Tag: Devotions

Reflections on Amos 1-5

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

God is sending judgment upon the nations, and especially Israel, because of their sins.  He calls Israel to return to Him.

  • Oppression – Israel was condemned for their oppression of the poor. They were violent; they robbed, they oppressed, they crushed the poor.  All the while, they were getting rich (3:10-4:1).  Are there ways that you oppress the poor?  How might you help them instead?
  • Religion Game – God also condemned the people for playing the religion game. They continued to offer sacrifices and keep feasts and sing praises, but they were not walking with God.  God called them to walk in justice and righteousness (5:21-24); without these things their rituals are empty.  Are you walking with justice and righteousness?  Or are you just playing the religion game?
  • Return – Again and again, God disciplined Israel, but they refused to return to him (4:6-11). God called the people to seek the Lord that they may live (5:4-6).  He told them to seek good, rather than evil, that they might live (5:14-15).  But they refused to listen.  How has God disciplined you?  Are you listening?  Are you seeking the Lord?  Are there ways you need to change?

Reflections on II Chronicles 25-28

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Three pretty good kings reign, followed by one evil king.  Consider:

  • Prone to Wander – Amaziah did what was right in God’s eyes, but later he set up and worshipped Edom’s gods. Uzziah did what was right in God’s eyes, but later grew proud and entered the temple which he was not supposed to do.  Are you persevering in your walk with God, or have you started to wander?
  • Need for Instructors – Uzziah set himself to seek the Lord and had Zechariah instruct him in the fear of God (26:5) – in the same way Joash had had Jehoida to instruct him. Are you seeking the Lord?  Whose instruction are you seeking?

Reflections on II Kings 14-17

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Kings and kingdoms come, and kings and kingdoms go.  Note:

  • The Summary of Your Life – King after king comes onto the scene, reigns, and dies. And this book summarizes each one by only one standard – did he do right in the eyes of the Lord or evil in God’s sight?  What matters most is your how you live in relation to God.  How will your life be summarized?  Even the kings who did right often had exceptions noted.  Are there exceptions in your life you need to deal with?
  • Sin and Consequences – According to chapter 17, God dispersed the nation of Israel because they sinned against the Lord. Sin has consequences.  Are you taking sin in your life seriously?

Reflections on II Chronicles 22-24

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Two wicked kings and one wicked queen rule Judah, before Joash becomes king.  Observe:

  • Advisors – Ahaziah followed wicked counselors, and so Ahaziah ruled as a wicked king (22:3-4). Joash followed the advice of Jehoida the priest, and Joash did what was right in God’s eyes all the days of Jehoida (24:2).  But after Jehoida’s death, Joash and the people went after other gods; they would not listen to God’s prophets (24:17-19).  Who are your advisors?  Who do you listen to?  What direction are your counselors leading you?
  • Revival – After years of apostasy, Jehoida made a covenant with Joash and the people that they should follow the Lord. The house, altar, and images of Baal were broken down.  Joash restored the house of the Lord, and sacrifices were again made to the Lord with rejoicing and singing.  In what ways do you need to return to the Lord?

Reflections on II Kings 8-13

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Jehu becomes king of Israel and Joash becomes king of Judah.  Consider:

  • God’s Sovereignty – God said that Ahab’s family would be destroyed, and it was. God pulls down dynasties (like Ahab’s) and raises up new kings (like Jehu).  God is clearly in control.  How does this truth help you as you see the events of our world today?
  • Need of Instruction – Joash did what was right because he had someone to instruct him (12:2). Who is instructing you in the way of the Lord?  Do you listen to the instruction you receive?  Take time to pray for and thank God for those who instruct you.  Who are you instructing?

Reflections on II Kings 5-7

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Elisha continues to do mighty works by God’s power.

  • Greed – After Elisha heals Naaman from his leprosy, Elisha’s servant Gehazi wants some of Naaman’s wealth, and goes after Naaman to get it. Elisha condemns him for his greed.  What are you seeking after?  Material things or the things of God?
  • God’s Sovereignty – The Syrians surround Elisha, but God protects him by blinding the army. Syria surrounds Samaria, but again God saves them.  An army is no match for God – God is clearly greater, and in control.  Are you trusting in God’s sovereign control?  Do you look to him for help when trials come upon you?

Reflections on II King 1-4

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Two sons of Ahab take turns as king, and Elisha takes Elijah’s place.  Observe:

  • Inquiry – Ahab’s son Ahaziah hurts himself and sends messengers to inquire of Baal to see if he will recover. Elijah intercepts the messengers and brings word that Ahaziah will not recover because he sought out a false god rather than the Lord.  Where to do you turn in your trials?  Do you look to the Lord?  Do you seek his help?
  • God’s Provision – After Elijah is taken to heaven, Elisha begins to perform numerous miracles by God’s power. He makes bad water good, provides water for an army (like Moses), multiplies oil (like Elijah), raises the dead (like Elijah and Jesus), purifies bad stew, and multiplies food for 100 men (like Jesus).  Again and again, God provides through his servant Elisha.  How has he provided for you?  Do you look to the Lord to provide?

Reflections on II Chronicles 20-21

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

An army came up against Jehoshaphat and Judah.  Observe:

  • Seek the Lord’ Help – With the army approaching, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and went to the temple to seek the Lord’s help, crying out to God in prayer. What upcoming battles do you see in your future?  Are you seeking the Lord’s help?  How might 20:6 encourage you?
  • Joyful Praise – When God answered their prayers, the people responded with joy and praise. How will you respond when he answers your prayers for help?

Reflections on II Chronicles 17-19

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Jehoshaphat, another good king, reigns in Judah.

  • Drawing Others to God – Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and walked in his commands (17:3-6). But Jehoshaphat didn’t want to follow God alone; he wanted his people to follow the Lord too.  He sent out the Levites to teach the people God’s Word (17:7-9).  He went among the people himself to bring them to the Lord (19:4).  What might you do to draw your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to the Lord?
  • Bad Alliance – Jehoshaphat made an alliance with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, and is confronted with this question in 19:2: “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?” Have you made some bad alliances?

Reflections on I Kings 19-22

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Elijah flees to the desert, and God shows his power.

  • Depression – Elijah is depressed. He has fought hard, and won the battle, but one opponent knocks him down.  Now he is weary and ready to give up.  How does God restore him?  With rest, food, exercise, the presence of God, a renewed purpose, and companionship.  How might these things help you when you are depressed?
  • God over all – The Syrian king thinks God is a God of the hills, but not of the valleys and plains. God shows himself God over all places.  He cannot be contained or limited to one place.  You can never go outside of his sphere of activity.  What struggles are you facing?  God is still God even in your place of struggle.  Trust in him and wait for him to act.