Old Testament – In 2 Kings 20 today we read about King Hezekiah’s sickness and recovery.The thing that stood out to me in these passages is that after Hezekiah heard from Isaiah that he was going to die, Hezekiah did not just wallow in sorrow and let what was supposed to happen, happen.No!What does Hezekiah do?He prays to the living God!This is convicting and encouraging for me. I am afraid that sometimes I will just wallow in my sorrow over a situation, when I should be praying about the situation to God!If we don’t take it to God in prayer, how can God really help us?I know that oftentimes God does show amazing mercy to us and do things for us when we do not pray.But, why don’t we pray to God in times of sorrow?How about you – when sorrow comes to your doorstep, do you take the situation to God in prayer? Below is an image of Isaiah warning Hezekiah of his impending death in verse 1 – and Hezekiah immediately praying!
Hezekiah later in this chapter receives envoys from Babylon. Unfortunately, he is a bit too hospitable with these envoys...He believes showing off his wealth will prove that he has worldly power and that the Babylonians will respect him and Judah.Isaiah sees that Hezekiah is relying on worldly wealth and not God, and Isaiah delivers a word from God that Judah will be exiled to Babylon Indeed, this comes true in 115 years from when Isaiah delivers this word in this chapter.We will read more about the Babylonian exile later in this year’s One Year Bible readings.How about us, in our lives today – do we try to impress people with our worldly wealth or toys or stuff, like Hezekiah was trying to impress the Babylonians?And further, do we actually try to rely on this worldly stuff rather than rely on God? Is this dangerous?
New Testament – Wow… tough week for Paul in today’s readings.Scary how the readings end today – with the mob chanting “Kill Him!Kill Him!”Does this remind you of anyone else?Perhaps Paul’s Savior?
You might be asking why did Paul agree to take part in the Jewish purification ceremony in today’s readings?I think you’ll find the answer to this question in Paul’s own words from his first letter to the Corinthians, verses 19 through 23 – “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”How about you in your life today?Do you make yourself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible?Do you become all things to all people so that by all possible means you might save some? Below is an image of the Apostle Paul, by Rembrandt, from 1657:
Bible.org's commentary on today's Acts readings titled "The Giving and Taking of Advice" is at this link.
Psalms - Psalm 150 is a wonderful end to the Psalter filled with a call to Praise God with all that we are! Give it up for God and God only!
Proverbs – Today we read one of my favorite Proverbs - Proverbs 18 verse 10 – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Do you believe that the name Jesus is a strong tower that can keep us safe? I honestly do. I actually went through a period of nightmares several years ago – and somehow, in those nightmares, I began to call out the name “Jesus” in my sleep, and the nightmares ended instantly! Seriously. It was incredible. Whenever a nightmare began, I was able to call upon Jesus’ name and they kept ending right away. Ever since then I have come to realize how incredibly powerful the name of Jesus truly is. Do you believe that the name of Jesus is a strong tower? Will you run to Jesus for safety in times of trouble? Will you call upon the name of Jesus in your hour of need?
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Jordan St. Cyr's song "Fires:"
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week:"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that the name of the LORD is your strong tower. Pray that you run to the LORD daily and are safe in Him. Pray that the LORD is your fortress when you are weak.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless, Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 - I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
Mike, I like the new look of the site it is easier on the eyes!
II Kings 20-22:2
I have always had issues with the story of Hezekiah and each and every time I read through this section and the written account in II Chronicles (29-32), I contrast what was said about him in the eighteenth chapter, “5 Hezekiah trusted in, leaned on, and was confident in the Lord, the God of Israel; so that neither after him nor before him was any one of all the kings of Judah like him” with, 19Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "This message you have given me from the LORD is good." But the king was thinking, "At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime."
I’m not sure when I began wrestling with this part of the scripture but I know what disturbs me. I believe God is a God of generations and because of His foreknowledge sees and knows everything so he is concerned with how we consider and treat those who are yet unborn. We are responsible for passing down to future generations the best state of affairs we can. That is only possible if His People live righteously; however, in the twentieth chapter of II Kings, Hezekiah shows no concern in his heart from the generations to come, he only shows concern about what will happen in his lifetime. Here is a man who prayed for his own life and given a fifteen-year extension; however, he has no concern for not only the next generation, but his own seed, or does he.
Maybe I am not at a mature enough place as yet to understand all this so any comments will help. Acts 21:18-36
Isn’t it amazing how Paul’s attempt to do the right thing to not offend his “brothers” winds up doing the very thing he was trying to avoid? Assumptions are the actions we use that lead to much turmoil and chaos. How often have I assumed an act, a word or a look meant one thing and it really meant another? Assumption is the lowest form of communication.
