Give Credit to God

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.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

Posted in Bible Study, Pleasing Personality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Thought From Devotional 07-12-2024

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.

Posted in Devotionals | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

His Power is Endless In Us

Photo Credit : specialgathering.wordpress.com

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!

As you listen to the song Greatness of Our God by Newsboys take in the following lyrics:

In awesome wonder, He reigns forever, His power is endless, and He lives within us.

Take them in mind throughout the day as you set out to give glory to the Lord in all you do.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Optimism | 1 Comment

Take It In

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!

Posted in Bible Study, Optimism | 2 Comments

Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Kings 19 Through 25

We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. The below Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles. At all stages of life, the Bible is helpful in providing what is needed to thrive in life. If you have not done so yet, click the follow button on the top right side of this page to be notified of future posts.

2 Kings 19 – In face of threats and dangers, what is Hezekiah’s attitude? In troubled times, have you learned to trust God’s promise for circumstances to change? What explanation does God give for Assyria’s success and her impending failure? What happens (See verses 7 and 32-34)

2 Kings 20 – What emotions does Hezekiah experience in verses 1-11? Though Hezekiah stands well the tests of illness and danger, how does he respond to the temptation of pride? To what extent can you face flattery as well as criticism with spiritual victory?

2 Kings 21 – How old is Manasseh? During what time in his father’s life is he born (See 20:6)? What influence do Hezekiah’s bonus years have on his family? What is the summary of Manasseh’s life? What summary could be written of your life to this point in how you have influenced others? How can you improve as a positive influencer to others going forward?

2 Kings 22 – What great discovery does the high priest make? How does the reading of the scroll affect the king? How does the reading of God’s word affect you?

2 Kings 23 – What are the specific items in Josiah’s covenant with God? What reforms, negatively and positively, does your life need? How can you act in reform today? What goals of reform can you act upon in the future?

2 Kings 24 – What were the four kings of Judah like after Josiah? How long did they reign? How does the writer account for Judah’s political and military defeat (vv. 3, 20)? How should you and your country take warning from Judah’s history?

2 Kings 25 – Why does Nebuchadnezzar have to come a second time against Jerusalem? What does the history of Judah show about the result of continued refusal to acknowledge God? What are some ideas for creating religious, social, cultural reforms today?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments.

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Questions for Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment