relationships (2 Chronicles 31:1-21) Our Priorities and Trust

(2 Chronicles 31:1-21)   Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, broke the memorial stones in pieces, cut down the Asherim and pulled down the high places and the altars throughout Judah and Benjamin, as well as in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had destroyed them all. Then all the sons of Israel returned to their cities, each to his possession.

2 And Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and the Levites by their divisions, each according to his service, both the priests and the Levites, for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to serve and to give thanks and to praise in the gates of the camp of the Lord.

3 He also appointed the king’s portion of his property for the burnt offerings, namely, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths and for the new moons and for the appointed festivals, as it is written in the Law of the Lord. 4 Also he told the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, so that they might devote themselves to the Law of the Lord. 5 As soon as the order spread, the sons of Israel abundantly provided the first fruits of grain, new wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything. 6 The sons of Israel and Judah who lived in the cities of Judah also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of sacred gifts which were consecrated to the Lord their God, and placed them in heaps. 7 In the third month they began to make the heaps, and they finished them by the seventh month. 8 When Hezekiah and the rulers came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord and His people Israel. 9 Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. 10 Azariah, the chief priest of the house of Zadok, said to him, “Since the contributions started coming into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat with plenty left over, for the Lord has blessed His people, and this great quantity is left over.”

11 Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare rooms in the house of the Lord, and they prepared them. 12 They faithfully brought in the contributions, the tithes, and the consecrated things; and Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second. 13 Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei by the appointment of King Hezekiah, and Azariah was the chief officer of the house of God. 14 Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the keeper of the eastern gate, was in charge of the voluntary offerings for God, to distribute the contributions for the Lord and the most holy things. 15 Under his authority were Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, to distribute their portions faithfully to their brothers by divisions, whether great or small, 16 without regard to their genealogical enrollment, to the males from thirty years old and upward—everyone who entered the house of the Lord for his daily obligations—for their work in their duties according to their divisions; 17 as well as the priests who were enrolled genealogically according to their fathers’ households, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, by their duties and their divisions. 18 The genealogical enrollment included all their little children, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, for the whole assembly, for they consecrated themselves faithfully in holiness. 19 Also for the sons of Aaron, the priests, who were in the pasture lands of their cities, or in each and every city, there were men who were designated by name to distribute portions to every male among the priests and to everyone genealogically enrolled among the Levites.

20 Hezekiah did this throughout Judah; and he did what was good, right, and true before the Lord his God. 21 Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in the Law and in the commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

It's very clear that there's a distinction between tithes, offerings and sacrifices.  Tithes are to be the top ten percent of one's income (whatever that is)... the "first fruits".  It is giving back to God our very best out of all that He has given us.  Offerings are voluntary gifts that are over and above our tithing.  And sacrifices are just that - the giving of something which goes beyond a level of comfort.

When a congregation is faithful in just the tithing alone, there will be plenty:  to pay the staff, maintain the church building/s and property, pay the utilities, help those in need, and send out missionaries!  God WILL bless our giving, and He is able to multiply "the bread" and grow the church.  I understand that there may be circumstances where a pastor might find it necessary to get a second job... but - for how long?  I do believe that when the pastor/s and the congregation are doing as they should, the church will grow.  As in verses 4-10, a pastor should be able to fully devote himself to his work in the church.  

If the entire congregation isn't tithing as they should, that should not stop an individual from being obedient.  This includes anyone who works for the church, just as the Israelite priests were expected to tithe.  The church might struggle because of disobedience as a whole, but any individual who tithes faithfully will be blessed!

