Scripture:
2 Kings 15:12
That completed the word of God that was given to Jehu, namely, "For four generations your sons will sit on the throne of Israel." Zechariah was the fourth.
Observation:
In the midst of the deceit and treachery that has become habit among the Northern Kingdom, as Kings are killed by trusted confidantes or hated
enemies or even family members, God still has his way. Though it looks
to our eyes as though God is no where in the picture, even then what He
says comes to pass.
Application:
I am certain that neither Zechariah or Jeroboam or Shallum
set out to accomplish God's will and yet they were part of fulfilling
God's promise. He uses them without their knowledge, without their
understanding, almost in spite of themselves. God will have His way, it
is foolishness to think otherwise.
How much better to choose to serve? How much more fulfilling to offer up my life? How much sweeter to be used by God in partnership? How amazing!
Prayer:
God, Creator of all the Universe, Author of all that is, Unchanging,
Unfailing, Ever-Faithful, I worship you. I offer my life for Your
purposes. Use me, not in spite of myself, but whole-heartedly offered
up to You. Your generosity never fails to amaze me. Thank You for
taking my tiny little offering--my best--and in Your mercy and grace
multiplying it to be enough for You to use. Amen.
Thursday July 3, 2008 by Keith
Title: FINISH WELL
Scripture:
2 Chronicles 27:6 Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the LORD his God.
Observation:
There is something said about living a life of integrity. Jotham grew powerful, not because he was strong, wealthy, or smart, but because he walked steadfastly before the LORD his God.
His father Uzziah lived a similar life, however, he didn’t end well. There was a point where he may have thought his power came from himself rather than the Lord, or maybe he forget the great seriousness of God’s Holiness. Whatever it was King Uzziah went from powerful to pathetic overnight… for all of history Uzziah would be known as a king that died of leprosy.
It seems Jotham may have looked at his dad’s example and chose the high road. Maybe Jotham committed to never be like that… to remind himself that it is God that gives and takes away. Maybe he had men in his life like Isaiah to remind him of the LORD Almighty.
Application:
I am no king, nor was my dad a king…. But, I do have a choice in my life to live a life of integrity or to give way to my flesh and think that I have accomplished things on my own.
I can approach God in humility or in arrogance.
I can worship in fear and love or apathy and selfishness.
I want to be more like Jotham who walked steadfastly before the Lord. I would rather people remember my integrity than my leprosy.
Prayer:
Father, help me walk with you and for you. Thank you for your Word that reminds us of who you are. You give, you take away. You are God. amen and so be it.
Scripture:
2 Chronicles 27:6 Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the LORD his God.
Observation:
There is something said about living a life of integrity. Jotham grew powerful, not because he was strong, wealthy, or smart, but because he walked steadfastly before the LORD his God.
His father Uzziah lived a similar life, however, he didn’t end well. There was a point where he may have thought his power came from himself rather than the Lord, or maybe he forget the great seriousness of God’s Holiness. Whatever it was King Uzziah went from powerful to pathetic overnight… for all of history Uzziah would be known as a king that died of leprosy.
It seems Jotham may have looked at his dad’s example and chose the high road. Maybe Jotham committed to never be like that… to remind himself that it is God that gives and takes away. Maybe he had men in his life like Isaiah to remind him of the LORD Almighty.
Application:
I am no king, nor was my dad a king…. But, I do have a choice in my life to live a life of integrity or to give way to my flesh and think that I have accomplished things on my own.
I can approach God in humility or in arrogance.
I can worship in fear and love or apathy and selfishness.
I want to be more like Jotham who walked steadfastly before the Lord. I would rather people remember my integrity than my leprosy.
Prayer:
Father, help me walk with you and for you. Thank you for your Word that reminds us of who you are. You give, you take away. You are God. amen and so be it.
Monday, June 30th, 2008 by Randy
TITLE:
“Being Plumb”
SCRIPTURE:
This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. Amos 7:7 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Amos, the prophet, uses a number of analogies to expose Israel’s backslidden condition. In Amos 7:7,8 He pictures the Lord with a plumb line in his hand. Just for clarity, a "plumb line" is a string with a weight on the end. When you hold the string at the top, the weight makes the line hang down straight. Still today we refer to “being plumb" as something level or straight.
So in this vision God is standing with a plumb line by a wall. The plumb is true and level indicating that the wall is straight up and down. God is saying that He always uses an accurate standard to judge his people. He is fair and true. It is not “what seems right” to the person or public opinion. It is God’s truth. Absolute. Unchanging.
APPLICATION:
In a culture of relativity, God reveals his truth in His word. That’s why I need to daily read and learn from the Bible. God wants me to align myself with Him; not with the culture; Not with popular opinion, but with His will! Anything that is not “straight or level” in my life, He wants to correct. Just like a wall that’s out of plumb, my life is unstable without his perspective. How do I measure up to God’s plumb line? What is God wanting to realign in my life? In my relationships? In my priorities? I can’t rely on my own judgments. I must look to Him and His Word. The Psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). May that be true of my life too!
PRAYER:
Father, please take every area of my life and align it with Your will. I want to fully follow you! Forgive me when I’ve relied on my opinions rather than your standards. Help me to be in plumb with your word. AMEN.
“Being Plumb”
SCRIPTURE:
This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. Amos 7:7 (NIV)
OBSERVATION:
Amos, the prophet, uses a number of analogies to expose Israel’s backslidden condition. In Amos 7:7,8 He pictures the Lord with a plumb line in his hand. Just for clarity, a "plumb line" is a string with a weight on the end. When you hold the string at the top, the weight makes the line hang down straight. Still today we refer to “being plumb" as something level or straight.
So in this vision God is standing with a plumb line by a wall. The plumb is true and level indicating that the wall is straight up and down. God is saying that He always uses an accurate standard to judge his people. He is fair and true. It is not “what seems right” to the person or public opinion. It is God’s truth. Absolute. Unchanging.
APPLICATION:
In a culture of relativity, God reveals his truth in His word. That’s why I need to daily read and learn from the Bible. God wants me to align myself with Him; not with the culture; Not with popular opinion, but with His will! Anything that is not “straight or level” in my life, He wants to correct. Just like a wall that’s out of plumb, my life is unstable without his perspective. How do I measure up to God’s plumb line? What is God wanting to realign in my life? In my relationships? In my priorities? I can’t rely on my own judgments. I must look to Him and His Word. The Psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). May that be true of my life too!
PRAYER:
Father, please take every area of my life and align it with Your will. I want to fully follow you! Forgive me when I’ve relied on my opinions rather than your standards. Help me to be in plumb with your word. AMEN.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)