The Beginning Of Josiah's Revival

The Beginning Of  Josiah's Revival 

II Kings 23:3-5 NKJV

[3] Then the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to follow the Lord and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people took a stand for the covenant. [4] And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests of the second order, and the doorkeepers, to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the articles that were made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven; and he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried their ashes to Bethel. [5] Then he removed the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense on the high places in the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem, and those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, to the moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven. 

These are the words of Micah Stsmpley in a the popular song titled, "One Word". " Oh Lord speak into my life. I am a living sacrifice

Your word says live and not die

Oh Lord speak into my life....

One word I'm living this moment on a word

Not just any word but a word from you

A word that says I'm healed delivered and set free

There are no more chains holding me (Can I get a witness out here)". 

      We may not be able to quote the entire lyrics, but it appears to describe what happened to Josiah and started him on a streak of revival. This is what my Ai describes as scriptural revival, " In the Bible, revival is a spiritual awakening or renewal that can refer to a person, a region, or a group of people. It can also mean a restoration of God's presence among his people". When the King called all elders of Judah and Jerusalem to the house of the Lord, he was set on a reawakening.  It all happened because the King heard a word, the word of the Lord. 

     Got Questions? describes it deeper, " Revival refers to a spiritual reawakening from a state of dormancy or stagnation in the life of a believer. It encompasses the resurfacing of a love for God, an appreciation of God’s holiness, a passion for His Word and His church, a convicting awareness of personal and corporate sin, a spirit of humility, and a desire for repentance and growth in righteousness". And it all begins with the entrance of the word. One word.

     Got Questions continues the exposition. " In the letter to Ephesus, Christ praised the church for their perseverance and discernment, but He stated that they had forsaken their first love (Revelation 2:4-5). Many times as the excitement of acceptance to Christ grows cold, we lose the zeal that we had at first. We become bogged down in the ritual, going through the motions, but we no longer experience the joy of serving Christ. Revival helps restore that first love and passion for Christ. Revelation 2:10-11 refers to the church at Smyrna, which was suffering intense persecution. The cares and worries of life can beat us down, leaving us emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. Revival can lift us up to new hope and faith". We are familiar with the arguments against revival. King Josiah had no time for dialectics. He wanted a serious reawakening. What do you want. Are you satisfied in your state? Or, do you want more of God? It may be time to clean the house for a real revival.Good morning.

The Impact Of Reading The Word

The Impact Of Reading The Word

II Kings 22:8, 10-13 NKJV

[8] Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 

[10] Then Shaphan the scribe showed the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. [11] Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes. [12] Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Michaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king, saying, [13] “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

I was nine years old and had just learnt how to read. I came home one afternoon, and decided to read the story of the crucifixion. I sat down on the kitchen floor and I cried. I cried at the injustice to God's son whose only concern was to save the world. I wondered whether the people couldn't see through the scam of the devil to decieve the world. That was the best exegesis I could muster then. That event made a very strong impression on me. More than fifty five years later, the Word still makes a deeper impression on me.

    The Word of God is the source of truth, guidance, and transformation. It  helps people live lives of faith and obedience, and bring comfort and hope to the oppressed. Stacey Salsbery is a mother and a Bible teacher. She has a beautiful blog written on January 1,2024, where she exposed on "20 Benefits Of Being In Gods Word". We have no space to reproduce it here. Please find it and read the blog. " If only the world could grasp the benefits available to the soul who seeks God through His Word—willing to see it as truth, clinging to it at every turn. For the Word of God is life-changing and life-sustaining and life-giving. And it’s so much more, as the author of Psalm 119 ESV testifies. The psalmist offers us numerous reasons to run to the comfort of Scripture and never turn away from it.". Our entry today testifies to this impact on the King. V.11. That's where the Josiah's revival began, from the impact of the word.

    This is Hebrews 4:12. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart".  Check out Rom.1:16 and 10:17. Stay with us as we examine what the word did to the Kingship of Josiah. Read the word. Good morning.

Turning Tragedies I to Blessings.

Turning Tragedies Into Blessings 

II Kings 21:23-24 NKJV

[23] Then the servants of Amon conspired against him, and killed the king in his own house. [24] But the people of the land executed all those who had conspired against King Amon. Then the people of the land made his son Josiah king in his place.

Josiah was programmed  to be fatherless and a failure. He was meant to be another young child the devil could dominate in preparation to run the throne. Let me explain.The National Center For Fathering predicts what the likelihood of people like Josiah were going to be in life. "... children from fatherless homes are more likely to be poor, become involved in drug and alcohol abuse, drop out of school, and suffer from health and emotional problems. Boys are more likely to become involved in crime, and girls are more likely to become pregnant as teens". That information is from The Journal Of Family Issues 25( January,2004 ). It has more damaging information. Thank God Josiah didn't read that. Sometimes ignorance is a blessing. That means that sometimes being unaware of certain information can allow you face life with a stronger sense of peace. Add to that , God was ahead of the enemy. The mother, Jedidah, did an excellent job. Josiah was eight when he became King.

   Josiah's father, Amon was assasinated, by his servants. But they were not celebrated. They touched the Lord's  anointed. They died for it. The lesson is that our job is to pray against evil, not to act as God. We are about to enter one of the finest seasons of religious reforms Judah had ever known. God can, and will turn your tragedies into blessings. The help will come from a very unlikely source. Just imagine with me the consternation in hell.... wondering: how did they loose it?  Today, may that consternation bring you joy and peace and your enthronement in Jesus Name. Good morning.

when God Responds

When God Responds 

II Kings 21:10-14 NKJV

[10] And the Lord spoke by His servants the prophets, saying, [11] “Because Manasseh king of Judah has done these abominations (he has acted more wickedly than all the Amorites who were before him, and has also made Judah sin with his idols), [12] therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle. [13] And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria and the plummet of the house of Ahab; I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. [14] So I will forsake the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become victims of plunder to all their enemies, 

Sin is an " immoral act and a transgression of divine laws". It is not just a weakness  but a hamartia on what perhaps could have been a beautiful character. It is an offence against God. In theatre it is described as a tragic flaw, a fatal mistake that will lead to the downfall of the tragic hero. That description is from the Greek word, " to err".

   Whenever hamartia is at work, it will set forth chain of events that will eventually result in a reversal of fortunes for the character. In our read today, Manasseh and Judah are about to enter that reversal. God is the Judge. He is reading out the judgements through the prophets. Read that again. V.12 " Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle". There's a sense of dread on what God is about to unleash.

