Posted in Hiding His Word

Follow After the Things Which Make for Peace

2 Chronicles 29:1-36 Romans 14:1-23 Psalm 24:1-10 Proverbs 20:12

Not to Doubtful Disputations
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. –
Romans 14:1-4

Let Every Man Be Fully Persuaded in His Own Mind
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. – Romans 14:5-9

Every One of Us Shall Give Account of Himself to God
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. – Romans 14:10-13

Nothing Unclean of Itself
I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. – Romans 14:14-18

Let Us Therefore Follow After the Things Which Make for Peace
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. – Romans 14:19-23

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The Service of the House of the LORD was Set in Order
Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings. And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD. And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep. But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests. And also the burnt offerings were in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings, and the drink offerings for every burnt offering. So the service of the house of the LORD was set in order. And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly.
– 2 Chronicles 29:31-36

Who Shall Ascend Into the Hill of the LORD?
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
– Psalm 24:3-5

The Hearing Ear and the Seeing Eye
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
– Proverbs 20:12

 

Posted in Hiding His Word

Even a Child is Known by His Doings

2 Chronicles 26:1–28:27; Romans 13:1-14; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 20:11

Even a Child is Known by His Doings
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
 – Proverbs 20:11

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Uzziah Sought God
And he 
(Uzziah) sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper. – 2 Chronicles 26:5

Uzziah’s Name Spread Far
And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
 – 2 Chronicles 26:15

When Uzziah was Strong, His Heart was Lifted Up to His Destruction
But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense. And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: and they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.
 – 2 Chronicles 26:16-18

Leprosy Rose Up in Uzziah’s Forehead Before the Priests in the House of the LORD
Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar. And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him. And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.
 – 2 Chronicles 26:19-21

 

Jotham Did That Which was Right in the Sight of the LORD
And he (Jotham) did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly. He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much. Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers. – 
2 Chronicles 27:2-4

Jotham Fought the Ammonites and Prevailed
He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them.
 – 2 Chronicles 27:5a

Jothan Became Mighty
So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God
. – 2 Chronicles 27:6



Ahaz Did Not that Which Was Right in the Sight of the LORD

Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father: for he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim
. – 2 Chronicles 28:1-2

In the Time of Distress Ahaz Trespassed More Against the LORD
And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz. For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.
 – 2 Chronicles 28:22-24

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There is No Power But of God
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
 – Romans 13:1-2

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God. Therefore whoever resists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves. – Romans 13:1-2 AMP

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I Shall Not Want
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
– Psalm 23:1-6

Posted in Hiding His Word

Your Reasonable Service

2 Chronicles 24:1–25:28; Romans 12:1-21; Psalm 22:19-31; Proverbs 20:8-10

Your Reasonable Service
[Paul] beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
– Romans 12:1-21

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The King Hearkened to the Princes of Judah
But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died. And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house. Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. – 2 Chronicles 24:15-17

Wrath Came Upon Judah
And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass. – 2 Chronicles 24:18

God Sent Prophets – Spirit of God Came Upon Zechariah
Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear. And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you. –  2 Chronicles 24:19-20

The Conspired Against Him (Zechariah), and Stoned Him
And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD. Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. –  2 Chronicles 24:21-22a

The LORD Look Upon It, and Require It
And when he died, he said, The LORD look upon it, and require it. And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the host of Syria came up against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them unto the king of Damascus. For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the LORD delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash. –  2 Chronicles 24:22a-24

His Servants Conspired Against Him and Slew Him on His Bed
And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings. – 2 Chronicles 24:25

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I Will Declare Thy Name Unto My Brethren
I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. – Psalm 22:22-24

Who Can Say, I am Pure from My Sin?
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? – Proverbs 20:9

I am pure from my sin because of the blood shed for me on Calvary by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I could never say I have made my heart clean because He alone makes my heart clean. It is by His mercies that I am able to present my body as a living sacrifice. It is my reasonable service. Glory and Honor and Praise to JESUS!

