"...but he went out at night and attacked them under the cover of darkness."
2 Chronicles 21:9
2 Chronicles 21:9
My Take Aways
Something Old:
A new look at darkness
- absence or deficiency of light
- obscurity; concealment
- lack of knowledge or enlightenment
"Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ' I am the light of the world. if you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.'"
John 8:12
Something New:
The temple of Baal was turned into a public toilet.
Something to Do:
Stay in the Light that leads to life.
John 8:12
Something New:
The temple of Baal was turned into a public toilet.
Something to Do:
Stay in the Light that leads to life.
18 Comments:
Wendy, I keep forgetting to mention ... one day I was running late and was finishing your vlog while my kids played. My oldest, 5, came over to see what I was watching, and when it was over, she said, "Mommy, why does that girl want to see your face?" I love how little ones are so literal! Trying to explain phrases to them can be so funny. :-)
Doesn't God just have the greatest sense of humor? I love that the temple of Baal was turned into a toilet. :-D
2 Chron 21:20 How sad to be remembered as the guy who was so unloved that nobody cared when he died! Great contrast, though, to people like Delores whom we now remember only because they were believers - because that was the most important thing. How do I want to be remembered?
Going along with that, 2 Kings 9:20: The new king's driving was so infamous that he was recognized from another town, from a distance, because of his driving style! What a thing to be known for! What stands out about me? What is the 'stamp' that I have put on myself that identifies me to others??
2 Chron 22:3 What do my kids need encouragement in today? What areas or activities does God want them to pursue or explore?
I've mentioned trying to be financially responsible before and the neat ways that God is taking care of us ... the other day while the kids were playing in their little pool in the yard, the neighbor's daughter came over after checking on her parents' garden (they're away). We got to talking about gardens and produce and how our families eat it, and I mentioned that I want to do more canning this year. On the spot, she offered to give me the pressure canner she had received as a gift a few years before and never used! My husband said that I could buy one and it's a good investment but also an expensive one in the months when I'm not working. I'm so excited and can't wait to start canning beans! :-)
Heading out to Durham today to run errands with the kids. It's going to be a hot one! Might have to have some pool time later. (It's just one of those little blue things that's like a big tub, but it works!) :-)
Good morning, GIG's,
I have a feeling I'm finally "getting my groove back" post-wedding, post-daughter's move, because my nugget was the same as dear Wendy's this morning. Whoo hoo! I love that! (And, Wendy, I also own that lovely necklace you're wearing in today's vlog, tee hee!)
Anyway, 2 Chronicles 21:9 about "the cover of darkness" was my nugget, too. Once again, I awakened after a few hours of sleep last night. I was drawn to read another chapter of "Insecurity" by Beth Moore. My particular insecurities do become strongholds that keep me from the light, as I ruminate about the pain in my life THAT I ALLOW because of life-long insecurities. Last night the Lord sent me the idea that I need to SAP (Stop and Pray) not only when I want to petition the Lord to meet the needs of others, but also to meet my OWN needs. I need to SAP that Michelle will stop thinking about the hurts and ask God to take those hurts away from me. I've never been good about praying for myself, but in order to beat fulfill God's plan for me and the things He would like me to accomplish, I have to FIRST ask Him to help me be strong and focused on the good stuff. In fact, I have put up a few little signs around that simply say 4:8, to remind me to walk the truth of Philippians 4:8 each and every day..."Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
I'm planning to "4:8 the day". Want to join me?
By the way, Lori and Amy, yes, that was Denise in the background with the mask on.
Morgen, congrats on your daughter's engagement. My advice is, hold on to the Lord to get you through the roller coaster ride of emotions, busy-ness, expense, decisions, opinions, and to-do's from now until June 2011, and protect your husband from as much of it as possible so there will be one sane person around (smile).
Have a blessed, 4:8 day, friends,
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
P.S.Dear Amy, just read your praise report - about a canner! You go, girl!
Michelle
Mercy! This is worse than an M rated video game! I'm with you, Wendy, this was not a pleasant reading at all.
I also agree that before I started this study, I thought that the OT was simply full of great Bible stories and not the rich Truths that we are taught in the New Testament. And, boy, was I wrong! I am amazed at what God is teaching us through His Word here.
