Monday, February 17, 2014

2 Kings 24-25; 2 Chronicles 36: Return to God!

These passages emphasize the importance of hearing and obeying God's voice. The chosen ones had been blatantly disregarding God's direction through His prophets, and He was not pleased! The consequences were invasion and captivity.

The invaders destroyed God's temple and either destroyed or carried away the instruments used in worship.

 

2 Kings 25:13-15
Amplified Bible (AMP)


13 The bronze pillars in the Lord’s house and [its] bases and the bronze Sea the Chaldeans smashed and carried the bronze to Babylon.

14 And they took away the pots, shovels, snuffers, dishes for incense, all the bronze vessels used in the temple service,

15 The firepans, and bowls. Such things as were of gold the captain of the guard took away as gold, and what was of silver [he took away] as silver.


Looking at these verses symbolically, I hear the Lord reminding us today. Blatant disregard for His instructions results in an assault of the enemy. This definitely has the potential to negatively affect our relationship with God. He never leaves or forsakes us, but we can turn away from Him. In effect, our "instrument of worship," our being, is carried away or possibly destroyed by the evil one.

Friends, listen and obey God's voice. The consequences of disobedience can be devastating!

 BUT, don't lose hope!

 Like the prodigal son who squandered his father's inheritance, when we come to our senses and return to our Father, He will run to us! We can never mess up badly enough to negate God's love.

He's waiting! Turn back! Repent! His arms of restoration are open!!!


 
 


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The Blessings of a Relationship with God

While driving to work yesterday, I was soaking in the gorgeous sight of snow-covered trees. 
 
 
 
I marveled how the weighty snow caused the tree limbs to sag and bow. To me snow represents the grace of God. Then I felt like the Lord revealed how His weighty grace causes people to bow in humility. Then snow fell from the trees hitting my car as I passed by them. It is like that with people and grace.  People saturated with God's grace bow in humility and that bowing allows the grace to "slip" off them and "hit" those people who pass by. Let's be people so saturated with grace that humility is apparent and God's grace is given to others as they pass by us!

 

While driving to work, I was listening to K-LOVE and singing (praying) this song. I told Jesus, "Thank You for being the anchor of my soul." I thought about all the stormy experiences in my life and I was filled with gratitude. I looked up and there was a billboard with a huge anchor on it. I felt like the Lord was hearing and confirming what I had just prayed. I really had a wonderful time driving to work yesterday!!! I love You, Jesus!!!