Grace blesses obedience…

Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his (Asa) place and strengthened himself against Israel. He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim that Asa his father had captured. The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel. Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah. (2 Chronicles 17:1–6)

The mystery and marvel of grace is that it is God's free gift and nothing I do can earn it, yet after receiving it in the wonder of salvation and eternal life, grace grants the power to earn His blessing. The example above is clear; Jehoshaphat did what God wanted and God then blessed him.

Obedience is not to earn a blessing but it is an expression of gratitude for already having a blessing. This king responded to the Lord’s goodness by walking in His ways, and the Lord responded to his obedience by granting him all that he needed and more.

This grace is so amazing. The more unworthy and helpless I feel, along with the deeper conviction of needing Him, the more blessings He pours out. Answered prayer is one of them. We have been praying for years about a rift between two family members. This week, God healed that rift and restored the relationship big time. It is so incredible that I can hardly grasp the reality. God did that? Awesome beyond awesome.

A young friend asked me for prayer regarding a promotion. He wanted more wages so he could help his dad with family expenses. The promotion seemed unlikely but with a big hug he told me yesterday that God granted it. Another awesome grace. And there have been more.

As for Jehoshaphat, he named a place where he gathered his soldiers to bless God after various peoples of the Transjordan invaded his land, but then slaughtered each other. He called that place Beracah, which means “valley of blessing.” (2 Chronicles 20:1–30) 

This response is mine too. Every day brings new needs and new surprises. Grace does not operate on expected predictability but on God’s ways being higher than mine. For this, my heart rejoices.

Lord Jesus, seeing You doing “exceedingly above all that I can ask or imagine” fills me with joy. Truly this week has been incredible. Thank You for Your abundant grace and a host of surprises.

Do not neglect to confess and repent…

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands. . . . Then he knelt on his knees in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart, who have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk in my law as you have walked before me.’ Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David. “But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you, that your eyes may be open day and night toward this house, the place where you have promised to set your name, that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. And listen to the pleas of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen from heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive. (2 Chronicles 6:12–21)

While not printed here, the rest of Solomon’s prayer is mostly asking God to remember His covenant with David and the promises He made to those who sin. When that happens and “if they repent with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity to which they were carried captive, and pray toward their land, which you gave to their fathers, the city that you have chosen and the house that I have built for your name, then hear from heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their pleas, and maintain their cause and forgive your people who have sinned against you. Now, O my God, let your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayer of this place.”

Sometimes Christians fail to realize the importance of keeping short accounts with God. One reason is that, “We are already forgiven so there is no reason to ask for forgiveness.” However, the NT says:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:7–10)

The opposite of walking in light is living in darkness, a word that describes being oblivious to where I am and what I am doing. Unless I read the Word of God and hear the Holy Spirit showing me what is wrong with me, I will remain in darkness. However, the plan of God is to transform me into the likeness of His Son. I must pay attention. I must read and realize His conviction and agree with it (confession). Not only is forgiveness applied, but also cleansing. Without this, that sin remains and is repeated. Sadly, no confession is making God a liar and revealing that His Word, even if I read it, has not worked the changes that it is well-able to do.

Solomon started well but later decided to rule parts of his life. He did not confess his sinful desires and was stuck with them. This happened to a wise man — so who is exempt?

Jesus, keep me alert. I don’t like seeing my sinful errors, but cannot confess what is keeping me in the dark without You shedding light on those selfish ideas and stubborn insistence on my own way. Humility is always blessed. Don’t give up in helping me see what I need to confess before You.

 

All joy comes from Jesus

Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.” (1 Chronicles 29:10–19)

Today was unusual. Beginning it by a fun time work on a HARD puzzle, then reading David’s prayer put much joy in my heart. His prayer echos my thoughts. How wonderful is the Lord. He is exalted above all else and able to bless His people with strength and the power to do His will.

He blessed us as we took a trip to a nearby greenhouse that goes beyond plants with an incredible restaurant. After eating an incredible chicken Benedict, we looked at spring plants, an amazing gift store, then a unique food store, and finally a spectacular orchid display. I said of the hundreds of varieties in every color and color combination imaginable, “How can anyone think all this just happened or just evolved?” 

They echoed David’s prayer, and as I watched dozens of visitors and shoppers also in such variety, I marvel again the creative power of the Lord. How can He not be praised when seeing the glory of His imagination!

Coming hope with a tired body and sore feet does not ruin the praise I feel. His Word pops up with:

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

Getting tired out in a paradise of food and flowers boosts my energy level. Imagine what heaven will do for it!

Jesus, many thanks for today. It was truly a blessing to laugh with family and enjoy the treats at the Enjoy Centre. Thank You for being my portion today and forever.

Obedience and blessings

Then King David rose to his feet and said: “Hear me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord and for the footstool of our God, and I made preparations for building. But God said to me, ‘You may not build a house for my name, for you are a man of war and have shed blood.’ Yet the Lord God of Israel chose me from all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For he chose Judah as leader, and in the house of Judah my father’s house, and among my father’s sons he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel. And of all my sons (for the Lord has given me many sons) he has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. He said to me, ‘It is Solomon your son who shall build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues strong in keeping my commandments and my rules, as he is today.’ Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever. (1 Chronicles 28:2–8)

David was the king and yet forbidden to built the house of the Lord. As king, this seemed out of line. Yet even though it was on his heart, God said NO and David was okay with that. He accepted his lot in life and obeyed God. His response to this is remarkable.

Not only that, he turned it into sound advice for others, telling them to obey God because that is key to the good life for ourselves and our children. Most humans try to make that good life happen by our own efforts, but…

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)

Running my life my way will lead to misery because my own way is sin. Why is it so easy to believe Satan when he whispers “God does not want the best for you” and forget that He died for me that I might have an abundant life and the ability to live His way?

This week I told my pastor that God gave me an easily distracted mind for a reason, not that I would be distracted from the truth but that I would need to constantly read it from His word because that is the only way I can remember it. I accept my weakness because He uses it for good.

Jesus, I am thankful for my mother’s mantra, “We must need it or we wouldn’t be getting it.” It is a biblical attitude that put the idea in my heart to accept whatever You and life throw at me, and to look for Your good reasons for letting things happen. You DO want the best for me, even when it comes as an unpleasant trial to prompt a heart search. Thank You, thank You.

