilege.
Actually, as I am writing and thinking about this I realized something. Everyone of us who name the name of Christ can be called Hephzibah. If we are in a right relationship with the Lord then He will delight in us. What a powerful thought!
Today as you go about your daily routine think about how God delights in you if you are one of His children. If you are not one of His children, please become one today before it is too late.
So what does God think of you?
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
April 23, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 18, 19, 20; Psalm 23, 53, 83, 113, 143; Proverbs 23
II Kings 19:1, "And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD."
I was thinking about the day that we learned that we were going to be parents. It was an emotional day to say the least. I remember being scared to death and also excited at the same time. How would I... or What would I... My mind raced in a million directions.
It was at this point that I had a decision to make. I had to decide whether I would do things on my own. Did I want to do thing my way or would there be a better way? Should I get the advice of other or just go and do my own thing my own way?
I remember a big part of my reaction was to pray a lot. I prayed for everything concerning our child and the pregnancy. I made one vital mistake. By praying so specifically I had to pray for every little detail.
I did not think that if I missed one detail that it might make a huge difference. The one thing I did not pray for was that our child would talk. Our son was born autistic and non-verbal.
Once we came to grips with the fact that there was a problem our response was much like that of King Hezekiah in II Kings 19:14, "And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD." This was our only hope. Today, we still depend upon the Lord and we seek His face.
How do you respond? Sure about that?
II Kings 19:1, "And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD."
I was thinking about the day that we learned that we were going to be parents. It was an emotional day to say the least. I remember being scared to death and also excited at the same time. How would I... or What would I... My mind raced in a million directions.
It was at this point that I had a decision to make. I had to decide whether I would do things on my own. Did I want to do thing my way or would there be a better way? Should I get the advice of other or just go and do my own thing my own way?
I remember a big part of my reaction was to pray a lot. I prayed for everything concerning our child and the pregnancy. I made one vital mistake. By praying so specifically I had to pray for every little detail.
I did not think that if I missed one detail that it might make a huge difference. The one thing I did not pray for was that our child would talk. Our son was born autistic and non-verbal.
Once we came to grips with the fact that there was a problem our response was much like that of King Hezekiah in II Kings 19:14, "And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD." This was our only hope. Today, we still depend upon the Lord and we seek His face.
How do you respond? Sure about that?
Thursday, April 22, 2010
April 22, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 15, 16, 17; Psalm 22, 52, 82, 112, 142; Proverbs 22
II Kings 15:16, "Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up."
We live in a day that is capitalized by the utter disregard for human life. It is horrible. There is no sanctity in life. I never thought I would see such in my lifetime. Unfortunately, it is here. As I was reading our Scripture for today I could not help but think of all the lives that are being wasted in the name of convenience. It is not a child but a choice. Hogwash! Some go so far as to relegate the child to a bundle of tissue. Wrong! This is a child with a soul that Jesus Christ died for. This little person is a precious gift to those who receive it.
Some day we will all stand before God and we will all give account for our lives. I cannot imagine giving account for having done as Menahem and as the Scripture says, "and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up." There was no regard for human life whatsoever. We need to wake up and see what is happening. What man calls convenience, God calls murder.
I think that the people did not understand that Jesus Christ was who He said He was in His day and they still don't. Look at Psalm 22:8, "He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." These people did not acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God just like today. If you will not acknowledge who He is then you will not obey Him.
God help us!
II Kings 15:16, "Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up."
We live in a day that is capitalized by the utter disregard for human life. It is horrible. There is no sanctity in life. I never thought I would see such in my lifetime. Unfortunately, it is here. As I was reading our Scripture for today I could not help but think of all the lives that are being wasted in the name of convenience. It is not a child but a choice. Hogwash! Some go so far as to relegate the child to a bundle of tissue. Wrong! This is a child with a soul that Jesus Christ died for. This little person is a precious gift to those who receive it.
Some day we will all stand before God and we will all give account for our lives. I cannot imagine giving account for having done as Menahem and as the Scripture says, "and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up." There was no regard for human life whatsoever. We need to wake up and see what is happening. What man calls convenience, God calls murder.
I think that the people did not understand that Jesus Christ was who He said He was in His day and they still don't. Look at Psalm 22:8, "He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." These people did not acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God just like today. If you will not acknowledge who He is then you will not obey Him.
God help us!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
April 21, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 12, 13, 14; Psalm 21, 51, 81, 111, 141; Proverbs 21
II Kings 12:11-12, "And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD, And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it."
The past (2) two days I have been attending some training aimed at teaching firefighters how to remove people from cars after they have been involved in a crash. I learned so much that I could not even begin to tell you about it all.
As I was standing next to this car that had been put in place for us then the top smashed down like it had rolled over I began to feel a little bit intimidated. I was encouraged by the fact of knowing that, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13.
