Jeremiah 6
Jeremiah 6 - A few years ago, I discovered that the agitator in our washing machine was not turning like it was supposed to. After disassembling the whole thing, I discovered that the bolt had worn down ...
Jeremiah 5
Jeremiah 5 - The people of Israel and Judah have betrayed me completely. I, the LORD, have spoken." 12 The LORD's people have denied him and have said, "He won't really do anything. We won't have hard ...
Jeremiah 4
Jeremiah 4 - Judah’s lovers have become her murderers. And you, O desolate one, what will you do? Although you dress in scarlet, Although you decorate yourself with ornaments of gold, Although you enlarge your eyes with ...
Jeremiah 3
Jeremiah 3 - Married people, how would you feel if your spouse wanted to share their love equally with another? Would you be fine with that? God challenges the people to consider their ways. They have left ...
Jeremiah 2
Jeremiah 2 - "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, The fountain of living waters, To hew for themselves cisterns, Broken cisterns That can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:13 NASB This is what ...
Jeremiah 1
Jeremiah 1 - When my wife and I first moved into our house, we immediately fell in love with the fenced in backyard. Though it was small, it was a nice escape from the hustle and bustle ...
2 Chronicles 36
2 Chronicles 36 - The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place; 16 but they continually ...
2 Chronicles 35
2 Chronicles 35 - Armchair Quarterback (noun) a person who offers advice or an opinion on something in which they have no expertise or involvement How many people do you know who have lots of great ideas ...
2 Chronicles 34
2 Chronicles 34 - In this chapter, we have a brilliant example of what happens to us when we neglect God's Word. There are many today who like the idea of Scripture. They may like the book ...
2 Chronicles 33
2 Chronicles 33 - Sometimes it has to hurt in order to draw genuine Godly repentance. It's not a concept we like to think about, but it is true. Though Manasseh's acts were heinous and evil, God ...
2 Chronicles 32
2 Chronicles 32 - There are times in my spiritual walk when I simply want to take a break. Although I know God is calling me forward, I would rather just check out and do my own ...
2 Chronicles 31
2 Chronicles 31 - What we notice about the kings of the past two books (1 & 2 Chronicles) is that their actions are described in detail. Generally speaking, the kings either followed the Lord and backed ...
2 Chronicles 30
2 Chronicles 30 - Hezekiah wanted to do the right thing. He believed that Israel and Judah should come back together in order to celebrate the Passover. He knew God's promises extended to all 12 tribes which ...
2 Chronicles 29
2 Chronicles 29 - In the first month... There were many decisions that needed attention when coming into power as a king. Certainly, there would have been personal decisions, political decisions, military decisions and economic decisions. There ...
2 Chronicles 28
2 Chronicles 28 - Wow. What a chapter. Where do we begin? There are times in Scripture where we read that the Lord handed over the people to their own consequences. This is one of those times. ...
2 Chronicles 27
2 Chronicles 27 - The people continued in rebellion under Jotham. Although he was a faithful king, he did have one flaw that stood against him outlined in 2 Kings 15. He did ...
2 Chronicles 26
2 Chronicles 26 - It may not seem like a big deal to us, but in that time, it was not a king's role to enter into the temple. This was a duty assigned to the priests. ...
2 Chronicles 25
2 Chronicles 25 - Amaziah is another example of someone who followed the Lord nominally but did not fully commit his heart. He did right in the sight of the LORD, yet not with a whole heart. ...
2 Chronicles 24
2 Chronicles 24 - But after the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and bowed down to the king, and the king listened to them. 2 Chronicles 24:17 NASB In other words, after Jehoiada died, ...
2 Chronicles 23
2 Chronicles 23 - The drama surrounding this messianic promise is an interesting story. The offspring of David's line had officially been reduced to one man - Joash. Had he died, or been killed, there would be ...
