KING JEHOIAKIM

The King with a changed  name. -its meaning- whom God will raise up.

Neco made Joahaz brother Eliakim king of Judah and changed his name to Jehoiakim . Joahaz was taken to Egypt by Neco. 2 Chronicles 36:4

Jehoiakim's 11-year reign was disastrous. Although he had opportunity to follow his father Josiah's righteous example, Jehoiakim turned to evil. Jeremiah described him as a presumptuous ruler who abused his own people and persecuted and murdered God's servants (Jeremiah 26:20-23).

Its not just enough to have a name changed during a baptism service or a born again experience and thereby to be known by a biblical name which carries fantastic spiritual meanings. The Christian life is  deeper than that and - must be based on the fear of God.An inward  spiritual change is what matters to God. Eliakim had a new name- Jehoiakim- but his manner of life did not reflect the meaning of that  name. Although his new name meant that God will raise up- in reality, he sunk. The name change did not affect him one little bit. He was captured and carried off to Babylon in chains.2 Chronicles 36:6

It is regretabble that even some notable preachers bore biblical names- but plunged other Christians into misery.David Koresh is just one example among so many. Don't join their ranks.Instead heed the  admonition of the Scriptures- " Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind"

When a Christian appears before the judgment seat of Christ- he would not be asked by what name he was known here on earth. All that would matter on that day is whether he did the Fathers will.Remember Jehoiakim's life.

MY HEARTS PRAYER

God of my life, I welcome this new day
Its your gift to me- the first day of the rest of my life
I thank you for the gift of being alive this morning
I thank you for the sleep which has refreshed me
I thank you for the chance  to begin life all over again


Lord, this day is full of promise and opportunity
Help me not to waste it away
This day is full of mystery and of the unknown
Help me face it without anxiety
During this day,may I become a mote thoughtful person
A more prayerful person, a more generous and kindly person 
Lord, bless this day for me and for all of us. Amen.

KING JEHOAHAZ=2 CHRONICLES 36: -Draft

 “.........And Necho took Jehoahaz his brother and carried him off to Egypt.”

Someone has once said that in life  we have to play the card that we are dealt with.Jehoahaz had the misfortune of being born as Eliakims's brother. After King Necho killed their father, he changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim and imposed on the land  an enormous tax.And to ensure that Jehoiakim  paid the money he carried his brother Jehoahaz off to Egypt. Jehoahaz seems to have got a bad deal in life.

Not much of  this man's life is recorded for us except that he died in Egypt.[2 Kings 23:34]. I assume Jehoahaz must have cried a lot when the time came for him to be deported.Maybe you are also caught up in a situation which is beyond your control. Far from home and among strangers. This can be especially true for students who are enrolled in Universities and brethren in the city because of their new jobs.

Whether its peace of mind , courage or provision of our needs, we place ourselves in His hands and on His schedule. Faith embraces the reality of the Scriptures which states- “ I will never leave you or forsake you,so we say with confidence- The Lord is my helper, I will be not be afraid-what can man do unto me ?”

When life seems to take everything away from us, as it did for Jehoahaz- refrain from despair.We need to endure the incoming roar of the moment until God  “changes the times and the season”. It is God at work. God will never abandon you. And when His work is done, He will usher you to the next stage for your spiritual well being and  growth. “You are the potter, I am the clay” Journey well, my friend.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus  Christ and the  fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the love of the Father be with you forever more. Amen.

KING JOSIAH - THE LEGAL APPROACH

THE EVIDENTIAL ISSUES.

2 Chronicles Ch .35 v 25 "Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah....

 Jeremiah preached inward repentance.The priest was concerned about the nations idolatry.While cleansing the temple, Hikiah the priest accidentally "stumbles" upon a Book. He passes it on to Shaphan the secretary who in turn passes the Book to Josiah.To corroborate its authenticy, they are sent to Huldah- an unknown woman- who pronounces judgment on the land- but King Josiah would die in peace.

One wonders why they enquired from this lady from the servants quarters when Jeremiah was still around prophesying. Of course, it was a set up job. The prophecy turned out to be completely false.First judgment was to come from the Chaldeans as prophesied by Jeremiah. But Josiah, incited by the Priest Hilkiah went on a rampage against the idolaters of the land- to the point of burning the bones of the priests upon the  altars.The irony is that after Josiah died, the Hebrews went back to pagan worship.The great "revival' ended with Josiah's death.

The evidence is clear. Hilkiah wanted to centralize  worship and get rid of the idolaters.But he was frustrated by Jeremiahs prophecies. Hilkiah  had no political clout. But the Book of Moses had great authority.And Hilkiah used the Bible.A whole nation was fooled. It was the ultimate deception. From David Koresh,Jim Jones to Hilkiah - deception from religious authorities is the ultimate weapon of Satan.Eventually the nation was wiped out by the Chaldeans.Exactly as prophesied by Jeremiah.

Disciples: What will be the Sign of your coming?

Jesus Christ: Take heed that you do not be deceived.

KING JOSIAH - THE EXEGETICAL APPROACH

THE BIBLE READERS DILEMMA

"....and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace....'"  (2 Kings 22:18-20)   "And his servants carried him dead in a chariot from Megiddo..." (2 Kings 23:29-30)

King Josiah's life is an enigma. First the prophecy about him that he would die in peace. The reality was that his life ended  tragically at the hands of an Egyptian King. What is the the Bible reader to make out of all this?

