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.
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.
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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.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 2 Kings 13-18 and sharing some thoughts that not only can benefit us now but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught from the Word of God.
As noted in the post “Interesting and Relevant”, you can apply what is learned from the Bible, from others, and the combined experiences of each other. The church is the Israel written about in the Bible and Jesus is the King. All of these are good reasons to worship the Lord today!
A thought from “Strengths and Weaknesses” is that a person or nation may be strong and prosperous, but at the same time there may be weakness with moral decay that eventually destroys in the long run. The Good News is that the Lord is faithful even in our downfalls. His Plan for Us provides a way to balance our spiritual lives, our career, and family. The best resource for quickly moving into action and having a balanced life is the Word of God.
Noted in ”Blessings For Following His Way” is that there was a definite correlation between the kings that followed God’s Way and those who were blessed with success. Those who worshiped the ONE true God and did right in His eyes were blessed with stability and peace. Those who did not had a nation filled with conspiracies, wars, and assassinations.
Presented in “Going the Wrong Way” was how king Ahaz was leading his people the wrong way. We can be grateful that because of Jesus, we have a sure Way to get headed in the right direction. All we need to understand is that things fall into place with grace.
From “Spiritual Intelligence”, chronicled was how a nation went into total decline by following idols. The future was bleak in those days, but this day with God, we can head in the other direction. Our God became human and died for our sins. If Christ is our King and our love, we will be brought back from cultural decline that leads to destruction and once again flourish.
As brought out in “It Takes Guts to Get Out of the Ruts”, courage is needed to get unstuck from the mud of this world. We can by seeking a firmer foundation to get traction. The key is listening to the voice of Truth and having the courage to take a stand. When we do, others will often follow.
Keep up with my spiritual journey over the next few weeks either through following this blog by clicking the follow button on the top right side of this page or by liking the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Let’s share thoughts or ideas about applying our faith as we step ahead along the path to victory.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 