2 Chronicles 22
2 Chronicles 22 - The family tree of Jehoshaphat and Ahab can get overwhelming. If you are reading and getting confused, there is a great family tree of this chapter at the link below. 2 Chronicles 22 ...
2 Chronicles 21
2 Chronicles 21 - There is a simple question with a simple answer. What's the cost? When you look at the way you are living your life, what is it costing you? For Jehoram, the life he ...
2 Chronicles 20
2 Chronicles 20 - Did God command his people to go into battle singing? I read this over and over to make sure I wasn’t missing something. As far as I can tell, we don’t read they ...
2 Chronicles 19
2 Chronicles 19 - Jehoshaphat was a spiritual leader. Other than David or Solomon, he restored the nation to a deeper spiritual commitment than any king of Judah or Israel. One of his strategies in doing this ...
2 Chronicles 18
2 Chronicles 18 - Would you rather be a well-liked king or a ridiculed prophet? In a bizarre revelation, God asks for a lying, deceitful spirit to go an entice Ahab to fall at Ramoth-gilead. Why was ...
2 Chronicles 17
2 Chronicles 17 - Leadership has a trickle-down effect. Judah or Israel had not seen a king like Jehoshaphat since David. In fact, many scholars say that Jehoshaphat approached the wealth and status of King Solomon but ...
2 Chronicles 16
2 Chronicles 16 - There is so much in this chapter that is personal and meaningful for me. As someone who has struggled with unexplained health issues, it seems that every day is a battle. The temptation ...
2 Chronicles 15
2 Chronicles 15 - Several years ago my wife was trying to get me onboard with adoption. Shamefully, I was hesitant. It just wasn't the direction or the plan I thought would unfold. For months, she would ...
2 Chronicles 14
2 Chronicles 14 - The attack that comes upon Israel is from the Ethiopians but that is deceiving. During this time Egypt had gained power. These Ethiopian forces were most likely mercenaries working for Egypt and were ...
2 Chronicles 13
2 Chronicles 13 - After reading this chapter, I am reminded of a common situation we have all encountered. It's that moment when someone is telling the truth, but not giving you the full story. When a ...
2 Chronicles 12
2 Chronicles 12 - Rehoboam did what was evil, because he did not determine in his heart to seek the LORD ...
2 Chronicles 11
2 Chronicles 11 - I hate to be pessimistic, but here in Chapter 11, we have bad going to worse. Rehoboam (Solomon's son) was now the king of the southern tribes of Judah. Jeroboam (Solomon's former official) ...
2 Chronicles 10
2 Chronicles 10 - It seems like this whole situation began to unravel in such a short period of time. If we go back in history, however, we see that is not the case. This struggle to ...
2 Chronicles 9
2 Chronicles 9 - Jesus actually spoke of this encounter between the Queen of Sheba and Solomon. In Matthew 12 the teachers of the Law and Pharisees question Jesus' authority and they demand a sign. Technically, they ...
2 Chronicles 8
2 Chronicles 8 - Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God. Psalms 20:7 NASB "Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall ...
2 Chronicles 7
2 Chronicles 7 - The temptation of reading this promise from God is to universally apply it to national and personal situations. For instance, many believe that if we as a nation would repent, God would hear ...
2 Chronicles 6
2 Chronicles 6 - "But can you, O God, really live on earth among men and women? Not even all of heaven is large enough to hold you, so how can this Temple that I have built ...
2 Chronicles 5
2 Chronicles 5 - There are moments when God shows up in a mighty way and we are simply called to step back. This was one of those moments. in unison when the trumpeters and the singers ...
2 Chronicles 4
2 Chronicles 4 - Then he made the ten golden lampstands in the way prescribed for them and he set them in the temple, five on the right side and five on the left. 2 Chronicles 4:7 ...
2 Chronicles 3
2 Chronicles 3 - The effort and detail Solomon and his people put into the newly constructed temple was simply amazing. They went all out. God is in the details. This is true. It's also a fact ...