There are so many testimonies of how God has blessed those who faithfully tithe.  I have NEVER heard one testimony that has said otherwise.  God is faithful and wants to bless His children!  So let us ask ourselves, are we striving to be faithful in what God asks of us?  If we say that we trust in the Lord, do we trust Him enough to do as He says?  If we say that we love the Lord, do we love Him more than our money?  It is most beneficial to put God in first place, above all else.

relationships (30:1-27) Be Hospitable and Welcoming

(2 Chronicles 30:1-27)  Now Hezekiah sent word to all Israel and Judah and also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover to the Lord God of Israel. 2 For the king and his princes and all the assembly in Jerusalem had decided to celebrate the Passover in the second month, 3 since they could not celebrate it at that time, because the priests had not consecrated themselves in sufficient numbers, nor had the people been gathered to Jerusalem. 4 So the decision was right in the sight of the king and all the assembly. 5 So they established a decree to circulate a proclamation throughout Israel from Beersheba to Dan, that they are to come to celebrate the Passover to the Lord God of Israel in Jerusalem. For they had not celebrated it in great numbers as was written. 6 The couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with the letters from the hand of the king and his princes, even according to the command of the king, saying, “Sons of Israel, return to the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, that He may return to those of you who escaped and are left from the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7 Do not be like your fathers and your brothers, who were untrue to the Lord God of their fathers, so that He made them an object of horror, just as you see. 8 Now do not stiffen your neck like your fathers, but yield to the Lord and enter His sanctuary which He has consecrated forever, and serve the Lord your God, that His burning anger may turn away from you. 9 For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your sons will find compassion in the presence of those who led them captive, and will return to this land. For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.”

10 So the couriers passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but they laughed at them with scorn and mocked them. 11 Nevertheless, some men of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 12 The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the Lord.

13 Now many people were gathered at Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month, a very large assembly. 14 They got up and removed the altars which were in Jerusalem; they also removed all the incense altars and threw them into the brook Kidron. 15 Then they slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth of the second month. And the priests and Levites were ashamed of themselves, and consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings to the house of the Lord. 16 They stood at their stations following their custom, according to the Law of Moses the man of God; the priests sprinkled the blood which they received from the hand of the Levites. 17 For there were many in the assembly who had not consecrated themselves; therefore, the Levites were in charge of the slaughter of the Passover lambs for everyone who was unclean, in order to consecrate them to the Lord. 18 For a multitude of the people, many from Ephraim and Manasseh, and Issachar and Zebulun, had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. For Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the good Lord pardon 19 everyone who prepares his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though not according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.” 20 So the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people. 21 The sons of Israel present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and the priests were praising the Lord day after day with loud instruments to the Lord. 22 Then Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites who showed good insight in the things of the Lord. So they ate for the appointed seven days, sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the Lord God of their fathers.

23 Then the whole assembly decided to celebrate the feast another seven days, so they celebrated the seven days with joy. 24 For Hezekiah king of Judah had contributed to the assembly a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep, and the princes had contributed to the assembly a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep; and a large number of priests consecrated themselves. 25 All the assembly of Judah rejoiced, with the priests and the Levites and all the assembly that came from Israel, both the strangers who came from the land of Israel and those living in Judah. 26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem, because there was nothing like this in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel. 27 Then the Levitical priests stood and blessed the people; and their voice was heard and their prayer came to His holy dwelling place, to heaven.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

We are to share God's love and the gospel message with others, even if it means that people will mock us and laugh at us.  One never knows when someone will "hear" the message, take it to heart, and humble themselves to receive Jesus into their lives.  AND THEN it is important that we welcome them wholeheartedly into the fold.  I've seen people judge new believers because of their past, but if these people have hurt us in any way, obviously we are to forgive them (as we are to forgive everyone who hurts us).  

As well, we should not be skeptical of any new believer, thinking that they will go astray or that their faith is fake.  Who are we to judge?  And - do we not have faith in God who can do the impossible?  Through God's love and grace, this is more than possible.  And what a blessing it is when hearts are changed, and together we are able to celebrate the Lord who saves, and then moves in and through us, continuing to change us from the inside out!

Therefore, let us not be afraid to reach out in God's love to those who are still lost and share the gospel message with them.  Let us not be prejudicial or arrogant in allowing people to come to church to witness how we are towards one another, as well as towards unbelievers.  We are to be hospitable and welcoming, because God desires that all come to know Him.  Instead of being judgmental, critical or skeptical, we are to encourage one another, and build each other up, in God's truth and unconditional love!

relationships (2 Chronicles 29:1-36) Prioritizing Our Relationships

(2 Chronicles 29:1-36)  Hezekiah became king when he was twenty-five years old; and he reigned for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. 2 He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, in accordance with everything that his father David had done.