I’m also seeing the irony of how the Bible first introduces Saul/Paul. When we first see him, he is mentioned as the “guy” who is watching the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen (Acts 7:57).
I have noticed with my own life after “salvation” and in the life of others who have shared their testimony with me what every mess God immediately delivered them out of when they were saved, God has you right back in the midst of their old messes working with others. Most of the times you don’t even recognize that you are there until some time has gone by then you are shocked.
I grew up with a lot of abuse and I found myself teaching a bible study because I was asked not because I was seeking to be a teacher. After two or three months I realized that the participants were almost all male sexual predators (Yes, there are female predators). I laughed when the understanding came to me that I was dealing with a population that I use to fear greatly. God takes away our fear and then places us in the very midst of what we use to dread. Psalm 150
Praising God can get somewhat loud it.
Proverbs 18:9-10
The ninth verse in the Amplified is both powerful and reveals how dangerous and self-destructive laziness is:
9 He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.
When I first came across this verse in the Amplified, I had trouble understanding how laziness and not using your endeavors to heal yourself is comparable to suicide. However since I first ran across this verse I understand that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. We are lazy because we don’t want to expand the energy it takes to maintain control or order over a given situation because we are either tired of doing it or just plan tired. So we are taking a condition, life on this earth, which is temporary, to forgo working on keeping evil and sin at bay, which is hard work, thus missing out on that which is eternal, heaven where we will no longer have to fight the forces of sin and evil. Hope this makes sense.
Please note that I am not saying that we are Saved by works only that accepting God and the salvation that His Son, Jesus brings to us requires “work” or effort on our part to live righteously. It is easy to sin but difficult to take a stand against it.
Grace and peace, Ramona
====
Psalms 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Amen. This is a great Psalm indeed.
As we celebrate our country's freedom this fourth of July let us all give thanks for this freedom. Give thanks to all those who have fought to maintain our freedom and way of living. I praise God for our rights and religious freedom, so that we can publically worship and keep spreading the word and love of Jesus Christ to others.
HAPPY 4th of July to all
Laura
====
For me, this is the most incredible statement given what had happened beforehand in Hezekiah's attitude to his wealth:
================ 16 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the LORD : 17 The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD. 18 And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, that will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon."
19 "The word of the LORD you have spoken is good," Hezekiah replied. For he thought, "Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?"
============= I was just surprised by his response, expecting him to be shocked, and upset at God's judgement, yet instead he turns round and incredibly sees that God is being merciful and he can view it in a positive manner. I wonder how many of us could do that if God determined to remove our wealth - I'm on benefit only income so am living on lean once more but have learnt to be content regardless, as God has always provided for me throughout my years of plenty or lean, in as long as I have been faithful in tithing and providing him his due in gratitude.
Romayne
====
I pray to God in times of sorrow. He is the one whom that my lost one went to. It is not like a prayer, more like a leashing out to. Kinda like denial. But not really. The world tries to impress people with worldly wealth by showing commericals saying buy this new toy or ...for i.e. I was on the news Friday for sunscreen and my suncreen that I had wasn't protecting my child from the UVB rays but it was the UVA rays...so my child will get skin cancer later in life. So that is my example of trying to impress the world of what kind of sunscreen to buy or not buy. I will be known as the sunscreen lady :)
I think that sometimes people do try to rely on stuff rather then rely on God and it gets them nowhere.
I believe Jesus is a Strong Tower, because as we talk tonight I have a sister that is in Pedi ICU and I have laid in bed the last 3 nights asking God to clear my thoughts just so I can go to sleep. They have worked except for tonight as you see its 1 am and I am up. I am not asleep. I am up "worried" about my sis. I know God will take care of her, but I want her to wake up now!! :)
Brandie
====
You just encouraged my soul.. to pray to Lord in any times.. even we are in sorrow.. I thank the Lord for this revelation and for your life ofcourse..
But most of the time people pray to the Lord when they need something.. but don't pray to him just to praise His name.. but God loves it when you praise His holy name.. cause then the troubles in your life will just vanish.. In Psalm 34:15 it says: The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry.. So that means when you life a live that pleases Him.. his ears will hear your cry and you will stay out of trouble like it says in Psalm 34:19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
That was my contribution..
God bless you all and give you more and wisdom and knowledge!!
JF ====
I find that I am one of those types that find it easier to pray when things are going well. When the rug is swept from under me and I fall, I tend to wallow for a minute in my sorrow, pain, guilt, and shame.
I love todays proverb. Its going to be my new memory verse.