2 Chronicles 2
2 Chronicles 2 - Solomon knew the dwelling place for God would not do Him justice. He makes this statement in verse 6... Yet no one can really build a temple for God, because even all the ...
2 Chronicles 1
2 Chronicles 1 - Solomon commanded the people to go to a high place of worship at Gibeon. This was the location of the tabernacle. It is the same tabernacle that the children of Israel built after ...
1 Chronicles 29
1 Chronicles 29 - 1 Chronicles 29:25 GNB The LORD made the whole nation stand in awe of Solomon, and he made him more glorious than any other king that had ruled Israel. If you read my ...
1 Chronicles 28
1 Chronicles 28 - Loyalty of heart. I once had a pastor give me advice on how to preach a sermon. His main point was, speak to the mind and speak to the heart. Truth and grace ...
1 Chronicles 27
1 Chronicles 27 - Listed among the commanders of war was a very intriguing man by the name of Benaiah. This Benaiah was the mighty man of the thirty, and had charge of thirty; and over his ...
1 Chronicles 26
1 Chronicles 26 - The house of God in verse 20 referred to a place where treasuries and gifts would be stored. Part of these would be items used for worship but others would be the spoils ...
1 Chronicles 25
1 Chronicles 25 - Attention musicians! Does the name Asaph mean anything to you? Anyone....anyone.....Bueller? Although it might not mean anything to us, the name Asaph was as familar as Bach or Beethoven in ancient Israel. In ...
1 Chronicles 24
1 Chronicles 24 - There is a fine line between structure and freedom in the Spirit. This chapter speaks to the structured process of the priesthood while attempting to preserve true worship and the influence of the ...
1 Chronicles 23
1 Chronicles 23 - David appoints Solomon king, then numbers the Levites for their special work. He made arrangements to ensure that the worship of the true and living God would continue long beyond his life. These ...
1 Chronicles 22
1 Chronicles 22 - Though David served Israel in many ways, his primary role was as a military leader. He was considered a man of war. Before a nation can build a palace or temple, they must ...
1 Chronicles 21
1 Chronicles 21 - To David's credit, he takes responsibility for the error in judgment. He even asks God to spare His people and instead punish him and his family. Anytime sin separated the people from God, ...
1 Chronicles 20
1 Chronicles 20 - "In the spring of the year..." Great military conquests were routinely conducted in the springtime. Most often, it would be late spring, when the rains had subsided and the dry warmth of summer ...
1 Chronicles 19
1 Chronicles 19 - The Ammonites strategy was to force David's army between two enemy forces. The Israelites were stationed between the Aramean armies and the city of Rabbah. This meant that when the Ammonites attacked, there ...
1 Chronicles 18
1 Chronicles 18 - So David reigned over all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people. 1 Chronicles 18:14 ESV After reviewing all of David's mighty conquests, the text pivots and reflects on ...
1 Chronicles 17
1 Chronicles 17 - I am drawn to David's actions over the second half of this chapter. As I read, I found myself wondering, "Do I do that?" After petitioning the Lord about building a temple, it ...
1 Chronicles 16
1 Chronicles 16 - For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods. 1 Chronicles 16:25 ESV This statement is not admitting there are other gods but ...
1 Chronicles 15
1 Chronicles 15 - Chapter 16 ends with an interesting and dramatic detail. And as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of ...
1 Chronicles 14
1 Chronicles 14 - Following on the same theme from 1 Chronicles 13, we now see David correcting his previous error. He engages in two battles against the Philistines. In both situations, he directly consults the Lord ...
1 Chronicles 13
1 Chronicles 13 - There is a strong theme of unity within the writings of Chronicles. Just as intensely as Saul divided the nation, David began to unify it. Part of that process involved moving the Ark ...
1 Chronicles 12
1 Chronicles 12 - The story of David's mighty men sounds a bit like a Hollywood blockbuster. In Chapter 11, we read the incredible stories of these men. From striking down an 7.5-foot Egyptian giant to wielding ...
