We're back to life as a biblical soap opera today in 2 Chronicles 21-25. We've all been there at some point, right? Life can be like that sometimes.
What a mess after King Jehoshaphat dies and his son, Jehoram, takes over in Judah. Things seem to spiral out of control in the royal family, king (and one queen) after king. We read through the disastrous reigns of Jehoram, Ahaziah and his crazy mother Athaliah, Joash, and Amaziah. Try to go through all of those names fast, and you get an idea of how lost God's people become as God's leaders have abandoned His ways for their own.
How many of you know how tricky this is? It's tricky because God speaks to us through many voices. He sends people and circumstances to keep us going in the right direction or to wake us up and turn us around when we're off course. So, we have to take time to consider the source.
God's voice is not defined by volume and loudness, pretty packages and crowd pleasing messages, predictable time frames, our personal comfort zones, or limited expectations. God's voice is, however, defined by His grace and perfect love for us.
God speaks to us anytime, anywhere. That's what Amaziah realized in 2 Chronicles 25. We read about two specific experiences in which God tries to speak to him through other people. When he listens to God's voice things go well. When he listens to his own voice, it turns out to be a disaster.
I believe God is using these experiences today to remind us that no matter what WE THINK, HE ALWAYS knows better.
Amaziah pays lots of money for good help. And "the man of God" reminds all of us of this important truth...
A prayer for today-
In Christ's love,
*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project. Click here to read more.
What a mess after King Jehoshaphat dies and his son, Jehoram, takes over in Judah. Things seem to spiral out of control in the royal family, king (and one queen) after king. We read through the disastrous reigns of Jehoram, Ahaziah and his crazy mother Athaliah, Joash, and Amaziah. Try to go through all of those names fast, and you get an idea of how lost God's people become as God's leaders have abandoned His ways for their own.
As we've been talking about lately, we all have to be intentional about standing firm in our faith. It's not easy in this crazy world. It wasn't easy then in the days of Israel and Judah, and it isn't easy for us now. It doesn't take much for us to become misguided from God's purpose for our lives.
But, it's so important to remember that it is VERY POSSIBLE to be faithful followers because God makes every effort to help us.
In our reading, we see God use Jehoiada the priest to help Joash, and God continues to send prophet after prophet, offering His counsel to all. The help is there, but no one seems to really listen to the "right" voice.
But, it's so important to remember that it is VERY POSSIBLE to be faithful followers because God makes every effort to help us.
In our reading, we see God use Jehoiada the priest to help Joash, and God continues to send prophet after prophet, offering His counsel to all. The help is there, but no one seems to really listen to the "right" voice.
Have you ever been to a concert or big event where microphones are involved? Regular "sound checks" are a must in these situations. It's the same way with our lives. We have a million voices clamoring and fighting for our attention. And, our life is always a "big event, a big deal." to God. We need to make sure that the voice that is magnified in our lives is God's voice.
How many of you know how tricky this is? It's tricky because God speaks to us through many voices. He sends people and circumstances to keep us going in the right direction or to wake us up and turn us around when we're off course. So, we have to take time to consider the source.
God's voice is not defined by volume and loudness, pretty packages and crowd pleasing messages, predictable time frames, our personal comfort zones, or limited expectations. God's voice is, however, defined by His grace and perfect love for us.
God speaks to us anytime, anywhere. That's what Amaziah realized in 2 Chronicles 25. We read about two specific experiences in which God tries to speak to him through other people. When he listens to God's voice things go well. When he listens to his own voice, it turns out to be a disaster.
I believe God is using these experiences today to remind us that no matter what WE THINK, HE ALWAYS knows better.
Amaziah pays lots of money for good help. And "the man of God" reminds all of us of this important truth...
8 Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow.”
9 Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?”
The man of God replied, “The Lord can give you much more than that.”
The Lord, our Savior, is the help we really need. He gives us so much more than we could ever accomplish or imagine on our own.
I don't know about you, but I want to make sure it's God's voice that's magnified and directing my steps.
Dear God,
Thank You for speaking to me and guiding me. Forgive me for all the ways I miss hearing Your voice. Help me to know Your voice when You speak to me.
I especially need to hear Your direction when it comes to ___________________________. Tell me and show me Your way. Give me the strength, the courage, and the resources to do what You need me to do.
I also pray for ____________________ today. Fill his/her/their life/lives with Your love and Your voice.
I praise You, Lord, my Savior, who fills my life full of perfect purpose and blessings.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen
In Christ's love,
*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project. Click here to read more.
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