    " Hamartiology explains why, how, and the consequences of humans "missing the mark". It also explains how humans miss the mark of righteousness, which is God's standard for living". Any sin that is not confessed and forsaken will naturally attract God's response as judgement .  1 John 1:9 says, " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". I think that's the sweetest verse in the Bible. Don't wait for God to respond. Its a mark of pride to assume you can beat God in this. Mannasseh learnt it the hard way, so you don't. We can break the hubris and go to God in repentance. God wont manipulate  you. His word is  standard. Keep the date tomorrow. Good morning.

The Book of Our Chronicles

The Book Of Our Chronicles 

II Kings 20:20-21 NKJV

[20] Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah—all his might, and how he made a pool and a tunnel and brought water into the city—ffdare they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? [21] So Hezekiah rested with his fathers. Then Manasseh his son reigned in his place.

In Revelation 20:12  the Bible records , "And books were opened". The books record our deeds, and on Judgment Day, we are judged based on what's written in them about about our lives. We may not be conscious, but books are being written about our lives. No one may see you, but God's all seeing eyes  are magnetting everything to your records. Casey Lewis explains the plot and scope of our story being prepared, "...we have to understand that we are character’s in God’s story. God is the writer of the story, and we are the characters. His story starts at creation (Gen. 1:1). It ends with those in Christ living for all of eternity in a recreated world (Rev. 22). Everyone’s life on earth occurs somewhere in between those two events, and we are all apart of the overarching story of God". 

   We've come to the end of Hezekiah's life, but there are Chronicles of how he lived. Transpose that and fill in your story. What will it read? Lewis continue s, " If God is the writer of our story, the place we are at right now is by design. It is a part of God’s sovereign plan for our life". Psalm 139:13-16. You have to be conscious of how you play the part you are assigned by God. At the post mortem, you will be asked how you played. Be conscious. You wont play your part for ever. There's an entry, but there's also an exit. Theres a time for the house curtain to come down. Are you ready? Good morning.

Casual Attitude To God's Word

Casual Attitude To Gods Word 

II Kings 20:17-19 NKJV

[17] ‘Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left,’ says the Lord. [18] ‘And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’ ” [19] So Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord which you have spoken is good!” For he said, “Will there not be peace and truth at least in my days?” 

This is an excerpt from KCM blog on  How To Respond To Prophecies. " 

The purpose of a prophecy is not entertainment or to be “in the know.” A prophecy is a call to action. The prophet’s role is to deliver the word of the Lord to His people. But that’s only the beginning. The fulfillment of a prophecy requires action from those who hear the words of a prophet. Once the word is delivered, we become co-laborers with God to bring it to pass". It is expected that the recipient of a prophecy should  take spiritual action to help prophetic words come to pass or deter it. In this instance, Hezekiah  did not behave as he did when he was confronted by the Assyrians. He never prayed about the words spoken by Isaiah. That is not how to respond to a prophecy.

   Hezekiah's response to Isaiah's prophecy was selfish, as he was more concerned with his own comfort than the nation's future. God sent Isaiah to Hezekiah to test his faith and give him the chance to trust God for his future. 

God healed Hezekiah and gave him an additional 15 years to live. Isaiah also prophesied that the Assyrian army would not capture Jerusalem. God destroyed the Assyrian army, as Isaiah had prophesied. 

    However, Hezekiah did have a selfish response to Isaiah's prophecy about the fall of his sons. This shows that we can still sin if we ever become casual to God's words. Here is how someone sums it up: " One of the sins with which we commonly struggle is the temptation not to trust in the Lord but in our own talents or alliances with others. Where do you find it difficult to trust God? Ask Him to help you believe Him and act according to the promises in His Word". There's nothing to add. We only have a response to make. Good morning.

Change Of Tactics

Change Of Tactics: Hezekiah And The Babylonian Envoys 

II Kings 20:12-13, 17 NKJV

[12] At that time Berodach-Baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. [13] And Hezekiah was attentive to them, and showed them all the house of his treasures—the silver and gold, the spices and precious ointment, and all his armory—all that was found among his treasures. There was nothing in his house or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them...

[17] ‘Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left,’ says the Lord. 

Spiritual warfare is sustained, constant, ongoing battle against evil  forces of darkness that can manifest in various ways, including through our thoughts, emotions, and actions.  It is tied to the broader struggle of the devil resisting the government of God. Even when God intervenes as in the case of Hezekiah, the enemy will find new strategies to fight. Now, Hezekiah has an additional fifteen years added to his life, so the enemy decided to act as a friend through the son of the King of Babylon. 

   The enemy is constantly looking for our vulnerabilities and patterns to get us under. Change is a war strategy. It is " the deliberate act of altering specific combat methods or approaches during a conflict to adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield, often to gain an advantage over the enemy by exploiting their weaknesses or responding to unexpected developments". That's why you must learn how to shoot forward and backwards.

    In today's read, there's a new friend on the horizon. It's Berodach-Baladan, the son of the King of Babylon. Pause. That's the heir apparent. He's not really  Hezekiah's friend. It's an open edge. V.13 is the most tragic read of all times. Isaiah announced the end of that friendship in the prophecy of v.17.  John Heys says, " A truth we ought never to forget is that Satan will change his tactics, and even reverse them, if it serves his devilish purpose of seeking to destroy the church of Christ". That's the word for today. Dont get taken in. The devil is still the devil even if it's wearing a white dress. The word is enough for the wise. Good morning.

Hezekiah Recovers From A Boil

Hezekiah Recovers From A Boil

II Kings 20:7 NKJV

[7] Then Isaiah said, “Take a lump of figs.” So they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.

We carefully skipped this verse yesterday because we needed to explain how heaven responded to Hezekiah's prayers. Beyond the prophetic pronouncement by Isaiah, the healing actually occurred. Today we are confronted with whether it's okay to take treatment for your healing in the new testament as was demonstrated here in the old. 

    Here's a report from a group. If anyone "..is sick of fever, or suffers from headache, constipation or any other form of ailment, all they do is to pray. They do not apply any kind of medicine because they believe that it is a sin to do so". They believe that faith and prayer are the only thing needed in the life of a Christian. Here the Prophet said they should lay a lump of figs on the boil.

      Here's the position of Health and Faith 102. " There are some Christians who believe that seeking medical help shows a lack of faith in God. Some Christians wrongly think they should throw away their medicines and only pray for healing.When we think about how we behave in other areas of our lives, we see that this is not a logical view". Here's a panoramic view in the Bible of people who used treatment. " These include applying:bandages (Isaiah 1:6) oil (James 5:14) oil and wine (Luke 10:34)  leaves (Ezekiel 47:12)  balm (Jeremiah 8:22).   We know that Luke, the author of Acts and the gospel of Luke, was a doctor (Colossians 4:14). And Paul once gave Timothy advice on medical treatment (1 Timothy 5:23). Doctors are referred to about 12 times in the Bible". The beauty of the verse is that Hezekiah recovered. Before we do any further damage, please, take treatment, recover. Let God do the healing. Good morning.