3 In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them. 4 He brought in the priests and the Levites and gathered them into the public square on the east.

5 Then he said to them, “Listen to me, you Levites. Consecrate yourselves now, and consecrate the house of the Lord, the God of your fathers, and carry the uncleanness out of the holy place. 6 For our fathers have been unfaithful and have done evil in the sight of the Lord our God, and they have abandoned Him and turned their faces away from the dwelling place of the Lord, and have turned their backs. 7 They have also shut the doors of the porch and extinguished the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place to the God of Israel. 8 Therefore the wrath of the Lord was against Judah and Jerusalem, and He has made them an object of terror, of horror, and of hissing, as you see with your own eyes. 9 For behold, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons, our daughters, and our wives are in captivity because of this. 10 Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, so that His burning anger may turn away from us. 11 My sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and to be His ministers and burn incense.”

12 Then the Levites arose: Mahath the son of Amasai and Joel the son of Azariah, from the sons of the Kohathites; and from the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi and Azariah the son of Jehallelel; and from the Gershonites, Joah the son of Zimmah and Eden the son of Joah; 13 and from the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeiel; and from the sons of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah; 14 and from the sons of Heman, Jehiel and Shimei; and from the sons of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel. 15 They assembled their brothers, consecrated themselves, and went in to cleanse the house of the Lord, according to the commandment of the king by the words of the Lord. 16 So the priests went into the inner part of the house of the Lord to cleanse it, and they brought every unclean thing which they found in the temple of the Lord out to the courtyard of the house of the Lord. Then the Levites received it to carry out to the Kidron Valley. 17 Now they began the consecration on the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month they entered the porch of the Lord. Then they consecrated the house of the Lord in eight days, and finished on the sixteenth day of the first month. 18 Then they went in to King Hezekiah and said, “We have cleansed the whole house of the Lord, the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the table of the showbread with all of its utensils. 19 Moreover, all the utensils which King Ahaz had discarded during his reign in his unfaithfulness, we have prepared and consecrated; and behold, they are before the altar of the Lord.”

20 Then King Hezekiah got up early and assembled the princes of the city, and went up to the house of the Lord. 21 They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, the sanctuary, and Judah. And he ordered the priests, the sons of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the Lord. 22 So they slaughtered the bulls, and the priests took the blood and sprinkled it on the altar. They also slaughtered the rams and sprinkled the blood on the altar; they slaughtered the lambs as well, and sprinkled the blood on the altar. 23 Then they brought the male goats of the sin offering before the king and the assembly, and they laid their hands on them. 24 The priests slaughtered them and purified the altar with their blood to atone for all Israel, because the king ordered the burnt offering and the sin offering for all Israel.

25 He then stationed the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres, according to the command of David and of Gad, the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet; for the command was from the Lord through His prophets. 26 The Levites stood with the musical instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. 27 Then Hezekiah gave the order to offer the burnt offering on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song to the Lord also began with the trumpets, accompanied by the instruments of David, king of Israel. 28 While the whole assembly worshiped, the singers also sang and the trumpets sounded; all this continued until the burnt offering was finished.

29 Now at the completion of the burnt offerings, the king and all who were present with him bowed down and worshiped. 30 Moreover, King Hezekiah and the officials ordered the Levites to sing praises to the Lord with the words of David and Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with joy, and bowed down and worshiped.

