Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
Written by: Elaine Cornelius
Readings: 2 Kings 18: 1 - 19:19, 19:32-37
It can be very difficult to stand up for what you believe in. Some people will disagree with you. Some may even mock you. But, it is in times of trial that we learn the truth of our faith. Do we do what is right? Do we make amends when we don’t? Are we willing to go to God with our concerns? Do we look to other sources for relief? From whom or what do we draw our strength? Do we pay attention to what the Lord has to say to us?
“Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel.” He did what was right. The proof of his faith was in his actions. He destroyed the idols and places for immoral behavior. Those wanting to overtake Judah questioned his actions. They did not understand what made his faith different from that of those who worshipped idols and manmade gods. Hezekiah refused to be turned away from his trust in the Lord. It set him apart from those both before and after him. He was blessed in his obedience and God gave him victory.
“Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel.” He did what was right. The proof of his faith was in his actions. He destroyed the idols and places for immoral behavior. Those wanting to overtake Judah questioned his actions. They did not understand what made his faith different from that of those who worshipped idols and manmade gods. Hezekiah refused to be turned away from his trust in the Lord. It set him apart from those both before and after him. He was blessed in his obedience and God gave him victory.
In this season of Advent, as I prepare for the coming of the Messiah, I prepare my heart to make room for Him. For me, this means clearing my heart of false gods that I have let invade over the year. Pride, greed, self-righteousness all must be torn down and cleared out so that I am ready for the blessings God is prepared to give.
Lord, help us to be like Hezekiah, holding fast to our faith and keeping your commands. Let us not be persuaded to turn to earthly things and away from Your steadfast care for us. I pray that you remind us of the blessings we find in obedience to You. Amen.
Family Moments:
Tuesday: Week 3, Hezekiah, Faithfulness and Deliverance, Empty Tent
The Israelites were losing faith because the King of Assyria was mocking God. Isaiah turned to God in prayer for salvation – not salvation so that he may live, but for salvation so that all may know God. How has God been acting in your lives so that all may know God? Pray a prayer asking God to use you as His light in the world, specifically praying for people you know who need to see Jesus’ light this Holiday season. Color the ornament and add it to your Jesse Tree.
Tuesday: Week 3, Hezekiah, Faithfulness and Deliverance, Empty Tent
The Israelites were losing faith because the King of Assyria was mocking God. Isaiah turned to God in prayer for salvation – not salvation so that he may live, but for salvation so that all may know God. How has God been acting in your lives so that all may know God? Pray a prayer asking God to use you as His light in the world, specifically praying for people you know who need to see Jesus’ light this Holiday season. Color the ornament and add it to your Jesse Tree.
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