Pastor’s Blog (Page 43)

The ink wasn’t even dry on Hezekiah’s death certificate and Manasseh was already busy undoing his father’s reforms! He wasn’t just drifting spiritually. He was making determined choices to head 180 degrees in the opposite direction. Notice the intentionality: He “seduced them to do evil.” 1 He “made Judah sin.” 2 He “misled Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” 3 With…

The biblical historians used an interesting phrase to close the chapter on each king’s life and recap some significant aspect of his reign: Now the rest of the acts of Solomon and whatever he did, and his wisdom… Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he made war… Now the rest of all the acts of Asa… and the cities which he built… Now the rest…

In just a few hours 2008 will have rolled out of view. Those 365 days and nights will come no more. Their 8760 hours will be history. The 10,512,000 breaths God gave you will be gone.1 So here’s a fitting prayer as the meter rolls over to 2009: “Teach us, Lord, to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” 2 1 Acts 17:25; Respiratory rate 2…

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people…” 1 “…the Sunrise from on high will visit us.” 2 The Bible speaks of numerous instances when God visits. What does it mean? Did He just decide to pop in? Hardly. Whenever the Bible speaks of God visiting, it is because a Holy Presence is attending some particular…

What a sinking feeling to see your investment tank. To watch your cash evaporate into thin air right before your eyes. To realize your ROI—return on investment—will be… zilch! “Hezekiah gave no return for the benefit he received, because his heart was proud.” 1 Unbelievable! After all God had invested in Hezekiah—the abundance and blessing and prosperity…

After everything I’ve done for you…! Ouch! Those stinging words insinuate injustice, don’t they? Unfair treatment. Reminds us of Hezekiah’s situation: “After these acts of faithfulness Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah and besieged the fortified cities and thought to break into them for himself.” 1 What gives? If the words “faithful” and “devoted”…