Thank you for your words of encouragement and insight.
Mandy
====
The main trick of the enemy toward the believer is to get our eyes off Jesus! Maybe thats why sometimes we find it hard to pray in hard times, like myself, sometimes i dont even think about praying during hard times. Like my eyes are focused only on my circumstances and off Jesus. Course in other situations my first thought, not even a thought, my first reaction: is prayer.
I like the psalms, another song here! Matt Redman, Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Jesus is definitely a strong tower!! (thats a great song by Kutless :p)
Jenny
====
I just fell upon your blog not too long ago and am so encouraged by it! I actually have been falling behind with my reading this year so I'm only in July! But I'm planning to just continue along because I don't like skipping out of order. I liked what you said about the nightmares and saying Jesus' name. I have found that to be true for myself as well. I had a nightmare the other night - the kind where you feel paralyzed in fear. I cried to Jesus in my spirit and almost immediately woke up.
So good to read your comments after my own reading, helps me to remember what I have read better! Also just nice to have a second opinion to the reading to compare notes on what stuck out... I'll continue reading with you at my own snail pace! :)
Sharon
====
I have a hard copy of One Year Bible but I find reading it on line much more enjoyable. The comments are always very helpful and encouraging. Much appreciate the availability of these resources and your kindness in providing them. Ron Harris
Ron
====
Yes I believe the name of the lord is a strong tower...It has always worked for me all my life and its still working for me today!
Susan
====
I thing that is very interesting - if King Hezekiah had not prayed to the Lord to extend his life, if God had not answered that prayer and extended his life 15 more years - King Manasseh (an evil king) would never have been born.
Tammy
====
2 Kings 20:5-6
5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. 6 I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’”
Leader's faith has a determinant role in the fate of a nation. Hezekiah's faith towards the LORD resulted in his personal healing, the nation's safety, and God's promises to his people. It reminds us to pray for our leaders, be they church's, district's, nation's leaders
2 Kings 21:10-15
10 The LORD said through his servants the prophets: 11 “Manasseh king of Judah has committed these detestable sins. He has done more evil than the Amorites who preceded him and has led Judah into sin with his idols. 12 Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. 13 I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab. I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. 14 I will forsake the remnant of my inheritance and give them into the hands of enemies. They will be looted and plundered by all their enemies; 15 they have done evil in my eyes and have aroused my anger from the day their ancestors came out of Egypt until this day.”
Manasseh is a bad example of a bad leader to a nation. God has laid out His will to us in today's reading: a good leader leads to blessings and a bad leader leads to destruction.
Proverbs 18:10
10 The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Peter, John and Paul in Bible and many others cast out demons by Jesus' name. They also performed miracles such as healings by Jesus' name. This verse is true: the name of the LORD is a fortified tower.
====
I would like to share a story. My Mom was very sick in 1980. I thought of Hezikiah praying to God for 15 more years! In this case I prayed God give my mom 1/2 of that time! "Give her another 7 years". It's by divine intervention that my mom fell ill 7 years later and She passed away a few days after the complete 7 years! Prayer is powerful!! God hears our prayers today just as heard Hezikiah many years ago! God bless you all
Jane
====
Mike, Hezekiah's illness and him praying to God about it reminds me of verse Philippians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything instead pray about everything." Sometimes we allow worry be the center of our life instead of prayer.
Pat
====
I think I have learned that there is a trend. Many in scripture have done well and obeyed and trusted the Lord then ones after mess it up and do what is evil. It is like that today. No matter how hard a generation comes through and is raised the ones after it are more advanced , knowledgeable yet stubborn. I think the more the world lives the more advances in technology and science and fewer want to believe faithfully as they should. Sad but true..
Yes Paul's story was very much like our Saviours. One minute they are loving him. He is all things to all people and next they want to crucify him.
I loved the last Psalm 150 Let everything that has breadth praise the Lord! Yes!!
Dee
Comments
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Mike, I like the new look of the site it is easier on the eyes!
II Kings 20-22:2
I have always had issues with the story of Hezekiah and each and every time I read through this section and the written account in II Chronicles (29-32), I contrast what was said about him in the eighteenth chapter,
“5 Hezekiah trusted in, leaned on, and was confident in the Lord, the God of Israel; so that neither after him nor before him was any one of all the kings of Judah like him” with, 19Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "This message you have given me from the LORD is good." But the king was thinking, "At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime."
