JESUS today YOU will SAVE me.
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 9
2 Chronicles 28
1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord, like David his father:
2 For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.
3 Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.
4 He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.
5 Wherefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
6 For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers.
7 And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king’s son, and Azrikam the governor of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.
8 And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.
9 But a prophet of the Lord was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the Lord God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.
10 And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the Lord your God?
11 Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the Lord is upon you.
12 Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,
13 And said unto them, Ye shall not bring in the captives hither: for whereas we have offended against the Lord already, ye intend to add more to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel.
14 So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before the princes and all the congregation.
15 And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.
16 At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him.
17 For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives.
18 The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.
19 For the Lord brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the Lord.
20 And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.
21 For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the Lord, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.
22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the Lord: this is that king Ahaz.
23 For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.
24 And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the Lord, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem.
25 And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the Lord God of his fathers.
26 Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
27 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
1. Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord, like David his father:
5. Wherefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
Just as obedience brings rewards, disobedience brings punishment …sometimes severe, or even fatal.
23 For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.
This reminds me of a friend I have. She claims to be a witch. She worships several different things, casts spells, all of that mess….But her life is in shambles and it never comes together like it needs to. Her family is cut down every time they start to do better financially or with their health or anything like that. There is No favor on her life. She prays for blessings from the gods but is answered with curses upon her house, her marriage, her health, her children. It is awful to see. I thought she just had bad luck until I was saved and started studying what the Word of God says. This lady is cursed. I pray God brings her back into my life so I can reach out to her. Be careful of anything you rely on more than God.
19 For the Lord brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the Lord.
20 And Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not.
21 For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the Lord, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.
Ahaz had seemed to look everywhere for strength and encouragement, despite his actions to do so, he refused to just repent and turn back to God. Some see that as judgment while it truly is the mercy of God to NOT allow strength when the path is wrong so that strength is sought from Him. Some people will not come to God regardless of the aspects of their life, high or low.
And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the Lord , and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem. And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the Lord God of his fathers.
2 Chronicles 28:24-25 KJV
http://bible.com/1/2ch.28.24-25.KJV
This sounds like the current status of the United States of America……….Help us LORD
3 Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.
How wretched to think that you cou even think of burning your own children. Ahaz rejected the Lord so many times in these scriptures. But to burn his own children. He was following after the heathen. Oh I pray we are careful with our loved ones that we are not burning them, with gossip, distresses, words of hate,our very actions. Lest it be said of us we burned our children. I pray God guard my words, my ways . Dont let anything said or done or what I do be but for the glory of God. Children natural and spiritual ! no matter what age watch our lives closely, let it not be said we burnt our own children. In Jesus name.
iLove to Grow in the Word
Wow, I just found the story of the Good Samaritan almost word to word in todays blog.
15Then the four men just mentioned by name came forward and distributed clothes from the plunder to the prisoners who were naked. They provided clothing and sandals to wear, gave them enough food and drink, and dressed their wounds with olive oil. They put those who were weak on donkeys and took all the prisoners back to their own people in Jericho, the city of palms. Then they returned to Samaria.
Wow…
3 Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.
It’s hard to comprehend how anyone could allow themselves to make such a fateful descision to sacrifice their own sons… God never requires that kind of sacrifice. But the heathen do! Don’t be fooled the sacrifices the world demands are greater than the sacrifices God will ever ask. I choose to carry my cross and follow what God says…
Jesus is King of Iseral
10 And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the Lord your God?
11 Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the Lord is upon you.
Be sure your sins will find you out. America must turn back to God and repent. We must do the same.
DECISIONS IN DISTRESS
22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the Lord: this is that king Ahaz.
In time of trouble and seasons of distress, occasionally it seems as if the negatives mount on us. In reflection we usually find that one trespass leads to another trespass.
The attraction of addiction is real and challenging, people become addicted to trouble, turmoil and trespass.
Repentance is change and for this reason most people simply continue in sin, and trespass yet more against the LORD.
We must guard our heart through seeking GOD, protect our mind by praying in the SPIRIT and lead our body by reading, studying and obeying the WORD of GOD.
In the time of distress, seek the LORD through HIS WORD, Prayer in HIS SPIRIT or counsel with a Spiritual Leader.
iRepent
iPraise
iPray
iWork
iGive
iReap
22 In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord.
Many people believe this is the answer but we must run TO GOD when in trouble.But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:9-10
Jesus is all we need. Don’t find your answers on men, medicine, drugs, alcohol, money, doctors, but on the one who created everything. Jesus!!!! Name above all names!!!!!