What is My Reasonable Service?
To present my body as a living sacrifice
To be not conformed to this world
To be transformed by the renewing of my mind
To prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
To not think of myself more highly than I ought to think.
To think soberly, according as God hath dealt to me a measure of faith.
To see that while there are many members we are all one body.
To see that being many we are one body in Christ and every one members one of another.
To see that we don’t all have the same office.
To use my gifts according to the grace that is given to me.
To let love be without dissimulation.
To abhor that which is evil.
To cleave to that which is good.
To be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.
To in honour prefer one another.
To not be slothful in business.
To be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
To rejoice in hope.
To be patient in tribulation.
To continue instant in prayer.
To distribute as necessary to the saints.
To be hospitable.
To bless them that persecute me.
To bless them and not to curse them.
To rejoice with those that rejoice.
To weep with them that weep.
To be of the same mind one toward another.
To mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.
To be not wise in my own eyes.
To recompense to no man evil for evil.
To provide things honest in the sight of all men.
To live peaceable with all men, if it be possible and as much as I can.
To avenge not myself but give place to wrath (knowing God said, vengeance is mine and I will repay).
To feed my enemy if he is hungry.
To give my enemy a drink if he is thirsty.
To not be overcome of evil but overcome evil with good.

Posted in Hiding His Word

How Unsearchable are His Judgments, and His Ways Past Finding Out!

2 Chronicles 21:1–23:21 Romans 11:13-36 Psalm 22:1-18 Proverbs 20:7

How Unsearchable are His Judgments, and His Ways Past Finding Out!
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. – Romans 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and decisions and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it would be paid back to Him? For from Him [all things live and exist] and to Him are all things [directed]. To Him be glory and honor forever! Amen. – 
Romans 11:33-36 AMP

There are five doxologies in the book of Romans, and this is one of them. Paul’s heart is overflowing when he states the Jews have gone away from God, and they are in unbelief, but because of that, the Gentiles have been let into the Kingdom of God. However, in the end, God will not recall His gifts and His callings. Israel will be saved. The Gentiles and Jews will come together in a new nation as a new people. And thinking on all of that, Paul says, “O the riches and glory of God! How great is God?” Can’t you just see and hear him praising God and declaring those blessed words? Isn’t that even how we feel at times? We are in awe over all God is doing and over the mysteries, we do not yet understand and grasp!!!

Because of the Covenant and As He Promised
Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever. – 2 Chronicles 21:4-7

Covenant – A usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement; a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action.

Why Art Thou So Far From Helping Me?
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitant the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts. I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother’s belly. Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. – Psalm 22:1-18

Some question if it is okay to question God. This passage is David speaking honestly to his Father in heaven and asking, “Why?” When Jesus was on the cross giving His sinless life for you and me, He asked this same question David asked. He asked His Heavenly Father, “Why?” and He quoted it straight from this Psalm. If it is okay for David and it is okay for Jesus…it is certainly okay for us to be honest with our Heavenly Father and ask, “Why?” He knows our struggles, doubts, and questions anyway.

The Just Man Walketh in Integrity
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. – Proverbs 20:7

Just – having a basis in or conforming to fact or reason; reasonable; conforming to a standard of correctness; proper; faithful to an original; acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good; righteous; legally correct; lawful

Integrity – firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; incorruptibility; an unimpaired condition; soundness; the quality or state of being complete or undivided; completeness

Posted in Hiding His Word

But I Say, Have They Not Heard?

2 Chronicles 19:1–20:37; Romans 10:14–11:12; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 20:4-6

But I Say, Have They Not Heard?
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. – Romans 10:14-18

Give the Lord’s report. Some will believe, and some won’t. Some will obey, and some won’t…but if you speak it, it has been heard. 

Ye Shall Not Need to Fight in This Battle
And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; and he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
– 2 Chronicles 20:13-17

And None Escaped
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. – 
2 Chronicles 20:20-24

He (Jehoshaphat) Walked in the Way of Asa His Father
And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD. Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers. Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.

And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly: and he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Ezion-gaber. Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish. – 2 Chronicles 20:32-37

Wasn’t he more like his father than it looks at first glance? From these passages we know he walked with the Lord for a season but then it says he joined himself with Ahaziah who was king of Israel and that Ahaziah did very wickedly. There were consequences to that alliance.

The King Shall Joy in Thy Strength
The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah. – Psalm 21:1-2

The Sluggard Will Not Plow
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. – Proverbs 20:4

The lazy man does not plow when the winter [planting] season arrives; So he begs at the [next] harvest and has nothing [to reap]. – Proverbs 20:4 AMP

The LORD Saveth His Anointed

2 Chronicles 17:1–18:34; Romans 9:25–10:13; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 20:2-3

The LORD Saveth His Anointed
Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. – Psalm 20:6

What My God Saith, That Will I Speak
And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good. And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.
– 2 Chronicles 18:11-13

For Whosoever Shall Call Upon the Name of the Lord Shall Be Saved
For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
– Romans 10:5-13

It is an Honour to Cease from Strife
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
– Proverbs 20:3

 