I’m not sure when I began wrestling with this part of the scripture but I know what disturbs me. I believe God is a God of generations and because of His foreknowledge sees and knows everything so he is concerned with how we consider and treat those who are yet unborn. We are responsible for passing down to future generations the best state of affairs we can. That is only possible if His People live righteously; however, in the twentieth chapter of II Kings, Hezekiah shows no concern in his heart from the generations to come, he only shows concern about what will happen in his lifetime. Here is a man who prayed for his own life and given a fifteen-year extension; however, he has no concern for not only the next generation, but his own seed, or does he.
Maybe I am not at a mature enough place as yet to understand all this so any comments will help.
Acts 21:18-36
Isn’t it amazing how Paul’s attempt to do the right thing to not offend his “brothers” winds up doing the very thing he was trying to avoid? Assumptions are the actions we use that lead to much turmoil and chaos. How often have I assumed an act, a word or a look meant one thing and it really meant another? Assumption is the lowest form of communication.
I’m also seeing the irony of how the Bible first introduces Saul/Paul. When we first see him, he is mentioned as the “guy” who is watching the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen (Acts 7:57).
I have noticed with my own life after “salvation” and in the life of others who have shared their testimony with me what every mess God immediately delivered them out of when they were saved, God has you right back in the midst of their old messes working with others. Most of the times you don’t even recognize that you are there until some time has gone by then you are shocked.
I grew up with a lot of abuse and I found myself teaching a bible study because I was asked not because I was seeking to be a teacher. After two or three months I realized that the participants were almost all male sexual predators (Yes, there are female predators). I laughed when the understanding came to me that I was dealing with a population that I use to fear greatly. God takes away our fear and then places us in the very midst of what we use to dread.
Psalm 150
Praising God can get somewhat loud it.
Proverbs 18:9-10
The ninth verse in the Amplified is both powerful and reveals how dangerous and self-destructive laziness is:
9 He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.
When I first came across this verse in the Amplified, I had trouble understanding how laziness and not using your endeavors to heal yourself is comparable to suicide. However since I first ran across this verse I understand that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. We are lazy because we don’t want to expand the energy it takes to maintain control or order over a given situation because we are either tired of doing it or just plan tired. So we are taking a condition, life on this earth, which is temporary, to forgo working on keeping evil and sin at bay, which is hard work, thus missing out on that which is eternal, heaven where we will no longer have to fight the forces of sin and evil. Hope this makes sense.
Please note that I am not saying that we are Saved by works only that accepting God and the salvation that His Son, Jesus brings to us requires “work” or effort on our part to live righteously. It is easy to sin but difficult to take a stand against it.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
====
Psalms 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Amen. This is a great Psalm indeed.
As we celebrate our country's freedom this fourth of July let us all give thanks for this freedom. Give thanks to all those who have fought to maintain our freedom and way of living. I praise God for our rights and religious freedom, so that we can publically worship and keep spreading the word and love of Jesus Christ to others.
HAPPY 4th of July to all
Laura
====
For me, this is the most incredible statement given what had happened beforehand in Hezekiah's attitude to his wealth:
================
16 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of the LORD : 17 The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD. 18 And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, that will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon."
19 "The word of the LORD you have spoken is good," Hezekiah replied. For he thought, "Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?"
=============
I was just surprised by his response, expecting him to be shocked, and upset at God's judgement, yet instead he turns round and incredibly sees that God is being merciful and he can view it in a positive manner. I wonder how many of us could do that if God determined to remove our wealth - I'm on benefit only income so am living on lean once more but have learnt to be content regardless, as God has always provided for me throughout my years of plenty or lean, in as long as I have been faithful in tithing and providing him his due in gratitude.
Romayne
====
I pray to God in times of sorrow. He is the one whom that my lost one went to. It is not like a prayer, more like a leashing out to. Kinda like denial. But not really.
The world tries to impress people with worldly wealth by showing commericals saying buy this new toy or ...for i.e. I was on the news Friday for sunscreen and my suncreen that I had wasn't protecting my child from the UVB rays but it was the UVA rays...so my child will get skin cancer later in life. So that is my example of trying to impress the world of what kind of sunscreen to buy or not buy. I will be known as the sunscreen lady :)
I think that sometimes people do try to rely on stuff rather then rely on God and it gets them nowhere.
I believe Jesus is a Strong Tower, because as we talk tonight I have a sister that is in Pedi ICU and I have laid in bed the last 3 nights asking God to clear my thoughts just so I can go to sleep. They have worked except for tonight as you see its 1 am and I am up. I am not asleep. I am up "worried" about my sis. I know God will take care of her, but I want her to wake up now!! :)
Brandie
====
You just encouraged my soul.. to pray to Lord in any times.. even we are in sorrow.. I thank the Lord for this revelation and for your life ofcourse..