31 Then Hezekiah said, “Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the Lord, come forward and bring sacrifices and thanksgiving offerings to the house of the Lord.” So the assembly brought sacrifices and thanksgiving offerings, and everyone who was willing brought burnt offerings. 32 The number of the burnt offerings which the assembly brought was seventy bulls, a hundred rams, and two hundred lambs; all of these were for a burnt offering to the Lord. 33 The consecrated offerings were six hundred bulls and three thousand sheep. 34 But the priests were too few, so that they were unable to skin all the burnt offerings; therefore their brothers the Levites helped them until the work was finished and the other priests had consecrated themselves. For the Levites were more conscientious to consecrate themselves than the priests. 35 There were also many burnt offerings with the fat of the peace offerings and the drink offerings for the burnt offerings. So the service of the house of the Lord was established again. 36 Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced over what God had prepared for the people, because the thing came about suddenly.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

As verse 36 says, the Israelites rejoiced over what God had prepared and done in such a short time.  Just from this event, we can know that the Lord is the God of the impossible.  And from this entire scripture, we can see how God's relationship with the Israelites - parallel - God's personal relationship with us!  This event is like a physical allegory and illustration to help us understand salvation.

Verse 6:  as the Israelites had turned their backs on God and rejected Him, we are all born with a sinful nature, separated from God.  (Romans 3:23) "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

Verse 5:  as the Israelites needed to clean and consecrate the temple and the holy of holies, we need to go to the Lord to repent and receive His forgiveness of all sin, which is to be washed clean by the blood of the Lamb.  Ephesians 1:7) "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace"

Verse 10: as the Israelites made a covenant (a promise) to the Lord, in our decision of putting our faith in Jesus and making Him our personal Lord and Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit of promise.  The new covenant of Jesus is His promise to us that once we are a child of God, we cannot lose our salvation, ever!  (Ephesians 1:13) "In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise"

Verse 11: as the Israelites were chosen to serve the Lord, we are chosen to become God's children.   Understand that while we have a free choice, God is omniscient.  He knows who will accept Him and who will ultimately reject Him. (Ephesians 1:11-12) "In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory."

Verse 16: as the Israelites were to remove all unclean things from the temple, we are to continually confess our sins as we become aware of them in order to have and develop a closer relationship with the Lord.  (Hebrews 4:14-16) "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need."

Verse 18: as the Israelites cleansed all utensils of the temple to be used in service, we are to make sure we are doing good deeds with the right motives.  This it is an outpouring of our thankfulness to the Lord, who gives us gifts and equips us with what we need to serve Him, all in His power and agape love.  (Colossians 3:17) "Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

Verse 20: as the Israelites assembled, we are to faithfully attend church. (Hebrews 10:23-25) "Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

Verse 25: as the Israelites sang praises to the Lord, we are to sing to the Lord.  (Colossians 3:16) "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Verse 28: as the Israelites worshiped the Lord, we should desire to worship the Lord.   (Hebrews 12:28) "Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe"

Verse 31: as the Israelites gave offerings of thankfulness, we are to give our tithes and offerings with thankfulness.  What does this have to do with relationships?  Well, let us first understand that God should come first our lives, and then people.  Finances are only a means to survive and build, and therefore, how we are responsible with money and how giving and generous we are with money, will demonstrate our love and trust in the Lord, as well as how we love others!

(Malachi 3:10) "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and put Me to the test now in this,” says the Lord of armies, “if I do not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows."  (Proverbs 3:9) "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce"   (Acts 20:35) "In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”" (1 Timothy 6:17-19) "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."

In our love for the Lord, and in this close relationship, we will know better how to love others!

relationships (2 Chronicles 28:1-27) Consequences vs Benefits

(2 Chronicles 28:1-27)  Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years. He did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord as his father David had done. 2 But he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel; he also made cast metal images for the Baals. 3 Furthermore, he burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom, and burned his sons in fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had driven out from the sons of Israel. 4 He sacrificed and burned incense on the high places, on the hills, and under every green tree.

5 Therefore the Lord his God handed him over to the king of Aram; and they defeated him and carried from him a great number of captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also handed over to the king of Israel, who struck him with heavy casualties. 6 For Pekah the son of Remaliah killed 120,000 in Judah in one day, all valiant men, because they had abandoned the Lord God of their fathers. 7 And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, killed Maaseiah the king’s son, Azrikam the ruler of the house, and Elkanah the second to the king.