The Write From The Courts Of Heaven

The Writ From The Courts Of Heaven 

II Kings 20:6, 8-11 NKJV

[6] And I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake, and for the sake of My servant David.” ..[8] And Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What is the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up to the house of the Lord the third day?” [9] Then Isaiah said, “This is the sign to you from the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing which He has spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees or go backward ten degrees?” [10] And Hezekiah answered, “It is an easy thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees; no, but let the shadow go backward ten degrees.” [11] So Isaiah the prophet cried out to the Lord, and He brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down on the sundial of Ahaz. 

In January, 2023, Leon du Preez explained  a concept that was popularised by Robert Henderson. Its the concept of the Courts of Heaven. This is Preez, " Most believers know we can pray to God as our Father and Friend. Most do not know that we can appeal to God as a Judge. Just as we have judges presiding over earthly judicial systems, God is the Judge in the Court of Heaven". 

   Henderson had explained in his books that he had known for a long time that he could pray to God as Father and as his Friend; however, he had missed the fact that he could also appeal to God as the Judge. Did Hezekiah tap into a New Testament secret by asking for a sign? We have heard messages that said it was tempting God because " An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign. And there shall be no sign given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah"( Mat.12:38 ). For Hezekiah, it wasn't time to argue theology. It was to get real answers. 

   In Luke 18, Jesus puts prayer in a judicial system. That parable was not to show God as an unjust Judge. It was to show that we can get our verdict from the Judge of all the earth. So Hezekiah asked for the writ of release. A writ is form of written command in the name of a court or other legal authority to act, or abstain from acting, in a particular way. I needed to let you know, there's a writ for your release. It wasn't just for Hezekiah. There's a sign of the cross that your case is over. That is from the Courts of Heaven. And God is the righteous Judge. Good morning.

Divine Plan Activated

Divine Plan Activated 

II Kings 19:35-37 NKJV

[35] And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead. [36] So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh. [37] Now it came to pass, as he was worshiping in the temple of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Then Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.

God isnt a folk hero.  There are moments like our read today that you would wish folk heroes were made of stuff like this. Folk heroes were people who were greatly admired for their achievements by ordinary people. In today's read, there's a manifestation of divine plans according to eternal decrees. Ephesians explains it as " working out everything in confirmity with the purpose of His will ". ( Eph.1:11 ). Isaiah describes that in the following words, " My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please ".( Isa.46:10 ). Job had acknowledged it that God can do all things, and no purpose of his can be thwarted ( Job 42:2 ). Even when evil comes, God weaves it out into the plot.( Prov.16:4 ). 

   So in this read God sent an angel of war that went out and killed one hundred and eighty five thousand men in a single night. Don't ask me who the angel was. Here's v.36 again. " So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh". You see that situation that you have been struggling with? God knows what to do in a single night.  Yes He knows.

   The story is not over in v.36. Remember that God said He will put a hook in his nostril and drag him out of Judah. Well, read v.37.  Sennacherib went to worship and his sons conspired and killed him. His god, Nisroch couldn't save him. Guzik says, " Perhaps Sennacherib thought he had escaped the judgment of God, but he hadn’t. He met the bitter end of death at the end of swords held by his own sons".  Adam Clarke reports of a Jewish legend that seem to explain what happened. " The rabbins say that his sons had learned that he intended to sacrifice them to his god, and that they could only prevent this by slaying him". Your enemy will hear a rumor when divine plans are activated. Good morning.

There's A Remnant

There's A Remnant 

II Kings 19:30-31 NKJV

[30] And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah Shall again take root downward, And bear fruit upward. [31] For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, And those who escape from Mount Zion. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.’

The Remnant is a concept used in both the Old testament and the New testament to refer to " a person or persons who fulfill the Lord’s Purpose for the Whole when the Whole either cannot or will not fulfill it. ( Chip Brogden). Someone else describes it as a " group of believers who remain faithful to the core teachings and practices of the faith, even in times of widespread apostasy or moral decline". During a time when violence and sin filled the earth, there is one man called Noah, who alone is righteous and pleasing to God. He was a remnant. So when God  judged mankind with the flood, He  does not make a full end. God spared Noah and his family and makes a new beginning with them.

     So God says, there will be a remnant from the house of Judah and Jerusalem. Guzik explains that  it means, " As much as the Assyrians would like to crush Jerusalem and Judah, they would not be able to. God would preserve His remnant". Wiseman adds that, The doctrine of the remnant (vv. 4, 30) left by God’s grace through times of trial was demonstrated by Isaiah, whose son was named Shear-Jashub, ‘remnant will return’ (Isa 7:3; Isa 37:30-32). Israelites fled to Judah so that in one sense Judah also included the remnant of Israel to carry on God’s name and work.” Sometimes the enemy thinks it's got you, but God is not yet through with you. God will spring a revival with the remnants. 

    What God is doing is that the remnant will take their root downwards and begin to bear fruit upwards. That means, " The remnant shall yet again be planted in their own habitations and shall take root there and grow rich. That soul is indeed prosperous who takes root downward by faith in Christ, and then becomes fruitful upward in righteousness". A few years ago, this word was for Judah and Israel. Today, its yours. Take root downward. There's a time of celebration very soon in a great harvest. Good morning.

God's Answers To Leadership

God's Answers To Leadership 

II Kings 19:28-31 NKJV

[28] Because your rage against Me and your tumult Have come up to My ears, Therefore I will put My hook in your nose And My bridle in your lips, And I will turn you back By the way which you came. [29] ‘This shall be a sign to you: You shall eat this year such as grows of itself, And in the second year what springs from the same; Also in the third year sow and reap, Plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. [30] And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah Shall again take root downward, And bear fruit upward. [31] For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, And those who escape from Mount Zion. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.’

When a leader prays, most essentially , it is to  seek divine guidance, wisdom, and strength from God, to navigate the challenges and responsibilities of leadership roles. This may involve asking for the ability to make good decisions, serve others with compassion, and remain humble in the face of authority. At crucial times like this, it is for God to intervene in problems beyond leadership capacity. The act of prayer seeks to align our leadership actions with  God's purpose and to seek divine direction in the leadership pursuit. In this matter, Hezekiah knew God was interested in Judah. John Warden explains this complexity of being prayerful as a leader. "It is not how smart, well intentioned or knowledgeable we are because our competence, skills and talents are simply not enough for the task of leading others...That role is just too big for us to handle without continual prayer. Like Paul, we need to seek God with urgency and intentionality. Today's vignette is an answer to that intentionality. 