 

 

Leaving a legacy…

David commanded to gather together the resident aliens who were in the land of Israel, and he set stonecutters to prepare dressed stones for building the house of God. David also provided great quantities of iron for nails for the doors of the gates and for clamps, as well as bronze in quantities beyond weighing, and cedar timbers without number, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought great quantities of cedar to David. For David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death. (1 Chronicles 22:2–5)

David wanted to leave a legacy, but not quite the same as a dictionary defines it: “A legacy is money, property, or intangible assets (like traditions or reputations) passed down from predecessors or ancestors. It often refers to a lasting impact, such as a "legacy of leadership" or "legacy software". Synonyms include bequest, inheritance, heritage, endowment, and tradition.”

David wanted the house of the Lord to be magnificent and bring glory to God. He knew that his son didn’t have all it would take so he began a supply of materials for Solomon’s task. 

This strikes me as a picture of disciple-making. No one lives forever in this world as a tabernacle for the Holy Spirit. Even though Jesus said He would build His church and it would last forever, not one member of His body lives here forever. Our faith is to be shared and others taught how to live for God as His representatives on earth. The materials need to be His supply and in qualities both magnificent and of fame and glory.

This means sharing with others what God has shared with me, others who will do the same with others. The supply of materials is massive making the curriculum for a disciple maker enormous. The NT is filled with instructions on what to bring to the classroom.

This list includes: warnings about false teachers, hanging tight to your own faith while sharing it, praying for all people, loving enemies, managing your own life and that of your family, keeping short accounts with God, growing deeper in understanding and living out the will of God, commanding and teaching others, using spiritual gifts, loving relationships and communion with other Christians, how to deal with those who disobey God, how to deal with those who are disobedient, and much more. God says that what I have heard from Him and those who taught me, I will, in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to other faithful believers, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)

Thinking of David, he didn’t have a perfect life, nor would his son be perfect either, but both were given grace to do what God wanted them to do. This encourages me to obey what the Lord gives me, and teach others to do the same:

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18–20)

It takes time, and faith, to obey this command. Some are given two or three to pour their life into. Others have larger ‘classrooms’ yet all have the Lord’s presence and grace because we cannot do this by ourselves.

Jesus, You sometimes use formal teaching times and I thank You for allowing me to lead Bible studies for many years. You also use informal times to talk with other Christians with the goal of encouraging their growth. Like David supplied what was needed, You grant me discernment, words, actions that I never would think of without Your Spirit prompting and even surprising me. And the big surprise is that You bring results out of what feels like puny efforts on my part — and feed those five loaves and two fish to others, as only You can.

Pouring out an offering…

Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David at the cave of Adullam, when the army of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. And David said longingly, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it. He poured it out to the Lord and said, “Far be it from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men? For at the risk of their lives they brought it.” Therefore he would not drink it.… (1 Chronicles 11:15–19)

Again, another OT narrative stumps me into searching for its meaning. In the above story, my first thought was David didn’t appreciate what his men had done and pouring it on the ground showed contempt for their actions, but that didn’t seem right, particularly because he poured it out to the Lord.

Study showed that this was a libation, and done by many cultures, including Israel. However they were not allowed the same cultic reasons for doing it. 

It was usually a thank offering which fits this, and as has been on my mind, a demonstration of praise to God. Drinking it would be taking the glory of what they had done for himself rather than giving it to the Lord.

In this instance, the libation went beyond being thankful that his men risked their lives to bring him a drink. It also pointed to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was "poured out” to meet our need. 

The Apostle Paul also used this imagery to describe his own life as a sacrifice: “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” (Philippians 2:17)

Both David and Paul reveal a passion for Jesus Christ that goes beyond enjoying the sacrifices others make for them. Instead of thanking people or relishing in their goodness, honoring the Lord takes priority.

I notice that other Christians seldom pour out their love for Christ when others serve them. I know in my own life that my ego is warmed by such actions, yet I know that Jesus should be honored, not me. These men could say: “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” (2 Corinthians 12:15) And I should be able to say it also.

Lord Jesus, how often have I relished praise or any other blessing when the glory belongs to You. I excuse the doing of it knowing how weak and useless I am without You, yet drink it up to make me feel good when that offering belongs to You alone. While I am grateful for Your forgiveness and patience, teach me to do the right thing when anyone makes a sacrifice that rightly belongs to You. Like David, the man with a heart like Your’s, may I refuse to drink water that had been fought for, choosing to pour it out to give You the glory.

Beware of trusting myself…

The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died. Thus Saul died; he and his three sons and all his house died together. 
And when all the men of Israel who were in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled, and the Philistines came and lived in them. The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. And they stripped him and took his head and his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to carry the good news to their idols and to the people. And they put his armor in the temple of their gods and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon. But when all Jabesh-gilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and took away the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh. And they buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh and fasted seven days. So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse. (1 Chronicles 10:3–14)

This passage confused me. Saul committed suicide yet the Word also said that the Lord put him to death. However, Spence’s thorough commentary cleared it up. Here is what he said:

He who had often conquered the Philistines and other hostile nations, with little of material help, fell before them, because he had guiltily forfeited the Divine help. He had presumed on himself — it brings him to make an end of himself! As repentance had been the stranger of his company, so now despair is the bosom friend he hugs. And trace as best we may the course he ran, his character, and the end of a life which had opened in providence so abundant and so encouraging, the skilled pen of Scripture guides our last thought, and reveals the just conclusion of the whole matter: “Saul died for his transgressions which he committed against the Lord, even against the Word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking … of … a familiar spirit, to inquire thereof, and he inquired not of the Lord” — this low-lying epitaph, a beacon of warning set up aloft to all time.

The timing is perfect. I know a “Saul” whose efforts are commendable, yet she often takes credit that belongs to the Lord and praises Him for her mistakes. When she relates what happened, it is clear she acts first without consulting Him then shares how she is helping Him rather than the other way around.

Spence speaks of how Saul presumes he is doing the Lord’s work without seeking His way or waiting for His instruction to obey. Only by God's grace does that ‘method’ work for those of us who presume our way is God's way. He keeps bailing us out.

For Saul, this behavior eventually put him into a frame of mind that he was better off dead than being mistreated by his enemies. Instead of realizing and repenting of his lack of faith, in despair he took his own life, a final act of God-playing. 