8 The sons of Israel led away captive two hundred thousand of their relatives, women, sons, and daughters; and they also took a great deal of spoils from them, and brought the spoils to Samaria. 9 But a prophet of the Lord was there, whose name was Oded; and he went out to meet the army which came to Samaria and said to them, “Behold, because the Lord, the God of your fathers, was angry with Judah, He has handed them over to you, and you have killed them in a rage which has even reached heaven. 10 Now you are proposing to subjugate the people of Judah and Jerusalem as male and female slaves for yourselves. Are you not, however guilty yourselves of offenses against the Lord your God? 11 Now then, listen to me and return the captives whom you captured from your brothers, for the burning anger of the Lord is against you.” 12 Then some of the leading men of the sons of Ephraim—Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai—rose up against those who were coming from the battle, 13 and said to them, “You must not bring the captives in here, for you are proposing to bring guilt upon us before the Lord, adding to our sins and our guilt; for our guilt is great, and His burning anger is against Israel.” 14 So the armed men left the captives and the spoils before the officers and all the assembly. 15 Then the men who were designated by name got up, took the captives, and they clothed all their naked people from the spoils; they gave them clothes and sandals, fed them and gave them drink, anointed them with oil, led all their feeble ones on donkeys, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brothers; then they returned to Samaria.

16 At that time King Ahaz sent word to the kings of Assyria for help. 17 For the Edomites had come again and attacked Judah, and led away captives. 18 The Philistines had also invaded the cities of the lowland and of the Negev of Judah, and had taken Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, and Soco with its villages, Timnah with its villages, and Gimzo with its villages; and they had settled there. 19 For the Lord had humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had brought about a lack of restraint in Judah and was very unfaithful to the Lord. 20 So Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came against him and afflicted him instead of strengthening him. 21 Although Ahaz took a portion out of the house of the Lord and out of the palace of the king and of the princes, and gave it to the king of Assyria, it did not help him.

22 Now during the time of his distress, this same King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord. 23 For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus who had defeated him, and said, “Because the gods of the kings of Aram helped them, I will sacrifice to them so that they may help me.” But they became the downfall of him and all Israel. 24 Moreover, when Ahaz gathered together the utensils of the house of God, he cut the utensils of the house of God in pieces; and he closed the doors of the house of the Lord, and made altars for himself in every corner of Jerusalem. 25 In every city of Judah he made high places to burn incense to other gods, and provoked the Lord, the God of his fathers, to anger. 26 Now the rest of his acts and all his ways, from the first to the last, behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. 27 So Ahaz lay down with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, in Jerusalem, for they did not bring him to the tombs of the kings of Israel; and his son Hezekiah reigned in his place.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

We must remember that God intended Israel to be a united nation who followed after Him in obedience, as a light to all nations.  And the king in Jerusalem (of Judah) was legitimately king of all Israel, but because of their defiance against God, the kingdom had split.  

In this chapter, we see that the king of Judah and the king of Israel were not just uncivil towards each other, but their disobedience caused each other to stumble even further.  And although they knew full well that God always blesses any king who seeks after Him, and that God disciplines any king who is unfaithful to Him, both kings still opted to worship pagan gods.  And notice that the further they strayed from God, the worse their relationships became with each other and with those around them.  I mean, putting your children into fire, and wanting to make your brothers your slaves... this is all very extreme!

It's just another reminder to us that there is great benefit to remaining steadfast in the Lord's will, which is to pursue a close relationship with Him.  Now, even when we are following the Lord closely, there will still be struggles, but these are tests for us to see how God will bless us as we continue looking to Him for our help, in His strength and almighty power.