I remember standing next to the car and my officer giving me instructions on how to make the cut. I have known this guy since before I started to legally drive a car. I never in my wildest dreams ever thought he and I would ever work together like that. It was so awsome.
I put the cutter in place around the "A" post, which is by the windshield of the car and I pulled on the lever that started the blades moving. The adrenaline ran so high I think I could have snapped it in half by hand. Not really. When the blades made contact with the post I was told to let the tool move and do the work and not to fight against it. Then came the "bang!" and we were through the post. I shouted. Success!
I can only imagine how those we have read about today felt at the completion of the rebuilding of the temple. They had been provided everything they needed and the work just went on until it was finished.
So how are you doing? Are you letting the tool do the work or are you trying to fight against it and do it your way? Yield yourself to the Lord and let Him work through you today. I know He wants to. How about it?
II Kings 12:11-12, "And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD, And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it."
The past (2) two days I have been attending some training aimed at teaching firefighters how to remove people from cars after they have been involved in a crash. I learned so much that I could not even begin to tell you about it all.
As I was standing next to this car that had been put in place for us then the top smashed down like it had rolled over I began to feel a little bit intimidated. I was encouraged by the fact of knowing that, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13.
I remember standing next to the car and my officer giving me instructions on how to make the cut. I have known this guy since before I started to legally drive a car. I never in my wildest dreams ever thought he and I would ever work together like that. It was so awsome.
I put the cutter in place around the "A" post, which is by the windshield of the car and I pulled on the lever that started the blades moving. The adrenaline ran so high I think I could have snapped it in half by hand. Not really. When the blades made contact with the post I was told to let the tool move and do the work and not to fight against it. Then came the "bang!" and we were through the post. I shouted. Success!
I can only imagine how those we have read about today felt at the completion of the rebuilding of the temple. They had been provided everything they needed and the work just went on until it was finished.
So how are you doing? Are you letting the tool do the work or are you trying to fight against it and do it your way? Yield yourself to the Lord and let Him work through you today. I know He wants to. How about it?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
April 20, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 9, 10, 11; Psalm 20, 50, 80, 110, 140; Proverbs 20
II Kings 9:20, "And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously."
The other day I was talking with a friend. We talked about everything and solved all of the world's problems; but, nobody was asking us for our advice. He commented about how much our son looks like me. That is a real compliment to me. I have been told that I look like my father too. One time I remember at his second marriage that someone shook my hand as said that it was good to meet David's brother. I told him to keep trying that he still had not met him. It was quite funny.
I think it is also funny how we identify people by how they walk or what they do. I was know during my career as a dispatcher for some things I said on the radio or how I said different things. This was neither good or bad really. What are you known for?
In our Scripture for today Jehu was known for the way he was driving. How was it? The Scripture say, "for he driveth furiously". When people see you from a distance are you known for the way you walk or the way you talk?
We have to be careful to be different from the world. This principle of separation is looked down upon in this day and age but it is still important. Notice II Kings 10:23, "And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only." As I read this passage I thought how sad it was that they had to make sure there were none of God's servants in the crowd. I guess they could have been there evangelizing. Still they wanted to be sure that none of God's people were in with the wrong crowd that day. How sad.
So friend how are you know or what are you known for?
II Kings 9:20, "And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously."
The other day I was talking with a friend. We talked about everything and solved all of the world's problems; but, nobody was asking us for our advice. He commented about how much our son looks like me. That is a real compliment to me. I have been told that I look like my father too. One time I remember at his second marriage that someone shook my hand as said that it was good to meet David's brother. I told him to keep trying that he still had not met him. It was quite funny.
I think it is also funny how we identify people by how they walk or what they do. I was know during my career as a dispatcher for some things I said on the radio or how I said different things. This was neither good or bad really. What are you known for?
In our Scripture for today Jehu was known for the way he was driving. How was it? The Scripture say, "for he driveth furiously". When people see you from a distance are you known for the way you walk or the way you talk?
We have to be careful to be different from the world. This principle of separation is looked down upon in this day and age but it is still important. Notice II Kings 10:23, "And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only." As I read this passage I thought how sad it was that they had to make sure there were none of God's servants in the crowd. I guess they could have been there evangelizing. Still they wanted to be sure that none of God's people were in with the wrong crowd that day. How sad.
So friend how are you know or what are you known for?
