2 Chr 32:9-19

Actions speak louder than words but in this case, Sennacherib was hoping his rhetoric was enough to scare the Judeans into submission,  He tried to play to their fears - losing basics like food and water. He attributed the taking down of Asherah poles as the equivalent of not giving the people local worship areas. He tried to destroy the people's trust in the Lord by saying that God would not and could not save them against he and his army. He failed to grasp that the God of Israel was the Creator of all things, including he and his armies as well. His officers tried to use their native language to persuade them to give up as well. He felt he could play on their fears and that they would surrender without a fight. He and his armies wrote letters of propaganda to encourage them to give up. They shouted to them to intimidate them into a corner to act.

How often does Satan use these intimidation tactics on us to push us further away from God. The deceiver often uses our fears and anxieties to garner an advantage for him as we question the Lord's goodness and protection. We tend to lose sight of the fact that we are co-heirs and children of God. The promises seem distant not because we don't have them but because we don't claim them.

Good day yesterday even though it was a nightmare using Windows 7 and MO. Still got much done and was able to have lunch with a younger co-worker and get to know him as well. Prayers for Irene as she goes to FL for a week.

Praise for today: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Ps 8:9

2Chr 32: 1-8

This was the first test to the kingdom of Hezekiah - they have grown self-sufficient in garnering water as an agricultural resource as well as for their daily needs. Additionally, Hezekiah stopped paying taxes to Assyria once King Sargon 2 died. Assyria held power over most of Israel and Judah since they were under their captivity. Four years later under Sennacherib, son of Sargon 2, the Assyrians would threaten to attack Jerusalem but Hezekiah would pay some taxes to them to appease them and not have the city under siege. Hezekiah did much to the city as far as refortifying it and restoring the prominence it once had. The problem was that this was not enough for Sennacherib and he still wanted to press the issue not only politically but also spiritually. He mocked the Lord and what He could do for his people. Hezekiah not only restored the city but he also restored the people's faith in the Lord. and that did not sit well with Sennacherib. As a result, he wanted to set Jerusalem as an example. Despite being outnumbered as far as soldiers, Hezekiah rallied the troops and the people around the Lord and was willing to put himself and the people at the Lord's mercy rather than Sennacherib's army.  He actually used the "be strong and courageous" line from Joshua (6). What he said is true, if God is for us who can be against us?

Excellent test and his response was truly heroic as well as scripturally sound.

Good weekend. Had my first taste of college football with Rutgers' win over UConn. Had some issues Sunday morning with a transit cop over street closures and ended up apologizing for my actions and praying with him . God was truly with me in that circumstance. Easy ride home and down here. All in all a good weekend. Prayers for Irene who is heading down to FL tomorrow and for GG who will be with her for part of the trip. Today should be a light and stressfree day, ha!

Praise for today: With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles. 2 Chr 32: 8

2 Chr 31: 9-21

It seemed that the people responded with vigor as it became apparent to Hezekiah and the officials that the people gave from the bounty that the Lord had blessed them with. Their tithes were so generous and overflowing that they had to address the giving by utilizing the storehouses they had and creating new ones for the overflow. They gave over and above their tithes which was duly noted. They gave their share to each Levite over the age of 3 (since they were in their mother's feeding up until then) and were put into service (as was the Davidical way) when they turned 20. There were a group of 6 that was put in charge of the storage. The bottom line - they were turned to the Lord, the people and the priests in turn were blessed, Hezekiah was a good king who loved and served the Lord and he and the kingdom were blessed. He was sincere in his faith.

Week is almost over and heading home later. The earliest I will be able to start my drive is around 5:30 but still should be alright. Looking forward to going to the Rutgers game tomorrow (1st college football game ever!) and since they are nationally ranked - should be good.

Praise for today: My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion. Psalm 71: 24

2 Chr 31: 1-8

The result of the feast was that the people were now on board with Hezekiah and turned from their wicked ways. They went home to their lands and destroyed the Asherah poles that were erected for idol worship.Even Hezekiah had to destroy the bronze snake that Moses made (Numbers 21:8-9), which had become a source of idol worship according to the commentary. He then assigned the priests and the Levites to divisions - each according their duties as priests to sing praises at the gate of the Lord's dwelling. He also contributed out of his wealth, the sacrifices that were needed on each of the Sabbaths, New Moons and the feasts that were prescribed in the Mosaic law. He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to tithe once again and especially give to the Levites and priests so that they could perform and live their tasks without fear of lack of provision. The Israelites responded generously with their first fruits. This was done with regularity and thus prompted Hezekiah and his officials to praise God and bless his people.

