1 Corinthians 1-6; Proverbs 31:10-31
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AMATEUR CHRISTIANS
1 Corinthians 2:1-6
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's.
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"—but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
"For who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
AMATEUR CHRISTIANS
READ: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
The love of Christ compels us. —2 Corinthians 5:14
The word amateur has been redefined over the years and has lost the luster of its original meaning. The English word comes from the Latin word amore, which means “to love.” An amateur is someone who does something simply for the love of it.
In today’s way of thinking, receiving payment moves you into a “higher” category—that of a professional. The reasoning is that if someone is willing to pay for your service, you must be really good. An amateur, therefore, is considered to have less skill or talent.
As I read my Bible, however, I see a different hierarchy of values. During the time of Jesus, the religious professionals were using their position to gain power and prestige for themselves, not to serve the people. Jesus didn’t choose those who were wise, mighty, or noble by human standards (1 Cor. 1:26). He sought those willing to follow Him and be trained for loving service.
In today’s world, the scene is much the same. God is still looking for “amateurs,” those who will serve the Lord for the sheer love of it. Compelled by our love for Jesus, may we, like the disciples and apostles before us, proclaim the love of God for the world by following Christ’s example of loving and serving others. — Julie Ackerman Link
1 Corinthians 2:1-6
When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's.
We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"—but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
"For who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
2 Chronicles 10-12; Proverbs 31:1-9
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2 Chronicles 11:13-17
The priests and Levites from all their districts throughout Israel sided with him. The Levites even abandoned their pasturelands and property, and came to Judah and Jerusalem because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD. And he appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat and calf idols he had made. Those from every tribe of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the LORD, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the LORD, the God of their fathers. They strengthened the kingdom of Judah and supported Rehoboam son of Solomon three years, walking in the ways of David and Solomon during this time.
2 Chronicles 11:13-17
The priests and Levites from all their districts throughout Israel sided with him. The Levites even abandoned their pasturelands and property, and came to Judah and Jerusalem because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD. And he appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat and calf idols he had made. Those from every tribe of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the LORD, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the LORD, the God of their fathers. They strengthened the kingdom of Judah and supported Rehoboam son of Solomon three years, walking in the ways of David and Solomon during this time.
2 Chronicles 7-9; Proverbs 30:21-23
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2 Chronicles 7:1-3
When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying,
"He is good;
his love endures forever."
I have heard people say that our church service restricts God because we have to end at a certain time to clear the sanctuary and the parking lot for the next service. Somehow I don't think that's a problem for God. As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, God made his presence known. If God did that today, I think people in our church would notice and not insist on keeping our schedule.
2 Chronicles 7:1-3
When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying,
"He is good;
his love endures forever."
I have heard people say that our church service restricts God because we have to end at a certain time to clear the sanctuary and the parking lot for the next service. Somehow I don't think that's a problem for God. As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, God made his presence known. If God did that today, I think people in our church would notice and not insist on keeping our schedule.
2 Chronicles 4-6; Proverbs 30:10-20
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The Ark Comes Home
2 Chronicles 5:12-14
The Ark Comes Home
2 Chronicles 5:12-14
All the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang:
"He is good;
his love endures forever."
Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.
2 Chronicles 1-3; Proverbs 30:1-9
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What not to ask for . . .
1 Chronicles 1:7-12
What not to ask for . . .
1 Chronicles 1:7-12
God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
Solomon answered God, . . . "Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have."
1 Chronicles 28-29; Proverbs 29:21-27
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"Endearing Lord," a hymn by Barney E. Warren, based on 1 Chronicles 29:11: "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all." Click here to hear the tune.
"Endearing Lord," a hymn by Barney E. Warren, based on 1 Chronicles 29:11: "Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all." Click here to hear the tune.
- O Christ divine, O God of love,
Thou source of every good;
I’ll live in time and heav’n above,
And serve Thee as I should.- Refrain:
Endearing Lord! Majestic One!
With radiant glories crowned;
Oh, Thou hast conquered, I have come,
Thy pard’ning grace I’ve found.
- Refrain:
- Sweet peace and love now reign within,
Like rolling rivers flow;
Thus keeping all my life from sin
In this vain world below. - My life and breath are in Thy hand,
My joys and all I know;
I live and breathe at Thy command—
Then shall I leave Thee? No. - Lord, if I had ten thousand lives,
I’d give them all to Thee;
Thy matchless goodness surely proves
Thy wondrous love to me. - Majestic Christ! O dearest Friend!