9 God’s prophet Oded was in the neighborhood. He met the army when it entered Samaria and said, “Stop right where you are and listen! God, the God of your ancestors, was angry with Judah and used you to punish them; but you took things into your own hands and used your anger, uncalled for and irrational, 10 to turn your brothers and sisters from Judah and Jerusalem into slaves. Don’t you see that this is a terrible sin against your God? 11 Careful now; do exactly what I say – return these captives, every last one of them. If you don’t, you’ll find out how real anger, God’s anger, works.” MSG
God have mercy on us when we use our judgment on someone instead of letting God handle the problem/issue. When we turn something over to God he doesn’t need our help with the solution, he’s got this……
22 Even during this time of trouble, King Ahaz continued to reject the Lord. (NLT)
King Ahaz continued trying to run from God and deny God every way possible. It’s funny, yet sad, to know some people think that if they reject God enough He’ll just go away. But my God is omnipresent and His love is always there ready to receive us again when we come to Him in sincere repentance. I pray God touches the hearts of every soul that tries to hide, I pray He finds them right where they are and draws them back to Him.
22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the Lord: this is that king Ahaz.
When we find ourselves in great trouble, we should first and foremost search our hearts and to find if we have sinned against God-it could be his way to bring us to repentance. But many times – like this king – man will not repent. Be quick to repent asking for the mind of Christ so that we can see situations and circumstances through HIS eyes.
5 Wherefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
Many times we give the credit to the devil for things we are going through, when that is not always the case. Sometimes God has to place us in situations so that we can see the need for Him in our lives.
The next time a situation arises, first I must seek God to see if He is trying to show me something, teach me something, reveal a fault in me etc, so that I can overcome with victory.
As i read this i could not make sice of this story. But as i continue to read this came
It might look like you are getting away with your sin it might even seem like that god not doing anything about it. But he is god see everything and he will judge u for your sin
8 And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.
9 But a prophet of the Lord was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the Lord God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.
10 And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the Lord your God?
11 Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the Lord is upon you.
Please don’t hold captive your brethren for their sin. We have all fallen short of the glory of God and none of us are without spot or wrinkle. Don’t hold them captive to grudges or distance because of their sin. Love them and release them, let God work out their sin and yours. And in the vein of politics don’t hold captive the brethren who voted and think different than you. Love them. Be Jesus to them.
2 Chronicles 28:16, 20-22 (NLT)
16) At that time King Ahaz of Judah asked the king of Assyria for help.
20) So when King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria arrived, he attacked Ahaz instead of helping him.
21) Ahaz took valuable items from the LORD’S Temple, the royal palace, and from the homes of his officials and gave them to the king of Assyria as tribute. But this did not help him.
22) Even during this time of trouble, King Ahaz continued to reject the LORD.
Jeremiah 17:5 & 7 (NLT)
5) This is what the LORD says, “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD.”
7)”But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.
2 Chronicles 28
1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord, like David his father:
2 For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.
3 Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.
It seems to be an ongoing pattern on ungodly kings seeking their own kingdoms than Gods. Lord help us to put up first In our lives!
We’ve seen many kings rise and fall and their obedience or disobedience affected the whole city! Our decisions will effect those around us, so before making any hasty decisions, seek God first!
9 But a prophet of the Lord was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the Lord God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.
10 And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the Lord your God?
2 For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.
My only question is whose steps are you following? Regardless of the direction of the kings of this present world, as men and women of God we must follow His steps.
Psalm 37:23
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
Psalm 119:105
105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
I find hope and joy in knowing that regardless of where I step, if I’m following His voice I’m right where I need to be to see the miraculous.
23 For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.
A person fallen into deception falls in sin and belives that the world and its gods will help. Salvation only comes from the Lord. We must pray against and bind this spirit of deception that has so many people bound.
Ahaz is a great example of lack of trust in the Lord. He turned to every god and nation for help but not God. He aided in the fall of Judah. It is better to trust in the Lord than in others.
2 For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.
3 Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.
“For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers.” The word of God (Jesus) provided the answer then, which is also the answer for today. A wicked leader/ruler/king will influence others by their actions, or lack thereof; however one can see who it costs the most. One would be wise to pray for those in position of influence, as well as for sight to see as God (Judge) does. Dear God, change or remove those that forsake you, and bless those that obey you. God Bless America, Israel, Jerusalem, and you all in Jesus name, Amen!
“And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the Lord: this is that king Ahaz.” He had become so blinded by self that he sadly went further away from the Lord. Self can and has destroyed many, which humbleness and repentance could change so much. God help us to see self as you do and be wise enough to change as needed, in Jesus name.