But most of the time people pray to the Lord when they need something.. but don't pray to him just to praise His name.. but God loves it when you praise His holy name.. cause then the troubles in your life will just vanish.. In Psalm 34:15 it says: The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry.. So that means when you life a live that pleases Him.. his ears will hear your cry and you will stay out of trouble like it says in Psalm 34:19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
That was my contribution..
God bless you all and give you more and wisdom and knowledge!!
JF
====
I find that I am one of those types that find it easier to pray when things are going well. When the rug is swept from under me and I fall, I tend to wallow for a minute in my sorrow, pain, guilt, and shame.
I love todays proverb. Its going to be my new memory verse.
Thank you for your words of encouragement and insight.
Mandy
====
The main trick of the enemy toward the believer is to get our eyes off Jesus! Maybe thats why sometimes we find it hard to pray in hard times, like myself, sometimes i dont even think about praying during hard times. Like my eyes are focused only on my circumstances and off Jesus. Course in other situations my first thought, not even a thought, my first reaction: is prayer.
I like the psalms, another song here! Matt Redman, Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Jesus is definitely a strong tower!! (thats a great song by Kutless :p)
Jenny
====
I just fell upon your blog not too long ago and am so encouraged by it! I actually have been falling behind with my reading this year so I'm only in July! But I'm planning to just continue along because I don't like skipping out of order. I liked what you said about the nightmares and saying Jesus' name. I have found that to be true for myself as well. I had a nightmare the other night - the kind where you feel paralyzed in fear. I cried to Jesus in my spirit and almost immediately woke up.
So good to read your comments after my own reading, helps me to remember what I have read better! Also just nice to have a second opinion to the reading to compare notes on what stuck out... I'll continue reading with you at my own snail pace! :)
Sharon
====
I have a hard copy of One Year Bible but I find reading it on line much more enjoyable. The comments are always very helpful and encouraging. Much appreciate the availability of these resources and your kindness in providing them. Ron Harris
Ron
====
Yes I believe the name of the lord is a strong tower...It has always worked for me all my life and its still working for me today!
Susan
====
I thing that is very interesting - if King Hezekiah had not prayed to the Lord to extend his life, if God had not answered that prayer and extended his life 15 more years - King Manasseh (an evil king) would never have been born.
Tammy
====
2 Kings 20:5-6
5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. 6 I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’”
Leader's faith has a determinant role in the fate of a nation. Hezekiah's faith towards the LORD resulted in his personal healing, the nation's safety, and God's promises to his people. It reminds us to pray for our leaders, be they church's, district's, nation's leaders
2 Kings 21:10-15
10 The LORD said through his servants the prophets: 11 “Manasseh king of Judah has committed these detestable sins. He has done more evil than the Amorites who preceded him and has led Judah into sin with his idols. 12 Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. 13 I will stretch out over Jerusalem the measuring line used against Samaria and the plumb line used against the house of Ahab. I will wipe out Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. 14 I will forsake the remnant of my inheritance and give them into the hands of enemies. They will be looted and plundered by all their enemies; 15 they have done evil in my eyes and have aroused my anger from the day their ancestors came out of Egypt until this day.”
Manasseh is a bad example of a bad leader to a nation. God has laid out His will to us in today's reading: a good leader leads to blessings and a bad leader leads to destruction.
Proverbs 18:10
10 The name of the LORD is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
Peter, John and Paul in Bible and many others cast out demons by Jesus' name. They also performed miracles such as healings by Jesus' name. This verse is true: the name of the LORD is a fortified tower.
====
I would like to share a story. My
Mom was very sick in 1980. I thought of Hezikiah praying to God for 15 more years! In this case
I prayed God give my mom 1/2 of that time! "Give her another 7 years". It's by divine intervention that my mom fell ill 7 years later and She passed away a few days after the complete 7 years! Prayer is powerful!! God hears our prayers today just as heard Hezikiah many years ago! God bless you all
Jane
====
Mike, Hezekiah's illness and him praying to God about it reminds me of verse Philippians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything instead pray about everything." Sometimes we allow worry be the center of our life instead of prayer.
Pat
====
I think I have learned that there is a trend. Many in scripture have done well and obeyed and trusted the Lord then ones after mess it up and do what is evil. It is like that today. No matter how hard a generation comes through and is raised the ones after it are more advanced , knowledgeable yet stubborn. I think the more the world lives the more advances in technology and science and fewer want to believe faithfully as they should. Sad but true..
Yes Paul's story was very much like our Saviours. One minute they are loving him. He is all things to all people and next they want to crucify him.
I loved the last Psalm 150 Let everything that has breadth praise the Lord! Yes!!
Dee