Thou princely One so pure;
Let men and angel voices blend,
Thy royal name adore.
1 Chronicles 25-27; Proverbs 29:1-7
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"The righteous care about justice for the poor,
but the wicked have no such concern." (Proverbs 29:7)
"The righteous care about justice for the poor,
but the wicked have no such concern." (Proverbs 29:7)
1 Chronicles 22-24; Proverbs 28:15-28
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"May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged." (1 Chronicles 22:12-13)
"Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God." (1 Chronicles 22:19)
"Morning Worship," a hymn by Barney E. Warren, based on 1 Chronicles 23:30: "They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD. They were to do the same in the evening." Click here to hear the tune.
"May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged." (1 Chronicles 22:12-13)
"Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God." (1 Chronicles 22:19)
"Morning Worship," a hymn by Barney E. Warren, based on 1 Chronicles 23:30: "They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD. They were to do the same in the evening." Click here to hear the tune.
- In the dawning of the morning,
How our hearts with praises swell,
When we think of God’s great goodness,
Which we here with rapture tell.
Oh, we love Him and adore Him—
Worship Him in song and prayer—
As we humbly wait before Him,
We His righteousness declare.- Refrain:
Oh, praise the Lord for His grace and truth,
For the peace we have today,
For the light that gleams like morning beams,
All along the holy way!
- Refrain:
- As the silent shades of darkness
Lift their veil from o’er the skies,
See the orb of day, refulgent
In His glowing splendor, rise.
So our night of sin is over,
Past are all our mourning days:
For the light of full salvation,
Lord, accept our grateful praise. - Start the wave of music rolling
On the softly floating breeze;
Join the feathered songsters’ warble,
As they sing among the trees.
Wake the song of inspiration,
Ere we cross the vale of death;
Laud His name in all creation,
Every creature having breath.
1 Chronicles 19-21; Proverbs 28:1-14
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"Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD,
but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble." (Proverbs 28:15)
"Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD,
but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble." (Proverbs 28:15)
1 Chronicles 13-15; Proverbs 27:1-14
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READ: James 4:1-10
READ: James 4:1-10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. —James 4:10
Ray Bethell is a world champion kite flyer. He can make multiple kites twist and turn in such precision that they behave as if they are one. As I watched an amazing video of Ray and his three synchronized kites, I recalled a poem I had read many years ago.
In the library of Pastor Howard Sugden, I came across a well-worn book containing the works of John Newton. Inside was a poem titled “The Kite; or Pride Must Have a Fall.” The kite in Newton’s poem dreamed of being cut free from its string: “Were I but free, I’d take a flight, / And pierce the clouds beyond their sight, / But, ah! Like a poor pris’ner bound, / My string confines me near the ground.” The kite does finally manage to tug itself free, but instead of soaring higher in the sky, it crashes into the sea.
The analogy calls me to reconsider some “strings” that make me feel constrained. Vows. Promises. Commitments. Responsibilities. Although such things make me feel tied down, God uses them to hold me up. As James teaches, it is our willingness to be humbled (or held down) that God uses to lift us up (James 4:10).
Before cutting any string, make sure it’s not one that’s holding you up. — Julie Ackerman Link
Watch Ray and his kites . . .Romans 9-12; Proverbs 26:17-28
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Keep the Fire Burning
Read: Romans 12:9-21
Be fervent in spirit. —Romans 12:11
Modern furnaces have taken the work out of keeping warm in cold climates. We simply set the timer on the thermostat, and the house is warm when we get up in the morning. But in former days, fire was carefully tended and fuel supplies were closely monitored. Running out could be deadly.
The same is true spiritually. If we think our “spiritual fire” can be ignited as easily as a modern furnace, we risk losing our fervor for the Lord.
In ancient Israel, the priests were instructed not to let the fire on the altar go out (Lev. 6:9,12-13). This required a lot of work, not the least of which was collecting firewood in a land not known for its dense forests.
Some scholars see the fire on the altar as a symbol for the flame of our devotion for the Lord. Spiritual passion is not something to be treated lightly or taken for granted. It will grow cold if we fail to keep it supplied with fuel.