relationships (2 Chronicles 27:1-9) Managing

(2 Chronicles 27:1-9)  Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. 2 He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done; however he did not enter the temple of the Lord. But the people continued acting corruptly. 3 He built the upper gate of the house of the Lord, and he built the wall of Ophel extensively. 4 Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and he built fortresses and towers on the wooded hills. 5 He fought with the king of the Ammonites and prevailed over them so that during that year the Ammonites gave him a hundred talents of silver, ten thousand kors of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. The Ammonites also paid him this amount in the second year and in the third. 6 So Jotham became powerful because he directed his ways before the Lord his God. 7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, all his wars and his ways, behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. 8 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for sixteen years. 9 And Jotham lay down with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David; and his son Ahaz became king in his place.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Jotham did okay as a leader in comparison to his father, Uzziah.  He followed after God and remained humble and faithful before Him.  But Jotham seemed to be oblivious, allowing his people to act corruptly.  Often, in order to escape the responsibility of addressing an issue, people will just pretend not to notice the things that are amiss... even when it comes to things in one's own life.

I remember a very sweet lady whose husband had died young, and she was left to support and raise two boys all on her own.  She was faithful and steadfast and strong when it came to following the Lord!  But when it came to instructing and disciplining her sons, she seemed very helpless and hopeless.  When they acted out, she would just very "lovingly" say, "Boys," and then sit by and watch, with sad eyes.  Although, being a prayer warrior, I'm very sure she was praying.

Praying is awesome and it is DEFINITELY one of the things we should do.  Can God fix any issue?  Indeed.  And He will fight our battles.  But when we are the ones in charge and/or when a situation arises in which we are equipped to manage, God wants us to step up in His wisdom, strength and love - and help.  An example of the latter, is if a medical emergency arises and one is a doctor, nurse or first responder, one is obligated to jump to it.  You are that answer to prayer!

As for the managers of life, be it in government, or business, be it a coach, or a teacher/instructor... one has a job to do, and one must manage, correct, influence and teach, besides always striving to be an example to follow.  Definitely we are to exercise grace, knowing that each person has choices to make, and we cannot control what anybody does or doesn't do.  Especially if someone isn't a believer, we cannot expect them to behave as a believer.  And as God's word tells us,

(Colossians 3:23-24)  Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

As for raising children!  We should not be afraid to carry out this precious responsibility and privilege!  Both parents are critical.  This isn't just a mom's job!  And definitely don't expect the Sunday school teachers, coaches or school teachers to fill in the gaps.  

Bringing life into this world and raising children is more than a job.  And don't let things slide, because the issues will only grow and get bigger.  Best to address things immediately, because just when you think you've figured out one phase, a new one is just around the corner.  Not to be heavy-handed, mean or oppressive!  Take every step with God's wisdom, strength, patience, grace, joy and love.

relationships (2 Chronicles 26:1-23) Finding Approval

(2 Chronicles 26:1-23)  Now all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. 2 He built Eloth and restored it to Judah after the king lay down with his fathers. 3 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned for fifty-two years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Jechiliah of Jerusalem. 4 He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, in accordance with everything that his father Amaziah had done. 5 He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him successful.

6 Now he went out and fought against the Philistines, and broke down the wall of Gath, the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod; and he built cities in the area of Ashdod and among the Philistines. 7 God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians who lived in Gur-baal, and the Meunites. 8 The Ammonites gave tribute to Uzziah, and his fame extended to the border of Egypt, for he became very strong. 9 Moreover, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and at the corner buttress, and he fortified them. 10 He also built towers in the wilderness and carved out many cisterns, for he had much livestock, both in the lowland and in the plain. He also had plowmen and vinedressers in the hill country and the fertile fields, for he loved the soil. 11 Moreover, Uzziah had an army ready for battle, which entered combat by divisions according to the number of their muster, recorded by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the official, under the direction of Hananiah, one of the king’s officers. 12 The total number of the heads of the households, of valiant warriors, was 2,600. 13 Under their direction was an army of 307,500, who could wage war with great power, to help the king against the enemy. 14 Moreover, Uzziah prepared for all the army shields, spears, helmets, body armor, bows, and slingstones. 15 In Jerusalem he made machines of war invented by skillful workmen to be on the towers and the corners, for the purpose of shooting arrows and great stones. So his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped until he was strong.

