2 Chronicles 30-33

27Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.

What we bless on earth is blessed by Heaven when we walk in His ways!

I was also really encouraged by the Chronicles account of Mannassah. Kings has him as the worst of the Kings of Judah, but in Chronicles we learn that he humbled himself before the Lord and repented. There is hope for the very worst of sinners!

1 Chronicles 1-4

The obvious guy who sticks out here is Jabez. Jabez sounds like the Hebrew for 'pain'. It's clear that this was on his mind alot - born in pain (4v9) and then pain stays with him because of his name. But he reminds us of something important in his prayer 'Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' God gives us our identity - He is able to release us from being defined by the events of the past and the shadows that haunt us now, and tell us who we really are, and what we one day will be.

2 Chronicles 26-29

Uzziah sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.

So his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong.

But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God

...as long as he'd sought the LORD, God had made him prosper.

2 Chronicles 22-25

I am horrified that Joash had no respect for the man who mentored him and raised him up. I am disgusted that he murdered Jehoida's son.

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9 Amaziah asked the man of God, "But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?" The man of God replied, "The LORD can give you much more than that."

I like that.

2 Kings 21-25

Amidst all the kings who do evil and worship false gods, we find Josiah, who strives to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. We see a man who first finds the Law of God, then finds the heart of God.

2 Kings 17-20

Wow - as expected, May has been an incredibly busy month, with three sundays preaching, two mid-week meetings and plenty of other jobs to get done. Hence, very few posts. However, it's now June, and time to get back to the blog! Hope you had a good time in Florida, John. I'll give you a ring nearer the weekend.

In 2 Kings 17, we learn something about the fear of the Lord. God's people are told not to fear other gods, but to fear 'the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm' and who 'will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies'. This fear is not presented as a threat, but as a comfort. As Christians, we are not called to be scared of God. The fear of the Lord is a response to God within a covenant relationship where we have peace with God. It is a response that causes us to exalt, obey and adore the Lord. God gave His son, Jesus Christ, to die for us so that we might be saved, and not be scared.

2 Chronicles 18-21

20.22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.

Praise is warfare! Praise defeats the enemy! Praise Jesus and enjoy the victory! Sing even in the prison and watch the chains come off! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!

Shout unto God with a voice of triumph!!!!!!!!!