    So God answered King Hezekiah. Isaiah prophesied Sennacherib's fall. Guzik says, " God knew how to find the Assyrians. And because Assyria went too far in blaspheming the One who made all their success possible". The dramatic way God says He will take them out is the very way Assyrians used in relocating captives. Then in  vv. 29-31, God says he will prosper Judah as they win. God is not yet done with you. The enemy will not appear to win forever. God knows how to fight for you. There's an answer coming.And its now.  Good morning.

Hezekiah's Burden In Prayers

Hezekiah's Burden In Prayers 

II Kings 19:15-19 NKJV

[15] Then Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said: “O Lord God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. [16] Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. [17] Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, [18] and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands—wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them. [19] Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone.” Lord

The prayers sre few verses in summary, but must have taken hours to pray. Until you listen to it in the spirit, you may miss the burden, the pain, and the nuances of this intercession. This was a real difficult prayer. It draws on the spirit and the soul. Its not that you're looking for fine language to impress the throne. Its a desperation not to be undressed.

   When you have nothing else to hold unto but God, you will understand why you could enter the prayer room and come out five hours later. If anyone ever asks you what you prayed sbout for so long, you'll have a few verses too. You can't summarize the cry of a child before the father. Nothing else matters at such moments until the pain is lifted. We've had to cry desperate prayers of this nature and God moved. All our prayers need to beike this.

    Hezekiah began by acknowledging that God is in charge. He lays a foundation for what he's about to say. He knows that God can hear a whisper, but he told God in human terms to pay attention to his needs.

Patterson and Austel describe what he was doing in these words. “As a child bringing his broken toy to his father for repair, so Hezekiah laid the issues in God’s sight for resolution.” Notice that he was satisfied, in the first letter, for the prophet to pray, but in the second letter, he went to the temple by himself. Its okay for others to intercede, but God's  interested in your prayers too.

   Hezekiah acknowledged that the King of Assyria defeated other nations including Israel because their gods were no God. Then he invited God for a showdown. Feel the invitation. Is this how deep your prayers are? If you were God, and you were busy, Hezekiah's prayers will turn your attention. How was your last cry for help? Jesus prayed a similar prayer so much that his sweat became like blood. Some medical folks said the burden was so heavy, the cappilaries began to burst into sweats. Maybe we need to burst a few cappilleries  just to breathe an air of freedom. Maybe! You can do that, cant you? Good morning.

Our God Answers Prayers

Our God Answers Prayers.

II Kings 19:8-10 NKJV

[8] Then the Rabshakeh returned and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah, for he heard that he had departed from Lachish. [9] And the king heard concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, “Look, he has come out to make war with you.” So he again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, [10] “Thus you shall speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, “Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.” 

There's nothing more exciting as when God speaks, theres an immediate answer. when we pray, Isaiah 65:24 says, "Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear". That is a declaration that God can respond and will do it quickly, sometimes even before the prayer is fully spoken. Life is not lived by boasting. It is lived under God's covering.

    When Jesus prayed concerning Lazarus, there was an immediate answer. When there isnt an apparent immediate answers to prayers, it means God has alternate plans. Sometimes the answer is asking you to wait for the right moment. Sometimes, the answer is, I'm arranging a change of plans. In this case God rearranged who was meant to attack who.  Sometimes the best answer is just 'No'. Wisdom is in knowing the difference.

    Prayer is God's ability in us to influence the heavens to our favour. You know, God wont do anything until someone on earth asks him. The reason is simple: God gave the authority on earth to man. Prayer is our invitation for God to interfere in affairs of the earth.  Read the details of what God did in this instance. The Rabshakeh's threat had no meaning. 

   In v.14, when Hezekiah received the letter of Rabshakeh, he went back to God in prayers. " ...and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord". What an ingenious man. He brought the letter for God to read, as if God didn't know the contents already. Do me a favour, bring your cases like this to the very presence of God. Hezekiah was a new testament man in his thinking. Here it is: " 1Pet. 5:7 : casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you". God does.  Prayer is God's way of taking the burden off us, because He cares for us. Don't tell your stories  to anyone anymore. Just go into the closet with God. The answer is coming faster than you imagined. Good morning.

The Spiritual Atmosphere To Prophesy

The Spiritual Atmosphere To Prophesy 

II Kings 19:5-7 NKJV

[5] So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. [6] And Isaiah said to them, “Thus you shall say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. [7] Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.” 

Today, if Ai was a student, we probably would have scored it high. It describes, " The atmosphere for prophecy" 

as " a spiritual environment where individuals are receptive to hearing God's voice through prophetic messages, characterized by deep faith, expectancy, openness to the Holy Spirit, and a sense of reverence, allowing for the accurate discernment and delivery of prophetic words; essentially, a space where people are actively seeking God's guidance and revelation". In such atmosphere, " hearts are mended and futures are rewritten by the hand of God", and God assures His people of His continuous covering. To get into such atmosphere,  theologians would talk about worship, humility and receptivity. 

   There are ,however, moments we cant wait for these protocols. This would  be desperate moments. So Isaiah did not wait for the choir. He blurted out in the prophetic because the pain of the King and the people was much. This is like a sudden change of climate. Norma Gray says that this atmosphere is created by a combination of the spirit, the words and the energy of the moment. God had to answer the people.

   The phrase, " do not be afraid", appears about 365 times in the Bible. Its like taking a capsule each day for a year. God took the blasphemy of Assyria personally. So God was going to deal with Assyria using the strategy of rumour. The power of rumour in warfare lies in its stealth. Someone says that rumour can " circulate under radar, making it difficult to trace its origins or debunk them as fabrications". In 1940, French forces suffered defeat through  unfounded tales of casualties and impending doom by agents of Hitler. Rumour is a war strategy. Four lepers went to the camp of the Phillistines, and they heard a rumour. May your enemies hear a rumour. 

    God was going to give Assyria what they brought to Judah. God will give your enemy what they planned for you. The atmosphere is changing. God's on your side. That enemy will die by its rumour. I'm waiting for your testimonies. Good morning.

Hezekiah's Response

Hezekiah's Response 

II Kings 19:1-4 NKJV

[1] And so it was, when King Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord. [2] Then he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. [3] And they said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah: ‘This day is a day of trouble, and rebuke, and blasphemy; for the children have come to birth, but there is no strength to bring them forth. [4] It may be that the Lord your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the Lord your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.’ ”

In communication, there has to be a response. Its called feedbacks. It is 

 " the response given by the receiver of a message, which indicates whether they understood the message and allows the sender to know if their communication was effective; it can be verbal, nonverbal cues like body language, or a more direct response with thoughts or reactions to what was said".  "When feedback is withheld, it means that someone is choosing not to provide constructive criticism or positive reinforcement about someone else's performance, behavior, or work, essentially preventing them from learning and improving, potentially leading to stagnation and missed opportunities for growth". That is what Judah did to the Rabshakeh. They chosed instead to talk to God 

     Read v.1 again. Hezekiah went to talk to a higher authority, God. David Guzik is very ardent over what  Hezekiah did. " Hezekiah’s initial reaction was good. He saw the situation for what it really was. Often, when we are in some kind of trial or difficulty, we handle it poorly because we never see the situation accurately. Jerusalem’s situation was desperate and Hezekiah knew it". How would you have handled this situation? That's what makes the difference between winners and loosers under God. It is not lack of power by God. You must acknowledge God first. You must have faith that He alone has the final answer. This may be very difficult for very active people, but it must be done.

