He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. – Proverbs 28:13
From “Give God the Credit”, some takeaways are to be humble, kind, and have gratitude. In difficulty, we should have faith that God will set things up for less stress.
With God, we are never rejected but always accepted so let us face criticism in a tactful way as we humbly listen for constructive ways to act upon the evaluation.
In it all, let us confess our sin and praise the Lord for mercy. Let us celebrate today with the song Gratitude by Brandon Lake. After reflection and going to the Lord in prayer, think of actions that may need to be taken today.
What will be noted in today’s passage is that God has the power to heal and the power to even reverse the rotation of the earth. Some key points from today’s passage are to handle flattery as well as criticism with spiritual victory by giving credit to God.
Reading 2 Kings 20, Hezekiah was sick and was told he would not recover, so he prayed to the Lord. He was emotional, and in his prayer explained that he had been devoted to Him. Immediately, the Lord responded and told Hezekiah that he would give him fifteen more years of life for the purpose of defending the city against the king of Assyria.
God gave a sign to Hezekiah that he would be healed by reversing the shadow back ten steps on the stairway (v. 11). The only conclusion one can get for this is that the Lord reversed the rotation of the earth for this to happen, but God made it happen to confirm that He would do what He had promised.
Although Hezekiah stands well the tests of illness and danger, he doesn’t respond well to the temptation of pride. Later in the passage, he showed the envoys of Babylon all his silver, gold, spices, and fine olive oil – his armory and everything found among his treasures (v. 13). They were impressed but this was a mistake because in the future, Babylon would know exactly what he had and take the treasure.
Other takeaways from today’s passage are to always be humble, kind, and have gratitude. In difficulty, we should have faith that God will set things up for less stress. With God, we are never rejected but always accepted so let us face criticism in a tactful way as we humbly listen for constructive ways to act upon the evaluation. After reflection and going to the Lord in prayer, think of actions that may need to be taken.
These days Lord the lines between virtue and sin are blurred. They are blended together so it’s hard to distinguish. In today’s reading, Hezekiah had pride, but pride is a sin when we take credit for accomplishment. Instead, Lord let us give You the credit. We are not the center of the universe Lord, but You are. You control even the rotation of the earth, so we humbly come to you in prayer. With You Lord, there is no limit. You are unstoppable and with You Lord, we can handle the challenges we face. You can use us to do amazing things to fulfill Your purpose and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
As many people enter middle aged, their age starts to show around their middle. The physical body becomes harder to maintain, but as noted after reading John 6:41-59, Jesus provides spiritual food for the soul so we have fitness forever. He carries our burdens so all we need to do is simply do God’s will. Let us plant the seeds of Christ’s principles into our soul. Add the clear water of the Spirit and let God make the seeds grow into spiritual fruit. With Jesus or the Bread of Life, our spiritual body remains connected to the nutritious vine that provides life eternal.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. – Mark 11:24
The take away from “Take It In” is to trust in God and look forward to the future because the Creator can provide what is needed. God can take tough situations and turn them into something positive. Out of intense difficulties, God can make simplicities emerge. Because of acceptance of His Son, the power is endless and in us, so simply assemble the thoughts, ideas, and instructions provided to step ahead into a future beyond what could be imagined!
When the Light shines on us, we cannot help but accept the Light, take it in hand, and provide some Son shine into the lives of others. This day with God, we take it in by reading 2 Kings 19 and prepare to pass it on to others.
In answering the questions for reflection, noted is that Hezekiah faced threats and danger from Assyria. Assyria had been given success in destroying many nations because God used them to punish the nations that worshiped idols. But Hezekiah wanted his nation to change course, so he went to the temple of the Lord. He trusted God’s promises and sought advice in prayer for circumstances to change.
Hezekiah led his nation to worship the ONE true God, so Judah would be sparred. Noted is that the angel of the Lord put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp which caused the king of Assyria to retreat (verses 32-34).
The thought received today is to trust in God and look forward to the future because the Creator can provide what is needed. God can take tough situations and turn them into something positive. Out of intense difficulties, God can make simplicities emerge. Because of acceptance of His Son, the power is endless and in us, so simply assemble the thoughts, ideas, and instructions the Holy Spirit provides. Then step ahead into a future beyond what could be imagined!
God, You give us what is need and we pray today that we take in hand Your Spirit made available by accepting Your Son Jesus Christ. It is forgiveness through Jesus that provides endless power that lives in us. During troubling or confusing times, we are highly favored in Your eyes. We are free to be all we can be to step ahead one step at a time. Your favor changes our day, so we want to do our best in order to glorify You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 