16 But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was untrue to the Lord his God, for he entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 Then Azariah the priest entered after him, and with him eighty priests of the Lord, valiant men. 18 They opposed Uzziah the king and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been untrue and will have no honor from the Lord God.” 19 But Uzziah, with a censer in his hand for burning incense, was enraged; and while he was enraged with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead in the presence of the priests in the house of the Lord, beside the altar of incense. 20 Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous on his forehead; and they quickly removed him from there, and he himself also hurried to get out because the Lord had stricken him. 21 King Uzziah had leprosy to the day of his death; and he lived in a separate house, afflicted as he was with leprosy, for he was cut off from the house of the Lord. And his son Jotham was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.

22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, the first to the last, the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, has written. 23 So Uzziah lay down with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the grave which belonged to the kings, for they said, “He had leprosy.” And his son Jotham became king in his place.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

We all will battle pride until the day we die.  To say that we don't, would be prideful.  Before becoming a believer, one might have a logic or sense that there is no need for God, and/or that God will just deem everyone "good enough".  And I've heard some interesting arguments claiming that God's love is conditional - because - we are only saved when we humble ourselves and repent and ask Jesus into our hearts and lives.  

Understand that because He loves us all unconditionally, the Lord Jesus Christ (God, Himself) suffered and died for us whether we accept Him or reject Him.  Understand that because God is love, He desires that ALL come to know Him.  But also understand that because God is love, He created us with a free will.  God will not force anyone to become a believer.  

No one can be or become a child of God unless and until they choose to be reborn.  God is holy and cannot have a relationship with sin, and because He loves us, when we go to Him for His forgiveness, He clothes us with the holiness and righteousness of Jesus.  Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, is to accept Him as our heavenly Father who then adopts us and will never disown us.

Another part of that argument claiming that God's love is conditional is that the Bible talks about certain things as being sin, deserving of death.  UNDERSTAND that unconditional love does NOT mean or include unconditional approval.  These are two completely separate actions.  We are all born with a sin nature, deserving of death.  It doesn't matter who we are or how "good" we are.  "Sin" is a term used in archery for when an archer "misses the mark".  We all miss the mark.  

Even once we become a Christian, we will still struggle with sin.  This means we should strive to remain humble, realizing that we still need God.  Because God loves us unconditionally, He will not force anyone to be or remain obedient.  Rather, He covers His children with His grace so that we cannot lose our salvation.  And because He loves us unconditionally and wants the best for our lives, He will discipline us to get us back to living according to His will, which is to protect, guide and strengthen us.

God loves us.  Period.  And because He loves us unconditionally, He wants to do everything for us.  The only way to find and gain His approval is to allow Him to work in and through us, with His love, strength and wisdom, doing all things to His glory.  We can and should give Him all the credit and the honor because He is worthy and deserves all the credit and the honor.  We can and should boast - but - let us boast in the Lord!

relationships (2 Chronicles 25:1-28) Investments in Relationships

(2 Chronicles 25:1-28)  Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 2 He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, only not wholeheartedly. 3 Now it came about, as soon as the kingdom was firmly in his grasp, that he killed his servants who had killed his father the king. 4 However, he did not put their children to death, but did as it is written in the Law in the Book of Moses, which the Lord commanded, saying, “Fathers shall not be put to death for sons, nor sons be put to death for fathers; but each shall be put to death for his own sin.”

5 Moreover, Amaziah assembled Judah and appointed them according to their fathers’ households under commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds throughout Judah and Benjamin; and he took a census of those from twenty years old and upward and found them to be three hundred thousand choice men, able to go to war and handle spear and shield. 6 He also hired a hundred thousand valiant warriors from Israel for a hundred talents of silver. 7 But a man of God came to him saying, “O king, do not let the army of Israel come with you, for the Lord is not with Israel nor with any of the sons of Ephraim. 8 But if you do go, do it, be strong for the battle; yet God will bring you down before the enemy, for God has the power to help and to bring down.” 9 Amaziah said to the man of God, “But what are we to do about the hundred talents which I have given to the troops of Israel?” And the man of God answered, “The Lord has much more to give you than this.” 10 Then Amaziah dismissed the troops which came to him from Ephraim, to go home; so their anger burned against Judah, and they returned home in fierce anger.

