Thought From Devotional 06-14-3024

A takeaway for me in reading John 5:19-29 is the need to study Gods word to understand what the enemy wants to do which is to block our progress. To get in the way but we can read the Word, listen for instructions, loosen up, and keep stepping ahead with confidence because God’s grace is enough to lead us to heaven’s victory.

Thanks for Reading. Please share, like, and follow … live God’s Truth and walk His ways!

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Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Kings 13 Through 18

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 13 – What prompts Jehoahaz to seek God? Why has Israel fallen into such poverty? What do you learn from God’s character for which you can worship Him today?

2 Kings 14 – What motive in Amaziah does Jehoash recognize? What is Jeroboam’s strengths and weaknesses? Why is Israel now so successful in contrast with the time before Jeroboam? What evidences of God’s faithfulness, in spite of your failure, can you see in your life?

2 Kings 15 – What is the difference between the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah? What are the outcomes in your own life when you do right in the eyes of God? What changes can be made to do more right? What happens to the freedom of Israel when her leaders turn from God?

2 Kings 16 – What are the foolish actions of Ahaz? To what extent do his family and nation suffer because of his sin? When ae you tempted to think that your actions affect only yourself?

2 Kings 17 – What does God finally do with Israel? Why? What religious confusion and hypocrisy is described in verses 29-41?

2 Kings 18 – What actions did Hezekiah take that he should be commended for? What national benefits for his people resulted? How have you been conquered by the fear of men? Why?

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/>.

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Spiritual Journey Through 2 Kings 7-12

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 2 Kings 7-12 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 the post “Hear and Follow the Word” points out, telling others about the Good News of God’s unsearchable treasure available because of Jesus Christ will give them a lift. When people know they’re loved, they loosen up, they will gain confidence, and they will enthusiastically report about this love to others.

A main thought from the post “God Gave Generously” is that it takes only one person’s attitude toward God to influence history. Let us set out daily to be that person. This day with God, let us be influenced by a winning tradition passed from one group to the next … one generation to the next. Let us think of ways to give our knowledge, skills, or resources to the building up of the kingdom of God so a victorious tradition is established and carried out. We will make a big difference if we each pitch in to help our families, our communities, and our nation

In the post “See How To Win Battles”, a prophet told Jehu that he would be king over Israel. Jehu had confidence because of this prophecy and he could see how to carry out God’s purpose for his life. All happened exactly as prophesized. Because of accepting Jesus in our heart, God has anointed us as ruler in His kingdom. Like Jehu, we have confidence to carry out His plan.

There is a need as brought out in “Never Ending” to be thorough and keep working at glorifying the Lord by finishing effectively what was started. The Lord will reward the effort if we refuse to quit and consistently become better by giving that little extra to fight for every inch as we keep going towards the destination.

After reading 2 Kings 11 about an intense Baal worshipper named Athaliah who set out to kill the whole royal family, the post “Guard for the Lord” was written.  A thought brought out is that there are many anxious moments the enemy throws at us. But these anxious moments are lightweight rivals to the ONE true God. He’s big enough to handle them with one strong punch. The heavy burdens are knocked out when we are led to the cross. We receive the power of the Holy Spirit and day by day start the process of growing to be more like Jesus.

From the post “Grow in Wisdom”, the main idea is that we are God’s temple and the Spirit in our souls is where God lives so it’s important to use our time wisely by growing in wisdom. To use our quiet time to think and plan for ways to act upon the purpose God has for us. To use time and money for making needed repairs. For working together at providing food for the soul and sharing with others about ideas for building up the kingdom.

The road map is at this link and all who accept Jesus will be rewarded because God’s kingdom has abundance, and the Spirit has no limit! The blessings consist of a future with provision, purpose, peace, and a perfect place for you that is beyond what could be imagined

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Treasure of God’s Word

From the post “Grow in Wisdom”, the main idea is that we are God’s temple and the Spirit in our souls is where God lives so it’s important to use our time wisely by growing in wisdom. To use our quiet time to think and plan for ways to act upon the purpose God has for us. To use time and money for making needed repairs. For working together at providing food for the soul and sharing with others about ideas for building up the kingdom.

This day with God, let us store up treasures of God’s Word. For inspiration, let us listen to the song Word of Life by Jeremy Camp. Make the below lyric an affirmation.

There is a new song in my soul and it begins when I breathe in Your Word of life.

Index of devotionals






Thanks for reading. Please share, like, and follow … build up the Kingdom!


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





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Grow in Wisdom

We continue on the journey by reading 2 Kings 12 today as we strive to grow in wisdom and devotion to God. We will continue to step ahead giving Him our praise, spending time in the study of His Word, sharing with others, and glorifying Him in all that we do.

From our study of the previous passage, we learned that Joash was only seven years old when he took reign of the kingdom, so Jehoiada the priest helped the young king grow in wisdom. There was a
covenant made between the Lord, the new king, and the people (2 Kings 11:17). The people responded by going to the temple of Baal and tearing it down. They smashed the altar and idols to pieces and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars (2 Kings 11:18).

Joash did God’s will as long as Jehoiada was his mentor. He carried out the purpose that God had given him and developed a way to collect money for the repairs of the temple of the Lord. However, after Jehoiada died, he turned away from the Lord.  The high places were never removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there (2 Kings 12: 3).

This day with God, let us strive to use our time for making needed repairs to the temple. We are God’s temple and the Spirit in our souls is where God lives so let us use the time we have to grow in wisdom. Use the best part of the day thinking and planning to act on the purpose God has for us. For working together at providing food for the soul and sharing with others about ideas for building up the kingdom.

Lord, we have taken in Your Word to grow in wisdom, and we come to You now to pray. We slow down right now and breathe in, ask that Your grace flows within, and receive instructions for needed repairs
to the temple where Your Spirit lives. We talk to You about things and listen for these instructions on what actions to take to carry out the purpose You have for us. You have much more to offer than the world, so we spend our time devoted to Your Way. We are totally focused today on Your better Way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.




Thanks for reading. Please share, like, and follow … grow together in wisdom!

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

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