Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

2 Peter 3:8-18
Do not forget this, "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day". The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to repentance.
The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. As you wait eagerly for the day of God to come.
Since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation.
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Why?
If God's delays it is out of mercy, not weakness.
There is no difference of opinion between Peter and our dear brother Paul: both speak of these matters in the same way.
Of cause, says Peter, we all find some of Paul's teaching a bit hard to understand.
The certainty that Jesus will come, that it could happen any day, is the strongest possible incentive to Christian living. The writer's closing instruction is to be ready:'Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
Be ready to grow in the grace: God's mercy and honor and his power
grow in knowledge of our God and Jesus Christ: Really know him.
All of these need make every effort to do.
How?
Be prepare, get ready that the Lord may come tomorrow, do I have made every effort for his coming?




Tuesday, December 30, 2014

God's word is turth

2 Peter 3:1-7
Write these two letters are to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.
1) recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through the apostles.
2) must understand that in the last days scoffers will come. They deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water.
By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
There is a neat parallelism in these three verses 5-7:
By his word and by means of water God created the world.
By his word and by  means of water, he destroyed it.
By the same word and by means of time he will destroy it in future judgment.
Why?
Years have passed and still Christ's expected return has no happened. The created world runs on as it always has done.
The created world runs on as it always has done. what then of God's promise? There are always people ready to scoff. But God's word, spoken through the Prophets and apostles, will prove dependable. His word commands such power, it brought our whole world into being.
Peter's warning and reminder are true, There are many scoff in this world, They refuse to believe the world was created by the Lord. They say  'where is these coming he promised?'
How?
God was and is until now so His word is truth in the future also.



Monday, December 29, 2014

The way of Balaam: the way of compromise with greed

2 Peter 2:13-22
Suffering wrong as he wage for their wrongdoing.
They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you.
For whatever overcome a person, to that he is enslaved.
After they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.
These false teachers were once orthodox正統 Christians. Now their state is worse than before they knew anything of Christ.
Waterless spring: can't provide water for thirsty people
The way of Balaam: the way of compromise with greed.
The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire. : He still is a dog, does not change his heart to a man.
Why?
How the wicked men doing and their consequences will be.
Overcame by evil will be slave of sin, but God overcomes us will be servant of the Lord.
The way of Balaam is a way of compromise with many things does not follow the way of righteousness. Men usually like to compromise with others to resolve the problem but be aware of the right direction.
How?
Examine my heart deeply, why I will do it? or troubled with it?




Sunday, December 28, 2014

Trust in the Lord

2 Peter 2:1-12
False prophets arose among the people, like false teacher, even denying the Master who bought them, bring upon themselves swift destruction.
God did not spare angels who sinned, and cast them into hell. Flood upon the world of the ungodly, and Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes and God rescued righteous Lot, let us know that the Lord knows how to rescue the godly men from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.
To be forewarned is to be forearmed - so the writer warns his readers against false teachers who have already disrupted other Christians groups.
Their punishments is certain and terrible. The writer takes Old Testament examples: the flood, and the rescue of Nah; the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the rescue of Lot.
Why?
False prophets and false teachers are arose among the people, since the beginning of the world. They are the wicked one will be condemned and punished until the day of judgment. The punishment's time decided by the Lord. It is certain and conformed that those evil doers will perished.
God did not spare the sin and false prophets, even the angles who sinned.
How?
Be aware the false teachers and false prophets who are greedy and anti-Christ. Trust in the Lord and Jesus Christ is the only way to the salvation.




Saturday, December 27, 2014

We are the witnesses of Jesus Christ

2 Peter 1:12-21
Peter intends always to remind these qualities. May be able at anytime to recall these things.
Peter were eyewitnesses of his majesty, when Jesus received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him the the Majestic well pleased.
No prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
The Christian massage does not rest on myth and legend, but on the evidence of eye-witnesses.
Peter could not forget what he saw and heard, that day on the mountain when Jesus stood before them in his glory, and gives hos own account of its significance.
The testimony of the prophets has been confirmed as a word from God himself.
This may mean either 'it is not the interpretation that authenticates the prophet's message', or 'the true interpretation, like the message itself, is God-given.'
Why?
The Scriptures light our path through life until the dawning day of Christs' return.
Peter was eye-witnesses of Jesus Glory so he intend to remind followers to have these qualities.
The primary issue is confirm that Jesus Christ is the Lord who is confirmed by word of prophets. And prophet's word is spoken from God through Holy Spirit.
How?
All of Christians are the witnesses of Jesus Christ in this generation.