Loved the definitions of Light. As a photographer, my work depends on the light! The better the light, the better the photo. Too much light exposes flaws in the pictures. It's the same as a Christian. As we grow closer to Him and allow His Light to fall on us, our sins will be exposed, and we will have to bring them to Him and seek forgiveness. We want to stay close by Him to keep that Light shining on us all the time. I don't want to lose my footing and slip into the dark part of the path where danger/sin lurks.
My take away will be this on light, and not the bloodier portions of the reading today!!!
Y'all have a wonderful day. SAP for you all. Will be back later to check for other prayer requests and to read your comments. Brandee, I think that I FB'd you last night!! Check and see when you get a minute! I wanted to see your husband as a superhero!! Praying for him and the other husbands!
Hugs!
Susan
has anyone heard from karen in basel lately?
Michelle-i love phil. 4:8! i am with you on that. when we can change our thinking through the power of God's Word we have won the the battle of the mind.
thanks for the reminder.
brandee-prayed for the superhero
June 17
Son’s Ahaziah and Jehorma continued to promote Baal worship – which began with their evil mother, Jezebel. During this time, as the people, spiritually are getting farther and farther away from God, but, God remains busy: working and getting Jehu ready. [remember back in I Kings , God told Elijah that Jehu would become king of Israel: I Kings 19:16]. Today we see first hand how God did judge the evil people. Back in I Kings 21:23 we read: “”Dogs will eat Jezebel’s body.”
During Jehu reign - he did good:
* “destroyed every trace of Baal worship from Israel’( 2 Kings 10:28).
* “You have done well in following my instructions to destroy the family of Ahab” (30).
But, he also did bad:
* “He did not, however, destroy the gold calves at Bethel and Dan, with which Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to sin” (29).
* “But Jehu did not obey the Law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit” (31).
Makes me stop and think how easy it is to be apart of helping Satan with his game plan. We have to remember what a trickster he is. He will do anything to stop the furthering of God’s Kingdom.
Can I do __(strongholds)_____ and deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Jesus as Lord of my activities? (Matthew 16:24). Strongholds, whatever they may be, draw us away from God’s light. Wendy, loved your teaching today! How bright is our light shining? Are people drawn to us, or is there a tad-bit of evil lingering as we hold on to particular stronghold.
Looking closely at this young man, Jehu, we see how even though God used him, he lead a life that was not in complete obedience to God.
I do not want to be a hypocrite, serving the Lord, but at the same time serving my own selfish needs. “God’s will is for you to be holy…the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another…we urge you to love them even more…then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live” (1 Thes. 4:3-11).
Today, I’m joining you, sweet Michelle – it’s going to be a 4:8 day! Smile!
Karen will be back in Basel June 19th! Praying for her while she is in the states traveling, and keeping Bob in our prayers too.
Brandee, aahh, the anticipation of Superhero – I bet Mrs. Superhero is in anticipation, also! Smile! PRAYING along-side you sister!
Off to pray right now. Love you girlfriends! Be joyful - it’a a brand new day to praise the Lord! HUGS! Lori
PS Triplets from TX: Lyn, Donna and Stephanie (and baby!) Fun! Sorry, but, I have to use these little systems to keep everyone straight! smile
Good Morning all!
I haven't commented in quite awhile, but I have been keeping up with the reading and posts when time allowed. Wendy, my nugget was similar to yours today, except I focused on 2 Kings 10:30-31. The LORD tells Jehu that he has done well destroying Ahab's family..."BUT Jehu did not obey the Law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He REFUSED to turn from the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit." God wants us to obey and love him with ALL of our hearts and nothing held back. Jehu refused to turn from the sins... what was he holding on to so tightly? Jon Courson suggests that Jehu did not destroy the golden calves because he feared that if people returned to worship in Jerusalem, he would lose control.
With our daily reading, I find myself "stumbling" over the but's... I've circled too many to count. (Jehu did this well, but..) Will be thinking today about the but's in my own write-up that are keeping me from being fully in the light... what am I holding onto and not releasing to Him?