Monday, April 19, 2010
April 19, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 6, 7, 8; Psalm 19, 49, 79, 109, 139; Proverbs 19
II Kings 6:16-17, "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
I remember growing up on the farm I would ride my bike a lot in the down time. It was not unusual for my friend and I to ride to the next town five (5) miles away. We would always ride through the country so as to avoid the main roads in hopes of not being killed. I remember one trip in particular we were riding casually along and as we began to go up a hill in the road three large dogs came after us barking and all of that. I was always the fat kid with glasses so I was also the slowest. I remember as I tried to ride up the hill I went slower and slower up the hill. My friend had made it to the top and he saw that I was not going to make it up to the top where the road would flatten out and we could ride like the wind. I still remember my friend dumping his bike in the road and running back down the hill and picking up rocks as he ran. He began throwing the rocks at the dogs to keep them away from me. One made it to me and after a second of sniffing me decided we were okay. It was a near death experience if I ever had one.
Our passage today reminded me of this. God has protected me all of my life and He was not about to stop at that moment, I am sure. However, He used my friend to ensure that I was protected and He allowed what we thought was a man eating dog to be pretty friendly.
Imagine the young man looking around and see the horses and chariots of fire. That makes me want to shout just thinking about that. God has provided protection for me and my family so many times that we could not even begin to count.
We are experiencing a dark time in our lives right now. I am thankful for this reminder to look up and keep my eyes on Him and see His horses and chariots of fire.
Are you looking? I hope so.
II Kings 6:16-17, "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
I remember growing up on the farm I would ride my bike a lot in the down time. It was not unusual for my friend and I to ride to the next town five (5) miles away. We would always ride through the country so as to avoid the main roads in hopes of not being killed. I remember one trip in particular we were riding casually along and as we began to go up a hill in the road three large dogs came after us barking and all of that. I was always the fat kid with glasses so I was also the slowest. I remember as I tried to ride up the hill I went slower and slower up the hill. My friend had made it to the top and he saw that I was not going to make it up to the top where the road would flatten out and we could ride like the wind. I still remember my friend dumping his bike in the road and running back down the hill and picking up rocks as he ran. He began throwing the rocks at the dogs to keep them away from me. One made it to me and after a second of sniffing me decided we were okay. It was a near death experience if I ever had one.
Our passage today reminded me of this. God has protected me all of my life and He was not about to stop at that moment, I am sure. However, He used my friend to ensure that I was protected and He allowed what we thought was a man eating dog to be pretty friendly.
Imagine the young man looking around and see the horses and chariots of fire. That makes me want to shout just thinking about that. God has provided protection for me and my family so many times that we could not even begin to count.
We are experiencing a dark time in our lives right now. I am thankful for this reminder to look up and keep my eyes on Him and see His horses and chariots of fire.
Are you looking? I hope so.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 3, 4, 5; Psalm 18, 48, 78, 108, 138; Proverbs 18
II Kings 4:10, "Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither."
This lady wanted to provide for the needs of the man of God. How did she do that? She provided him:
A place to sleep - "... a bed," Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap or sleep. This way you get your battery recharged. We all need proper rest to be effective for God. This woman wanted to provide a place for the man of God to get proper rest.
A place to study - "and a table," She provided a place for the man of God to put his scrolls (Bible) and to study. I know there have been a few times in my life that I have gotten away and it was nice to have provided a table where I could put my Bible and note pad to study. The woman wanted the man of God to have a proper place to study.
A place to sit - "and a stool," She provided the man of God a place to sit down at the table. Not only did she provide him a place to study; but, she provided him a place to sit at the table. It could be hard to study without a place to sit. It would have been uncomfortable and that would have made studying unprofitable.
A place to see - "and a candlestick:" She provided the man of God a candlestick. Light was very necessary just to live. His ministry was enhanced because he had light. The light allowed him to study very early or very late depending upon his needs.
I love this story of God providing for His man. The reason I love it so much is because I know if God provided for the man of God He will also provide for you and I.
Count your blessings today and see what God has provided for you. Remember to name them one by one.
II Kings 4:10, "Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither."
This lady wanted to provide for the needs of the man of God. How did she do that? She provided him:
A place to sleep - "... a bed," Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap or sleep. This way you get your battery recharged. We all need proper rest to be effective for God. This woman wanted to provide a place for the man of God to get proper rest.
A place to study - "and a table," She provided a place for the man of God to put his scrolls (Bible) and to study. I know there have been a few times in my life that I have gotten away and it was nice to have provided a table where I could put my Bible and note pad to study. The woman wanted the man of God to have a proper place to study.
A place to sit - "and a stool," She provided the man of God a place to sit down at the table. Not only did she provide him a place to study; but, she provided him a place to sit at the table. It could be hard to study without a place to sit. It would have been uncomfortable and that would have made studying unprofitable.
A place to see - "and a candlestick:" She provided the man of God a candlestick. Light was very necessary just to live. His ministry was enhanced because he had light. The light allowed him to study very early or very late depending upon his needs.
I love this story of God providing for His man. The reason I love it so much is because I know if God provided for the man of God He will also provide for you and I.
Count your blessings today and see what God has provided for you. Remember to name them one by one.
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