   The next thing Hezekiah did was to make an appeal to the Prophet Isaiah for intercession. Notice his colorful language: that children have come to birth, but there's no strength to push forth. May our God who rules over life affairs send you strength from now and forever. You will push forth anything, any project, any vision under God. Good morning.

When Silence Is Golden

When Silence Is Golden 

II Kings 18:35-37 NKJV

[35] Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their countries from my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?’ ” [36] But the people held their peace and answered him not a word; for the king’s commandment was, “Do not answer him.” [37] Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.

Its difficult to ascertain where the proverb that speech is silver, and silence is golden began. There's a Bible verse, however, that says, " In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, but he that refraineth his lips is wise." (Proverbs, 10:19). It carries the same connotation. Today's read must have been a clear demonstration of this wisdom. You don't have to speak every time to show your opinions. There's a time to be silent.

   My Ai explains that the phrase " means that staying quiet or not speaking is often the best course of action, implying that silence is more valuable than speech in certain situations, usually when it comes to avoiding conflict, preserving secrets, or allowing for thoughtful reflection". Apostle Peter should have attended this school. He didn't. Well, the officers of King Hezekiah demonstrated a high level of emotional intelligence in this matter. They waited unti they got to their King. V.36. Then they tore their clothes. This was a Jewish practice of expressing grief or other  kinds of emotions.

   The real deal is ro know when silence is golden and speech is silver. The answer is in Prov. 26:4-5 when you're engaged with a 'fool'. There's a time to speak so that the fool may not appear too wise in his conciet, but not when you are trying to win a warfare. Well, they came to the King. Now they could express themselves. No matter what happens to you, dont cry for the devil. If you must cry, go into prayer, return to the King, and cry to God. Good morning.

The devil is never satisfied

The Devil Is Never Satisfied 

II Kings 18:17-20 NKJV

[17] Then the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh from Lachish, with a great army against Jerusalem, to King Hezekiah. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. When they had come up, they went and stood by the aqueduct from the upper pool, which was on the highway to the Fuller’s Field. [18] And when they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came out to them.

[19] Then the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: “What confidence is this in which you trust? 

[20] You speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. And in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me? 

The devil is never satisfied. Its major focus of attack is your confidence. Miriam Webster describes confidence as, " a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances". It goes on to say that confidence  is " faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way". Attacking one's confidence is a war strategy. King Sennacherib of Assyria sent Rab-shakeh, a field commander with  tauntings to King Hezekiah and Judah. Judah had 

rebelled from the control of Assyria. The first point of attack to reduce Judah was their confidence. 

    He asks them on whom they trusted. Who you trust is very important to how you win. Unfortunately, Rab-shakeh, had mistaken Hezekiah's revival for a crushing oppression on the people of Judah. Angela Parlin says, " We have confidence before God because of our relationship with Jesus Christ. That confidence comes from Christ’s work for us–His sacrifice which covers us once and for all–and grows because of His work in us". I love the New Tastement. Hezekiah couldn't say that, but he had faith in the deliverance of Jehovah. The focus is : Who do you trust because the devil  is never satisfied with apologetics. If your strategy comes from God and His word, you'll be sure of victory. If you beg the devil, it will be back. You can take that to the bank. Today, do what Judah did. Pull down all contrary dependence and altars and put faith in His word. You're coming out. Good morning.

Resist The Devil

Resist The Devil 

II Kings 18:13-16 NKJV

[13] And in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them. [14] Then Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; turn away from me; whatever you impose on me I will pay.” And the king of Assyria assessed Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. [15] So Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the Lord and in the treasuries of the king’s house. [16] At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold from the doors of the temple of the Lord, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria. Lord

   In a New Testament admonition, we are told what we can do, different from what King Hezekiah did. We are told in James 4:7 to resist the enemy. This means " to stand against devil’s deceptions and his efforts to intimidate. As we resist the devil, we are promised that he will flee from you". The enemy's strategy has still not changed. You see, after three years to finally overcome Samaria, Sennacherib was now bold to come after Judah  and Jerusalem. He waited the next five years to make his move.

    In this life, you can either beg your way through or have a breakthrough. Hezekiah chosed to beg through. If you beg through life you will forever remain a slave and a subordinate. This is Guzik: " James simply challenges individual Christians to deal with Satan as a conquered foe who can and must be personally resisted". Clarke adds, “He who, in the terrible name of JESUS, opposes even the devil himself is sure to have speedy and glorious conquest. He flees from that name, and from his conquering blood.” The problem of the Old testament is that there was no Jesus or a conquering hero they could have called on. We do have one today. The problem now is, are we maximizing on the Name of Jesus?

    Satan's strategy is to strip you. This is from v.14, " And the king of Assyria assessed Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold". That's some money, even by today's standards.The strategy only impoverished Judah and made Sennacherib bolder. You should resist the devil. There's no sacrifice of appeasement that will make the devil stop, neither did Sennacherib. 

   The only clause is to first submit to God, then resist rhe devil. Dont attempt resisting when you've not submitted to Jesus. That is the key. Under whose authority are you operating? Make sure you follow the next vignette to hear what God can do with a people submitted to Him. You can resist the devil. Good morning.

He Held Fast To The Lord

He Held Fast To The Lord 

II Kings 18:5-8 NKJV

[5] He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him. [6] For he held fast to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses. [7] The Lord was with him; he prospered wherever he went. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. [8] He subdued the Philistines, as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.

To hold fast is described as a metaphor to  “be diligent,” “cling to,” or “take a firm grasp of.” It is based on the idea of gripping tightly to an object". It is reported that "hold fast" appears first in Deuteronomy 10:20: “Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.”  The phrase is also found in Deut. 11:22, as part of the condtional blessings of the Lord. The prase means , ".. to firmly cling to God's teachings and remain steadfast in.. faith, refusing to let go even during difficult times; it signifies a strong, unwavering commitment to God and his word, staying focused on him despite challenges or temptations that may arise". Think of this phrase as it relates to Hezekiah.

    Holding fast invovles:

 1.Active commitment:

It's not just a passive belief, but a conscious choice to actively follow God's guidance and live according to his principles. 

2. Resilience in trials:

Holding fast implies enduring through hardships and not abandoning your faith when faced with adversity. 