I am joining you, Michelle, in making it a 4:8 day! :)
Blessings,
Leslie
Thank yo for this today, I've got a lot to think about and soul searching to do about the things that I'm holding on to white knuckled and teeth gritting. I pray the Lord reveal those things that I bow to that are not of him but of this world and that he guide me on how to let them go.
Thank you,
Lucy
GM all! Beautiful morning here in Indiana. Nice to see after so much rain!
Leslie, I too, have circled the "but"s and the "however"s. Is it a lack of faith, or pride that has these happening? We know it is sin, pure and simple. I too am asking if I am placing a "but" or "however" between me and the Father? Is the light fully shining in my life or am I "however"? Lots to ponder on this gorgeous day as I head to work.
Michelle, joining you today in 4:8.
Praying for all you GIGs.
Gaylene
Elizabeth, I read your post yesterday. Praise God for a prospective job offer! I pray that He will make things clearer to you in the future.
Welcome to Stephanie and Lucy M. and welcome back Leslie from NC!
Allie, just wondering how Ryan is doing?
Amy, I love your daughter's question - that made me laugh! And you go, girl, on the canning. Isn't it amazing to see how God provides? What else is He going to do next?
Michelle, after the day I had yesterday, I need to make this not just a 4:8 day, but a 4:8 second/minute/hour. The enemy is abuzz but I have to remember, we have a heavenly realm of angels ready to do battle on our behalf.
RunnerMom, I like the analogy of light in photography. Too much light exposes flaws. Amen, sister!
I picked the same nuggets as everyone. Was disappointed that after a great start Jehu had a "but" in the end.
Some of the things that stood out to me:
2 Chron 21:10b "...all these happened because Jeroham had abandoned the Lord." I would even hate to think what would happen in my life if I abandoned the Lord. <> Like Peter asked Jesus, "Lord where else can we go?"
2 Kings 8:27 "for he was related by marriage to Ahab." This shows that not only to whom we are married that influences us but also to whom our spouses are related. I often hear people say, but I'm marrying him, not his mother. Well, guess what? Few years down the line, you also married into that family's issues.
2 Chron 22:3 "for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong." I don't even know what to say to this one. As mothers we influence our children - for better or for worse. Whether we say it or not. They watch what we do so I know in my own life my walk needs to match my talk or my talk will fall on deaf ears. It's a big responsibility being a mom.
2 Kings 9:21 "They met him at the land of Naboth." We reap what we sow. When Jezebel stole the land from Naboth so Ahab would stop pouting, God made a note of it. And where did Ahab's son meet his death? In the same field.
Lastly, my comment is not complete without Jon Courson. Why did Jezebel put make up on before facing Jehu? Courson said Jezebel was said to be very, very beautiful (but also very, very wicked). She hoped to capture Jehu's eye but it didn't work. Also Courson said that Jezebel survived Ahab by 14 years. She probably thought that she dodged a bullet, that she was free from the repercussions of her sin that what the prophet prophesied did not come true. But it caught up to her.
The readings were too bloody for me but there are a lot of lessons to be learned. Thanks, Wendy, for shining the light.
Have a blessed day, everyone!
Hi everyone,
I have a praise report on Ryan. During this 2 months of trial. Ryan and I decided to read "The Power of a Praying Teen" by Stormie Omartian together. At first, I thought this book might be a little difficult for him to understand but he insisted. Everyday we read one chapter. We finally finished on June 11th. That evening he told my husband and I that he wanted to say the salvation prayer. Right there Henry prayed for him and Ryan prayed and accepted Jesus Christ into his heart. I've never seen Ryan being so serious. He was ready. Thank you Lord. I'm just so happy beyond I can described. At that time, he still have hives all over his body. The hives finally went away on 6/14. The doctors told me every tests they have done on him including his autoimmune system came back negative. Ryan has a very bad case of gastritis which will take time to heal. They believed he will be fully recovered. But it takes couple months. Yesterday he told me he thinks he is hungry. How about that.
The Lord had taught me to be patient. Everything will be done in His timing. I've struggled back and forth with God during this 2 months. God keep telling me to wait. He has a bigger plan for us. My grace is sufficient for you for today and let go so I can do my work. I have to relearn that concept.