Let us examine the situation. God gave the promise of a peaceful ending to King Josiah.In the Old Testament, God is a Covenant keeping God. The New Testament teachings are conditional too.God has provided the atonement for the world. The command? Repent and believe  in this message. We can have fellowship with God .The conditions?  If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another.."

To grab at promises while ignoring the conditons attached is dangerous. In the 80's many  Christians  were caught up in the "Confess and Possess" doctrine, only to be severely disappointed.( although the Bible promises many things) Our faith must be rooted in the whole counsel of God. A believer is advised not to select Scriptures here and there and expect God to work.Josiah had Gods promise- but he strayed ouitside God's will.And the promise did not work. His life was recorded for a reason. VJ- the Midnight Owl

KING JOSIAH - THE DEVOTIONAL APPROACH

In Josiah's 31st year as king,he faced a national security crisis. Egypt sent an army to attack a site on the Euphrates River.To get there,they had to cross through Judah's territory.Josiah refused to allow this foreign army on his soil.King Necho of Egypt warned him to stay out of his way.Josiah decided to face him in battle. He faced Necho and lost his life in a war that God had not santioned.

Josiah was a great  King who had introduced many spiritual reforms in the nation and was much loved by the people.But he lacked one thing.Unlike other Kings,he did not have any military victories on his personal record. In terms of battlefield victories, he certainly could not be classed together with King David, Saul or any of the other Kings. He needed this war only for one thing-his social validation.And that proved to be his undoing.

Understand this.Much of what we want in life must be perceived in this way- what will it cost us? It is a fact of life that people who achieve millionaire status, move on to desiring titles. Someone or something to validate their social status- even the desire to being admired. It is this hidden desire that causes chaos in the dynamics of interaction.Ignore people and they are certain to feel their worth questioned.

Reflect.Your deepest validation already took place at the Cross by God Himself. Know this truth and it will set you free  from this bondage.

Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

KING AMON

2ND CHRONICLES 33:21-26

ITS MY  LIFE, ITS MY CHOICE

"Amons officials plotted against him and assasinated him in the palace" v24

We are where we are in life because of the sum total of our own choices. With the exception of birth all almost all other areas are within our choice.And Amon chose the "tresspassing life". Maybe,like his father, he wanted to sow his wild oats before choosing to follow God. But what King Amon did not realize was this- no two life patterns repeat itself in exactly the same way. The only thing that repeats in  life is its utter unpredictability.

 "Amon trespassed more and more..." Enjoy while you can. But his fun  was cut short. And when he was not anticipating it, the downfall came from his own quarters and his life ended. (Such is the price one has to pay for being ignorant of the people who mingle around us.)Life choices are a simmering battleground for Christains. In an inherently morally decayed society, where almost everything is available for our indulgence, we are forced to restrain our feet on a daily basis.A certain choice can be pleasurable for a season but can turn catastrophic as it was for King Amon.

If we chose the evil and hope to turn to God in some future day like King Amon there is always a possibility that we may suddenly be confronted with some unforeseeable pain and tragedy.Since there is no one on earth to tell us our appointed time, it is prudent to stay away from all appearance of  evil and respond to God early in life.

Understand this.Life ends abruptly for many people cutting their dreams short.We read about them in the daily news.Tragic accidents, brutal murders and victims of  horrific abuse. Since life is so fragile, include in your  prayers  "And deliver us from all evil." Don't walk in Amons footsteps.

The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth" (Psalm 34:16).

KING MANASSEH

2ND CHRONICLES 21: 17-25

A GRANDFATHERS LEGACY

“Therefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze fetters and carried him off to Babylon.”

Shakesphere once said “The evil that men do, lives after them.” Manasseh followed his grandfather's footsteps-Ahaz. His personal resume contains the following data-"Rebuilding the high places which his father Hezekiah had broken down, burning his sons in the fire,soothsaying,witchcraft,sorcery and consulting mediums and spiritists.' Unequalled by other kings.

But disaster soon came.An Assyrian king conquered him and carried him off to Babylon in hooks. He went through a terrifying experience.But he humbled himself  before God. And by some miracle, he was released and returned to Jerusalem.

On his return he immediately removed all the foreign gods.Manasseh's testimony would make headlines in todays churches. Other Kings caught in such a situation had committed suicide.Saul did exactly that. But Manasseh survived-somehow. There was an invisible hand involved here.

In the New Testament there is a most wonderful verse “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come.” 2nd Corinthians 5:17. In Ezekiel it says “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” 33:11

God heard Manasseh.And God has not changed. All that a person need to do is to confess his sins and not to persisit in foolishness. Turn back.Before it leads to a nightmare. The Midnight Owl.

KING HEZEKIAH

2 Chronicles 32:31
Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon.....God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

WHAT HAVE THEY SEEN IN YOUR HOUSE? [draft]

Hezekiah was a great king.He reopend the temple which his father had sealed and reestablished the Passover- the biggest event in Jewish religious history. But when some ambassadors from Babylon came to visit him, he took them on a tour of the palace and showed them everything......and the gold.He did not realize that they were spies.

Isaiah: What have they seen in your house? 1 Kings 20: 15
Hezekiah : They have seen all that is in my house.

Isaiah      : “...all that is in your house and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon- nothing shall be left.”

Within a few years Jerusalem was ransacked by the Babylonian army. Nothing was left. Even his children were taken to serve as eunuchs in Babylon.

