The anger of the Lord burned against Amaziah, and he sent a prophet to him, who said, “Why do you consult this people’s gods, which could not save their own people from your hand?” (2 Chronicles 25:10) There are times when the emotion of the moment gets us, and we find ourselves doing things that we wouldn't otherwise do. If we were to stop and think rationally, then ... [Continue Reading]
Listen Up (2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 24)
Although the Lord sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen. (2 Chronicles 24:19) When I was in elementary school my brothers and I loved playing in the creek near our house. I remember one snow day when we adventured out, and I really wanted to walk on the ice. My older and wiser brothers ... [Continue Reading]
Managing Your Lion (2 Kings 9-11)
So Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel. However, he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. (2 Kings 10:28-29) Have you ever seen a lion on a leash? A couple of years ago I had the privilege of visiting the Greenville Zoo in Greenville, South Carolina, and one of ... [Continue Reading]
The “I” Will (2 Kings 5-8)
After Naaman had traveled some distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, “My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” (2 Kings 5:19b-20) The "I" will says, this is about me. Regardless of what's good and right, the ... [Continue Reading]
Making Room for People of God (2 Kings 1-4)
[The Shunammite] said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” (2 Kings 4:9-10) If a person of God were to come your way, would you make room for him or her? Would you welcome that ... [Continue Reading]
The Only Direction (Obadiah)
“The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head.” (Obadiah 15) Have you ever wondered what the purpose of life is? Where did this world come from? Where is this world going? What does the future hold, and why are we even here in the first place? The Prophet Obadiah reminds us that ... [Continue Reading]
Hellos and Goodbyes (2 Chronicles 21-23)
Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He passed away, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. (2 Chronicles 21:20) Life is full of "hellos" and "goodbyes," isn't it? I'm so thankful for the many friends I've treasured over the years. Each time we move somewhere ... [Continue Reading]
When to Ask for Help (2 Chronicles 19-20)
“Our God, will you not judge [our enemies]? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12) When Jehoshaphat found himself facing the imminent attack of a large number of armies, he assessed the situation and realized that his army did not stand a chance. Then Jehoshaphat did ... [Continue Reading]
To Whom Do You Listen? (1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18)
The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” (1 Kings 22:8a) To whom have you given permission to speak truth into your life? King Ahab only gave permission to those who would speak positively of ... [Continue Reading]
The Danger of Perception (1 Kings 20-21)
Ahab said to Elijah, “So you have found me, my enemy!” (1 Kings 21:20) The problem with our perceptions is that they aren't always right. In fact, I can think of many occasions when I perceived something quite wrongly. In my mind, the intentions of the person were even opposite of a true picture of reality. The problem is that perceptions are jaded by emotion, and ... [Continue Reading]
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