1 Chronicles 11
1 Chronicles 11 - David's ascent to king was not as simple as three verses. In the book of 2 Samuel, the entire process is described in great detail over 3 chapters. David would be anointed king ...
1 Chronicles 10
1 Chronicles 10 - The Philistines Who were the Philistines? They were sea-faring people who immigrated from the island of Crete. According to archeology digs, it is speculated that the Philistines were heavy drinkers with heavy weapons. ...
1 Chronicles 9
1 Chronicles 9 - Psalms 99:5-6 ESV Exalt the LORD our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he! 6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name. ...
1 Chronicles 8
1 Chronicles 8 - Within the tribe of Benjamin, we are reminded of Israel's first king. He was the best looking man in all of Israel. He towered above all of his fellow Israelites. He seemed to ...
1 Chronicles 7
1 Chronicles 7 - God has used women to build, lead and change the world from the beginning of time. Here in 1 Chronicles 7, we get a glimpse of a woman who completed a remarkable feat. ...
1 Chronicles 6
1 Chronicles 6 - One particular name that sticks out in this chapter is Hilkiah. An unknown to most people, this high priest played a huge role in three major events during Israel's history. In 2 Kings ...
1 Chronicles 5
1 Chronicles 5 - For many fell, because the war was of God. And they lived in their place until the exile. 1 Chronicles 5:22 ESV The people cried out to God and He heard them. He ...
1 Chronicles 4
1 Chronicles 4 - I also find the mentioning of Jabez to be fascinating in this long list of names. His name meant "pain." More specifically though, it was translated "he causes pain" which ...
1 Chronicles 3
1 Chronicles 3 - Why the detailed genealogies? In order to affirm God's plan for Christ to come from Adam, David, and Abraham. These names are the historical proof of the fulfilled promises of God. Of course, ...
1 Chronicles 2
1 Chronicles 2 - This chapter begins with the lineage of Jacob through his 12 sons. However, it really focuses upon Judah for most of the chapter. “Judah heads the tribal genealogies and receives more extensive treatment ...
1 Chronicles 1
1 Chronicles 1 - It was a bittersweet time for Israel. The Jews had just returned from 70 years of captivity but their situation was significantly different from when they left. There was no king and little ...
Ruth 4
Ruth 4 - You may remember a few chapters back when Ruth worked hard pacing the fields and following the reaper's footsteps. Now, as she has become one with the owner, that land becomes her inheritance. As ...
Ruth 3
Ruth 3 - The act of Naomi asking Ruth to go and seek out Boaz does not translate well to our current cultural norms. Boaz was not only a relative, but he was considered the goel, or, ...
Ruth 2
Ruth 2 - It’s important not to overlook the fact that Ruth gave 100% to her work. We know she was given many opportunities by God, however, she also put in the work. When I coached high ...
Isaiah 66
Isaiah 66 - As the book of Isaiah comes to a close, I am drawn to the writings of F.F. Bruce. "As the book has stated again and again in a variety of places and ways, however, ...
Isaiah 65
Isaiah 65 - God has made Himself available. He is standing with arms outstretched ready to help His people. God says one thing, but the people say another. God offers His help, but the people will not ...
Isaiah 64
Isaiah 64 - What does it really look like to come before God in humility and express your deepest grief for the sins of you and your people? I'm not talking about grief for consequences or fear ...
Isaiah 63
Isaiah 63 - At the beginning of Isaiah 63, we find a familiar theme in Scripture. There is someone with blood-stained clothes who is robed in splendor and striding forward in the greatness of strength. This can ...
Isaiah 62
Isaiah 62 - *If you haven't read the Isaiah 61 blog entry, it would be helpful for context. Isaiah 62 is picking up on the new status of Israel after their redemptive moment in Isaiah 61.* Holy ...
Isaiah 61
Isaiah 61 - Isaiah 61 is such an interesting chapter. In Luke 4, Jesus reads the first two verses of Isaiah 61 in the synagogue. "The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him, and unrolling ...