While I cannot know the motivations of anyone’s heart, I’ve taken the glory when God did the deed. I’ve also gone ahead without consulting Him. I recognize when others do it for I have done it. However, God is gracious and teaches me, usually by failure, that what I am doing is not acceptable. Not only must I seek His will rather than assume it, I must also never take credit when He uses my folly for good. That is a comfort and His glory, not a brag for my boasting, nor a reason to keep up any God-playing.

Lord Jesus, forgive me and all who know You for acting like Saul with the assumption we know what You want without speaking to You and act according to our own grand ideas as if they came from You when they really were a way of glorify ourselves. Stop all slides into self-effort that masquerades as following You. 

God fills in what is missing…

(King Josiah heard the Book of the Law found in the temple and send people to the prophetess Huldah to find out what God wanted him to do.) 

And she said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Tell the man who sent you to me, Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants, all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read. Because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched. But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place.’ ” And they brought back word to the king. (2 Kings 22:15–20)

This king wanted to obey God. He went to work to rid the sinful ways of those who ruled before him. He cleaned the house of God and put away the mediums and the necromancers and the household gods and the idols and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might establish the words of the law that were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the Lord. Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him. Still the Lord did not turn from the burning of his great wrath, by which his anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocations with which Manasseh had provoked him. (2 Kings 23:24–26)

From this, I see that the actions of a good man cannot atone for the disobedience of another. Living conditions may change, but the sins committed still must be atoned for. Josiah did his best, but it was Manasseh who failed to repent, at least at that time. The book of Chronicles reports that he later did.

This account speaks to me about the importance of repentance. Josiah’s reforms did not hold up. Was that because his grandfather’s sins had not been confessed nor were any lambs sacrificed? Would this be a principle that still has merit? Do the sins of those who never repent make godly living difficult for those who do? 

This provokes thought but not certainty. I know that the actions and attitudes (good or bad) of my parents and grandparents have affected my life. Is this as simple as these things being good or bad examples, or do I struggle with certain things because they did not repent of similar sins?

One thing I do know is that all my sin has been covered, forgiven at Calvary. Jesus paid it all, even the stuff that tries to take over from my fleshy nature. And when that stuff manages to win a round, it is up to me to confess and repent, not blame my ancestors!  

Thank You Jesus for giving Your life so that I can live forever as a forgiven sinner, and so I can abandon the old life and learn how You want me to live. You also grant grace that this is possible in Your power, a wonder of wonders.

It’s about my heart…

 

And the Lord said by his servants the prophets, “Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations and has done things more evil than all that the Amorites did, who were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols, therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Behold, I am bringing upon Jerusalem and Judah such disaster that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria, and the plumb line of the house of Ahab, and I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. And I will forsake the remnant of my heritage and give them into the hand of their enemies, and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies, because they have done what is evil in my sight and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came out of Egypt, even to this day.” Moreover, Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides the sin that he made Judah to sin so that they did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. (2 Kings 21:10–16)

Since sin is defined in Isaiah as “turning our own way” then there are no sinless people. Since our human tendency is to describe sin as outwardly immoral actions, many do not think they are sinners. Last night I listened to a conversation about money and how to get more of it. Those speaking had no idea that their love of money was a sin, a form of idolatry. Getting rich was a priority over being holy.

Manasseh knew the obedience called for by the Lord, but his heart was not in it. His life is evidence that the heart eventually shows up in actions and those actions spilled out. Not only that, his sin affected the people he was supposed to govern. Instead of being and living as God's chosen ones, they followed their leader into sinful living.

Today we celebrate the risen Christ who died that our sins do not do what the sins of Manasseh did. However, if we define sin as Isaiah did, turning our own way means sin is much more than murder, stealing, lying, and so on. Jesus said so, illustrating this way:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27–28) 
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)

Bluntly, even an evil thought is sin. Therefore, no one can boast of purity and no wonder that the wise King Solomon wrote: 

Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”? (Proverbs 20:9)
Who can say, Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. (Proverbs 21:2)
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

As a Christian, forgiveness, new life and the power of the Holy Spirit are part of having that new heart, but I still have that old nature. It is dead to God and very much challenged to remain that way. A young missionary said, “The problem with a living sacrifice is that it keeps crawling off the altar.” We may not sin like Manasseh did, but just turning my own way is sin, evident in my actions, and those actions affect others. 

Lord Jesus, I honor Your sacrificial death and the glory of Your resurrection by guarding my heart, replacing my way with Your thoughts, reading Your Word and thinking about what I read so it comes out in actions, knowing that those words and actions can affect those around me. Grant me faith and confidence as those doubts and fears so often attack. My life will not be perfect in this life, yet I don’t want to be like Manasseh. 

 

God is our Fortress

Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out in a loud voice in the language of Judah: “Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria! Thus says the king: ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not be able to deliver you out of my hand. Do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord by saying, The Lord will surely deliver us, and this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’ 
Do not listen to Hezekiah, for thus says the king of Assyria: ‘Make your peace with me and come out to me. . . . 
But the people were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.” . . . .  As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord. And he sent Eliakim… and Shebna… and the senior priests, covered with sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz. They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, This day is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace; children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth. It may be that the Lord your God heard all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard; therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.” 
. . . . Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have reviled me. Behold, I will put a spirit in him, so that he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land, and I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.’ ” (2 Kings 18:28–19:7)

Sometimes I say, “We have a big God” and someone else responds with, ‘yes, but” or “What if” and I want to weep. If the need is too large for Almighty God then why bother worshipping Him? Would it not be better to admit this lack of faith and allow God to defend Himself?
The story continues:

And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: “O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made the heavens and the earth. 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 mock the living God. Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands 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 were destroyed. So now, O Lord our God, save us, please, from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O Lord, are God alone.” (2 Kings 19:15–19)

His prayer of faith is faith-building for me. I know as I read it that God will answer, and He did:

“Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it. By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city, declares the Lord. For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.” (2 Kings 19:32–34)

Jesus, it is important to remember that You answer prayer for Your own sake, not just mine. It is not bad to be known as a person of prayer, but far more important that Your people know You as One who hears and answers to show Himself to us, that we know Your power and Your faithfulness. It is when we see You as You are that You transform us by grace to be more like You. Help all of us to confess our doubts, then sweep them away so we can pray with confidence that You will hear our cries and take care of our needs.