3. Focus on scripture:

Studying and applying the Bible is a key way to "hold fast" to the Lord, as it provides the foundation for ones faith. 

    Phil.2:16 is one of the New testament admonitions to hold fast the word of truth as a guiding light in life.Thats what Hezekiah did in his days. What are you holding unto in this age where people are craving for what is reigning and happening? One day in our city, a young man arrived with a bunch of young men and women for a  supposed crusade and teachings in the city. It was after he left, that the orgy of his visitation was opened. Hezekiah refused to be that kind. He held fast when several had to let go. No wonder God prospered him.

  In Joshua 22:5, God restates His interest in the phrase, "...walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul”. Hezekiah got it right, so will you today, in Jesus Name. Amen. Good morning.

They Feared The Lord, Yet Served Images

They Feared the Lord, Yet Served Their Images 

II Kings 17:41 NKJV

[41] So these nations feared the Lord, yet served their carved images; also their children and their children’s children have continued doing as their fathers did, even to this day.

Its a dreadful read of several chapters up to this point. The read could simply be summarized that the Kings reigned in Judah and Israel, but they feared not the Lord. They did evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord delivered them into the hands of their enemies. This must have been the darkest and the murkiest part of Israel's history. 

   For today's read, they only feared the Lord, but they served carved images. The Bible says that idolatry is a sin and that people should not worship idols. The Bible also says that idols are worthless and lifeless objects that delude people. Here are God's warnings against idolatry: 

Exodus 20:4-5: God commands people not to make idols, worship them, or serve them. 

1 John 5:21: People should keep themselves from idols. 

Romans 1:21-23: Idolatry is a fundamental sin. 

Galatians 5:19-21: Idolaters engage in works of the flesh, such as sexual immorality, impurity, and sensuality. 

Psalm 115:4-8: Idols are worthless and lifeless objects. 

Isaiah 44:9-20: Idols delude people into compulsive folly. 

1 Corinthians 10:14: People should flee from idolatry. 

Colossians 3:5: Greed, which is idolatry, should be put to death. 

Jonah 2:8: People who cling to worthless idols turn away from God's love. 

Hebrews 13:5: People should not make idols for themselves. 

The Bible also says that God is jealous and will punish those who worship other gods. 

 1 Corinthians 10:7." Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and and rose up to play.” 

   Are you as conflicted as these people were? Do you serve God in sincerity? May your testimony not be that you feared what God can do, yet you serve evil, in Jesus Name. Good morning.

The Defeat Of Amaziah And Judah

The Defeat Of Amaziah And Judah 

II Kings 14:11-14 NKJV

[11] But Amaziah would not heed. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went out; so he and Amaziah king of Judah faced one another at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah. [12] And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his tent. [13] Then Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash, the son of Ahaziah, at Beth Shemesh; and he went to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate—four hundred cubits. [14] And he took all the gold and silver, all the articles that were found in the house of the Lord and in the treasuries of the king’s house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria.

In this battle at Bethshemesh, " Amaziah had a mighty army and Jehoash had a weak army. Yet God gave Israel the victory over Judah to rebuke the idolatry of Amaziah. It came from God, that He might give them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought the gods of Edom. (2Ch 25:20)"( Guzik ). You don't accredit what God has done to the gods made by human hands. 

    Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, and broke down the defences of Judah. This is another report from Guzik." Because of his foolish attack against Israel, Amaziah lost the treasure of the people of God. It wasn’t just a loss of his personal wealth (the treasuries of the king’s house), but also of the gold and silver of God’s people. Amaziah didn’t have the wisdom to see how losing this battle would hurt others as well as himself". For a long time Amaziah lost his freedom, but Israel refused to occupy Judah. They had the ability. We will find out someday why they didn't. Was it just God protecting his heritage? Or was it that they understood that they are related? They could have colonized them. Think on it.

   The story of both kings ended in the records being kept. We are reading this today because of the records. Be careful, there are records being kept of our daily lives. May the reading of our records not make us look foolish in the daily decisions we are taking now. I pray that together we will take decisions that will glorify the Lord. Good morning.

The Parable Of The Thistle

The Parable Of The Thistle 

II Kings 14:8-9 NKJV

[8] Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us face one another in battle.” [9] And Jehoash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, “The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son as wife’; and a wild beast that was in Lebanon passed by and trampled the thistle. 

If you just read this without an insight from 2Ch 25:13, you will miss a great part of the antecedents. Antecedents describe a causal relationship in events. It is the story that precedes the main story. This is jow David Guzik tells the story. " Amaziah gathered a huge army in Judah to go against Edom – three hundred thousand choice men, able to go to war, who could handle spear and shield. He also hired 100,000 mercenary soldiers from Israel. But a prophet came and warned him not to use the soldiers from Israel, because God was not with that rebellious and idolatrous kingdom. Amaziah was convinced to trust God, send the mercenaries from Israel away, and accept the loss of the money used to hire them. God blessed this step of faith, and gave them a convincing victory over the Edomites". Now you understand that with the pride of victory and the pains of the raid by the hired soldiers from Israel, Amaziah was on a war path against Israel.

    The reply of Jehoash triggered the battle, and Judah lost. They suffered terribly, and Amaziah was captured. The image of the thistle and the cedar proved true. But there was more. Amaziah had collected some gods from his last victory and had begun to worship it. It must have triggered God's anger and he was left to be defeated. Don't let your accomplishments cover you from the help you've received from God. Don't ignite the parable of the thistle for yourself. Good morning.

The Exemption Clause

The Exemption Clause 

II Kings 14:5-6 NKJV

[5] Now it happened, as soon as the kingdom was established in his hand, that he executed his servants who had murdered his father the king. [6] But the children of the murderers he did not execute, according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, in which the Lord commanded, saying, “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; but a person shall be put to death for his own sin.”

We have dealt with matters of exemption for quite sometimes.we are pulling them together into a book.  In today's episode, Amaziah executed the servants who killed his father, but did not kill their children. The reason is simple. Amaziah was aware that children should not be made to pay the price for the sins of the parents. That declaration in Exodus 20:5-6; 34:6-7 had been overtaken by a new legislation...Jer.31:29;  Ezek.18:2; Job. 21:19.

   The visitation Of the fathers sins on the children is not a simple punishment of innocent children, except the children are as sinful and rebellious as their father. There's no need to feel trapped after you're born again that you have to pay for the sins of your parents. You would be surprised at how many are so taught. Read Ezek.18:20.; Ezek.33:14-15. This is why we have a flow of Joy at salvation. Exodus 34:7. Its for your recognition to understand that youre no longer under the legislation of the enemy. Your salvation is total and complete. That doesn't mean the enemy will not make it apoear as if you have not accepted Christ. You need to learn to stand your ground by faith. 

