9For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”
It really got me when i read “The Lord is with you when you are with him, if you seek him he will be found by you, but if you abandon him he will abandon you”
And i realised how blessed i am to be born in the time i am where Jesus has died on the cross for us and our sins and we are able to have that one on one relationship with God! And when we seek him he will answer us, and if we abandon him he doesn’t abandon us, instead he sit there knocking and waiting for us to come back to him and open that door to let him in.
Interesting how the rise and fall of King Asa of Judah (2 Chron 15&16) almost seems to be addressed in the NT reading (Lk12:35ff): “stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning. So sad that he sought the Lord diligently for 36 years and then the last 3 it seems like he pouted because God scolded him. And yet… do I do that? Hmmmm
I love the relationship that is described here. A lot of time I feel like we think God is just looking out for us, and he is, but when we are following him in everything we do his eyes are on us and his hand protects us that much more
19And there was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of the reign of Asa.
I was fascinated that Asa followed for so long and then towards the end lost faith. It’s a good reminder to stay vigilant in our walk
You can go to bible gateway and can enter the verses you want read. This commentary between the women helps make sense of the harder passages, just try to take away one important truth you learned about God in the midst of your reading!
If I saw 7,000 sheep being sacrificed I think I’d be horrified, it sounds like a bloodbath for those poor innocent animals. Sometimes I struggle when I think about God being satisfied to see all those animals slaughtered. I know it’s to cover their sin which is more important, but the violence in the Bible never ceases to shock me. I suppose it’s a reminder of how terrible sin is and how its consequences are so terrible. How much we need a savior!
These passages intrigue me too They are so foreign to us! I try to visualize and understand. Wasn’t it like a giant barbecue? They didn’t just slaughter just for killing – but meat was given to priests and the people to eat- i think. There must have been 100s to 1000s of people involved in these times of sacrifice. Actually a muslim friend of mine told me they have a festival where every family butchers a cow or goat – a large portion is to be given to the poor and everyone eats during the festival. (If i understood well). When i read of sacrifices i imagine the time and social interactions it took to accomplish all of that!! But i appreciate other input so i can learn more!
I think it’s so interesting how Peter asks Jesus, “So, are you telling this story for us or for everyone,” and Jesus’ response is to keep talking about what He was originally saying. I love those little moments of conversation! It makes me wonder, what was in Peter’s heart to ask that? And, what was Jesus’ purpose in not directly answering the question? The context is that Jesus is basically talking about being a ready, faithful servant in the Kingdom of God. And, perhaps by not answering Peter’s question, Jesus is inviting Peter to understand a greater story. Essentially, by not answering, it would seem that Jesus is saying, “Peter, it’s just not about you and what you assume I am up to.” Anyone else’s thoughts?
I also think this was an interesting conversation! I think Jesus indirectly answers Peter by trying to help him understand the role or calling he has, to be Jesus’ steward. Then he highlighted the importance and responsibility of this stewardship.
He says it would be worse for those who knew the master’s will and didn’t get ready for him than for those who didn’t know. To whom much is given much is expected.
Stacey, my brother is gay as well and it’s something I struggle with. He thinks he can’t be a Christian because he is gay and the church will shun him. I believe I might be the only person who can help him find God’s grace and love by not being divided with him. It’s important to show him love and be a light shining with God’s spirit and it may be the one thing that brings him closer to finding Jesus! Praying for you and your brother!
Totally agree with this 100%!!! I’m my gay friends’ only Christian friend, and I am realizing more & more that I need to COMMUNICATE what I do believe, as it’s not what people typically expect the “Christian response” to be. We need to be all love, all the time, pointing others to Christ — He’ll do the rest! Hasn’t He worked on all of our hearts to expose the sin within? So it’s not my job to point it out, but to point others to His love!
I was intrigued by Jesus’ statement in Luke 12:51, “Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no; but rather division” I don’t recall ever reading that, so I dug a little deeper. I came across a sermon by John MacArthur titled “Jesus, the Great Divider”. I wanted to link it here to my comment, but being the un-tech savvy person I am, I couldn’t figure it out. :) For those interested, Google this sermon. It’s a great read! I’ve been terribly burdened by yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling on same sex marriage, as many of you have I’m sure. My brother is gay, and this has caused many divisions in my family…basically, everyone is of the opinion that I’m a judgmental, loveless fool. Jesus is telling us in this passage that He brings division. The gospel is divisive. He uses the family unit in verses 52-53 to show this division. There will be no peace in my family (or in this country) until there is peace in each individual’s heart. Until there is peace, there is division.