The apostle Paul addressed the subject of spiritual fervor in his letter to the Romans (12:1-2,11). To keep the fire of our devotion burning strong, we must continue the hard work of stocking our fuel supply with hope, patience, steadfast prayer, generosity, hospitality, and humility (vv.11-16). — Julie Ackerman Link
Published in Our Daily Bread on 12 August 2007.
Prayer by Lionel Low, inspired by "Keep the Fire Burning"
According to what Julie Ackerman Link wrote, to keep the fire of our devotion burning strong, we must continue the hard work of stocking our spiritual fuel supply with:
Lord I know it's easy to become lukewarm, especially when we're facing and living with people who have no passion for You. With each day passing by, if we do not do anything, we may follow mainstream and get cold, forgetting what sparked our flame to glorious brightness in the first place.
It's never easy when it comes to handling relationships. Lord I thank You for the brothers and sisters around me who encourage me through this journey, people who have helped to fuel my passion. While I'm still walking through this life on earth Father, I pray that people around me may be blessed as well, and when I bring Your good news to them, by Your will I may be able to ignite their long dried heap of grass into a blazingly beautiful fire of burning passion for You.
Keep the Fire Burning
Read: Romans 12:9-21
Be fervent in spirit. —Romans 12:11
Modern furnaces have taken the work out of keeping warm in cold climates. We simply set the timer on the thermostat, and the house is warm when we get up in the morning. But in former days, fire was carefully tended and fuel supplies were closely monitored. Running out could be deadly.
The same is true spiritually. If we think our “spiritual fire” can be ignited as easily as a modern furnace, we risk losing our fervor for the Lord.
In ancient Israel, the priests were instructed not to let the fire on the altar go out (Lev. 6:9,12-13). This required a lot of work, not the least of which was collecting firewood in a land not known for its dense forests.
Some scholars see the fire on the altar as a symbol for the flame of our devotion for the Lord. Spiritual passion is not something to be treated lightly or taken for granted. It will grow cold if we fail to keep it supplied with fuel.
The apostle Paul addressed the subject of spiritual fervor in his letter to the Romans (12:1-2,11). To keep the fire of our devotion burning strong, we must continue the hard work of stocking our fuel supply with hope, patience, steadfast prayer, generosity, hospitality, and humility (vv.11-16). — Julie Ackerman Link
Published in Our Daily Bread on 12 August 2007.
Prayer by Lionel Low, inspired by "Keep the Fire Burning"
According to what Julie Ackerman Link wrote, to keep the fire of our devotion burning strong, we must continue the hard work of stocking our spiritual fuel supply with:
- Hope
- Patience
- Steadfast prayer
- Generosity
- Hospitality
- Humility
Lord I know it's easy to become lukewarm, especially when we're facing and living with people who have no passion for You. With each day passing by, if we do not do anything, we may follow mainstream and get cold, forgetting what sparked our flame to glorious brightness in the first place.
It's never easy when it comes to handling relationships. Lord I thank You for the brothers and sisters around me who encourage me through this journey, people who have helped to fuel my passion. While I'm still walking through this life on earth Father, I pray that people around me may be blessed as well, and when I bring Your good news to them, by Your will I may be able to ignite their long dried heap of grass into a blazingly beautiful fire of burning passion for You.
1 Chronicles 4-6; Proverbs 25:1-14
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In today's reading we come to the once-obscure passage made wildly popular by Bruce Wilkerson's book The Prayer of Jabez. The entire book is based on a one-verse prayer and a one-sentence commentary:
Of course, that was no longer true after Wilkerson spun the prayer and turned it into a get-whatever-you-want-from-God formula. Yes, Jabez got what he wanted from God, but was it what God wanted him to have? We don't know. We only know that Jabez, in his pain-free life, did nothing worth writing about.
For quite some time I thought I was the only person on the face of the earth who was put off by Wilkinson's interpretation. But then I learned that Richard Schultz, a friend and former college classmate from Michigan State, now a Bible professor at Wheaton College, not only shared my view, but also had written a paper on it: "Praying Jabez's prayer: Turning an obscure biblical narrative into a miracle-working mantra." In it, he says,
In today's reading we come to the once-obscure passage made wildly popular by Bruce Wilkerson's book The Prayer of Jabez. The entire book is based on a one-verse prayer and a one-sentence commentary:
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10)Long before Wilkinson published his book, I wrote a cryptic note in the margin of my Bible. After reading "And God granted his request," I wrote: And he was never heard from again.