Most people are open books.Our basic instinct is to trust human appearances.If someone dresses like a businessman, talks like a businessman,then he must be a businessman.This is our mental vulnerability.And Hezekiah fell for one of the oldest tricks in military manual.Subterfuge.

In real life people are often deceived to the point of unspeakable losses by deception.Thats how our first ancestors lost their paradise. The game is the same. Hezekiah did not have a discerning eye and foolishly opened up. Society, in which we must live and die, is made up of appearances.Think about this and the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

One may smile, and smile, and be a villain" [William Shakespeare-Hamlet]

KING AHAZ

2nd Chronicles 28: 1-27

“He burned incense.....burned his children in the fire.....v3 encouraged moral decline.....v19...increasing unfaithful....v22 sacrificed to the gods of Damascus......v23....cut in pieces the articles of the house of God shut up the doors and made for himself altars in every corner of Jerusalem.v24

 A FRUSTRATED KING

It is a mystery as why Ted Bundy,given his family background turned out to be one of the worst serial killers in history. Ahaz fits this category. He had none of the qualities his father had.

In the ancient world, it was a  ritual to sacrifice one's own children, to get the attention of the gods. Ahaz got involved.When the Syrians defeated him in battle, he converted to their religion thinking their gods could help.Still nothing changed for him.Finally he cut up all the things that were used in Jehovah's worship and sealed its doors.All services were cancelled indefinitely. He was one frustrated man. Something was boiling below the surface.And He blamed God for whatever was troubling him.

The Bible does not promise that God will give everything in this life once we turn to Him.Take for example the verse in John 14:14. Jesus said “ If you ask anything in my Name I will do it.” Now this verse seems to promise strawberry ice-cream for all of us. But it was spoken in a particular context to the disciples before being sent out as missionaries.

The trying times. Saint Augustine described this season as “The dark night of the soul." You are not alone.Read about Job's agony and  Jonah's utter frustration. They all had their moments of intense private grief. But they did not resort to self destructive ways.Get a hold on yourself. The storm will pass somehow. The truth is-everyone is plagued by some inner struggle. Ahaz's let his frustration ruin him.Don't be undone by yours.  The Midnight Owl
Peope rarely believe that their problems arise from their own misdeeds and stupidity.  Robert Greene

KING JOTHAM

2nd Chronicles 27:1-9
ITS NONE OF MY BUSINESS

And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done (although he did not enter the temple of the Lord). But still the people acted corruptly.

There are only nine verses recorded for King Jotham. He was 25 years old when he became King. His fathers humiliation affected him profoundly but Jotham was able to move on in life. He focused his energies on building programmes, “...he built extensively on the wall of Ophel” and fought a few wars most notably with the Ammonites.

But one thing stands out- he stayed away from the temple.His fathers  humiliation was enough.His influence over the people was minimal to say the least.True, the people acted corruptly- but he decided it was none of his business.

The past has a way of conditioning us to  behave  in a certain way in our present circumstances.If  people are closed up and restricted, if they get edgy on hearing a thing,you can be sure something is simmering underneath. And oftentimes its related to a painful experience.Beware of assuming that church people are different from the rest of the world.Its far safer to face the reality,than to be deceived by peaceful exteriors.

Live your life as your own. Don't let the world foster its own ideas as to how you should live.But in your isolation,be sensible.Isolation has its own pricey tags.It can drive anyone to alcohol,depression,anger,thoughts of suicide and for Jotham it was work- "building extensively".Its impossible to be unaffected by the past. But its all history now.The solution? Say it out loud. "I will not let anyone, friends, foe or family ruin  my life" One's rationality is the last line of defence before  breaking free.
" And when I passed you by and saw you polluted in your own blood,I said to you -"live, yes I said to you- live"   Chapter 16 Ezekiel

KING UZZIAH

2 CHRONICLES 26

And they withstood King Uzziah and said to him, “It is not for you Uzziah to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests......... Get out of the sanctuary for you have tresspassed!
King Uzziah had a phenomenal rise to the top of the royal ladder. “ His fame spread as far as the entrance of Egypt...v 8

Sun Tze in " The Art of Chinese warfare" states that the greatest danger is at the point of victory. It can inflate  the human ego. Uzziah lost all sense of proportion when he entered the temple to burn incense- only reserved for the priests. Before  the priests could throw him out,leprosy broke out on his forehead so that he himself rushed to get out. Until he died he lived in an isolated house and died a leper.In a single evening, everything was undone.

Life is full of  unpredictable misfortunes. So dont create our own. Political scenes are just so full of this situation where new politicians cross the line only to meet monsters greater than themselves. By then its just too late. They get  trampled and rush to get out.

Keeping our progress and reputation in perspective can save us from horrific blunders. Half of our personal success comes from knowing when to stop and not overstep our boundaries.Because you don't know whose foot you are stepping on.There are situations, which if you enter unthinkingly, you cannot get out that easily. It may be true that God forgives. But people won't when their personal interests are affected.There are no exceptions to this rule.

Know the harsh reality of life. What has taken decades for you to built can be ruined by just one bad decision- as Uzziah found out. Being presumptious has a very big price tag.When the feeling of self importance rises up within you, take a deep breath and keep Uzziah in mind.And his blunder won't become yours.  The Midnight Owl

KING AMAZIAH

2 CHRONICLES 25

Choose your battles carefully.Never offend the wrong person.

