Day 273 - Nehemiah 9 & Psalm 87

 Julie

The people of Israel confess their sins and the sins of their father. This entire chapter is like a long prayer, praising God for his greatness, his grace, and his mercy. They ask him to forgive them for their sin and for not following his commandments, but they also ask to forgive them for the sins of their fathers and ancestors. They seem to understand that things have been done wrong for so long and they appear to be trying to remedy that. 

I had to read an explanation for this one. It says that this is a psalm celebrating Zion as the chosen city of God. 

 

Michelle

 The people are gathered to confess and pray.  It does seem like they are asking forgiveness for those that came before them.  They have retold  the stories of their ancestors in their prayers.  At the end it says they are still slaves and are in distress and that they want to make an agreement in writing.  

I appreciate your explanation for this psalm.  I understood it to be speaking of Zion as the chosen city but that's about it.  The last line stands out although I don't really know why or understand the significance.  "As they make music they will sing, "All my fountains are in you"."

Day 272 - Nehemiah 8 & Psalm 86

 Julie

They come together and Ezra reads the law of Moses, or the Torah, or the first five books of the Bible. This was common in the OT. They seem to be returning to the celebrations that had been commanded.

This is praising God for his steadfast love and faithfulness and asking for help and understanding in walking with God. It is also asking for help with their enemies. I feel like this could be a good prayer right now with the things that we are going through. The last line really stood out in that I would like to ask God to show me favor and to put to shame those that are persecuting me.

 

Michelle

I finally realize why some cultures pray with their heads to the ground.  It has been said before but today it hit me that this is how they did this at this time of the bible.   In saying that it makes me think that maybe some cultures do not recognize the new testament and continue to follow the laws of the Old Testament.  I am not sure why this came up in my understanding today.  

There is a very moving devotional with this chapter.  Unlimited source of Joy is the title.  It talks of how the people, upon hearing the book of the law read, realize they have not been following as God commanded and start to grieve.  But Ezra tells them "the joy of the Lord is your strength".  It says true joy originates from God and living in close connection to God, not from our situation or emotions.  We tend to think that joy comes from finishing something or overcoming something, resolving or obtaining something.  But this last part sums it up well.  "Lasting joy does not reside in God's blessings, God's favor, God's gifts or God's people, but in God himself.  Take time this day to seek the Lord and draw upon him to find your joy--your strength."

The part of this psalm that stands out is verse 11.  "Teach me  your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."  Asking for God to give you an undivided heart is the part that really stood out.  We should ask for this and make sure we are not sharing our focus in other directions.  God should be where our heart lies.

Day 271 - Nehemiah 7 & Psalm 85

 Julie

The wall has been finished so Nehemiah puts gatekeepers and guards in place. He finds the genealogy and sees the lists of returned exiles, the rest of the reading actually lists all of them. 

They are asking God to forgive them for the lack of faithfulness. Asking him to grant them salvation because of his promises and steadfast love. I liked the last part, "Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way." 

 

Michelle

It's interesting that we have been keeping genealogical records for such a long period.  But I see why at the time of the bible it was so important.  It says that those that did not have records proving they were descendants of Israel were excluded from certain things.  That would be hard to accept.  

What stands out is that they are asking God to restore them again and to listen to what God says, not turning to folly.  The lines you shared are very moving and a reminder of God's steadfast love.  

Day 270 - Nehemiah 5-6 & Psalm 84

 Julie

Nehemiah listened to the people and understood that so much was being taken away from them that they had nothing for themselves. He decreed that all should be given back to the people and that they should not be taxed in the way that they had been in the past. The first chapter ends with Nehemiah praying to God to see the good deeds that he has done.

There is also a conspiracy to kills Nehemiah and those conspiring against him try to coax him into fear in order to get him to do what they want. He refuses and says that if he does that he would be going against God. In this chapter, Nehemiah prays for those that are conspiring against him.

This psalm was made into a song called Better is One Day. We are blessed when we trust in him and seeing that even one day in the court of God is better than any other day anywhere else.