Of course, that was no longer true after Wilkerson spun the prayer and turned it into a get-whatever-you-want-from-God formula. Yes, Jabez got what he wanted from God, but was it what God wanted him to have? We don't know. We only know that Jabez, in his pain-free life, did nothing worth writing about.
For quite some time I thought I was the only person on the face of the earth who was put off by Wilkinson's interpretation. But then I learned that Richard Schultz, a friend and former college classmate from Michigan State, now a Bible professor at Wheaton College, not only shared my view, but also had written a paper on it: "Praying Jabez's prayer: Turning an obscure biblical narrative into a miracle-working mantra." In it, he says,
The greatest problem with the current "prayer of Jabez" fad is its one-sided focus on personal, and especially material, blessing. Although this may not be Wilkinson's intent, all of the examples cited in his book and reported on the book's website involve either concrete benefits such as healing, new property, career advancement, investment gains, or quantifiable "Jabez appointments." No suggestion is made that praying the prayer of Jabez could also result in the type of spiritual growth that Paul prays for repeatedly in his Epistles (e.g., Eph 3:16-19; Col 1:9-14; Phil 1:9-11; 2 Thess 1:11-12), even though these traits are foundational for effective Christian service. . . . God's desire is for us to learn to trust, obey, develop perseverance, and serve him where we are, especially if our circumstances involve suffering and pain, rather than requesting an enlarged (i.e., different) territory. Like Paul, we can learn to be content (Phil 4:12) and be faithful in small matters, leaving it up to God to give us greater responsibilities if he so chooses (Luke 16:10).Richard concludes his article with a great quotation by one of his seminary professors: "As my hermeneutics professor would say, rather ironically, 'Wonderful things in the Bible I see, most of them put there by you or by me!'"
2 Kings 24-25; Proverbs 24:13-22
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Today is Shavuot, the day when Jews celebrate the giving of the Law on Mt Sinai. Click here for more information.
In many years, Shavuot corresponds with Pentecost, but this year Pentecost was celebrated on May 11, which was Mother's Day. Click here to read an interesting perspective as to why Pentecost is pretty much a neglected (and misunderstood) Christian holiday.
Today is Shavuot, the day when Jews celebrate the giving of the Law on Mt Sinai. Click here for more information.
In many years, Shavuot corresponds with Pentecost, but this year Pentecost was celebrated on May 11, which was Mother's Day. Click here to read an interesting perspective as to why Pentecost is pretty much a neglected (and misunderstood) Christian holiday.
Psalms 69-71
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Psalm 69:13-15
But I pray to you, O LORD,
in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
answer me with your sure salvation.
Rescue me from the mire,
do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
from the deep waters.
Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
or the depths swallow me up
or the pit close its mouth over me.
Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love;
in your great mercy turn to me.
Psalm 69:13-15
But I pray to you, O LORD,
in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
answer me with your sure salvation.
Rescue me from the mire,
do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
from the deep waters.
Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
or the depths swallow me up
or the pit close its mouth over me.
Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love;
in your great mercy turn to me.
Romans 5-8; Proverbs 24:1-12
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Romans 5:2-8
[W]e rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
[I]n all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." (Psalm 44:22)
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:2-8
[W]e rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 8:28[I]n all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." (Psalm 44:22)
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Kings 22-23; Proverbs 23:29-35
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2 Kings 22:23
Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people, that they would become accursed and laid waste, and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD.
2 Kings 23:3
The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD—to follow the LORD and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.
2 Kings 23:24-25
Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the other detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the LORD. Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.
2 Kings 22:23
Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people, that they would become accursed and laid waste, and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD.
2 Kings 23:3
The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD—to follow the LORD and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.
2 Kings 23:24-25
Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the other detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the LORD. Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.
2 Kings 19-21; Proverbs 23:12-28
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2 Kings 20:1-6
In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover."
2 Kings 20:1-6
In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover."
Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, "Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.' "
2 Kings 10-12; Proverbs 22:9-16
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He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious
will have the king for his friend. —Proverbs 22:11
He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious
will have the king for his friend. —Proverbs 22:11
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