I apologize for the length of my post, but I’m terribly burdened by the division of this country and especially the division of my family. I ask you to please join me in praying that the hearts of the people and more specifically, the heart of my brother, would turn to Jesus and seek salvation and peace while it is being offered. Yes, God is love, but He is also just.
Thank you in advance for your prayers!
Hard stuff… Praying for the grace, mercy, love and truth of Jesus’ sacrifice to enlighten your brothers life — and all those who need His saving grace. Let hearts be softened & ready to receive the Savior.
I have been under so much stress between a house move and my toddlers and finding out my 12yr old son was looking at rotten things on his i-pod, and not knowing where we are going to move to because the Lord hasn’t opened the doors to our new home yet, and I just have been bubbling over all week until tonight I snapped! I had a horrible fight with my husband. again. I have been trying so hard to live out the fruits of the Spirit and when I am with Him he is with me…I know it….but this past week, I ignored His presence and forsake him in my busyness and it shows in the way I acted towards those around me. I feel horrible and deeply regretful because my husband is not a Christian and I know I am supposed to be a light….but I was darkness and everything opposite of the fruits of the spirit. oh, how these first verses of II Chronicles 15 tore at my heart and took me to my knees. oh, Jesus, heal my heart, guard my tongue, purify my thoughts, strengthen my marriage, protect my children from the evil one…oh God, how I desperately need you.
Iris- “The eyes of the Lord move to & fro throughout the earth that He may STRONGLY SUPPORT those whose heart is completely His.” Press on, press on. He will guide, correct, comfort & fill you with Himself. Praying for you sweet sister in the Lord.
I am praying for you! I have had so much uncertainty in my life and one thing I have learned is to rely on God’s perfect timing! Also, my dad wasn’t saved, but he eventually started going to church with my mom and got saved.
my heart ached today as I read how Israel and Judah went to war. how heartbreaking that must have been for God to see his chosen people torn against one another!
“The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.”
I have been feeling a huge weight on my heart to stop my sins that I have had trouble with my entire life, and instead turn to reading the word of God when I feel the urge to commit them. I gave myself to Christ five years ago, yet none of my words or actions have shown that as of late. I say no more. Today is the first step in my new journey to begin again, and already He is speaking to me. This verse stands out so greatly to me. What an incredible blessing to have my prayers answered the moment I begin reading.
Asa first turned to the king of Aram to deliver him and then when he was sick, he turned to physicians and not God. I think many times we turn to God after we have tried other things. When we are out of options, we pray “God you are my only hope.” I want to change my focus and acknowledge at the very outset that He is my only hope. If He uses other people or methods to help me , great. But I want to always seek Him first.
7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” So many times I can feel that what I’m doing makes no difference. But I need to remember that I am so incredibly special to Him! Being a child of the king, I am filled with joy and love for others that shines through! I need to remember that God is only a prayer away and he gives me the strength and joy that I need! Keep shining your light! I had someone recently tell me I was an inspiration to them. I never would have thought that I was. Just know to never give up. Whatever you’re going through, God can and WILL give you the strength. And someday, HEAVEN is our reward!! Keep on keeping on!
“God’s eyes seek to strengthen the hearts of those fully committed to following him”…Believers right now need to stand firm in their faith despite the changes occurring!!
From 2 Chor 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
I love this..the passages throughout chapters 15 and 16 that remind us that God will be found if we seek him. And I don’t know about everyone else, but I find immense comfort in the idea that if my heart is committed to Him, He will strengthen it. God’s word is so good!
From verse 48: Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
I have written next to this verse James 1:22–Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!”
How I have interpreted this is We have been entrusted with much, we have the Word of God in our hands right now! Much will be required of us–we have to DO what His word says, not just listen! Lord, be our Helper! You have equipped us and entrusted us with much, now help us listen and follow every day!!
❤️
❤️
❤️
9For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”
7But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”
7But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”
It really got me when i read “The Lord is with you when you are with him, if you seek him he will be found by you, but if you abandon him he will abandon you”
And i realised how blessed i am to be born in the time i am where Jesus has died on the cross for us and our sins and we are able to have that one on one relationship with God! And when we seek him he will answer us, and if we abandon him he doesn’t abandon us, instead he sit there knocking and waiting for us to come back to him and open that door to let him in.