Friday, December 26, 2014

Knowledge of God; 2 Peter

2 Peter 1:1-11
Grace and Peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness ( virtual)
Through these he has given us his great and precious promises : 1)participate in the divine nature and 2)escape the corruption in the world cause by evil desires.
Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; knowledge; self-control; perseverance; godliness; brotherly kindness; love.
Above quality may keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. You will never fall.
Be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.
God's purpose for his people is that they should come to share his own nature and character - nothing less.
So to faith must be added other qualities. In this way knowledge of Christ is translated into action.
Why?
We are not fight or victory, but from victory.
These characters are the recipe of a abundant Christian life.
We are to share the nature and goodness of Jesus Christ, not to earn or fight for it. But we have to make every effort to add these to our nature.
God had given us these promise so ask it, then we can get it.
Environment causes believer fall and shake faith, so be all the more eager to make our calling and election sure.
How?
To be a productive and effective Christian through knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Be more eager to trust in the Lord!



Thursday, December 25, 2014

The wrath of the Lord was aroused

2 Chronicles 36:11-23
Zedekiah was became king when he was 21 years old, and he reigned in Jerusalem 11 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the Lord. He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar.
They mocked God's messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.
God gave Zedekiah and the nation many warnings through Jeremiah and the other prophets, but they were all ignored. The destruction of the city and Temple are seen as God's punishment - a judgment that spelt death or exile for the whole nation.
The exile lasted about 70 years, until the Persians took over the Babylonian Empire.
Why?
Sabbath: The Chronicler implies that these Sabbaths were not kept under the kings.
When the book of Ezra was detached from Chronicles, these verses were retained at the end of Chronicles and repeated at the beginning of Ezra. Chronicles could not end at verse 21. God had not utterly abandoned his people. Jerusalem had spoken scalding燙 words of God' judgment and condemnation. But he had also spoken of God's continuing love for his exiled people and of their eventual return.
After Josiah, Judah lasted for 22 years and destroyed by the Babylonian for their sins.
How?
God loves his people and God claims his judgment. His love and righteousness endure forever.


Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Be aware of the word of the Lord

2 Chronicles 36:1~10
Jehoahaz was king reigned in Jerusalem 3 months.
Neco made Eliakim as king and changed his name to Jehoiakim. He reigned in Jerusalem11years. Nebuchadnezzar attacked him and bound him with bronze shackles to Babylon.
Jehoiachin his son succeeded him as king. He reigned in Jerusalem3monthso and10 days.
Nebuchadnezzar made his uncle Zedekiah over Judah.
After only three months Johoiachin was deposed and taken captive to Babylon.
God gave zedekiah and the nation many warnings through prophets, but they were all ignored.
Why?
All these were prescribed by the Lord through prophets, but they ignored those warning.
A nation fell is because they ignore the love and the righteousness of the Lord,
How?
Be aware of the word of the Lord.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Peace is better than battle

2 Chronicles 35:20-27
Josiah would not turn away from Neco king of Egypt, he would not listen to what Neco had said at God's command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo
Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah, and to this day all the men and women signers commemorate Josiah in the laments.
Neco was marching north in 609 to help Assyria fight off Babylon. On his way home he deposed廢黜 and deported驅逐出境 Josiahs successor, Johoahaz. But in 605 he was defeated by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon at Carchemish.
Lament: This is not the Bible book of Lamentations; the lament has not been preserved.
Why?
Josiah might be proud or he didn't believe the word of God said by Neco king of Egypt. He won't let foreign army go through his territory.
How?
God's word may tell us through foreigner but not our friends. Peace is better than battle!





Monday, December 22, 2014

Do it rather than listen it

2 Chronicles 35:1-19
Josiah Celebrates the Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem.
The Levites made preparations for themselves and for the Aaronic priests and made the preparations for the musicians and gate keepers.
So at that time the entire service of the Lord was carried out for the celebration of the Passover and the offering of burnt offerings on the altar of the Lord, as king Josiah had ordered.
The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel. It was celebrated with the priests, the levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem.
Why?
Passover had been neglected under the Kings though Hezekiah revived it. Now the celebration forms the climax to Josiah's reforms. The nation remember their deliverance from slavery in Egypt within a few short years of a second slavery, to Babylon.
Remember it but did not repent actions, second slavery comes.
How?
Undersand it is knowledge, but do it and follow it is a blessing to us.



