The man whose name means “the strength of God” goes it alone and arranges his own demolition. Amaziah seems to be writing us a manual on The Top Ten Blunders of Unsuccessful People. It was a bad idea to seek the help of men rather than God by hiring the Israelites. Now “Amaziah discharged the troops […]
“When you pray, say…” (Lk 11:2). Pre-approved. That’s the word used to describe someone who is promised a certain amount of credit in advance. Pre-approved loans or credit cards are offered to consumers so they can do business with the confidence that the money will be available. But wait! Imagine if we had pre-approved prayers! […]
Loyal hearts are characterized by saying, “Yes, Lord,” in every circumstance, whatever the consequences. So the bad brothers (Zabad the son of Shimeath the Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabitess) murdered Joash in his bed. It’s probably not a great idea to have unconverted Ammonites and Moabites in your inner circle! “Then Amaziah his son […]
“This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you” (Ex 12:2). As a new year begins, may we enter fully into the high privilege of our relationship in the Lord Jesus Christ. “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual […]
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev 22:20). Here is the last prayer in the Bible. Paul wrote, “The time is short” (1 Cor 7:29). Knowing the times we live in, and the certainty of His return, how should we respond? On May […]
“We desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb 6:11-12). “A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a […]
“Do not avenge yourselves,…for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Rom 12:19). The biblical writers had a wonderful way of melding time with consequence. Listen to the next phrase in the ongoing drama. “So it happened…” (2 Chron 24:23). We know what happened before this. Like a vine ripe with God’s blessing […]
“Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples” (1 Chron 16:23-24). Looking for a great resolution for the coming year? You couldn’t do better than this! To sing the Lord’s praises more, to share […]