   It is where you learn to remind the enemy that  there's an exemption clause on your head. And there is. An exemption clause " removes a party's liability for breach of contract. Exemption clauses are also known as limitation, exclusion, exculpatory, or exoneration clauses". I like the exoneration word. Its for you. Good morning.

The Choice To Do Right

The Choice To Do Right 

II Kings 14:1-4 NKJV

[1] In the second year of Joash the son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel, Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, became king. [2] He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. [3] And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like his father David; he did everything as his father Joash had done. [4] However the high places were not taken away, and the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

Someone says that life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make, makes you. So when things happen to you, you can " either feel sorry for yourself, or treat what has happened to you as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing."...Wayne Dyer. It is refreshing to read about Amaziah. He didn't need to continue the  pattern of not serving the Lord, but other gods.

   You too have a choice. Amaziah might not have been as thorough as David, but he made his mark with God

Read v.3 again. Jeffrey Seddor is a blogger, yet he caught the same revelation as Amaziah. " Life is made up of an infinite amount of choices. Most decisions, such as where you want to live with the family, are small and only slightly impactful, but it’s the big decisions, the ones that can change your life forever, that are tough to make. When we choose to confront the options before us with courage and confidence, we open ourselves to a fulfilling path of our own design, filled with numerous possibilities". Amaziah didn't only choose which God to serve, he made a choice to confront the people who killed his father. If I could use an African expression, the father must have turned in his grave. Whenever we make quality choices, we become the beneficiary of the consequences 

   What's your choice about salvation? Whats your choice about walking holy? Whats your choice about being used of God? What's your choice about serving God? Every choice has a consequence. You're the very architect of your tomorrow by the quality of decisions you make today. Will you make a godly decision today? I pray that God's presence will guide you in all the decisions you make today, in Jesus Name. Good morning.

God's Mercy Unto Israel

God’s Mercy Unto Israel.

II Kings 13:22-23, 25 NKJV

[22] And Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. [23] But the Lord was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and regarded them, because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not yet destroy them or cast them from His presence.

[25] And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz recaptured from the hand of Ben-Hadad, the son of Hazael, the cities which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times Joash defeated him and recaptured the cities of Israel.

We have a cultural practice in my region. If a person offends you, but is able to run behind an elderly or respectable person, it is expected that the influence of that person should mitigate your anger. That means the person who offended you may not receive any or some part of the punishment anymore. Now I understand it to be an act of mercy. Maybe we learnt it from God. 

   Israel did nothing special , but God yearned for them because of the covering of others. He did it because of the covenants he had with their fsthers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Those covenants triggered God's mercies and preseved them from destruction. Your prayers are not wasted on your children, biological or spiritual. Someday, they will speak.

   So God enabled them to recover the cities the enemy stole from them. And Jehoash defeated the enemy three times, according to the prophecy of Elisha. Today, God's mercies can also speak for you. This mercy is,  " God's compassion, kindness, and pity towards people. It is an extension of God's love, and is often expressed through forgiveness and withholding punishment". It is for mercy that Jesus came. May that mercy speak for you today, in Jesus Name.

The Arrow Of God's Deliverance

The Arrow Of God's Deliverance 

II Kings 13:15-17 NKJV

[15] And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and some arrows.” So he took himself a bow and some arrows. [16] Then he said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow.” So he put his hand on it, and Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. [17] And he said, “Open the east window”; and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot”; and he shot. And he said, “The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance and the arrow of deliverance from Syria; for you must strike the Syrians at Aphek till you have destroyed them.” 

Its very pathetic when the people you had great faith in have to depart the world. We've passed through kingships and changes without hearing anything about Elisha. Today the story is clearer. He was not just old, he was sick, perhaps for many years. Guzik says, " Even men of faith and miracles are not immune to sickness and disease. This great man became sick like others whom he had healed as a channel of the power and blessing of God". It was at this time of sickness that Joash, King of Israel had his final audience with Elisha.

    You probably may wonder why this King was interested in the Prophet when others served evil. We are not told that this King worshipped a false God. This is Guzik again, " ...it is important to remember that Joash was not a worshipper of the false gods; he was a false worshipper of the true God. He had some respect for the true God, and therefore some regard and honor for Elisha". Now we understand the Kings cry and predicament. 

    So Elisha was inspired for one last proohetic action. The story is told of a great man of God who had an accident with his family whereof he died.  His hands were shattered, but he told his wife to carry his broken hand and place on the son. He called the son back to life, but he died. It's beyond human imagination that the very ones who enjoyed miraculous supply of God, will eventually die....Benson Idahosa, Reinhart Bonke, Billy Graham, etc. if we had our way, they should have lived forever. 

   Elisha took the King through one last prophetic action for victory. When demands are placed on the anointed or the anointing, great results can follow. Note Elisha's hand on the Kings hand. That's divine help. My prayers to you this morning is that God's hands will be with your hands to wipe out the enemy in your season....In the Name of Jesus Christ. Good morning.

Jehoahaz The Son Of Jehu

Jehoahaz The Son Of Jehu Reigned 

II Kings 13:1-3 NKJV

[1] In the twenty-third year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu became king over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years. [2] And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin. He did not depart from them. [3] Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and He delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Ben-Hadad the son of Hazael, all their days. 

God knows how keep His promise to mankind, even when it sppears to be against His favour. It's only God who can do that. Here is what Guzik observerves. "This was the beginning of the fulfillment of a promise made to Jehu, recorded in 2Ki 10:30. God promised him that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation. This dynasty – though founded on a violent overthrow of the previous royal house – continued because Jehu came to the throne doing the will of God". There is something peculiar in doing the will of God. It gives you a throne.

    God is not human. He doesn't practice vengeance. He's God. His will is His word. It is possible to be in the very center of God's will yet the choices we make will look like God was never with us. What a beauty to be born into the will of God! So for seventeen years, Jehoahaz made evil choices, and God was quiet. He promised. Solomon in Eccl. 8:11 explains what was going on here. " Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil". If you only read that, it would make the Christian life like a joke.

     This is the conclusion of the matter. "

Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God". Eccl. 8:12-13. It was not forever when God's anger brought a resolution through Hazael king of Syria, and his son Benhadad. God fulfilled His words to Jehu, but He remained a holy God. You cant be smarter than God. Which is easier: serving God or the devil? Think about it. Good morning.

The End Of Joash

The end of Joash

II Kings 12:20-21 NKJV

[20] And his servants arose and formed a conspiracy, and killed Joash in the house of the Millo, which goes down to Silla. [21] For Jozachar the son of Shimeath and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, struck him. So he died, and they buried him with his fathers in the City of David. Then Amaziah his son reigned in his place.