Sunday, December 21, 2014

Responsive to the Lord and be humbled

 2 Chronicles 34:14-33
Hilkiahthe priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord that had been given thought Moses.
When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes. He gave orders to Hilkah, Ahikam so of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shapham the secretary and Asiah the king's attendant: Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord's anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord.
Why?
During his reign the book of the law(probably Deuteronomy, perhaps in an earlier form) is discovered, and a measure of true repentance follows. But, despite the king's lead, the people's response is too little ad too late to avert judgment.
There are some differences between the account in Kings and Chronicles, mainly in the order of events, but neither writer is primarily concerned with chronology. The real significance of the events lies in what they teach.
Peoples were accustomed to the detestable behavior, so the anger of the Lord still will pour out on this place and will not be quenched.
Found the Book of God reminded them to thought what evil things they had done.
Anyone whose heart was responsive to God's word and humbled himself before the Lord will be saved.
How?
Responsive to the word of God and humble ourselves will be saved.



Saturday, December 20, 2014

Seeking the Lord, there is nothing lack

2 Chronicles 34:1-13
Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in the ways of his father David.
In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places. He tore down the altars and the Asherah poles and crushed the idols to power and cut ot pieces all the incense altars throughout Israel.
In the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign, he sent Shaphan, and Maaseiah and Joah to repair the temple of the Lord his God.
Josiah descesrates and demolishes places and objects of pagan worship, and repairs the Temple.
Why?
Assyrian power was declining. So Josiah became gradually freer to take the politically dangerous step of extending his religious reforms into the former northern kingdom of Israel.
These were the alrars built by Josiah's grandfather, King Manasseh.
Josiah is the last good king in Judah, his kingdom was ruined from his grandfather. It was difficulty to restore in his reigned.
How?
Seeking the Lord, there is nothing lack.



Friday, December 19, 2014

Be humble and seek the favor of the Lord

2 Chronicles 32:12-25
In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty懇求 and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God.
He got rid of the foreign gods and removed the image from the temple of the Lord as well as all the altars he had built on the temple hill and in Jerusalem. Then he restored the altar of the Lord and sacrificed fellowship offerings and thank offerings on it, and told Judah to serve the Lord.
God answered the king's desperate prayer, and his release and return changed him, but not the people.
Why?
No matter under what distress, seek the favor of the Lord and humble ourselves greatly before the God, the Lord will listen to us and the Lord is moved by our entreaty.
God our father is faithfulness and loves us forever when we turn to him and humble before him.
How?
Be humble and trust in the Lord our father.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

They paid no attention

2 Chronicles 33:1-11
Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites.
He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. So the Lord brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.
For almost all of his long reign Manasseh was one of Judah's least God-fearing kings. He desecrated the Temple and practiced human sacrifice. But the Chronicler relates a change of heart not mentioned in Kings. Possibly Manasseh was caught up in the revolt of Ashurbanipal' brother, vassal-king 諸侯王of Babylon.
Why?
The worst king in kings of Judah is Manasseh. He paid no attention to the warning from the Lord. The wrath of the Lord came upon him, so he became a prisoner of Babylon.
The righteousness of the Lord forever.
How?
Favor to favor. Evil doer have to face his own account.




Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Always be humble before the Lord

2 Chronicles 32:24-33
Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah's heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him. Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, therefore the Lord's wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.
He succeeded in everything he undertook. But when envoys使節 were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart.
Left to himself: Hezekiah exhibits his treasures with foolish pride.
Why?
Hezekiah is succeeded in everything, so he had much treasure and cattle, flocks. So he prodded on these and exhibits to envoys of Babylon.
God will test his people and to know his heart.
No one is perfect in the world, proud may enter our heart when we are prospered.
How?
Be aware the proud and be humble before the Lord always.


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Put trust in God

2 Chronicles 32:1-23
Hezekiah encouraged his people, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles."
Sennacherib king of Assyria says:" Do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom has been able to deliver his people from my hand or the hand of my fathers. How much less will you god deliver you from my hand!"
King Hezekiah and the prophet Isiah cried out in prayer to heaven about this. And the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the leaders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace.
Having wiped out the northern kingdom, the Assyrians make inroads into Judah, whose people have been showing signs of independence. But in is campaign of 701BC Sennacherib fails to take Jerusalem. The reason, says the Chronicler, is that in the crisis Judah's king put his trust wholly in God.
Why?
The God of Israel, the Lord Almighty is different as other gods, who is the true God and he is with us and help us and to fight our battles.
Put trust wholly in God is the strength, for God helps us.
How?
Put trust in God, no matter what I am facing! Even I am facing the problem of TerraSAR data.



