Bible Chapter: II Chronicles 31 & 32

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.
    King Hezekiah called for the people to serve God and not the evil deities.  They responded in obedience and they broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the wooden images.  Then the king appointed the priests and Levites to do their work in serving the Lord.  He called for the people to bring their tithes and offerings to contribute for the support of the temple.  The people responded well and brought an abundance of their firstfruits.  The results where shown when Azariah, the chief priest, said they had enough because the people were faithful in bringing their tithes and offerings.   This is a good illustration of God’s plan and provision for His house.  This still works well today.
    Sennacherib king of Assyria came to attack Jerusalem.  He mocked the people saying that they were being duped by Hezekiah to think that their God would protect them.  He said he had been successful in conquering other lands and that Jerusalem would fall because the God they served could not help them. Hezekiah had a great response to the people.  "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. 8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles." 32:7-8.  Don’t be tricked, for Sennacherib only has human power, we have the Creator God with us.  And, what happened?  The Lord sent an angel who cut down the mighty men in the Assyrian camp.  God protected them.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God honors faithfulness, obedience and generosity.  The people destroyed all the idols and worshiped God.  They were faithful in supporting God’s work.  God honored all of that. And, when the enemy came in, mocking and saying that God’s people were vulnerable, they trusted God and saw Him intervene.  Continuing to trust God is always the best way.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Keep your focus on God and what he has said.  Trust Him.  Don’t be tricked to think that He will fail you.  When it looks bad, keep focusing on HIM.  Let God carry you through and provide.