Please continue to pray for Ryan's health. Pray that God will use him and comform him into His will. Protect him from any spiritual attack.
Thank you G&P and all of you to keep me accountable. God is good.
Allie! Praise GOD!!!!! Rejoicing that he is healed and sealed. He now belongs to GOD! That is such a Romans 8:28 moment. God used this illness to draw Ryan closer to Him. Oh I can just hug you both! Thank you, Father, for continuing to work in Ryan's life. Please continue to heal his physical ailments. But we are so thankful that You also healed his spirit. Thank you for using this difficult time to work in his heart - and his mother's as well. We all need to learn patience and to just be still and know that YOU are God. Thank you, Father.
God is good. All the time!
Hi Ladies, I’m back again…that gory scene of Jezebel falling out of the window has led me to think more regarding her “up high” position sitting in the window. She was elevated and feeling smug. Exalted. But, then the quick turn-around happens – she comes falling down. Her high position collapses right before her very own eyes!
What have we promoted and raised up high, elevated, I guess one could say, - that draws us away from God, and allows Satan to do his work amongst us? Idols? Strongholds? Thoughts? Worries? Lack of trust? Whewie!
Surely, I do not want to keep God from furthering His glorious kingdom. Is the enemy using me to do his work like he did with young Jehu? What strongholds still have a tight grip over my life? Very possibly, my worrisome thoughts (allowing for wasted energy to take place), where my teenagers are concerned.
Thank you dear Lord for your Word. Just like Leslie said, help me to let go of the “but’s” in my life. I want my light fully shining. smile!
Allie, thank you for the mighty praise report! Praise you, Father for saving this child of yours! Thank you for taking away Ryan’s hives and giving him an appetite. Thank you for your plan that is playing out. All things work together for good to those that love You. You are teaching allie to be patient. To let go, and let you take over. Continue to place wisdom in her path as she clings to you for guidance. You are God. You can do anything. Patience, belief, and trust – we know it, but, we’ve got to live it.
Hugs, Lori
PS Michelle, I thought that was Denise! That is why my heart swelled with love when I saw her in the background, knowing that we prayed for her to be able to be there! God is good.
Hi, everyone!
This truly was a blood bath as we throughout one ruling family. I think of Jezebel so proud, but pride comes before a fall.
I loved the contrast of the darkness and the Light of John 8:12. I feel so secure and happy in the Light of Jesus.
I have always loved the Old Testament and told my kids over and over. The guidelines for a happy, content, peaceful life are found in the old testament. In the Ten Commandments, the Proverbs and the stories, IF only my kids can follow them.
I pray for our families, our husbands and our kids. That all may find time for the Lord.
Susie
Wisconsin
Afternoon from TN~
I have had a time with the vlog today :( I just can not seem to get it to play on my computer. Not sure what is going on, it just won't load. I thought this morning it was the weather since we had thunderstorms rolling through, but they have all cleared and it still is not loading. I will just try again tomorrow :)
My nugget was along the same lines as yours with the "buts" and at the end how he did not follow God with his whole heart. He did all these things God asked him to but... I do not want that to be me.
Michelle I am joining you in a 4:8 day today! I thank all of you that are praying for my husband. Wendy, thank you for lifting him up today. God's hand is upon his life right now and I see the transformation right before my eyes.
Susan I added you on FB so just go to my profile page and watch the video. The scene that is posted is my hubby in the play Sunday night. If any of you are on FB I would love to add you as a friend :)
Allie- I am praising the Lord with you on Ryan's salvation and his healing! Wow sister! The power of prayer and like G&P said, a Romans 8:28 moment. God knows what is needed to bring others to Him. I love what Acts 17:26-27 says,
"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."
None of us are where we are by accident. Our states, cities, streets, families, we were put in these places so that we will reach out for God and find Him. Even our trials and circumstances are so that we will reach to God.
