Bible Chapter: II Chronicles 13 & 14

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    These two chapters show the contradiction of serving God and rejecting Him.  We also see the sorrow and loss that results from sin.  The nation that had God’s blessing and His eternal covenant had become a divided nation.  They were fighting each other.  One half million choice men of Israel were killed in one battle.  Here they were fighting amongst themselves and there was a great slaughter.  The suffering was immense.
    The opposite is also seen as Asa became king in Judah after the death of Abijah.  Asa did what was good in God’s eyes as he destroyed the places of worship to foreign gods.  They saw God’s help and provision because of their faithfulness.  They saw the benefits and blessings of obedience.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The spiritual battle is ongoing.  The temptation always looks so attractive.  Doing things against God appears to be the most fun.  The stories in the Bible show us that God’s way is always best in the long run.  While we know this truth, people still struggle.  I have recently heard of some who have been strong spiritually who are simply rejecting it all and walking away.  I know people who have suddenly said that up is down and black is white.  They have walked away from the joy of the Lord to pursue the “pleasures of sin”.  This never works.  I want to continue to apply God’s way to life.

3.  How can I help someone?
    What works?  In every career or job there are things that work and things that don’t work.  There are cheap and defective products that work for a while and then break.  I have discovered that it doesn’t pay to buy cheap tools.  I have some tools I bought over forty years ago that still work well because I bought good tools.  This principle applies to life.  Obedience to God is buying good tools that will stand the test of time.  Live life God’s way.