11 Now Amaziah gathered his courage and led his people out, and went to the Valley of Salt, and struck and killed ten thousand of the sons of Seir. 12 The sons of Judah also captured ten thousand alive and brought them to the top of the cliff, and threw them down from the top of the cliff so that they were all dashed to pieces. 13 But the troops whom Amaziah sent back, those not going with him to battle, raided the cities of Judah from Samaria to Beth-horon, and struck and killed three thousand of them, and plundered a large amount of spoils.

14 Now after Amaziah came from slaughtering the Edomites, he brought the gods of the sons of Seir and set them up as his gods. Then he bowed down before them and burned incense to them. 15 So the anger of the Lord burned against Amaziah, and He sent him a prophet who said to him, “Why have you sought the gods of the people who have not saved their own people from your hand?” 16 As he was talking with him, the king said to him, “Have we appointed you to be a royal counselor? Stop! Why should you be put to death?” Then the prophet stopped and said, “I know that God has planned to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel.”

17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent word to Joash the son of Jehoahaz the son of Jehu, the king of Israel, saying, “Come, let’s face each other.” 18 But Joash the king of Israel sent a reply to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, “The thorn bush that was in Lebanon sent word to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ But a wild beast that was in Lebanon passed by and trampled the thorn bush. 19 You said, ‘Behold, you have defeated Edom.’ And your heart has lifted you up in boasting. Now stay home; why should you provoke trouble so that you, would fall, you and Judah with you?”

20 But Amaziah would not listen, for it was from God, so that He might hand them over to Joash, because they had sought the gods of Edom. 21 So Joash king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh, which belonged to Judah. 22 And Judah was defeated by Israel, and they fled, every man to his tent. 23 Then Joash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash the son of Jehoahaz, at Beth-shemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem and tore down the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate, four hundred cubits. 24 He took all the gold and silver and all the utensils which were found in the house of God with Obed-edom, and the treasures of the king’s house, the hostages too, and returned to Samaria.

25 And Amaziah, the son of Joash king of Judah, lived fifteen years after the death of Joash, son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. 26 Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, from the first to the last, behold, are they not written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel? 27 From the time that Amaziah turned away from following the Lord they conspired against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish; but they sent men after him to Lachish, and they killed him there. 28 Then they brought him on horses and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Sometimes we try to justify our sinful behaviors because we have made some kind of investment in those behaviors, whether it be our time, energy or finances.  Like an alcoholic might say, "I can't stop drinking now, I just bought a truckload of alcohol to stock my shelves."  Or someone with a lucrative job who finds out they're working for a corrupt company might say, "I spent all that time and effort working my way up the ladder, I can't quit now."  Or we might say, "I'm finally friends with the popular crowd, I better go along with whatever they do, so I don't lose all my friends."  Yet, it won't take long for them to turn on us.  I know that from experience!

Whatever we have invested towards sinful behaviors, just know that God has so much more to give than that (as verse 9 says).  When we live in God's will and invest our time, energy and finances in His kingdom - we are storing up our treasures in heaven where they will be preserved for all eternity.  And then there are whatever blessings God decides to give us here on earth.  Even if it is "just" the spiritual peace, joy and strength that we gain from having a close relationship with the loving and faithful Lord and Savior... our caring and so very patient heavenly Father!  This investment is priceless - and so very much worth it!

Now let's put this perspective into our relationships with others.  We will have better friendships if we choose to get closer to brothers and sisters in Christ.  And especially with dating and marriage.  If we are believers, don't invest ANY time or emotions in dating an unbeliever.  Find someone who is also a steadfast believer, and determine how to invest in that relationship.  And once we are married, we need to continue investing time and energy into that relationship to keep it strong.  The strongest currency we can use in these investments - is God's love and truth!  As we all grow closer to the Lord, we will all grow closer to each other.  Again, this investment is priceless - and so very much worth it!