Jerusalem was finally returning to the glory that was due. The Lord was finally put in the forefront of the king and his people. Truly this was a taste of what heaven would be like. At least for now, all was in sync.

Decent day yesterday, now moving towards the weekend. Looking forward to seeing Rutgers play on Saturday afternoon and hope that the weather holds up.

Praise for today: O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. Psalm 51: 15

2 Chr 30:11-27

The time was ripe for the change to take place. More people got on board but there was still some hesitation. Still the faithful gathered at Jerusalem to take part in the Passover feast or the "feast without yeast". However, there were still things that had to be corrected before this to could take place. There had to be a cleansing of the priests and the people to make this effective and correct. As a result, the Levites had to perform sacrifices in order to cleanse the people and make them acceptable for worship. Hezekiah was also a man of prayer and he prayed over his people to make sure that their hearts and bodies were just right for this event. With the festivities going on strong, Hezekiah not only prayed for them but he encouraged them. As a result, there was a harmony that resembled the days of David and Solomon and the people ended up celebrating another 7 days after the initial feast was over. More priests got on board and sanctified themselves to participate as Hezekiah provided the necessary items to sacrifice and continue the feast. Joy permeated the land and the Lord was pleased.

What a a joyous revival! This is what our land needs - to return to God and pray and praise! This was also a foretaste of what heaven could be as well. Starting to prepare my message in early November and this is a great passage of what it could look like 24/7 for all eternity. WOW!

Slightly stressful day at work but all good when it was over! The weekend is coming!!!

Praise for today: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52: 7

2 Chr 30 : 1-10

The city of Jerusalem seem like it was on the right track to return to the Lord but there were things that were missing in their total return to the Lord. King Hezekiah wanted to reintroduce the feast of the Passover which was the basis of being restored to their freedom from captivity and as a thriving nation. He sent messages/letters to all of Judah and Israel to whomever would listen to bring them back to the Lord. Despite the fact that the feast would be celebrated a month later than usual, he was bent upon re instituting this ritual. In his letter, he reminded the Israelites of their roots and who was the true blessing of the people. Coming back to the Lord would mean the end of their captivity and exile due to the Assyrians and the Lord's wrath and towards prosperity. Some scoffed and rejected the plea but several tribes took this to heart and returned to the Lord. The letter encouraged them to return to Jerusalem to worship at the temple which was constructed for the Lord.

Such an encouragement to see that there were people who were tired of disobedience and suffering would take this opportunity to be restored. The Gospel for them appealed to those whose ground was ready to take seed. There is no difference between then and now, there may not be a feast to come back to but there is the Lord and his goodness. More importantly, there is eternal life and no condemnation for those who believe and are restored. What a wonderful Savior!

Hectic day at work yesterday. Seems like the rule rather than the exception and it was my late day to boot. Still much accomplished.

Praise for today: Am I only a God nearby, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord? Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord? Jeremiah 23: 23-24

2 Chr 29:25-36

The stage is set for the temple to finally be restored and functional for the return to the Lord. The priests (in stages - according to their commitment) moved towards their assigned tasks. The musicians as was in the days of David were getting their act together. Hezekiah gave the order for the ceremony to start and the fire at the altar was to be lit. The people began to rally behind this and gave praises to  the Lord. The preparation of the animals were more than the priests assigned could handle and thus the other Levites that were trained in this assisted as well. More priests were coming on board to assist in these tasks as well. The bottom line was that they were all working together to restore the people and officials towards the Lord. Good thing!

Long weekend with us going out to Queens for the QHC Missional conference. After lunch, there was an Elders' meeting where we got together to meet for the direction of the church. I think we are going towards the right direction and pray that the Lord will give us confirmation. Dinner at a Japanese restaurant and a late return home. Long day at church and late return down to Delly made it a long weekend. Ready to start this week off at the gym shortly...

Praise for today: Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30: 8