✅
Interesting how the rise and fall of King Asa of Judah (2 Chron 15&16) almost seems to be addressed in the NT reading (Lk12:35ff): “stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning. So sad that he sought the Lord diligently for 36 years and then the last 3 it seems like he pouted because God scolded him. And yet… do I do that? Hmmmm
I love the relationship that is described here. A lot of time I feel like we think God is just looking out for us, and he is, but when we are following him in everything we do his eyes are on us and his hand protects us that much more
Good reminder Michelle!
19And there was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of the reign of Asa.
I was fascinated that Asa followed for so long and then towards the end lost faith. It’s a good reminder to stay vigilant in our walk
4but when in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them. -ellie
I am McKenzie this is my first day I tried starting from the first day but it was hard to follow is there a way it will read it to me?
You can go to bible gateway and can enter the verses you want read. This commentary between the women helps make sense of the harder passages, just try to take away one important truth you learned about God in the midst of your reading!
If I saw 7,000 sheep being sacrificed I think I’d be horrified, it sounds like a bloodbath for those poor innocent animals. Sometimes I struggle when I think about God being satisfied to see all those animals slaughtered. I know it’s to cover their sin which is more important, but the violence in the Bible never ceases to shock me. I suppose it’s a reminder of how terrible sin is and how its consequences are so terrible. How much we need a savior!
AMEN, how much we need a savior!!
These passages intrigue me too They are so foreign to us! I try to visualize and understand. Wasn’t it like a giant barbecue? They didn’t just slaughter just for killing – but meat was given to priests and the people to eat- i think. There must have been 100s to 1000s of people involved in these times of sacrifice. Actually a muslim friend of mine told me they have a festival where every family butchers a cow or goat – a large portion is to be given to the poor and everyone eats during the festival. (If i understood well). When i read of sacrifices i imagine the time and social interactions it took to accomplish all of that!! But i appreciate other input so i can learn more!
I think it’s so interesting how Peter asks Jesus, “So, are you telling this story for us or for everyone,” and Jesus’ response is to keep talking about what He was originally saying. I love those little moments of conversation! It makes me wonder, what was in Peter’s heart to ask that? And, what was Jesus’ purpose in not directly answering the question? The context is that Jesus is basically talking about being a ready, faithful servant in the Kingdom of God. And, perhaps by not answering Peter’s question, Jesus is inviting Peter to understand a greater story. Essentially, by not answering, it would seem that Jesus is saying, “Peter, it’s just not about you and what you assume I am up to.” Anyone else’s thoughts?
Agreed to that, Mary Beth!
I also think this was an interesting conversation! I think Jesus indirectly answers Peter by trying to help him understand the role or calling he has, to be Jesus’ steward. Then he highlighted the importance and responsibility of this stewardship.
He answers Peter’s question!
He says it would be worse for those who knew the master’s will and didn’t get ready for him than for those who didn’t know. To whom much is given much is expected.
Stacey, my brother is gay as well and it’s something I struggle with. He thinks he can’t be a Christian because he is gay and the church will shun him. I believe I might be the only person who can help him find God’s grace and love by not being divided with him. It’s important to show him love and be a light shining with God’s spirit and it may be the one thing that brings him closer to finding Jesus! Praying for you and your brother!
Totally agree with this 100%!!! I’m my gay friends’ only Christian friend, and I am realizing more & more that I need to COMMUNICATE what I do believe, as it’s not what people typically expect the “Christian response” to be. We need to be all love, all the time, pointing others to Christ — He’ll do the rest! Hasn’t He worked on all of our hearts to expose the sin within? So it’s not my job to point it out, but to point others to His love!
I was intrigued by Jesus’ statement in Luke 12:51, “Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no; but rather division” I don’t recall ever reading that, so I dug a little deeper. I came across a sermon by John MacArthur titled “Jesus, the Great Divider”. I wanted to link it here to my comment, but being the un-tech savvy person I am, I couldn’t figure it out. :) For those interested, Google this sermon. It’s a great read! I’ve been terribly burdened by yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling on same sex marriage, as many of you have I’m sure. My brother is gay, and this has caused many divisions in my family…basically, everyone is of the opinion that I’m a judgmental, loveless fool. Jesus is telling us in this passage that He brings division. The gospel is divisive. He uses the family unit in verses 52-53 to show this division. There will be no peace in my family (or in this country) until there is peace in each individual’s heart. Until there is peace, there is division.
