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“May you and I always do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.” <>< Dona (06/15/20)
Please read II Chronicles 29 through 31. If you don’t have a Bible handy just click here -> Biblegateway.com. The Biblegateway website should open for you to use. Type in the chapters you want to read and select the translation you want to read them from. Click search and the chapters should appear. Once you read the suggested chapters close the screen and you should return here.
In II Chronicles 29 After Ahaz’s death, his son, Hezekiah, became king. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, Your servants, the Levites were called back to the temple to serve You, their God.
Something to think about
The Levites who were chosen by God to serve in the temple, had been kept from their duties during Ahaz’s reign. But when Hezekiah became king, he called them back into service.
Something to experience
We don’t have a wicked king who has kept us from God’s calling. But we do experience pressures or responsibilities that can render us inactive and ineffective. When we’ve been given the responsibility to minister, we shouldn’t neglect our duty. If we have become inactive in Christian service, either by choice or by circumstances we need to look for opportunities and listen to the voices God will surely send our way to help us resume our responsibilities.
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In II Chronicles 30 King Hezekiah sent letters throughout Judah and Israel encouraging everyone to return to God. He encouraged them to submit to God. He encouraged them to come and celebrate the Passover.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, some people scorned and ridiculed the messengers. But some humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem.
Something to think about
Some of the people were not interested in joining in the celebration.
Something to experience
Our efforts to tell others about God may often meet with similar reactions. Many people may even laugh at our invitation to accept Christ. But this must not stop us from reaching out.
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In II Chronicles 31:1-19 Hezekiah reinstated tithing, that is the giving of a portion of one’s income to the support of the priests and the Levites so they could be free to serve God and minister to the people. When the order went out, the Israelites generously gave.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, the Israelites brought a great amount – a tithe of everything (verse 5).
Something to think about
The Israelites responded immediately and generously. God’s work needs the support of God’s people.
Something to experience
I believe when we give of our money, our time and our energy that we make God smile. And it should make us smile too.
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In II Chronicles 31:20-21 Hezekiah did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so Hezekiah prospered.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, Hezekiah was able to lead the Israelites in spiritual renewal.
Something to think about
Hezekiah’s actions can be a model to us. Hezekiah reminded the Israelites that God is gracious and compassionate and that God would not turn from them if they returned to Him (see 30:9). Hezekiah kept going despite ridicule from some of the Israelites (see 30:10). Hezekiah removed evil influences from their life (see 30:14; 31:1). Hezekiah interceded for the Israelites, asking for the Lord’s pardon (see 30:15-20). Hezekiah was open to spontaneous worship (see 30:23). Hezekiah contributed generously to God’s work (see 31:3).
Something to experience
Perhaps you are lacking in one or more of these areas. Perhaps you would like to consider how you can apply them to your life. And perhaps you’d like to renew your commitment to God.
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Prayer