“Have we made you the King's counsellor? Cease!! Why should you be killed?”

Ancient kings would always bring back hostages and gold  from the countries that they had conquered.But Amaziah's souvenirs were unique- he brought back their gods. After defeating the Edomites,he subjected them to unbelievable cruelty. He took ten thousand captives and brought them to a high cliff and threw them all down, “so that they were all dashed to pieces” When a prophet cautioned him about his new religion, Amaziah threatened him with death too.

Amaziah then began provoking the King of Israel to war with his belligerence. But King Joash told the king to tone down, stay at home and celebrate his victory.But Amaziah was determined to meet Joash in war. In the ensuing battle, Joash decimated his army and ransacked all his treasures.

Having ruined the army, Amaziah returned home only to find that there was a political conspiracy against him. The problem with political conspiracies is that you just can't differentiate  friends and foes anymore.Silent enemies are everywhere.And they smile sweetly while hiding a dagger and bidding their time.Amaziah fled,but someone found him hiding in Lachish.And that was that. The last thing we are told about him is that they carried his corpse on horses and brought it back to Judah.

In a world which is increasingly  filled with stressful and sensitive people, it is the height of  stupidity to be ruffling anyones feathers or to be pushing someones buttons. Avoid all battles and do not offend the wrong person because forgiveness is not found in their vocabulary.There is no reversal of this law. Don't bother looking for one.As Amaziah found out.

It is my opinion the most fitting epithaph on Amaziah's tombstone  would be “ I SHOULD HAVE STAYED AT HOME.”

                                   "Provocation comes before swords." (Arabic proverb)

KING JOASH

2 CHRONICLES 23 & 24
“Then Joash the King did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada had done to him, but killed his son 2 Chronicles 24: v 22
 Joash was born into a treacherous situation. After Ahaziah's  death, his mother Athaliah immediately destroyed all the royal heirs of Judah. Joash was saved by Jehoshabeath who hid him for six years.Later her husband the priest Jehoiada secretly won the alliances of all the military commanders of Judah and when Joash was seven years old, they anointed him King, the youngest ever to sit on the throne. Then Athaliah was executed.

But when the Jehoiada died, Joash formed the wrong alliances who poured poison into his ears. Jehoiada's son- Zekariah confronted him. Surely King Joash would listen to him.Zekeriah staked his life on the sense of gratitude he thought Joash would feel for him. Josiah was a person who rose in life by the sheer  patronage of other people's leadership,and soon  forgot the assistance he had received. At Zekeriah's moment of realization, he could still have saved his own life but friendship and love can blind every man's eyes to the real situation. Nobody believes that someone we have helped so much can turn against us, and Zekeriah kept on believing that until King Joash ordered him to be stoned to death.

But that was a very dangerous thing to do, for the people knew how Jehoiada has protected Joash.It stirred up all kinds resentment in the crowd. Remember this. For revenge, people can silently wait for a thousand years.And you won't know from which direction it comes. And when Josiah returned severely wounded to recover, from the only battle he fought, his own servants, whom he least suspected came into his bedroom and slaughtered him.

Such is the fate of all those who miscalculate the power of retribution. The Midnight Owl

KING AHAZIAH

2 CHRONICLES 22 “His going to Joram was God's occasion for Ahaziah's downfall.....” v 7: 1-9

 A FATEFUL VISIT

A tragic story. His father died from a dreadful disease.His mother  was a curse in his life. “for his mother advised him to do wickedly.” (v 3) He went to war with Jehoram, the son of Ahab and Jehoram was sorely wounded in the battle.His personal tragedy began when he decided to visit Jehoram as he was very sick.This visit  orchestrated  his death.

Does God engineer circumstances? After Jehoram recovered he went to war against Jehu. But there was a prophecy on Jehu.That God would use him to wipe out Ahab's descendants. And now Ahaziah was a friend to Jehoram, Ahabs descendant. He simply chose the wrong friendship  and went against the wrong man Jehu, a sadistic sort of  guy.First Jehu slaughtered all the sons of Ahaziah's brothers. Ahaziah fled and  was discovered hiding in Samaria. Jehu showed him no mercy.

His choice of friendship was fatal. Understand this.We did not choose our family or our relatives. But we did choose our friends.And Ahaziah chose Jehorams friendship-which caused his ruin.Choosing friends is within our power so choose carefully.Learn this truth.You can be everybodys friend  to share your faith- but dont take everyone to be your friend.Jesus never did and neither should you try.

"Friend, betrayeth thou the Son of Man with a kiss?"  Jesus final words to Judas in Gethsemane.

KING JEHORAM

2 CHRONICLES 21 :1-20

A DREADFUL LETTER FROM ELIJAH.

"And when Jehoram was established over the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself and killed all his brothers with the sword, and also others of the princes of Israel.” v4

The Chinese have a saying " Blood is thicker than water:" For Jehoram, it was just exactly that- just a saying.
As soon as he was enthroned, he slaughtered all his brothers. If there is one thing he could not allow- it was any competition to the throne. Strange as it may seem, he did not inherit any of his fathers God fearing qualities.“...and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit harlotry, and led Judah astray.” ( v11)

Lord Acton once said “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely”  One day, Jehoram received a little letter from Elijah.(v12-15) which read “... and you will become very sick with a disease of your intestines, until your intestines come out by reason of the sickness, day by day.” Within two years of receiving Elijah's letter, Jehoram was lying on his bed in afflicted with a strange disease- until his intestines burst out.