In his bestselling book, titled Finishing Strong, Steve Farrar makes a very important statement. " it doesn't matter if you've had a great start in the Christian life, or a rough one. It doesn't matter if you've stumbled time and again, or even fallen flat on your face. What matters most in this all-important race of life is how you finish". Joash didn't read that. According to Farrar, " the man who hangs in there for the long haul with his wife, his kids, and his Lord is an exception these days". That's the kind of man who finishes strong .Joash started well, but he ended up very badly. Long before his murder, the blessings of God had vanished from him.

   Wiseman is of the opinion that, " The murder of Joash by his officials or servants implies that it may have been the result of disaffection following the defeat by Hazael.” knapp says “So disobedience brings its own bitter reward, and what God’s people sow they always, in some way or another, reap. Joash abundantly deserved his inglorious and terrible end.” There's a certain dread in thise words. Lord, may we finish strong! May we not throw in the towel as we near the end.

   This story parallels that of John Alexander Dowie, the Australian born Evangelist in America. " In 1906, Dowie's chief lieutenant, Wilbur G. Voliva, deposed him while Dowie was in Jamaica after suffering a stroke". The case went to court until Dowie died. How committed is your engagement to Jesus. If you start well, will you remain strong? Joash was young when he started. Would he have continued standing if his mentor, Jehoida was still alive? In whatever capacity you find yourself, hold on and finish well. Remember the words of Walter Elliot, "Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other". You can finish strong. Someone says, " Finishing strong is more than just completing a task, it's about the mindset and determination you bring to the end of your journey". I think you will finish strong. Good morning.

Hazael Of Syria Became Instrument Of Judgement

Hazael Of Syria Became  Instrument Of Judgement 

II Kings 12:17-18 NKJV

[17] Hazael king of Syria went up and fought against Gath, and took it; then Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. [18] And Jehoash king of Judah took all the sacred things that his fathers, Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own sacred things, and all the gold found in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and in the king’s house, and sent them to Hazael king of Syria. Then he went away from Jerusalem. 

The details of this story is also told in 2Ch 24:23-24. The verse says, "because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash".Do remember that Joash and Jehoash is the same person. God can be so loving and protective. Joash experienced all, but you can't expect a continous protection from Jehovah while you serve other gods. Serving other gods, also known as idolatry, is the act of worshipping a being or thing other than Jehovah.

   This is the real deal in relating with the real God. Your motives and attitudes must allign with the word of God. Idolatry may include worshiping demons, money, power, success or ancestors. Its a very easy mistake to make at the height of your accomplishments. Mat.6:24 is very explicit, "

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon". So God permitted Syria to punish them. Who do you serve? How do you react between time for money and time for God? Do remember God is a jealous God. Good morning.

No Account Required

No Account Required 

II Kings 12:15-16 NKJV

[15] Moreover they did not require an account from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to be paid to workmen, for they dealt faithfully. [16] The money from the trespass offerings and the money from the sin offerings was not brought into the house of the Lord. It belonged to the priests. 

Its very significant that the people who did the repairs on the temple did not require accounts of the workers. Two things stand out: there was good administration and there were people of character. Guzik observes that , " The project was previously stalled, not because of a lack of money, but because of poor money management". God has no problem sending blessings. God is interested in our character.

   Our character builds trust by demonstrating consistent honesty, reliability, competence, and integrity in our actions. This means that people can depend on us to do what we say we will do, making them feel confident in placing their faith in us. Essentially, our character acts as a foundation for trust by showing that we are trustworthy and have good values. 

    Key aspects of character that foster such trust may include:

1.Honesty: Always telling the truth and being transparent in communication. 

2.Reliability: Following through on commitments and promises, doing what you say you will do. 

3. Competence: Having the necessary skills and knowledge to handle situations effectively. 

4. Integrity: Aligning your actions with your stated values and beliefs. 

5. Consistency: Acting predictably and behaving in a way that aligns with your character. 

6. Empathy: Understanding and considering the perspectives of others. 

   Lest we think that the Priests were abandoned, the writer points out two financial sources that kept the Priesthood functioning: the sin and trespass offerings. When we have wisdom, we will accomplish more. Good morning.

Jehoash Had Instructions From God

Jehoash Had Instructions From God 

II Kings 12:1-3 NKJV

[1] In the seventh year of Jehu, Jehoash became king, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. [2] Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. [3] But the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

Its important to note that Jehoash had one of the longest reigns in peace. Its also significant that the mother's name is mentioned. She must have become an outstanding guardian in the absence of the father. Much more was the presence and advice of Jehoida, the Priest. Patterson and Austel report that  “After the death of the godly high priest, Jehoash fell into the hands of godless advisors who turned his heart to Canaanite practices.”  Someone says that,              " Behind every great leader, at the base of every great tale of success, you will find an indispensable circle of trusted advisors, mentors and colleagues.".    

      As soon as the Priest died, a fresh group of counsellors turned his heart to serving other gods. Who are the people surrounding your leadership vision? The end of Jehoash is very tragic because of his leadership support. The report is that the high places were not taken away. 

   You will probably wonder why the people were so  addicted to the high places. Its the same reason people are addicted to sin today. What are you addicted to? Carman sang the song: " Addicted To Jesus". He tried to reason why people get addicted to new things, television,videos, or even shopping till they drop. Before you get addicted, please find out who is issuing instructions behind the scenes. Nothing is free. Get the right instuctions from the word Jesus left us. Good morning.

The Last Moments Of Baal In Judah

The Last Moments Of Baal In Judah 

II Kings 11:17-18 NKJV

[17] Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people, that they should be the Lord’s people, and also between the king and the people. [18] And all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal, and tore it down. They thoroughly broke in pieces its altars and images, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the Lord. 

This was a revival. A fresh outpouring of grace was released to end the reign of Athalia and establish God. The death of Athaliah signalled the end of  Baal sponsorship, but not really the end. The Priests of Baal had to be killed. Every deity can be resurrected if their Priests are still alive. Every Priest functions as a mobile altar. So they killed Mattan the Priest. 

   Another important thing they did was to tear down the altar of Baal. The mistake that the worshippers of Baal did was to have the worship of Jehovah running alongside their reign. It gave room to raise the King in the temple. The people weren't going to have that on Baal's worship center. Today we can not kill physically. We can uproot an altar, and slaughter the ministering Priests on our knees. That is the strategy for total extermination. May the contrary altars that had reigned around  you be uprooted in Jesus Name. May your time be free for the reign of Jesus Christ. May you have the freedom you've always desired. 

    The final thing was to make a covenant with God. Covenants are essential drivers in the kingdom. It shows the King the seriousness of your commitment. Note the three way covenant...God, the people and the King. This will be one reason for the success of the king. May you also have a fresh covenant this beginning of the year. We will have tge testimonies at the end. Good morning