Knowledge is not enough!

And the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the people of Israel. And they took possession of Samaria and lived in its cities. And at the beginning of their dwelling there, they did not fear the Lord. Therefore the Lord sent lions among them, which killed some of them. So the king of Assyria was told, “The nations that you have carried away and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the law of the god of the land. Therefore he has sent lions among them, and behold, they are killing them, because they do not know the law of the god of the land.” Then the king of Assyria commanded, “Send there one of the priests whom you carried away from there, and let him go and dwell there and teach them the law of the god of the land.” So one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and lived in Bethel and taught them how they should fear the Lord. But every nation still made gods of its own and put them in the shrines of the high places that the Samaritans had made, every nation in the cities in which they lived. (2 Kings 17:24–29)

While this account reveals that the gods of those days were based on the superstitions of the people rather than the true God who had been revealed to the Israelites (who had been deported) there is still a truth in this story that convicts me. Unless God teaches me and unless I do what He says, I will still struggle with gods of my own making.

It is one thing to know about God and about Jesus Christ, and quite another to have my life transformed. I can read and study the Bible, go to church and hear stirring messages, and teach what I am learning to others, but not practice what I preach.

In the above story, the king of Assyria assumed that the people groups he planted in Samaria just needed to know the law of God and they would follow it. Their gods (inventions of their minds) controlled the weather, etc. and they had rules to gain their favor. This was not true of the Lord. They had no idea of His ways and even if it was told to them, they would not be able to obey without the power of His Holy Spirit.

This is true today as well. A sincere person can learn what a Christian is supposed to be like and fake some of it, yet Jesus made it clear that God is looking for obedience from the heart, not from a good education or from anyone merely performing in their own strength.

For instance, “Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you” can be a show of niceness when that ‘enemy’ is present, and gossip when they are absent. Love from the heart cares about the well-being of others, whether they are nearby or not.

As I write that, I point fingers at myself. I can be critical of my “friends” when they are not around. Love does not do that. Hypocrisy does. I need the Holy Spirit to fill me with love and give me His ways to show it. My efforts will always fall short.

This is why teaching those nations was a waste of time. A list of rules does not change hearts. That priest may have taught them the fear of the Lord, but if attacking lions could not bring that result, his teaching could not either. 

Lord, I sometimes fear that my knowledge will always be greater than my obedience, my laziness will overcome my zeal, and my selfishness will mock Your grace. I know my weak sinfulness and need of Your Spirit to enable obedience. Fill me up — that You will be glorified.

All fall short…

But they would not listen, but were stubborn, as their fathers had been, who did not believe in the Lord their God. They despised his statutes and his covenant that he made with their fathers and the warnings that he gave them. They went after false idols and became false, and they followed the nations that were around them, concerning whom the Lord had commanded them that they should not do like them. And they abandoned all the commandments of the Lord their God, and made for themselves metal images of two calves; and they made an Asherah and worshiped all the host of heaven and served Baal. And they burned their sons and their daughters as offerings and used divination and omens and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger. Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them out of his sight. None was left but the tribe of Judah only. (2 Kings 17:14–18)

When reading passages like this one, a question comes into my head that would horrify most Christians. Did God “remove” Israel out of His sight for rejecting Jesus by using the horror of the holocaust? 

This question is considered a theological interpretation rather than a widely accepted scriptural doctrine because there is no evidence in the NT that God would deal with His people that way. His desire was that the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ would go out to the world, to the Jew first and then the Gentiles. When the first disciples followed that pattern, eventually the people of Israel rejected it, so they turned to the Gentiles.
And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed." (Acts 13:46–48)

Many see the holocaust as only about the Jews. But besides, the six million Jews who were murdered, others were also put to death who had no historical involvement with the crucifixion. The only commonality is that all are sinners just as I am even though Roma and Sinti were targeted on racial grounds, people with disabilities were considered "unworthy of life" and a threat to genetic health, Polish and Soviet Civilians, Soviet Prisoners of War, political opponents such as Communists, Socialists, and Social Democrats, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, “Asocials" and Social Outsiders including the homeless, prostitutes, alcoholics, and those deemed to be "professional criminals” as well as black people, and anyone else considered "racial enemies," "biological threats," or "enemies of the state” were targeted. 

As for all being sinners, the NT says, “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ is for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. . . .” (Romans 3:22–24) 

Another issue is that the OT speaks of unbelieving people who prosper in this life, yet will not have eternal life, yet their ‘punishment’ for rejecting God is not mass execution, but an eternity in  torment.

Not everyone thinks this was a horrible event. A Jehovah Witness (a cult that imitates Christian without faith in Christ) told me that they feel honored to have been “persecuted for their beliefs.” While that seems weird, it is a NT truth that those who believe in Christ (which excludes cults) are to rejoice when others persecute them:

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11–12)

Certainly the ways of God are above our normal ways of thinking. Yes, it is horrible that millions of people were put to death by others who hated them for various reasons, yet thinking God allowed this to happen to punish them does not make it right. I tend to agree with those who say that we ask the wrong question. Instead of trying to figure out why some are being punished and others receive eternal life, we should wonder why anyone is saved. 

Jesus, when Christians decry the evil that others do, it is best that I respond with, “Yes, yet I am a sinner too” and praise You for Your mercy in forgiving me and giving me life. I don’t want to use the sins of others in an effort to make me look more righteous than they are. Except for Your amazing grace, all deserve to die.

 

Change Tactics?

Jehoash said to the priests, “All the money of the holy things that is brought into the house of the Lord, the money for which each man is assessed—the money from the assessment of persons—and the money that a man’s heart prompts him to bring into the house of the Lord, let the priests take, each from his donor, and let them repair the house wherever any need of repairs is discovered.” But by the twenty-third year of King Jehoash, the priests had made no repairs on the house. Therefore King Jehoash summoned Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and said to them, “Why are you not repairing the house? Now therefore take no more money from your donors, but hand it over for the repair of the house.” So the priests agreed that they should take no more money from the people, and that they should not repair the house. (2 Kings 12:4–8)

The first idea to collect money and have the priests use it to repair the house of the Lord did not work. Therefore, the king switched the method. It doesn’t seem like a big change, but it pleased the Lord who worked in the hearts of the people to give generously. Then instead of the priests, masons and stonecutters and other “honest” workmen did the repairs with that money and, “The money from the guilt offerings and the money from the sin offerings was not brought into the house of the Lord; it belonged to the priests.” (2 Kings 12:16)

Clarity in the church budget is vital. We attend a church that is totally transparent with donations. The amazing result is not only generous giving but a congregation that trusts the leadership. Our budget meetings last mere minutes and rarely have any questions from anyone, never negative or in protest.