Michelle I want to encourage you to pray for yourself as much as you pray for others. I think it is the most important thing you can do for yourself. In order for God to hear our prayers for others we must keep our hearts clean before Him, confessing sin, telling Him our feelings, laying it all bare before Him. He knows anyway :) When you do that and let Him come in and fill you each day then intercede on other's behalf. I learned to do that through several wonderful teachers. Start with praise and thanksgiving, confess and pray for yourself, then intercession. I have followed this pattern a long time and I know others like Lori does as well. It just keeps your heart in line with God's heart and draws you closer when you do talk to Him about it all :)
My husband has the night off from playing Captain Obvious. Tomorrow night he will be doing the final play they are doing. Tonight we just get to go to parenting class and he gets to just be John. The kids all know who he is though and come up to him constantly. He tries to pretend he is not the Captain. I tell you all, I got very emotional last night seeing him with all the kids. He was up on stage with them singing the songs in the praise time and then afterwards he was up front taking pictures with all of them and letting them feel his muscles, lol. They wanted to feel his biceps because our children's pastor had used his muscles as a demonstration of working your physical muscles and them growing and how we work our faith and our heart muscle grows. I am having a lot of trouble sleeping because of all that is going on. I did lay down with my son for about an hour to rest I just can't sleep. God has got to save him soon or I am going to fall over from sleep deprivation :)
Chat with you all tomorrow...will up date you more on what happens tonight!
Brandee, TN
Blessed Afternoon!
As I mentioned before, I was not that familiar with the OT, My old was Moses, Joseph and his coat, David and Goliath. All of this from Sunday School classes. Now I have learned so much from Wendy, all of you and really reading the whole stories. Just don't ask me to repeat from memory all the kings of Northern and Southern Israel!
My new then would be all else - so much rich history, and the prophecy - what can I say? I just didn't know how much foretelling of Jesus there was in the OT.
My nugget - what do you mean nugget? I like rocks, as do some of you, and now I have been given boulders to have and use! Yeah, for the boulders.......
Today I was called to go get fingerprinted for my volunteer work with Special Populations group. I wasn't thrilled - wanted to spend the day at home and not out into the 95 degree heat that felt like 108 with the humidity. But I went and afterwards stopped at the supermarket to pick up a few items. Going in, one of the teachers from Spec. Pop saw me and greeted me. So I felt a little better. As I was on my way out, one of the black students (somewhere in his 20.s I think) saw me and got all excited. He doesn't talk much but was with his Mom and made such a commotion she had to stop. We hugged and I talked with them a bit. The joy on his face at seeling me replaced my little "dark" feeling with a great light!
My to do - use what God is showing me daily for his benefit willingly with no more dark moments.
Part of the darkness was for Delores at assisted living. Delores, if you remember, was the lady with Alzheimers who used to be a piano teacher and performer. Recently she has suffered many small strokes. Her wish was to die with dignity and week by week I see that going away. Praise be to God that she is taken home quickly and quietly. I will miss her but there is a use for her music in heaven I am sure.
Those who have walked in darkness have seen a great light! Amen
Dixie in Florida
Brandee, I'm still all smiles :D Can't wait to see what God will do!
Dixie, I was wondering what happened to the seniors you visit. I'm praying for Delores. I remember she answered my e-mail question on my son's piano practice. I pray that God will have mercy on her and take her home soon. If you go there again on Tuesday, please give her this ((((HUG)))) from me. And may God bless you ,too because it must be hard for you to deal with people who are at the end of their lives. God gave you a gift to care for them. It blesses my heart that the young man recognized you. I can see that you meant a lot to him. That is really sweet.
Hi Everyone!
I'm Amber from TX...a happily married, work-at-home mother of a 16 mo. old daughter and expecting a son in November. :) My dear friend/mentor Lyn had been encouraging me to do this study for months, and I finally knew I needed to begin on my b-day (June 10th.) Little did I know that Lyn had for me, as a b-day gift that afternoon, the very Bible that is used here. What an amazing and timely blessing from the Lord! So, I've been reading, watching, and logging for a week now, and it has been so rich -- a true answer to the desire of my heart to get back into the Word regularly. And, I've had the privilege of sharing this opportunity with several dear friends, within the past week. There are so many things God has been revealing, convicting, amazing me with...etc. Yet, I had to catch up on some of this, after an unusually busy weekend, and so I'm just now up to date and have a chance to say "hello." I'm looking forward to sharing this journey with you all...and I'll just say goodnight, for now. :)
Post a Comment
Home