Monday, December 15, 2014

Listen and obey

2 Chronicle 31;1-21
 What Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.
The whole chapter is an additional to the Kings account. The reform even extent into the old northern kingdom.
The laws governing worship and the support of the priests are reintroduced. The sheers volume of produce raised by the gifts for the priests and tithes. Special care is taken to see that it is property distributed.
Why?
Seek the Lord and work wholeheartedly is be blessed from the Lord and could be prospered.
Seek: Care the heart of the Lord and his way
Work: Action to obey the words of the Lord, it is not study it and understand it only, but the behavior to honor the Lord. Before the action consider is it coincident to the way of the Lord.
How?
Listen and do it for the Lord!



Sunday, December 14, 2014

The attitude of heart that matters most

2 Chronicles 30:1-27
Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letter also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem to keep the Passover to the Lord, the God of Israel.
For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.
So the couriers went from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them.
And many people came together in Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month, a very great assembly.There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem.
Why?
Samaria fell to Assyria in the reign of Ahaz. Most of the northern Israelites were taken captive and their land was re-settled. Hezekiah appeals to the few remaining Israelites to join with Judah for the feast. despite the poor response, there had been no Passover to equal this since Solomon's day. And such was the general rejoicing that they extended the feast an extra week.
The Chronicler who set great store by proper forms of worship, makes it clear that it is the attitude of heart that matters most.
How?
God seeks everyone of us the attitude of heart that matter most.


Saturday, December 13, 2014

Consecrated yourselves to the Lord

2 Chronicles 29:20-36
When the building has been made ready king, priests and people are themselves made clean from sin by the offering of sacrifices.
The song to the Lord: Many of the psalms were written for use in the Temple on various occasions.
Hezekiah commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel. They sang praises with gladness, and they bowed down and worshiped.
Hezekiah said ,'You have now consecrated yourselves to the Lord. Come near; bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the Lord.' And the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offering.
Why?
Not only the king consecrated himself but also his people come and consecrated themselves to the Lord. Worship the Lord and fear the Lord is important to all population and the leader of a nation.
Hezekiah did all of these according to the commands of David and king's seers.
How?
Every Christian have to consecrated himself to the Lord, for this is the necessary altitude to the Lord. So am I.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Do not be negligent now

2 Chronicles 29:1-19
Hezekiah was 22 years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem 29 years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. His mother's name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah.
In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the Lord and repaired them. He brought in the priests and the Levites, assembles them in the square on the east side and asked them to consecrate them selves and consecrate the temple of the Lord. Remove all defilement from the sanctuary.
Do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before him and serve him, so minister before him and to burn incense.
Hezekiah's first concern is to restore the Temple to its proper us. His father Ahaz had robbed and closed it. The detailed account of the cleansing and rededication 貢獻of the desecrated Temple is characteristic of the Chronicler.
Why?
Hezekiah could turn to good king is affected by his mother, daughter of Zechariah. Even his father did so many detestable things before the Lord. Hezekiah really understood that the blessing and prosper is based on the Lord Almighty. Only turn away from the idols can deliver them out from prisoner of foreign country.
Do any service to the Lord have to respect it and consecrate myself before the serve. Fear the Lord is the wisdom.
How?
For the Lord has chosen me to stand before him and serve him, so I must not be negligent懈怠




Thursday, December 11, 2014

Chris bring us more deeper faith

2 Chronicles 28:16-27
Ahaz more unfaithful to the Lord. He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, who had defeated him; for he thought, "since the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them so they will help me." But they were his downfall and the downfall of all Israel.
Why?
Crisis brings some people to deeper faith, but not Ahaz.
Even the invasion from foreigner is permitted from the Lord for he who went away from the Lord. It looks like enemy did evil and gained, but it is a temporary situation, it will be cut off in the near future.
Peace and prosper bring us more alert to the proud.
How?
Crisis bring us more deeper faith instead of worry and seek man's solution.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Keep praying for this bad spiritual environment