Further the Philistines, Arabians and the Ethophians raided his territory and carried away all the treasures of his house including his wives and children, except for one son Jehoahaz. What started as a great campaign to secure his position ended by Jeroboam losing everything and incurring Gods wrath.

The final words about him are found in verse 20. “ …....and to no one's sorrow departed.”. Like it was a great relief that finally he was dead. Regretfully, he contributed nothing in his lifetime. We all have only one life to live. And time passes by very, very fast. Dont end it in misery and regrets.

KING JEHOSHAPHAT

1 CHRONICLES 17-20

THE AFTER LUNCH REQUEST

“ And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to King Jehoshapat “,Should you  help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? 9 v 2
The old adage says that there is no such thing as a free lunch, and King Jehoshaphat found that out the hard way.It all happened when he went to visit King Ahab in Samaria. And Ahab held a feast for him. After the feast, came the request “ Will you go with me against Ramoth Gilead?”

Problem was, it was Syrian territory. Jehoshaphat, caught in a diplomatic situation  requests that they hear  a prophet. Ahab was ready.He assembled 400 prophets who prophesied that this war would be a phenomenal success. Jehoshaphat had doubts. Finally Micah, a loner, was brought in who warned that this battle would be a disaster.He was arrested on the spot and quickly hushed away.(v 26).

Then Ahab  had another request.You dress in your kingly armour while I disguise myself.After all, Ahab was an old friend.But Ahab did not tell him that the King of Syria had ordered his troops to attack only the king.(v 30) When the battle began, the Syrian army rushed straight for Jehoshaphat but he cried cried out in panic.It was a miracle he survived. But King Ahab was not so fortunate. A random arrow ended his life.

The problem with King Jehu was that he was always drawn into the wrong partnerships and friendships.Learn the lesson- Keep friendship for friendship sake. A big part of your personal happiness in life is inextricably linked to what you do not allow yourself to get dragged into.Observe this rule and you will benefit more than reading all the latest books on happiness.- Vijay

KING ASA

2 CHRONICLES CHAPTERS 14-16
“ Then Asa was angry with the seer , and put him in prison for he was enraged at him because of this...” v10
Asa inherited the Kingdom from King Abijah. Like King Saul, this man started off well but failed to stride in balance. He led a spiritual revival and strengthened the military. When the Ethiopians came against him with a million troops, he defeated them with a smaller army because he relied on God for the success. Right after the battle, a prophet called Azariah has a word with him. The message? “ Don't be presumptuous when you go to war, you have to trust Me for your victories.” 

But Bible stories rarely have a happy ending.  The blunder came just before another war with the King of Israel Baasha. Its a different Asa now. He had faced the Ethiopian army but now he immediately asked for assistance from King Ben- Hadad the King of Syria and offered to buy him over!!“ Then Asa bought silver and gold from the treasuries .....Let there be a treaty between you and me......v 2,3”

After the war,a  prophet called Hanani confronts King Asa and pronounces  “...from now on you shall have wars.”v 9 By this time, Asa's ego had swelled. He ordered the prophet to be arrested. Anyway he had won the war, what else was there to fear from an old prophet? Who was he to talk to a King like that?

But the divine chastisement soon came without any further warnings. King Asa subsequently became diseased in his feet. (v12). He died in his sickness. With the leadership comes the responsibility. Any man who thinks that God would not require an accounting, need to look at this King. What a turn of events!! Learn  from Asa's dishonourable exit and you will avoid your own.
Therefore be ye steadfast, immovable, always labouring in the labour of Lord, knowing that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:

KING ABIJAH 2 CHRONICLES 13:1-22

v 13 But Jeroboam caused an ambush to go around behind them.
After Rehoboam's death, Jeroboam resurfaced to settle the old score with his son Abijah. Although Abijah feared God there was one terrific handicap that he had- and that he was a longwinded bigmouth. Instead of engaging the enemy, he decided to give another one of his speeches. V4 Then Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim which is in the mountains of Ephraim and said “ Hear me Jeroboam and all Israel....

In his prewar speech, he reminded Jeroboam of all the evil he had done in Israel and all his personal rebellious history, his unfaithfullness towards God,introducing false religions and on and on.But while Abijah was delivering his magnificent speech, Jeroboam wasted no time. He set  an ambush. In alarm the priests sounded the war trumpet.

Just what did King Abijah hope to accomplish by bringing up Jeroboams past behaviour? That  he  would go down on his knees and say “I apologise?” Instead of engaging his mind on the immediate  situation, he brought up the Jeroboam's past. If there is one thing that people don't want to hear,it is their own own sordid history being mentioned,more so, publicized. The wounds are just made worse. It pushed Jeroboam over the edge.