From the account above, I see the importance of abandoning that common reasoning that says, “This is the way I always did it’ and be willing to change how I do things. If something does not work, it is perfectly okay to try a different way. In fact, one definition of insanity says it is a pattern of repetitive behavior that leads to stagnation or failure, rather than realizing changing outcomes requires altering one's actions, mindsets, or strategies. 

Lord, this is timely. I’ve an issue where I need to change something that is not giving the results expected because of the way I’ve done it. So now need wisdom from You regarding what to change. Thank You for Your promise to give wisdom to all who ask for it. I’m waiting on You. 
  

Listen to my conscience…

Now there were four men who were lepers at the entrance to the gate. And they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die.” So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there. For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and of horses, the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, “Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us.” So they fled away in the twilight and abandoned their tents, their horses, and their donkeys, leaving the camp as it was, and fled for their lives. 
And when these lepers came to the edge of the camp, they went into a tent and ate and drank, and they carried off silver and gold and clothing and went and hid them. Then they came back and entered another tent and carried off things from it and went and hid them. Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king’s household.” (2 Kings 7:3–20)

These four did just that. At first the king thought it was a trap to get his army out of the city where they would be vulnerable, but they discovered that the Syrians had left suddenly abandoning everything just as the lepers reported, so they plundered the abandoned camp. This had been predicted by Elisha who also said the gatekeeper would be trampled for saying God could not do this. He told that man, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.” And so it happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gate and he died.

I’ve heard people without faith say God cannot or will not meet all needs. Sadly, some who say they believe also pray as if they do not expect much in reply. What touches my heart in this account is that God spoke through the human greed of the lepers. They were outcasts in that society and skeptics, certain that no matter what they did, they would die. However, in their plundering at this unexpected miracle, God spoke and convinced them of their sin and to do the right thing; share the bounty with those who cast them out.

This is what should make Christians different. Love enemies. Do good to those who hate us. Be like Jesus when He said, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Sometimes others misunderstand me and I feel frustrated, even alienated. I need to remember these four, and most of all what Jesus said as His enemies drove in the nails. God not only protects me from the Syrians by driving them out of my life, He also wants me to meet the needs of those who leave me out of their lives.

Jesus, too often I get annoyed when misunderstood, or stared at as if I had three heads. The lepers did the right thing by listening to You speaking to their hearts and telling those who rejected them about the bounty You provided. Forgive me and fill me with Your grace that I can be less touchy and more loving.

Consequences

He said to him, “Go in peace.” But when Naaman had gone from him a short distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “See, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” So Gehazi followed Naaman. 
And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?” 
And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me to say, ‘There have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’ ” 
And Naaman said, “Be pleased to accept two talents.” And he urged him and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants. And they carried them before Gehazi. 
And when he came to the hill, he took them from their hand and put them in the house, and he sent the men away, and they departed. 
He went in and stood before his master, and Elisha said to him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” 
And he said, “Your servant went nowhere.” But he said to him, “Did not my heart go when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” 
So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow. (2 Kings 5:19–27)

There is much more to this story. The prophet was significant when this Syrian man was healed from a serious case of leprosy. Naaman was on his way home and thought he should reward Elisha but Elisha refused because God did the healing, not him. However, Elisha’s servant liked the idea of a reward and decided to go for it, behind his master’s back. When Elisha found out and confronted him, he told him the consequences of his lies and greed.

I’ve often thought how we are free to make choices but we cannot choose the consequences. This OT story is an example. More can be seen in many of the fictional dramas in the movies and television. Sadder still are those from real life. Individuals, families, co-workers, all people suffer for choosing selfishly. Broken relationships, illness, jail time, accidents, and all sorts of tragedies and unhappy situations are only a few of the many outcomes of ‘my way’ instead of God's way. And even if these unhappy results do not happen, after filling a shopping cart, every person must go through the checkout.

But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors! (Psalm 73:16–19)
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. (Psalm 37:1–2)
Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed— and though you get praise when you do well for yourself— his soul will go to the generation of his fathers, who will never again see light. Man in his pomp yet without understanding is like the beasts that perish. (Psalm 49:16–20)

When young, life seems long and filled with opportunities and many choices. Now that I am older, it seems short and much of what I thought I wanted seems without value. Only God knows what will survive the judgment seat of Christ and have value for eternity. This makes me much more cautious about my choices and values.

Jesus, it is sobering to realize that even those who serve You or support Your people like Gehazi did can become greedy for things that do not have eternal value. Today, the food I cook and the chores that are done have value in this life, yet are “wood, hay, straw,” unless I do them in the grace You provide. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). Enable me to keep my focus on what matters for Your glory rather than satisfying my selfish desires.

Three kinds of death

After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria, and lay sick; so he sent messengers, telling them, “Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this sickness.” But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus says the Lord, You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’ ” So Elijah went. (2 Kings 1:1–4)

In the Bible, there are three kinds of death. One is the physical death, usually first thought of for this word;

By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19) 

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, (Hebrews 9:27)

As my hubby often says, we are all terminal. This thought helps us make decisions in daily life. For instance, the accumulation of useless stuff is meaningless because we cannot take it with us. Unless our stuff has meaning for the time we are here, or can be helpful for others, possessing it has no meaning. Pragmatic thinking comes from recognizing this kind of death.

This physical death is the separation of the soul from the body yet the second one is of greater significance, spiritual death. This is the separation of the soul from God. In Genesis 2:17, God tells Adam that in the day he eats of the forbidden fruit he will “surely die.” Adam does fall, but his physical death does not happen at that point. However, he is separated from God. Because of that sin, all who have not been redeemed and regenerated are alienated from God by sin. 

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:1–7)

By faith in Jesus Christ, anyone who is dead in sin passes from that death into spiritual life, a life that is no longer lived apart from God. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

The third death mentioned is really the second one. It is eternal death or eternal separation from God after physical death. This is true for those who reject God’s gift of forgiveness of sin and eternal life. They remain eternally separate from the One who loves them and died for them.

