This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey

The recent study using questions for reflection for study of 2 Chronicles 25-30 has been completed as I continued to use questions to help guide my journey through the book of 2 Chronicles. My posts have been about both good and bad kings. Some sought advantage through their army but they lacked to comprehend the guaranteed strength and security of being disciplined in the ways of God. A leader of a family, organization, or nation benefits by understand the power of God to give advantage.

King Uzziah prospered when he sought God but pride would lead to his downfall. It is faith that provides a balance. It assures a positive future during difficulties and humility during good times. Over the course of a lifetime, commitment to the path of God builds faith and momentum grows when we continue to walk in the light as we trust, obey, and follow.

Staying focused on God’s presence is so important. King Ahaz worshiped idols and promoted evil and his actions resulted in troubling times. Rather than focusing on God, he became even more unfaithful and this lead to his further decline. The lesson is to expect God’s presence all the time. He’s present when we read, study, and pray but He’s also present with us at all times. Even when we drink a cup of coffee on the back porch in the fresh breeze as the warm, golden sunshine warms our face.

It all begins with God. Bring things before Him and everything has a way of falling into place. Put the things of God as the number one priority and we are well on our way to producing successful outcomes. I discovered this viewpoint in the study of the next king named Hezekiah as recorded in 2 Chronicles 29 who was to open the doors of the Temple of the Lord and repair them (v. 3).

During the time of Hezekiah, the temple had to be repaired and made Holy. In the New Testament, we learn that we are a Spiritual Temple in 1 Corinthians 3:16 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you”?

Because of Jesus, we are the temple and the journey with Jesus begins with a decision; a decision to grow and pray. It is a great adventure that can make a difference for a long time.  We must refuse to give up, continue to work, to pray, to think, to believe, and to share with others.  What we share may not sink in at first but we must keep sharing anyway and some day, what we share like seeds will take root. There will be growth, health, and a flower will blossom for the world to see.

Another lesson learned in the study is to refuse not to move. Instead we must invite and encourage. Leaders can make a big difference when they show respect to their people and support opportunities for spiritual nourishment. One example to follow is Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 30:18-22 who prayed for others and offered encouragement.

The next part of the travel will take me to 2 Chronicles 31-36. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about the journey and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

Photo from Google Images

2 Chronicles 31:1 – 32:1-23
What duties are assigned the priests and Levites? What is Hezekiah’s chief goal? What does he do to give the people confidence?

2 Chronicles 32:24 – 33:25
One is never too spiritual to fall into pride or materialism. Evaluate your own attitudes and goals at present. List the specific abuses and wrongdoings of which Manasseh is guilty. What indication do you find that Manasseh learns something from this experience? What steps can you take today in order to live in a way that will help and not damage those around you?

2 Chronicles 34
What element of Josiah’s character results in his ruling so differently from his father and grandfather? The king had a strong influence over the people. Are you in any position of leadership where you can exert influence for God?

2 Chronicles 35-36
What reason could Josiah have for wanting to fight with the king of Egypt?  How important is it to you that you are obeying God’s commandments and walking before him day by day?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ. 

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 or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

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