There is only one solution in the given circumstances. When in the presence of  Jeroboams-don't dig into their past. It only heightens their resolve to resist. Bringing up anybody's past is never a good idea to solve problems.And never make the mistake of  extending the olive branch to Jeroboams. Their long line of broken relationships and endless quarells should just tell you something. Pray and  flee from the situation.
 The Midnight Owl

A PERSONAL THOUGHT

LINA JOY V MAJLIS AGAMA ISLAM WILAYAH & ANOR [2004] 2 MLJ 119 . PAGE 143
The High Court stated at p. 143 "... therefore a person as long as he or she is a Malay and by definition under Article 160(2) is a Malay the said person cannot renounce his or her religion at all." { TO BE CONTINUED}

KING REHOBOAM

2 CHRONICLES 10:8-11
“ ....... my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with bullwhips!”
Rehoboam suceeded King Solomon.. But Solomon left a legacy of slavery and expensive building programmes. After Solomon died, there was an uprising among the people. Jeroboam, an old rival of King Solomon returned from Egypt and took advantage of the conflict, demanded that he get rid of the old policy. Rehoboam was in a political fix. If he gave in, it may also be seen as a sign of political weakness.He refused to budge.The situation worsened. And they stoned the tax collector Hadoram to death C10 v 18. His ego dented, he immediately assembled his troops for war but  Shemaiah a prophet refrains him.

Jeroboam  was  discerning enough to know that it was the people's faith and rituals that united them as a nation. Riding on their disillusionment, he started his own religion. The rituals were all the same, burning incense, the priests-everything was faimilar- except that he erected 2 calf idols which he had seen in Egypt. He succeeded in planting the tares among the wheat.

In life  we are faced with an infinitely variety of changing circumstances. Nothing lasts forever.Its foolish to assume that everything will stay the same way forever for anyone.Yesterdays friendship sours and  new situations emerge.Just when we settle in, somebody rocks the boat.Remember this. If we rub people the wrong way- even the eloquence of  Socrates cannot save the day.

Once your words are out, there is no way of recalling them even if you deeply  regret it afterwards.There are times when it may not be in your best interests to speak your mind. Learn the lesson from Rehoboam, or pay the price. Vijay

-- Psalm 30

I praise you, LORD because you have saved me
and kept my enemies from rejoicing over me.


I cried to you for help,O LORD my God,
and you healed me;you kept me from the grave...


You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance;
You have taken away my sorrow
and surrounded me with joy.


King David.

COBWEBS

"...that the people were astonished at His teaching.."
When Jesus preached,  the bored crowd suddenly sat uptight!. The way he explained the Scriptures.Whatever His adversaries said about Him, they couldnt say that" He was boring !!" His messages gave hope to those who were lying in the dust ....blind Bartimaeus, the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, the demonic at Geresene to name a few.

Christians must take care not to be caught in a ritual that has no real spiritual meaning.Its a real trap in many churches today. May the Lord Bless you with new life  as you reflect on the areas in your life that has already collected cobwebs. 

BEST REST

Listen brethren, there are days when the best thing is  do nothing at all but to get a Bible or devotional material, slip away into some quiet corner and  get some rest for our spirits.Do nothing, say nothing- withdraw into the quietness of your mind and read those life giving words. This is one way a Christian can be renewed. God  bless your soul ever day.   VJ

1 Peter 3:7-12:

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

One of the things that begins to erode a marriage away is when one spouse begins to speak critically to and of the other one. The things we say to and about the other one can either be uplifting and encouraging, or they can bring disharmony and hurt. Little critical words will lead to a dissatisfaction with one's mate and can escalate to bring about a divorce. No person should threaten to divorce the other just to get their way, or manipulate the other to do something they really don't want to do. When any one threatens divorce, this is like speaking words of murder to your marriage. The Bible tells us to speak good words if we want to see good days and have a love for life.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Prayer for the Day

Dear Heavenly Father,I thank You for the godly men and women that you put me under in my life to teach me Your ways and learn a submissive spirit. Lord, I desire to always walk in submission, and not yield to the temptation of wanting my way. Lord, I know at times, that I may be right about something, but Lord, help me to maintain a submissive spirit while discussing those kinds of issues. Deliver me from pride and anger. May the issues be resolved  without any outburst of anger. May You always be glorified in my workplace, home and everywhere that I find myself. I ask in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE WAY HOME TO GOD

God created a very big world. Those of you who have flown across the Pacific Ocean will know  what I am talking about.Or trekking across some mountain somewhere.Today I am thinking about Long Island and its many beautiful parks- tremendously beautiful. I used to cycle there alone. On weekdays its almost deserted.I could walk forever. Those of you who are stressed out and the week has ruffled you again....go for your walk . You do not walk alone. Its only in the solitude, our invisible and Eternal friend comes alongside. He has always been around forever.The Eternal now. Sometimes he described Himself as the " I Am". Its only there, that somehow life becomes tolerable... that somehow we can cope with the painful blunders of yesterday.May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and forver more.  VJ

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: Gospel of  John

ADVICE FROM PROVERBS- PROVERBS 29:1

If you get more stubborn every time you are corrected, one day you will be crushed and never recover.
Of course, nobody likes to be told what to do, much less being corrected. Its not good to turn away from advice, because the person who corrects us may have  seen a larger picture of life. Why learn through your own mistakes when you can learn it from others? Don't be adamant. Let  wisdom and understanding enter your heart, mind and soul . This is the only way we will not be grieving  later.Rememer God's people when Jeremiah was preaching to them. They all  turned their ears away.And they spent their final years in Babylon sitting by its rivers and  weeping.

A THOUGHT

“Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10).

 The pronunciation itself is unpleasant enough.Dissatisfaction with the way things were going. What they  failed to see was that the leadership itself was going through the  same journey and had the same difficulty. Instead of  complaining lets join hands and  help with the burdens of responsibility.