I apologize for the length of my post, but I’m terribly burdened by the division of this country and especially the division of my family. I ask you to please join me in praying that the hearts of the people and more specifically, the heart of my brother, would turn to Jesus and seek salvation and peace while it is being offered. Yes, God is love, but He is also just.
Thank you in advance for your prayers!
Hard stuff… Praying for the grace, mercy, love and truth of Jesus’ sacrifice to enlighten your brothers life — and all those who need His saving grace. Let hearts be softened & ready to receive the Savior.
Thank you, Heidi.
I have been under so much stress between a house move and my toddlers and finding out my 12yr old son was looking at rotten things on his i-pod, and not knowing where we are going to move to because the Lord hasn’t opened the doors to our new home yet, and I just have been bubbling over all week until tonight I snapped! I had a horrible fight with my husband. again. I have been trying so hard to live out the fruits of the Spirit and when I am with Him he is with me…I know it….but this past week, I ignored His presence and forsake him in my busyness and it shows in the way I acted towards those around me. I feel horrible and deeply regretful because my husband is not a Christian and I know I am supposed to be a light….but I was darkness and everything opposite of the fruits of the spirit. oh, how these first verses of II Chronicles 15 tore at my heart and took me to my knees. oh, Jesus, heal my heart, guard my tongue, purify my thoughts, strengthen my marriage, protect my children from the evil one…oh God, how I desperately need you.
I will be praying for you and your new journey. It’s tough but there is God in all of it. God bless your entire family.
Iris- “The eyes of the Lord move to & fro throughout the earth that He may STRONGLY SUPPORT those whose heart is completely His.” Press on, press on. He will guide, correct, comfort & fill you with Himself. Praying for you sweet sister in the Lord.
I am praying for you! I have had so much uncertainty in my life and one thing I have learned is to rely on God’s perfect timing! Also, my dad wasn’t saved, but he eventually started going to church with my mom and got saved.
I haven’t read this yet..I can’t wait to though!! I’m 12 almost 13 and today will be my first day of the “bible in 1 year” I can’t wait!!!
Good for you! A wonderful new habit! You can do it!
Cassidy! Welcome! I wish I had started this when I was your age…God bless you!
How cool is that! :)
How awesome, Cassidy!! Stick with this goal, I know God will bless you for your commitment!!
my heart ached today as I read how Israel and Judah went to war. how heartbreaking that must have been for God to see his chosen people torn against one another!
“The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.”
I have been feeling a huge weight on my heart to stop my sins that I have had trouble with my entire life, and instead turn to reading the word of God when I feel the urge to commit them. I gave myself to Christ five years ago, yet none of my words or actions have shown that as of late. I say no more. Today is the first step in my new journey to begin again, and already He is speaking to me. This verse stands out so greatly to me. What an incredible blessing to have my prayers answered the moment I begin reading.
God bless all of you. x
Jessica, praying God gives you the strength to change. Enjoy your new journey!
Jessica, what a powerful testimony! God is with you!
Thank you Linda and Leah! :) x
Asa first turned to the king of Aram to deliver him and then when he was sick, he turned to physicians and not God. I think many times we turn to God after we have tried other things. When we are out of options, we pray “God you are my only hope.” I want to change my focus and acknowledge at the very outset that He is my only hope. If He uses other people or methods to help me , great. But I want to always seek Him first.
Amen!
7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” So many times I can feel that what I’m doing makes no difference. But I need to remember that I am so incredibly special to Him! Being a child of the king, I am filled with joy and love for others that shines through! I need to remember that God is only a prayer away and he gives me the strength and joy that I need! Keep shining your light! I had someone recently tell me I was an inspiration to them. I never would have thought that I was. Just know to never give up. Whatever you’re going through, God can and WILL give you the strength. And someday, HEAVEN is our reward!! Keep on keeping on!
“God’s eyes seek to strengthen the hearts of those fully committed to following him”…Believers right now need to stand firm in their faith despite the changes occurring!!
Amen Erin!!
Yes!
Very true
From 2 Chor 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
I love this..the passages throughout chapters 15 and 16 that remind us that God will be found if we seek him. And I don’t know about everyone else, but I find immense comfort in the idea that if my heart is committed to Him, He will strengthen it. God’s word is so good!
From verse 48: Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
I have written next to this verse James 1:22–Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!”
How I have interpreted this is We have been entrusted with much, we have the Word of God in our hands right now! Much will be required of us–we have to DO what His word says, not just listen! Lord, be our Helper! You have equipped us and entrusted us with much, now help us listen and follow every day!!
God bless the reader as well as the word :) good read