Posted in Hiding His Word

For the Eyes of the LORD Run To and Fro

2 Chronicles 14:1–16:14; Romans 9:1-24; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 20:1

Abijah Slept with His Fathers, Asa His Son Reigned in His Stead
So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years. –
2 Chronicles 14:1

King Asa Did that Which was Good and Right in the Eyes of the LORD
And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: for he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: and commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.
– 2 Chronicles 14:2-6

LORD, It is Nothing with Thee to Help
And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah. Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.
– 2 Chronicles 14:9-11

The LORD is With You, While Ye Be with Him
And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: and he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity. Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.
– 2 Chronicles 15:1-7

King Asa Calls on the King of Syria
In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king’s house, and sent to Ben-hadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me. –
2 Chronicles 16:1-3

The King of Syria Helps King Asa
And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease. Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah.
– 2 Chronicles 16:4-6

Because Thou Hast Relied on the King of Syria, and not Relied on the LORD
And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.
– 2 Chronicles 16:7-10

King Asa Sought Not to the LORD, but to the Physicians
And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.
– 2 Chronicles 16:12

Such important lessons in our reading in 2 Chronicles today. Seek the Lord, and He shall be found. He promises that He will be with you while you are with Him. Seek men and the things of this world and suffer the consequences you have allowed into your life.

Lord, help me remember this lesson and Your promises as I go forth today and in the days ahead. Help me to seek You and You alone every step of the way. I ask this in the precious and holy name of Jesus! Amen.

____

Children of the Promise are Counted for the Seed
Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (for the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
– Romans 9:6-16

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.
– Psalm 19:1

Whosoever is Deceived Thereby is Not Wise
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
– Proverbs 20:1

 

God Himself is with Us for Our Captain

2 Chronicles 11:1–13:22; Romans 8:26-39; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 19:27-29

Have Ye Not Cast Out the Priests of the LORD?
And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods. Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods.
 – 2 Chronicles 13:8-9

God Himself is with Us for Our Captain
But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, which minister unto the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their business: and they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also set they in order upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him. And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper. – 2 Chronicles 13:10-12

Who Shall Separate Us from the Love of Christ?
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 – Romans 8:35-39

The LORD Liveth and Blessed Be My Rock
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.
 – Psalm 18:46-50

Hear the Instruction
Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
 – Proverbs 19:27

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:17

Posted in Hiding His Word

We Hope for That We See Not

2 Chronicles 8:11–10:19; Romans 8:9-25; Psalm 18:16-36; Proverbs 19:26

Hope That is Seen is Not Hope
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
 – Romans 8:22-25

Rehoboam Is King, Jeroboam Returned Out of Eygpt
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was in Egypt, whither he had fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt. – 
2 Chronicles 10:1-2

Ease Somewhat the Grievous Servitude and We Will Serve Thee
And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee. And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed. 
– 2 Chronicles 10:3-5

King Rehoboam Forsook the Counsel With the Old Men
And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him,
 – 2 Chronicles 10:6-8a

King Rehoboam Took Counsel with the Young Men
and 
(king Rehoboam) took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him. And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us? And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins. For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. – 2 Chronicles 10:8b-11

What Portion Have We in David?
And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents.
 – 2 Chronicles 10:16

Israel Rebelled Against the House of David Unto This Day
But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that was over the tribute; and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.
 – 2 Chronicles 10:17-19

Thou Hast Enlarged My Steps
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
 – Psalm 18:32-36

Honor Your Father and Mother
He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach
. – Proverbs 19:26

He who assaults his father and chases away his mother Is a son who brings shame and disgrace. – Proverbs 19:26 AMP

Posted in Hiding His Word

Heaven and the Heaven of Heavens Cannot Contain Thee

2 Chronicles 6:12–8:10; Romans 7:14–8:8; Psalm 18:1-15; Proverbs 19:24-25

Heaven and the Heaven of Heavens Cannot Contain Thee
But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! – 2 Chronicles‬ ‭6:18‬

The Glory of the LORD Filled the House
Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’s house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. – 2 Chronicles 7:1-3

Who Shall Deliver Me from the Body of This Death?
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I [Paul] am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. – Romans 7:14-25

No Condemnation to Them Which are in Christ Jesus
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. – Romans 8:1-8

The LORD is My Rock
I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. – Psalm 18:1-2

Reprove One that Hath Understanding and He will Understand Knowledge
Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. – Proverbs 19:25

Strike a scoffer [for refusing to learn], and the naïve may [be warned and] become prudent; Reprimand one who has understanding and a teachable spirit, and he will gain knowledge and insight. – Proverbs 19:25 AMP