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Making a way…. (devo reflection)

Ezra 5:2 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.

Ezra 5:5 begins “But the eye of their God was watching over the elders and the Jews….” I suppose that could be viewed as creepy or intrusive, but to me, it is very comforting. It puts me in mind of Psalm 139, especially verses 7-12, which begin, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” And in this Christmas season, it also puts me in mind of a babe born in a manger, “Immanuel (which means God with us”) (Matt 1:23).

Ezra 5:3 At that time Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai and their associates went to them and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and to finish it?”

In the difficult times, when I am giving my all, when my sacrifice is simply showing up and doing my best even though I feel I have nothing left to give, God is with me. He sees my sacrifice. He knows my struggle. When I try to pray for those who bully and hate, instead of responding in kind, God is with me. When I shine His light as a beacon of hope for all who are struggling to take the next right step, God is with me, with all of us. He sees. He knows. He is making a way in the wilderness (Isaiah 43:19). Thank You, Jesus.

Ezra 5:4 They also asked, “What are the names of those who are constructing this building?” 

Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You are with us. Always. When we struggle, when we fear, when we doubt, when we respond to hate with love, when we face impossible odds, when we shine Your light for others, You are there. You see. You know. You are making a way. Thank You. Amen.

Ezra 5:5 But the eye of their God was watching over the elders and the Jews, and they were not stopped until a report could go to Darius and his written reply be received.

Have a blessed day.

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Words of comfort…. (devo reflection)

2 Chron 32:7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.”

These words bring me great comfort—“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged…, for there is a greater power with us….” With the turmoil I feel these days, these are words of comfort. God is here. He’s got me. I’ll be ok—even as the storm rages—because He is holding me. Thank You, Jesus.

2 Chron 32:8 “With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. 

Immanuel, God with us. (Matt 1:23) The LORD will fight for you; you need only be still (Exodus 14:14). God is here. He’s got me. I’ll be ok—even as the storm rages—because He is holding me. Thank You, Jesus.

2 Chron 32:21 And the LORD sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace….

Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You are here, that You’ve got me, that I WILL be ok because I am Your deeply loved child. Help me to cling to Your promises. Help me be mindful that You are taking care of me on every side. Draw me closer. Amen.

2 Chron 32:22 So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of others. He took care of them on every side.

Have a blessed day.

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God’s still on His throne…. (devo reflection)

1 Chron 27:23 David did not take the number of the men twenty years old or less, because the LORD had promised to make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Yesterday was Election Day. As I type this, I very intentionally have not sought out results of the national and state elections. It’s not that I don’t think those results aren’t important. I do. It’s just that my boss, the Lord of my life, hasn’t changed. God’s still on His throne, regardless of election results.
1 Chron 27:24a Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish….
And what God expects of me hasn’t changed either. He still calls me to love Him and love others—all others. Period. (Matt 22:36-39). And He calls me “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly” with Him. (Micah 6:8). 
1 Chron 27:24b …God’s wrath came on Israel on account of this numbering….
Lord, Thank You for this day, this scripture, and this reminder of what You call me to do. Help me, every day of the year, to strive to love You, love others, love mercy, act justly and walk humbly with You always, no matter what day, no matter what is going on in this world. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Chron 27:24c …and the number was not entered in the book of the annals of King David.
Have a blessed day.

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This world is temporary…. (devo reflection)

1 Chron 2:1-2 These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad and Asher.
Each one of the people on this list of names was real. Each one had hopes, dream, and plans. They had good days and bad days. They drew closer to the LORD at times, and they maybe pulled away at other times. There was love and loss. There was jealousy and anger. But all we see is this list of names.
1 Chron 2:3a The sons of Judah: Er, Oman, and Shelah. These three were born to him by a Canaanite woman, the daughter of Shia….
The verse “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:23) came to mind as I was reading this chapter. Did these people live for the LORD? Was their desire to hear Him say this as He welcomed them home? Or did they live for earthly gains, earthly praise, which by now has crumbled to ashes and dust, a distant memory remembered by… no one?
1 Chron 2:3b …Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the LORD’s sight; so the LORD put him to death.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the much needed reminder that this world is temporary, but You are eternal. Thank You for the perspective to see that no matter how important things of this world seem right now, You are the only One who is true, lasting, eternal. Help me to live for You only. Always. Amen.
1 Chron 2:4 Judah’s daughter-in-law Tamar bore Perez and Zerah to Judah. He had five sons in all.
Have a blessed day.

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Making a way…. (devo reflection)

2 Kings 11:1 When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family.
Commentary says of Athaliah, “No character in history, sacred or secular, stands out blacker or more hideous than this daughter-in-law of godly Jehoshaphat.” And it looks to all that she wipes out the line of David in her destruction of the royal family. But God used Jehosheba to hide Joash, son of Ahaziah until he is a bit older and can take the throne. For six years, Athaliah rules the land.
2 Kings 11:2a But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes, who were about to be murdered.
I am reminded again in this section about the fact that humans often limit God because we can’t fathom how He might answer prayer. I bet there were lots of prayers sent up during this time about ending Athaliah’s reign and restoring David’s line, both of which seemed impossible to those in the situation. But with God all things are possible (Matt 19:26).
2 Kings 11:2b She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah; so he was not killed.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for making a way where there seems to be no way. Help me to always hold on to the hope that can only come from You. Draw me closer. Amen.
2 Kings 11:3 He remained hidden with his nurse at the temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.
Have a blessed day.