Jesus, You died for a brief time and then were raised from the dead because You didn’t want me to remain separated from You. I shake my head in amazed wonder at the sacrifice You made for me and millions more. How utterly wonderful that Christians cannot be killed! I will live forever with You. 

 

 

God's incredible power

And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.” 
But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” 
And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?” 
And he answered him, “Go up and triumph; the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.” 
But the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?” 
And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. 
And the Lord said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.’ ” 
And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?” 
And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; and the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said one thing, and another said another. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’ Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the Lord has declared disaster for you.” (1 Kings 22:13–23)

This part of history reveals the power of God to control what to say and do. The prophets told a lie so the king would do what God wanted him to do. By his action, he would go where God wanted. Even though he had Jehoshaphat disguise himself to look like him, this king did not escape and died in the battle.

This reveals the power of God. Since He never changes, I feel confident in His will being done even in the many messy conflicts in today’s world. He can put words and attitudes in people’s hearts so that things happen that He wants to happen.

While many think that the God of the OT is more violent and not the same as the God of love as revealed in Jesus Christ, His word says:

“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” (Hebrews 1:10–12)

This God can still speak and put His will into the hearts of kings and prophets, even anyone. I could fill pages with names and stories that I have seen occur only because God did something remarkable. In our church, we often marvel at events and changes with, “Only God” for otherwise such things would never happen.

Jesus, I am glad You are “the same yesterday and today and forever.” You do not always let us see what You are doing, but “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Because of grace, You grant faith to trust You with good things, and even with things we don’t understand. You are an amazing God, worthy of all praise.

 

Robbing God of His glory

In the spring, Ben-hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. And the people of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went against them. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country. And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’ ” 
And they encamped opposite one another seven days. Then on the seventh day the battle was joined. And the people of Israel struck down of the Syrians 100,000 foot soldiers in one day. And the rest fled into the city of Aphek, and the wall fell upon 27,000 men who were left. Ben-hadad also fled and entered an inner chamber in the city. (1 Kings 20:26–30)

At times I’ve prayed for something that seemed impossible and God surprised me by granting my prayer. He also attaches an obedience to the answer, generally to tell the story with praise for Him. However, if I somehow use the answered prayer to say “Look at me” in any way, then He may withdraw the glory of it in someway. He did this with Ahab. Instead of letting the defeat show the power of God to Syria. . . .  

Ben-hadad said to him, “The cities that my father took from your father I will restore, and you may establish bazaars for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” And Ahab said, “I will let you go on these terms.” So he made a covenant with him and let him go. (1 Kings 20:34)

Ahab compromised with the enemy. Closer to home, I can do the same thing by taking credit for God's surprises (as if I deserved them) instead of letting others see that He is the Lord.
As for Ahab, God sent a prophet who said to him:

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.’ 
At that, Ahab should have repented for his sin but instead he “went to his house vexed and sullen and came to Samaria.” (1 Kings 20:41–43)

My old nature can do that too — be annoyed that I get no glory for my praying, or for any other obedience. How silly. Apart from the Lord there would be no praying, no obedience. A quick search tells me several reasons, one is that I so quickly forget that glorifying God is for my joy and satisfaction too. My easily distracted mind plus lingering pride wants to be in charge, to do things that make me feel good. That old nature defies what God wants from me. I can sing that I want to be like Jesus and then wonder if I really do — or would I rather do what I want to do? Being so easily distracted does not help, nor does knowing I cannot overcome the obstacles by myself.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12–13)

Far too often, work is the word for obedience, and the pressure of aging and many new challenges often dampen the pleasures once enjoyed

Jesus, You know my heart and as You test my faith, I must trust You for the will and the power to pass the tests — even when my head aches, my mind wanders, life is full of distractions, and I’d rather do something else but talk to You. 

A final defiance?

In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah. Now the troops were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines, and the troops who were encamped heard it said, “Zimri has conspired, and he has killed the king.” Therefore all Israel made Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel that day in the camp. So Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah. And when Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the citadel of the king’s house and burned the king’s house over him with fire and died, because of his sins that he committed, doing evil in the sight of the Lord, walking in the way of Jeroboam, and for his sin which he committed, making Israel to sin. Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and the conspiracy that he made, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? (1 Kings 16:15–20)

A brief study on suicide tells me that some societies have a positive view of suicide that is done for culturally approved reasons; for example, in Japan, if one shames one's family, suicide can be an act of honor. On the other hand, some cultures and faiths see suicide as an unforgivable act, yet a few who believe this do not apply it to suicide bombers, who are seen as martyrs.

 As for its cause, up to half of all who die by suicide have a major depressive disorder such as bipolar or other mood disorders, and often have an increase risk. 

Stats show that middle-aged adults have the highest numbers, yet suicide is also a leading cause of death among younger people. 

Some give the following reasons for taking one’s own life:

Egoistic: being inadequately integrated into society, thus feeling lonely, detached, and and feel life is meaninglessness. Those who have an attitude of "excessive individuation" can suffer from a lack of social support.

Altruistic: A high social integration where a person is heavily integrated into a group that they will sacrifice their life for the group's interests or beliefs. This can also apply to individuals. A dear friend had many illnesses and became overwhelmed by the burden on her husband who often had to take her to the hospital in the middle of the night. She choose to die rather than making him suffer.

Anomic: For some, a lack of “social regulation” or other issues during sudden and profound social or economic changes create a sense of normlessness and disillusionment. One dictionary says this can evolve from a conflict of belief systems that causes a breakdown of social bonds between an individual and their community.

Fatalistic: Excessive regulation can be deeply oppressive and restricted making a person feel hopeless and seek escape. 

In studying the Bible, sin is seems rooted in “I will govern my own life” and when that does not work out well, a person either gives up and turns to their Creator for answers and help, or they refuse to trust God’s way, including how and when their life ends, therefore take that matter into their own hands as well.

Zimri failed as a king. He sinned against God and caused others to sin. He could have confessed and been forgiven but would rather die than yield to God. For a person who knows the freedom and joy of redemption, this seems such folly, yet I also know the pull and stubbornness of wanting to rule my own life. Apart from the grace of God, I could create my own list of why it has seemed better to end it.

