Ezra 1

King Cyrus of Persia decided to build a new temple for the Lord in Jerusalem. The Jews who were carried away into captivity in Babylon returned. Cyrus also restored the silver and gold which had been carried away.

All well and good … but we are wise to build God’s house through prayer. I intend to devote time for prayer before Trinity’s Sunday services on Sunday mornings. We can meet in a classroom across the hall from the gym at 9:00 a.m.

2 Chron. 34

King Josiah rent his clothes and humbled himself before God when he read from the Law and realized how far the nation had fallen from God. He did all he could to make corrections to try to please God.

The prophetess, Huldah, relayed God’s message to him … “I have heard you.” Although judgements would come, the Lord told Josiah they would not be in his lifetime.

When we cry out to God to restore us, He hears us and bestows His mercy.

2 Chron. 31

As a result of the revival King Hezekiah fostered, the people cleansed the land of all false worship altars and objects. They wanted to remove anything that displeased the Lord.

O may we experience such a renewal in our churches, our families, and our personal lives.

God loves a clean house.

2 Chron. 27

It’s driving me crazy! War, war, war. Israel against Judah. Russia and Ukraine. Cartels. Republicans and Democrats. Gangs. Trump vs. ABC-NBC-CBS-MSNBC etc.

War always brings casualties – some mother’s son, some widow’s husband, some infant’s father.

Join with me in praying against war.

2 Chron. 26

King Uzziah presumed upon God by thinking he could waltz into the temple and act like a priest. God smote him with leprosy. His great pride made him think more highly of himself than he should.

It’s always safer to humble yourself rather than exalting yourself.

2 Chron. 20

From this passage, we find several key life principles that can fill a book. Today I focus on the admonition to stand firm. God told His people that He would make this battle HIS, not theirs. While they were standing firm, they were to observe Him destroying their enemy. This, all after they had sought His will and assistance.

He will fight your battles.

2 Chron. 16

King Asa made a BIG MISTAKE when he formed an alliance with the king of Syria rather than completely trusting God to defend Judah. A prophet from God called him out on it, and from then on, he began losing his battles AND the kingdom.

Trust ONLY in the Lord. The arm of flesh will fail you every time.

2 Chron. 13

Under Asa’s reign, Judah had peace. He sought the Lord and did all within his power to please God. Judah was given peace. None of their enemies attacked.

By prayer and knowing God’s Word, we too can have peace.

Phil. 4:6,7. [Look this verse up and memorize it.]

2 Chron. 10

Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, took Th he throne after his father passed. Although his constituents requested lighter a taxation load, he said, “My finger will be thicker than my father’s waist.”

He was greatly resented and caused a great split on the kingdom.

Christ doesn’t run people off … He GATHERS.

2 Chron. 9

The Queen of Sheba had heard so many great things about Solomon, so she traveled to meet him. She found that his subjects were happy due to his excellent leadership.

Because our King, Jesus, is the perfect leader, we have the “Joy of the Lord.”

If you want to be a good leader, be like Jesus.