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Open my eyes that I may see…. (devo reflection)

2 Kings 6:15a When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city.
This section, specifically Elisha’s response to his servant about “those who are with us,” put me in mind of Joshua 5:13-14, when the man with the drawn sword approached, and Joshua asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither one,” he replied, “I am the commander of the LORD’s army.” Elisha is clearly on God’s side. We see it numerous times in chapter 6 alone. He seeks, he knocks, he asks. And God has opened wide the door to him (Matt 7:7).
2 Kings 6:15b “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
So when I feel alone and overwhelmed, as I have this past week, I guess the question I need to ask myself is: Am I on God’s side? Am I seeking, asking, knocking? Am I loving, forgiving, seeking the one who still needs to understand that his Creator in Heaven knows him, loves him, and wants him with Him? Am I on the side of love, compassion, and mercy? Am I shining His light? If the answer is yes, then I simply need to ask my Savior to open my eyes that I may see His love and protection, even in my distress.
2 Kings 6:16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for using Your word to remind me of who I am and Whose I am. Thank You that I am not alone, even when my emotions and circumstances try to tell me otherwise. As long as I am on Your side, I am in your loving care. Thank You. Amen.
2 Kings 6:17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Have a blessed day.

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Finish well…. (devo reflection)

1 Kings 15:11 Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done.
Asa was apparently a pretty good king for most of his reign. But commentary points to 2 Chronicles, which details the latter part of his reign and concludes, “All in all, Asa was a good man who did not finish well.” How incredibly sad to not finish well. Toward the end of his life and reign, he hardened his heart towards God. There was so much potential, but he did not finish well.
1 Kings 15:13 He even deposed his grandmother Maakah from her position as queen mother, because she had made a repulsive image for the worship of Asherah….
As I was typing this reflection, Matt 25:23 came to mind. It is part of the Parable of the Talents, and the master replies, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” This is what I want to hear at the end of my life—well done. You finished strong.
1 Kings 15:14 Although he did not remove the high places, Asa’s heart was fully committed to the LORD all his life.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You that my relationship with You is stronger now than it has ever been. Thank You for the reminder that it’s not just living well that is important. It’s important to finish well, too. Lord, I make mistakes, missteps, and misjudgments every single day. Help me to keep seeking You, to keep aligning my heart to Yours. Help me to finish well, still seeking Your heart with all that I am. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Kings 15:23 …In his old age, however, his feet became diseased.
Have a blessed day.

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A discerning heart…. (devo reflection)

1 Kings 3:5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want Me to give you.”
I no longer remember the circumstances of the first time I read these verses, but the impact has stayed with me for many years. I shared recently that one of my go-to verses is the King James Translation of Acts 9:6, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” The heart of this verse is the same as Solomon’s reply to 1 Kings 3:5. Both ask for God’s discernment in moving forward.
1 Kings 3:9 “…give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong….”
I am so far from perfect at seeking and following His discernment, but I’m getting better. I know without a doubt that if I DON’T seek His will, His discernment, I am much more prone to act in my own best interest, which is my human, fleshly side at work. When I seek His will and discernment for my life, it’s not about me. It’s about Him. And that’s the way it should be.
1 Kings 3:10 The LORD was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for allowing us to seek, ask, and knock (Matt 7:7) and for always responding when we seek You. Thank You that I am a smidge more adept now at listening and discerning Your will. Help me to get better at discernment daily. Help me to seek You always. Help me to listen and obey. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Kings 3:11-12 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have you asked for the death of your enemies…, I will do what you have asked….”
Have a blessed day.

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He will provide…. (devo reflection)

1 Kings 2:2-3a “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” [David] said. “So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires….”
This chapter covers the death of David through the establishing of Solomon’s reign. And I am struck, after all David’s missteps in life, by how confidently he approaches death. He knows he’s made peace with God. When it feels like my constant missteps put me too far outside of God’s grace to ever find my way back, may I remember that God knows my heart, and may I be encouraged.
1 Kings 2:3b Walk in obedience to Him, and keep His decrees and commands, His laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses….”
David’s advice to Solomon echos the importance of centering himself on God. David tells Solomon to seek God, to walk with God, to obey God. We are given the same advice by Jesus in Matthew 6:32-33. God knows our needs. If we seek Him “…above all else, and live righteously, …He will give…” us everything we need. Seek God, walk with God, obey God, and He will provide.
1 Kings 2:3c-4a “Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go and that the LORD may keep His promise to me….”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that we don’t have to be perfect, we just need to seek You with all that we are. Thank You for the ability to find hope and grace in Your word. Help me to stay focused on You always. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Kings 2:4b “‘…If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’”
Have a blessed day.

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Strength and encouragement…. (devo reflection)

2 Samuel 21:15 Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted.
Lord, I understand being exhausted. After a week of workdays, with the stress and anxiety of the unknown, and a fairly sleepless night, I am utterly exhausted and feeling entirely unprepared for this day. But I know that You are with me always (Matt 28:20). And I know that Your strength is perfected in my weakness (2 Cor 12:9). 
2 Samuel 21:17 But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him….
Lord, I know that I am not the only one feeling out of sorts today. The chaos of this world can be so loud. Thank You for the people You place in my path today to encourage me. Help me to be a source of light and encouragement to them as well so that we can build each other up (1 Thess 5:11). Help us to remember, no matter what we encounter today, that You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
2 Samuel 21:18 In the course of time, there was another battle with the Philistines….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that we are not alone. Thank You for Your strength and encouragement and the strength and encouragement of those You place in my path. Draw us closer to You. Amen.
2 Samuel 21:22 …and they fell at the hands of Davis and his men.
Have a blessed day.