Isaiah 60
Isaiah 60 - Isaiah 60 begins a new section that looks ahead Christ's Kingdom and rule. Remember, Isaiah was a prophet in the southern kingdom of Judah during the time when the northern kingdom, Israel, had already ...
Isaiah 59
Isaiah 59 - In a beautiful example of what it is like for the Lord to work in a person's heart, Isaiah speaks directly to the blindness of Israel. In reality, it is the blindness that all ...
Isaiah 58
Isaiah 58 - Superficial people. We've all endured them. If we're honest, we've probably been one at some point in our lives. Superficial people seem frivolous, self-absorbed, and shallow. Merriam-Webster defines superficial as lacking in depth or ...
Isaiah 57
Isaiah 57 - And it will be said, "Build up, build up, prepare the way, Remove every obstacle out of the way of My people." Isaiah 57:14 NASB Remove every stumbling block! If this phrase sounds familiar ...
Isaiah 56
Isaiah 56 - Here at the end of the chapter, we read that Israel's irresponsible leaders are the source of their blindness. Anytime that leadership is failing, the people under that leadership have little chance of success. ...
Isaiah 55
Isaiah 55 - Faith in Jesus without a life filled with Jesus' attitude and behavior is no life of faith at all. There are no excuses because a reborn life is not done in our own strength ...
Isaiah 54
Isaiah 54 - This chapter focuses on the wonderful love God has for His people. Amazingly, even though human sin has corrupted the future God had promised, His words will not return void. Given the current exile ...
Isaiah 53
Isaiah 53 - The opening verse grabs my attention. "Who has believed our message?" It's a rhetorical question but one that was referenced twice in the New Testament. But though He had performed so many signs before ...
Isaiah 52
Isaiah 52 - God's people will be redeemed. They were sold for nothing but they will be bought back without money. The foreshadowing of the future for Israel is also a foreshadowing for humanity. The Messiah will ...
Isaiah 51
Isaiah 51 - In verse 9 of this chapter the writer appears to believe that the Lord is asleep. Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; Awake as in the days of old, the ...
Isaiah 50
Isaiah 50 - Here in Isaiah 50 we read a soliloquy by the Servant as well as statements directed toward the believers and unbelievers of Israel. The soliloquy is found in the opening verses of 4-9 and ...
Isaiah 49
Isaiah 49 - His words were like a sharp arrow ready to pierce the heart. Israel would be his servant and he would be their master. But something was wrong. Their response was rejection! Though he came ...
Isaiah 48
Isaiah 48 - We who know Christ understand that the Gospel message is not a one of mystery and mysticism. Yes, some may claim this because our God is a mysterious God, however, the sending of His ...
Isaiah 47
Isaiah 47 - God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. You were secure in your wickedness; you said, 'No one sees me.' Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray. You said to yourself, 'I ...
Isaiah 46
Isaiah 46 - The weight of holding onto our idols can be unbearable. Like a backpack full of bricks, the straps pull on our shoulders, twisting our back as we awkwardly try and move forward. With each ...
Isaiah 45
Isaiah 45 - Exodus 33:20 NASB But He said, "You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!" He is the unseen God, and for good reason. If we would look at Him, ...
Isaiah 44
Isaiah 44 - "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me. Isaiah 44:6 NASB ...
Isaiah 43
Isaiah 43 - Should we forget the past or remember it? This is a troubling question. On the surface, it would seem that Isaiah has contradicted itself. For instance, in Isaiah 43:18 it says… "Do not call ...
Isaiah 42
Isaiah 42 - God is the only Savior. His creation will bring glory to Him alone and it will not be shared with an idol. In the beautiful and symbolic open verses, the theme of restoration continues. ...
Isaiah 41
Isaiah 41 - In this chapter, God is reminding His people of His promises. The people of Israel would be used to glorify the one and only true God of this world. Even though consequences were coming, ...