Jesus, You are the only answer to all those reasons people feel like taking their own life. Trusting You is a big deal, yet so entirely worth it. I’m so thankful that You stepped in and changed both my heart and so often my circumstances. I’m old even though my parents were told I’d not get past 16. My body hurts at times, but I can laugh and enjoy life, do things, make things: cook, quilt, clean house, encourage others, obey You. The idea of suicide being the only answer has hit me, but You swept it away by Your outstretched arms. For all this and more, I love You. Amen.

 

My way = big losses

At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick. And Jeroboam said to his wife, “Arise, and disguise yourself, that it not be known that you are the wife of Jeroboam, and go to Shiloh. Behold, Ahijah the prophet is there, who said of me that I should be king over this people. Take with you ten loaves, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what shall happen to the child.” . . . .  
Ahijah could not see. . . . The Lord said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you concerning her son, for he is sick. Thus and thus shall you say to her.” When she came, she pretended to be another woman. But when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why do you pretend to be another? For I am charged with unbearable news for you. Go, tell Jeroboam, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: “Because I exalted you from among the people and made you leader over my people Israel and tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you, and yet you have not been like my servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, doing only that which was right in my eyes, but you have done evil above all who were before you and have gone and made for yourself other gods and metal images, provoking me to anger, and have cast me behind your back, therefore behold, I will bring harm upon the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both bond and free in Israel, and will burn up the house of Jeroboam. . . . When your feet enter the city, the child shall die. And all Israel shall mourn for him and bury him, for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found something pleasing to the Lord. . . . The Lord will raise up for himself a king over Israel who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam today. And henceforth, the Lord will strike Israel. . . .   And he will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, which he sinned and made Israel to sin.” 
Then Jeroboam’s wife arose and departed and came to Tirzah. And as she came to the threshold of the house, the child died. And all Israel buried him and mourned for him, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke by his servant Ahijah the prophet. (1 Kings 14:1–18)

I had an early appointment today with time to only read this sad story. Imagine being told your child would die because his father sinned even though he knew not to. Not only that, this was that man’s only heir so he also lost the throne that he had inherited from his father. 

That the child would be buried rather than slaughtered was “because in him there is found something pleasing to the Lord” is a startling statement to those who tend to think of death as a punishment, but that child must be trusting God, and that would please Him. His mother may have taken comfort in that later.

This backs up the importance of NT teaching for wives: “. . . .  let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33) This isn’t just an attitude. Respect has a way of making someone desire to be respectable. It means an attitude of regard that would not encourage sin, or go along with it trying to trick a prophet. Being submissive to someone does not mean obedience that disobeys God. Being a helper includes encouragement to do right.

Jesus, You have convinced me that I am free to make choices but cannot choose the consequences. How foolish to go against Your plain teaching as this father did and lose his child, his throne and legacy, and having his enemy win over him. Worst of all, making You angry enough to release his enemy against him. Therefore I’d like to read more about the positive side of obeying You.

God’s ways are not our ways. . . .

And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the Lord commanded. Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. Yet for the sake of David your father I will not do it in your days, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem that I have chosen.” And the Lord raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite. He was of the royal house in Edom. (1 Kings 11:9–14)

Trials are part of life. Some of them are allowed to test my faith and build it, making me more mature:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4)

In contrast, some trials are God's way of chastening me for errors in my thinking that are rooted in selfishness. Both are important activities of God as He uses everything for my good, that I might be more like Jesus.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:28–29)

Those trials to correct are almost always a surprise. I didn’t realize that I was wrong (stubborn and stupid?) but this was not the case for Solomon. He was warned about idolatry and did it anyway. This meant severe chastening from an enemy that had previously escaped death when David and his army of men destroyed the people of Edom.

In some ways, this Edom/Israel is a centuries-old conflict. Edom is where Esau lived, the twin of Isaac who had little interest in God or godliness. For generations, the descendants of these two men have been in conflict. If they are seen as types, they would point to the Christian battle between flesh and Spirit, a war often at the root of struggles in my life and a war often involving idols — or to put it bluntly, a war between me, myself and I and the Spirit of God. The only way to win it is by yielding my I wants to the will of God. 

Solomon started out by yielding to God, but was turned aside by idols. Ironically, Hadad was also the name of an idol, and of several kings of Edom. God was using this enemy to chasten this ‘wise’ king. Could it be that a trial to rebuke me is somehow connected to the reason I need the rebuke?

Jesus, Your wisdom and understanding always seem to use the events of life to match up and speak to my needs, even to use as shaping and correcting me. I am amazed at You, and even rejoice that You can use enemies to glorify Yourself in the lives of Your children. I’m glad that nothing is impossible for You.

No gods

The Lord appeared to Solomon a second time. . . . And the Lord said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. And as for you, if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ But if you turn aside from following me, you or your children, and do not keep my commandments and my statutes that I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and the house that I have consecrated for my name I will cast out of my sight, and Israel will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples. And this house will become a heap of ruins. Everyone passing by it will be astonished and will hiss, and they will say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and to this house?’ Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the Lord their God who brought their fathers out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore the Lord has brought all this disaster on them.’ ” (1 Kings 9:2–9)

Although keeping the Law never was not nor could be the means of salvation, obeying God always is the means of blessing. This is because God's way is good for us. Just one example is the results of serving Him rather than other gods. He is Almighty and nothing is impossible for Him. As for other gods, what are they? Carved images? Imaginary creatures? Stone carvings? Forces of weather and nature controlled by what? (Or Who?) Mere humans? Me, myself, and I?

Other gods boil down to no gods, just human invention and imagination? The NT says as much, yet also attributes the idea of gods to demon forces and Satan. Jesus defines him, and other passages speak of demonic powers whose task is to discredit the truth He brings:

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matthew 16:23)
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41)
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)

Just writing these words makes me shiver. Satan whispering suggestions to rule my own life gives me more reasons to avoid anything that is not from my Lord and Savior. 

Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. (1 Corinthians 8:4–8)
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. (Galatians 4:8–11)

From Scripture and experience, the power of obedience is clear, as is the power of the enemy who disguises himself as an angel of light and uses subtle lies in his attempts  to destroy me.

Jesus, because of You, I cannot be destroyed, but my witness to the world and ability to glorify You can be messed up by disobedience. Today You again ask me to do several things I’d rather not do. I’m thankful for the encouragement to say yes, and to rely on You for all that I need to obey.