THE CROSS

So what was the meaning of the Cross, really? They are many aspects of the cross but here I will highlight just three. In relation to the world, the Cross is a reconciliation. The New Teatament puts it this way- God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. There is a very deep spiritual truth in this aspect of the cross.However in this regard, all the enmity and hatred were on mans side so God had to descend Himself to remove the hostility. In relation to sinners, the cross is an atonement. The soul that sins- it shall die so atonement must be made. And in relation to God the Cross is a sacrifice.Redemption took place in Calvary so a life had to be sacrificed to pacify God's judgment. On Judgment Day the Penalty would be serious for those who reject God and His mercy. Its tantamount to trampling underfoot the the agonizing death of  the  Ultimate Sacrifice. There is no way out except by way of the Cross.This is no laughing matter.

" Woe unto you who laugh now, you will weep later"

HAVING AN OPEN EAR

They found Him in the  Temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening  to them and asking them questions. Luke 2:46

As a young boy Jesus did not attend Sunday School . When Jesus was 12 He went with  His parents to Jerusalem  for the Feast of the Passover. Only on the way  back did they realize that Jesus was missing so they had to turned back and found him sitting in the temple.He was both listening and asking them questions.

 Jesus had the heart  that was open  to God- the Greatest Teacher in the universe. Centuries earlier Isaiah the prophet wrote about Him-as Jehovah's Servant: The Lord God... awakens Me morning by morning. He awakens my ear to hear the learned.The Lord God has opened my ear. In the humanity of Jesus, He was open to learn from the Father.

That is an attitude that all believers should possess- whether in church or  when out there wherever we are.

THE UNNOTICED

 
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven    Matthew 5:3

 When we were young our parents influenced us .But who are the Christians who have influenced us most? Most of them srved God behind the scenes with no spotlight of them. Do not feel little at the sight of great speakers.Thay have their calling and accountability and so have  you. If you are a Christian , you  are in the ministry. You may not be called to do it from behind a pulpit but you are called to service wherever you are. That old song got it right with its lyrics- This little light of mine, I am going to let it shine, let it shine.You are as much a minister of Christ as anybody else. There are no "insignificants" in the Kingdom of God. Your reward is with God- and you can be sure about that.

THE KINGDOM

My kingdom is not of this world  John 18:36

Busyness and hurriedness seems to be the norm of the day for almost everyone. Yet our Lord was never in a hurry.One of the greatest deceptions of our day is that we have to be engaged in endless church activities for God's approval. This attitude has no basis in the New Testament but has been brought in from the systems of the world. There are times you need to get away from the exhausting activity that swirls around you. It is the private life with God that must take the precedence and it is a hidden obscure thing. It appears that many Christians workers just do their duties to be seen by others. Endless activity to keep people engaged or service for God who called you  into His service? That is the one question that every born again believer must face.

THE PREPARATION

"... first be reconciled to your brother,and then come and offer your gift..."    Matthew 5:23-24

There are wounds in every heart, whether believers or unbelievers. Many believers too carry secret wounds which  festers over the  long years.If the fault is not with you, its no point despairing. Whisper the despair in your most private prayers. Let God search you out.Dont just admit it- confess it. Even among Christians there are many abusive animals out there.Whisper out the name of the  unrefined brute who abused your trust and caused much pain. We can only do the possible- only God does the impossible.God sees the attitude in which you approach Him- and thats what counts."...the tax collector would not even lift up his eyes to heaven but smote his breast,..."

As far is possible with you, live at peace with everyone .... Hebrews
 If it is not possible with you, let God do the impossible...

BEING BORN AGAIN

 And now the Lord  says, who formed Me from the womb to be His servant....."   Isaiah 49:5

Who wants to be addressed as a servant these days? We would rather have servants to our beck and call. And in the present business and  commercial world, it is relatively easy to forget that we are called to serve Him- as servants.A  Christian is called for the purpose of being  God's servant, one in whom God is glorified.Beware lest you forget God's purpose for your life.Let you heart always be open to Him to be used in whichever way He desires. God bless you as you serve.

" I am among you as one who serves."

THE LORDS TEMPTATION

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are , yet without sin    Hebrews 4:15

The temptations of Jesus were not of those of a mere man.But they were the temptations of God when He appeared as a man. They were in completely different realms.Whenever God takes you into the deeper realms of His mysteries, to be prepared for His purposes- expect the tempter to appear. If he apppeared before the Master, he will surely approach you when God is preparing to use you in some special way. And without the quickening of the Holy Spirit within, our defences are sure to crumble.The Son of Man is acquainted with all our weaknesses.So take heart- He is symphathetic.He did not bring you this far to see you drown.Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

TEMPTATIONS

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man  1 Corinthians 10:13

It is impossible to completely escape from temptations in this life.But beware of thinking that you are the only person being tempted to do evil. What you are going through is something common to all believers everywhere.What is it that the tempter tempts? The answer is that he is tempting something within each one of us-our fallen nature.At the sight of the forbidden, something awakens within us-"...it looks pleasant in our eyes...". Remember all actions have consequences. Much better to avoid it, than trying  bitterly to conceal the evidence later.

HE SEES IN SECRET

"But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is  in the secret place."   Matthew 6:6

Even the  meanest looking person  we encounter have their  tender  areas. Keep your eyes on God, not on people.Let me say something strange here. Churches preach that Christians must  be known as praying people.The fact is , here in Malaysia- everybody seems to be praying-some are really loud prayers.On the contrary, your motivation should not be the desire to be known as a praying person. Find an inner room in which to pray where no one even knows you are there- and shut out the world and everything that is in it.It is impossible to carry on the life of a Christian, without definite times of secret prayer.