2 Chronicles 28:1-15
Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem 16 years. He did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord.
The Lord handed him over to the king of Aram. He was also given into the hands of the king of Israel.
Some of the leaders in Ephraim and prophet of the Lord, Oded went out to meet the army of Israel when it returned to Samaria. "You must not bring those prisoners here, we will be guilty before the Lord. Do you intend to add to our sin and guilt? For our guilt is already great."
The terrible apostasy叛教 of Ahaz brings Judah near to destruction. God even uses the idolatrous northern kingdom to punish his people - and to show them up by almost unheard-of clemency寬大 to the prisoners-of-war.
There was still some good in Israel.
Why?
Ahaz's father was not wholeheartedly to the Lord, and people were involved in idol's worship, the environment became worse so Ahaz and his officials turned away from the Lord to the Baal.
There was still some good men in Israel, even Israel had turned away from the Lord.
Pray for the nation and pray for the downfall environment, the Lord is the sovereign Lord to this world.
How?
Keep praying for this bad spiritual environment, keep being a light in these dark world through Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Walk steadfastly before the Lord

2 Chronicles 27:1-9
Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God. He was 25 years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem 16 years.
Jotham proves a good king, faithful to God. He maintains and increases his father's power, adding Ammon to his tributary-states. But the religion of the people remains mixed.
Why?
King of Judah walked steadfastly before the Lord, but he did not order his people turn away from idol. The sins among the people are increasing.
Among this generation a president could not order all his people follow his way to worship the Lord, but he can be an example let people know what he is doing are right.
How?
Walk steadfastly before the Lord my God, be a good witness among people in my life.



Monday, December 8, 2014

A good person before and since, power and success are his undoing

2 Chronicles 26:1-23
Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.
But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.
A strong king, Uzziah (aided by his religious adviser Zechariah) begins well, seeking God and extending his sovereignty as far south as the Red Sea. He loves the land ad protects the cattle from desert raiders. He sees that his army is well-equipped and armed with the latest in guided missiles.
But as with many a good person before and since, power and success are his undoing毀滅. In his pride he takes on the role of priest. God strikes him with leprosy, a visible taken of that unseen defilement of sin which makes him unfit of God's presence.
Why?
Uziah was a good king, Isiah received his call from God in the year that king Uzzih died.
Seeking the Lord, God extending his sovereignty make him success. But pride make people downfall.
Success and power are easy to make people pride.
How?
Be aware when everything is going well, remember to thank the Lord, it is his blessing. Without God's blessing I have nothing.




Sunday, December 7, 2014

Be humble before the Lord

2 Chronicles 25:14-28
Why do you consult this people's gods, which could not save their own people from your hand? The prophet said to Amaziah.
And in Amaziah's bumptious(proud to an irritating degree) pride he throws down the gauntlet(拋出下戰書) to powerful Israel.
Defeat turns the people against him. It seems that Uzziah, the 'Azariah' of 2 Kings, was made co-regent(攝政). After 29 years on the throne, a conspiracy ends Amaziah's life.
The Chronicler sees the king's defeat and his death as punishment for worshipping the gods of Edom.
Why?
Proud led him downfall. Even forgot the Lord who can conquer the enemy.
How?
Be humble before the Lord, only Him can save us from dead and lost.




Saturday, December 6, 2014

Serve the Lord wholeheartedly

2 Chronicles 25:1-13
Amaziah became king of Judah when he was 25 years old, he reigned in Jerusalem 29 years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.
Amaziah hired a hundred thousand fighting men from Israel for a hundreds talents of silver. But a man of God came to him and said, "O king, these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the Lord is not with Israel- not with any of the people of Ephraim... for God has the power to help or overthrow."
Amaziah asked, "But what about the hundreds talents I paid for these Israelite troops?" The man of God replied, " The Lord can give you much more than that."
Israel... Ephraim: The Chronicler makes it clear that he means the northern kingdom.
Why?
Amaziah's cruel victory over Edom leads to his downfall. He brings home the foreign gods.
A man did what is right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly, he is not real Christians. One who has one sin he is a sinner, even he did many right things.
The Lord likes his servant who serve the Lord wholeheartedly. It is the loyalty to the Lord.
How?
Keep us away from any evil thing, serve the Lord wholeheartedly.





Friday, December 5, 2014

Whom are we listen to?