The heart of wisdom

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart; you have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ Now therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you have spoken to your servant David my father. “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. (1 Kings 8:22–29)

It did not take long for God's answer to Solomon’s request for wisdom. The rest of this prayer is essentially the Gospel, requesting forgiveness for His people when they sin and asking guidance for life.

I seldom hear prayers like this. Too often request are made for health, prosperity, and comfort. These days, many Christians do not want to be sick, needy, or in distress, even though it is trials that we grow. Prayer requests are often for relief from trials even though the NT says:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. . . . Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:2–12)

After 30+ moves and many changes in life, it seems that change is often feared because it requires learning how to manage new circumstances. In other words, wanting to continue to control life rather than be plopped into something new that cannot be controlled by self-effort. This means that God must be trusted, even though running life my own way fits His description of sin:

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6) 

In the wisdom God gave him, Solomon realized that going his own way would be contrary to God's way. He eventually failed some of those tests too, just like the rest of us, but would I even know the extent of my sin if the circumstances of life did not test my loyalty to God?

Lord Jesus, You gave Solomon the wisdom to know how much he needed You and to pray this prayer. I’m feeling a great need for wisdom too. I don’t know what trials lie ahead, today or in future days, but whatever comes, I want the to deal with it Your way and not my own. “Let my heart therefore be wholly true to You, Lord our God, walking in Your statutes and keeping Your commandments, as at this day.” (1 Kings 8:61)

Trust God's plan…

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 
And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 
It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” 
And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants. (1 Kings 3:5–15)

My dreams are usually stories that make little sense. However, several times I’ve gone to bed with something on my mind and had a dream that made sense of it. Lately I’m trying to get more order in my life and have had amazing ideas pop up in dreams to show me how.
Solomon’s dream was awesome. He was given far more than his humble request and became famous as well as wise and wealthy. His prayer is instruction for my prayers.

First, acknowledge what God has already done — and that I do not deserve any of it. Then ask for wisdom for the day. Simple. Why this request? Because I don’t know what the day will bring.

Yesterday could not have been predicted. A server in an eating place tell me her struggles and ask me to pray for her. Another person told me she was losing her sight and God gave me words to encourage her. After that, a new friend came to chat and it felt like she was someone I have known forever. Then a stranger approached and told me of losing her Christian son a few months ago and how she had not accepted it and was not grieving. I affirmed that he was not dead, that he just moved to a different address. She joyfully agreed. God put a sparkle in her eyes and amazement in my heart.

When I came home, I knew all that was God's doing, and beyond anything I could have asked for or imagined. Nothing was planned. It just happened and I was watching it happen and being blessed as I watched Him bless those ladies.

Jesus, we talk about being used, or pray for this or that, but I like Solomon’s prayer. I just need Your wisdom and trust You to make Your plan happen without making any plans of my own.

Jehovah is on His throne!

Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith has become king and David our lord does not know it? Now therefore come, let me give you advice, that you may save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. Go in at once to King David, and say to him, ‘Did you not, my lord the king, swear to your servant, saying, “Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne”? Why then is Adonijah king?’ Then while you are still speaking with the king, I also will come in after you and confirm your words.” (1 Kings 1:11–14)

It had already been determined that Solomon would take the throne after David died. However another man had a following and determined to be the next king. This would not happen by popular vote as in our democracy. 

Not only that, the life of the rest of David’s family was in danger with Adonijah as king. To put a royal mother to death along with her offspring, though perhaps unusual, was not unknown. Nathan the prophet Nathan says this may be Bathsheba’s fate. He also knew God’s will for Solomon because David told him:

But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed so much blood before me on the earth. Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies. For his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for my name. He shall be my son, and I will be his father, and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever.’ (1 Chronicles 22:8–10)

Since David was near the end of his life, he needed reminders of this and of the conspiracy that was happening. When told, he took wise steps to insure that Solomon became the next king.

This event is told with much detailed description. As a detail person, getting a big picture is a challenge. What I do see is the activity of our spiritual enemy trying to thwart the will of God. In this case, he uses Adonijah’s ambition to rule and David’s feeble condition to try and stop Him from putting his choice on the throne.

God refused to allow that enemy by strengthening His servant David to declare his intentions as the one who still had the authority to do so — after Nathan and Bathsheba informed him of the plot.

The Bible says God sets up kings and also puts them down. We watch the news and wonder about those currently in power, yet I’m hearing that in war-torn places thousands of people are turning to Christ because of the decisions of their evil political leaders. We might send food and military aid, but God is using their horrible situations to grant mercy and eternal life. 

Oh God, surely Your ways are not our ways. You remain on the throne and as mere mortals plot to usurp You, they cannot. Jesus is King of kings, and cannot be destroyed nor can His family be erased. You have given us eternal life, no matter what ambitious and God-hating enemies try to do. You are our hiding place, our shelter in all storms, our eternal hope, the one still in charge of even those who seem to be controlling what is happening in this messed-up world. Praise Your powerful and holy Name!

Grieving…

And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he became sick. David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:15–23)

Grief can take many forms. The saddest are those that feel it deeply and for the rest of their lives. Everything reminds them of their loss and they feel hopeless and unable to experience joy or purpose. The funerals are sad, if there is one, and the promises of God are not mentioned nor the hope we have in Him.

Most dictionaries define hope as a desire for something, a ‘hope so’ or wish. That is not biblical hope. God promises eternal life, and because of His nature, faith knows that what He offers is true. He proves it by raising raised His Son from the dead.

Yet even before that happened, David knew it would. God puts “eternity in our hearts” as part of the changes that occur through faith, but may not realize that  faith is the answer to the sorrow of grief. David knew he would see his son again, just as I know I will see Jesus — and my parents, and my sister and many more loved ones again. This hope is based on God’s promise and on the resurrection of Jesus. Both are evidence that prove He can and will deliver on His promise:

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18)

Death has been viewed as our enemy and we fight it, as if we never want it to happen, but the Bible views it as seeing Jesus and becoming like Him (1 John 3:1-3). For shame that anyone would see that as a bad thing.

Jesus, every day I pray and often sing my desire to be like You. You make that happen as I see You as You are, not my genie whose only goal is comfort and granting my wishes, but as the King of kings and Lord of lords who has given me the hope of eternal life. My death is not ceasing to live but merely a change of address and moving to a far better place to live than this one.