"When you pray, do not pray in the street corners to be seen by them....."  Jesus

RENUNCIATION

 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame   2 Corinthinas 4:2

 These are not Satans strongholds. It is within the Christians power to renounce them. It is very much an individuals choice.Have you renounced the hidden things of you life- things that your sense of  honour and pride will not allow to come into the light? David faced 2 great temptaions in his life. The first one with a woman, Satan had nothing to do with it. The second act of numbering the army- Satan moved him do do it. The tempter's whisper' So how great are your now?" spoke to Davids ego and he slipped. Are there areas in your life today that you can consciously renounce today? To it today.

Love suffers long and is kind.  1 John 3:2

SURRENDER WHAAAATTT?????

 'I have finished the work which You have given Me to do"   John 17:4

The Christian life is all about the inward life- in  other words, inward sanctification. And that is where real  battle is done with God and with Satan.True surrender is not simply staying away from alcohol, tobacco and idle talk- It is the surrender of our will.And that is precisely where the battle and the resistance begins.The greatest crisis we wil ever face is the surrender of the will.And the fear of surrender is understandable.Especially when we have been abused by others at a human level.God does not demand us that we hurl ourselves at the foot of the cross in a suicidal attitude.He patiently waits until the person willingly yield to Him. Begin in the small areas in your inward life where there are patches of darkness. As He gives you  victory,start yielding to Him in the bigger areas.

"Begin to engage him in battle.Every step that you take will I give it to you for a possession." Joshua

SPIRITUAL CONFUSION

"You do not know what you ask"   Matthew 20:22

Yes, even  Christians can be confused at times not knowing what to ask from God.Our natural inclinations indicates one thing- but our souls  uneasiness is witness that that course is not the will  of God. Instead of asking God for some other thing every day- ask what  is the spritual  vocation He has called you to do.No sooner asked , you will find a tiny door in your circumstance inviting you to come in. Begin  right there and the light will continue to lead.

".... so you may know what is the hope of His  calling..."

WHY NOT NOW??

PETER SAID TO HIM, " LORD, WHY CANT I FOLLOW YOU  NOW?"   JOHN 13:37

There are seasons when you cant understand why you cannot do what you want to do. When God brings a time of waiting and appears to be unresponsive, do not fill with it business and what nots.Just wait.   VJ

LOVE OF CHRIST

WHO SHALL SEPERATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST? ROMANS 8:35

 During my early Christian days- I was rather naive. I thought the love of God wil shield me from every distress and sorrow. Of course, it did not take long for those delusions to be shattered. God does not and will not keep His children immune from troubles. Sometimes the troubles come from our own wrong doing  and at other time unruly monkeys  who surround us under the guise of friendship and even "Christian" fellowship. In fact, our Master was played out by one of His own. Never allow tribulations and ' cares of this world' seperate you from remembering that God  is fashioning your feet of clay into something better. You are to be used for His own purposes.Praise God when you are played  out.  Now God and you can get closer to each  other.   Vijay

LIVING SIMPLY MATTHEW 6:26,28

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow- they neither toil nor spin- they simply appear and disappear by Gods will! Many generations have come and gone before our time and one day it will be our turn to disppear into the dust. We inevitable will. In the meantime- we can be content and just rest our souls in the hands of God. Most os us desire luxuries. But big properties and big enterprises have overhead costs- which nags at the soul and rob you of your peace. Learn a a lesson from the Gods nature.The rains come down in due time and all is refreshed. God will do the same for you. Vijay

JOABS TREACHERY 1 KINGS 2:28

FOR JOAB HAD DEFECTED TO ADONIJAH,THOUGH HE HAD NOT DEFECTED TO ABSALOM.

A Chinese Philosopher who lived before the time of Jesus once said
" Nothing lasts forever- everything changes" How true it is- especialy in
the area of friendships and relationships. Our Lord Jesus welcomed sinners and religious people alike, at times the crowds mobbed Him.But He was inwardly detached from everyone. At the crucial moment when everyone deserted Him- He was still calm and serene. He expected it.So He was not devastated when the disciples ran for their lives.Silently firm- He faced a new situation.No more supper times and supper stories. Suddenly the lonely road to the cross loomed before Him.That sense of betrayal- it must have been awful.He faced it calmly and firmly. So must you. May God give you grace to handle those who abuse your friendship and trust . Vijay

THE UNFAILING LIGHT 2 Cor 3 :18

We all with unveiled face, beholding... the glory of the Lord....

In every stage of the Christian life, there are bound to be heartbreaks, disappointments and sorrows. It can be particularly difficult when the troubles spring from people with whom we have fellowshipped before- people who used to be lights in our life.We must build our faith not on fading lights but on the one Light that never fades away.

2009- YESTERDAY

"THE GOD OF ISRAEL SHALL BE YOUR REREWARD."

The year 2009 with all its turbulences has finally slipped away.This year we turn to all that God has for us in the future and yet anxiety is apt to rise in our hearts from all that happened yesterday.Sometimes just thinking of yesterdays blunders and sins is enough to weigh us down. But the God of yesterdays is also the God of our todays and of tomorrows.All that happened had to happen. God had to allow it to manifest that our ways always brings in a sour crop.With that in mind, lets step into the new year determined not to be self willed- or we will reap the same crop again.