2 Chronicles 28:24-25 (NLT)
24 The king took the various articles from the Temple of God and broke them into pieces. He shut the doors of the Lord’s Temple so that no one could worship there, and he set up altars to pagan gods in every corner of Jerusalem. 25 He made pagan shrines in all the towns of Judah for offering sacrifices to other gods. In this way, he aroused the anger of the Lord, the God of his ancestors.
I fear that many in America fall into the same fault as Ahaz. Instead of turning to God for the answers many turn to everything else.
For fear and anxiety there is a pill. For marriage problems there is a counselor. For alcohol addiction there is a program. For behavioral problems we have psychiatrists. We don’t need to pray for healing because we can go to the doctor. We don’t need to ask for money because we can’t take out a loan.
If we are the answer to our prayers that doesn’t just make us a substitute but a god in our own eyes.
I believe the Lord becomes jealous over these things. He said seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. We should run to him before we run to anything else.
5 Wherefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.
6 For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers.
Our actions create reactions
Some times we have the tendency to say, it’s my life who’s cares what people say, it’s not like it affects them. But it does, every actions creates a reaction. Everything has consequences, either good or bad. And our decisions affect everyone, it can even affect the spiritual world. When we take ourselves out of the hands of God, we are putting ourselves in the hands of satan.
Ahaz’s life exemplifies what not be and what not to do. He imitates the idolatrous ways of the surrounding pagan nations, becoming so corrupt that that he throws his own sons into the sacrificial fire to false gods. The Lord will only tolerate such wickedness for so long before acting in judgment. He give Ahaz over to the king of Aram (Syria) and King Pekah of Israel. His army suffered decimation loses for his wickedness. Oded warns the victorious army that although God let you win over Judah, you pushed way to far in rage. God is not pleased command then to send the prisoners back. God wants for us to operate in the same kindness and consideration especially when executing justice. Even though we may have the upper hand from our brother or sister doesn’t mean we should tear them down. We should be building them up with the love of Jesus.
“And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria. But a prophet of the Lord was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the Lord God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven. And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the Lord your God?”
2 Chronicles 28:8-10
The children became angry because of their situations in life but that did not matter to God. Thedeceided that they wanted to take out their frustrations on others. When this occurred the people got in trouble with God.
Oh what a terrible place to be in trouble with God. God knew what happened in both places. God’s ways are above our ways and we don’t always understand what he is doing. God is longsufferin and doesn’t force himself on others as he is love. It sometimes people even need to be corrected because we operate in love. God doesn’t allow prople to just get away with being terrible because they want to be. He has ways of correction to help us that we might never consider because his is such a good father.
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 9
2 Chronicles 28
1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord, like David his father:
2 For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim.
Kings continue to worship idols .
v16 At the same time King Ahaz sent to the kings of Assyria to help him.
What a mistake. We should depend on GOD to help and keep us.
For it is GOD who is able to preserve HIS people without fault until we are in HIS presence.
Instead of leaning on the one true God, Ahaz involved himself with any and every other god that he thought would work. Nothing can match His glory. Trust in Jesus.
This chapter reminded me of a saying I’ve seen and heard “Know God, Know Peace” and “No God, No Peace”.
“He offered sacrifices in the valley of Ben-Hinnom, even sacrificing his own sons in the fire. In this way, he followed the detestable practices of the pagan nations the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.”
2 Chronicles 28:3 NLT
Sounds like we still have sacrificing of children today. Jesus help us.
This chapter shows us the importance of following the will of God. When we disobey, we make ourselves uncovered and the enemy can do as he will. To be covered requires submitting oneself to the authority of God. Submission elevates, pride disintegrates.
Stop right where you are and listen! GOD, the God of your ancestors, was angry with Judah and used you to punish them; but you took things into your own hands and used your anger, uncalled for and irrational…
How many times have we taken thongs too far? Maybe we were sent by God to minister to a certain situation, only to allow our personal motives to take us to a place we never intended. Most times we do more damage than good when we allow our personal motives and desires to influence our actions; especially when doing things in the name of the Lord.
How can we fix what we have messed up? First realizing what we have done. Sometimes hearing that we have fallen short of the mark set before us is not an easy thing to face up to. Then we must face those who were affected by our actions. Me must mature and stand up and face the consequences when we make mistakes. Hiding, passing blame and allow others to suffer for our actions is a very childish thing to do.
3 He offered sacrifices in the valley of Ben-Hinnom, even sacrificing his own sons in the fire.a In this way, he followed the detestable practices of the pagan nations the Lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.
What would drive a father to do this to their own sons? Only something so evil, the father is blinded by evil. Worshiping the god Molech, which required sacrificing sons by burning. We must never allow to be covered in darkness to where we cant see where Jesus is.