2 Chronicles 24:17-27
After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage尊敬 to the king, and he listened to them. They abandoned the temple of the Lord and worshiped Asherah poles and idols.
Althought the Lord sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen.
They killed Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah's father had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, "May the Lord see this and all you to account."
After the priest's death, however, the king comes under less healthy influences, till he sinks to the murder of Jehoiada's son for his outspoken criticism. In consequence his own life ends in ignominious可恥 defeat and assassination.
Why?
God loves his people, before his wrath come upon them, God will warn them, alert them. Hope his people return from the evil.
A leader should obey the decrees of the Lord and listen to the right men, however it is easy listen to the leader of people, his official only.
Zechariah sacrificed his life, but the Lord remember what he said, gave judgement to the king Joash.
No matter what happen, at least the king should care the kindness of Jehoiada had shown him.
How?
Whom are we listen to? Keep my heart with honest and humble, always listen to the words of God.







Thursday, December 4, 2014

Bring to the Lord the tax; Tithes

2 Chronicles 24:1-16
Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest.
At the king's command, chest was made and placed outside, at the gate of the temple of the Lord. A proclamation was then issued in Judah and Jerusalem that they should bring to the Lord the tax.
Jehoiada was old and full of years, and he died at the age of a hundred and thirty. He was buried with the kings in the City of David.
Under Jehoiada's influence, Joash begins well. The people are recalled to covenant loyalty and the damaged Temple is repaired.
Why?
A good king need a good adviser and helper.
For Joash was under the help of Jehoiada so he respected Jehoiada. So as we need a good spiritual couple or friends to help us walk on the way of the Lord.
Tithes and offering is our duty to the Lord to every God's people.
How?
Bring to the Lord the Tithes is our obligation and blessing.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Made covenant

2 Chronicles 23:1-21
In the seventh year Jehoiada showed his strength. He made a covenant with the commanders of units of a hundred. They gathered the Levites and the heads of Israelite families from all the towns. The whole assembly made a covenant with the king at the temple of God.
Jehoiada than made a covenant that he and the people and the king would be the Lord's people.
After six years the usurper篡位 is overthrown. The Chronicler stresses the role of priests and Levites in restoring the rightful monarch 君主 to the throne.
Why?
Made a covenant is the agreement to each others in one goat. It leads people have the strength to make rightful things.
God has made covenant to those who follow Jesus Christ through his name and obey his commandments.
How?
I have made covenant with the Lord to serve Him and honor his holy name in my life for the Lord loves me.





Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Observe the decree of the Lord is blessing

2 Chronicles 22:1-12
Ahzaiah was 22 years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. He was killed by Jehu when he visited Joram. God brought about Ahziah's downfall. So there was no one in the house of Ahzaiah powerful enough to retain the kingdom.
Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family of the house of Judah. But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and wife of the priest Jehoiada, hid the child from Athalish so she could not kill him.
Ahaziah learnt nothing from his father's horrible end. Friendship with Israel led directly to his death in Jehu's purge.
Ahaziah's infant son Joash is the rightful heir. But so many of the royal family have been wiped out that the queen mother is able to make her bid for the throne unchallenged.
V9 This seems to be at variance with 2 King 9 and 0, where Ahaziah dies at Megiddo, and before his nephew's death. 'Samaria' may be used her of the kingdom rather that the city itself.
Why?
When man away from the Lord is walking on the way of his downfall.
How?
Closely observe the decrees of the Lord is blessing, better than anything.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Righteousness is the Lord

2 Chronicles 21:1-20
King Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and have led Judah and the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves. The Lord is about to strike your people our sons, your wives and everything that is yours, with a heavy blow. A letter from Eliah the prophet to Jehoram.
The evil influence of Jehoram's wife proved stronger than his father;s good example. Jehoram lost control over Edom and Libnam (on the Philistine border), and let the nation into idolatry, 'Nobody was sorry when he died.'
Eliajah's letter: It would appear from 2 King 3:11 that Elijh was no longer alive, though we cannot be certain. Possibly, foreseeing how thing would go, the prophet left a written message which was delivered by a successor.
Not in the royal tombs: Presumably because he displeased God. Other kings not buried in the royal tombs were Ahaziah, Joash, Azariah, Ahaz. Violent death or skin disease also debarred them.
Why?
The blessing way from king Jehoram for he walked away from the Lord, and his wife had much influence to his evil behavior.
How?
Righteousness is the Lord. God see everything on the world from throne at heaven.