 

Michelle

I am catching up today.  I didn't realize it had been a week.  A few things stood out to me in these chapters.  First, Nehemiah recognizes how much the people are being taxed and tells those doing this to stop.  He also shares that he is feeding a great number of people from his own table and not taking any of the governors portion from the people, which it sounds like he is supposedly entitled to do.  But realizing the burden on the people he does not.  Second is the conspiracy against him and those trying to instill fear and get him to go against God.  Something Nehemiah says really stood out to me.  He is replying to Sanballat and says, "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your own head."  Now how often do we do this.  All day every day.  Every person is guilty of this, assuming things instead of finding out what is really going on.  Thinking that we know what people think of us or assuming that they have ulterior motives when that may not really be the case.  So often we do this and it happens alot via social media.  I know this is not the overall theme of this chapter but it really stood out to me.  And lastly the fact that Nehemiah is constantly praying.  He prays for his enemies, and for God to see what he is doing to help the people and for a great many things I am sure.  This we should all be aware of.  We should be in constant prayer for whatever we are facing.  

I had not heard that song before.  It is moving and does make you think that it is better to be with God than without.

Day 269 - Nehemiah 3-4 & Psalm 83

 Michelle

 This section starts by telling us what section or area each family is working on.  It gave me a thought of everyone working together for a common goal in the name of God and their people.  When it came to the opposition they faced, it sounded like the people started getting discouraged but then prayer happened again and it seems they got a renewed strength from it.  There is a devotional with chapter 4 that talks about this as well.  It speaks of gaining a new perspective or renewed perspective and finding renewed strength to complete the task ahead of you.  So when  you feel like calling it quits, this is a time when you should turn to prayer.  

This psalm sounds like they are asking God to destroy their enemies and gives past examples.  At the end it asks that God make known himself to these enemies.

Julie

Prayer really does seem to be a common theme so far in this book. I know you mentioned that previously, but this chapter is a great reminder that if we turn to God in prayer he will hear us and we can find some comfort in him.

Day 268 - Nehemiah 1-2 & Psalm 82

 Michelle

We begin Nehemiah today and it sounds like we are hearing words from his own mouth.  The preface to this book talks about how much he prays and that we should look for these prayers throughout the book. It actually starts off with prayer.  He has been guided by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and prays that the king, Artaxerxes, will allow him to follow his calling.  The devotional attached to this chapter speaks about a pattern of prayer.  Following Nehemiah's pattern will show that we come to God knowing he hears the prayers of the righteous.  First acknowledge who God is (the great and awesome God) and who you are (God's servant), confess your sins (don't gloss over your transgressions but state them in honest repentance) and remind God of his promises (not that he needs reminding but it says Nehemiah reminded God of his promise to his people and interceded on their behalf, asking God to hear his prayer and favor him).  There is another devotional for chapter 2 titled Help!.  It references parts of verses 2 and 4.  "I was very much afraid...Then I prayed to the God of Heaven." The end of the devotional stands out to me.  "All through the day we are faced with decisions great and small.  Some require extended periods of prayer, such as Nehemiah experienced in chapter 1.  Others prompt spontaneous prayers that come as easily and naturally as our very breath...HELP!...God longs to hear your simple, spontaneous prayers.  HELP...now!"  I found this to be very convicting.  I am always worried that I don't pray correctly or long enough or don't explain myself well or that I just don't have the right words to explain, but this gives me a little comfort knowing that the prayers I say to myself in the moment are still heard. 

The last line of this psalm stands  out to me.  Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are  your inheritance.  The rest of the psalm seems like God is being questioned regarding how people are being treated by other gods or those that follow other gods, but that all people are of God so he is to judge all the earth.

 Julie

Your explanation really helped to understand more about this. Even as I read it the first time I did not really see all of that, but you are right, that is very convicting. It is helpful to know that we are being heard even when we don't realize that we are. 

Day 267 - Psalm 81

 Michelle

This psalm seems to be someone hearing God tell them to listen.  That they shouldn't be following false gods but since they don't listen then he gives them over to their enemies.  If they would turn to him and listen then he would take care of them.

Julie

I read this the same way. I didn't really see much more in there than that. 

Day 266 - Psalm 80

 Julie

They seem to be asking God to save them as they are dealing with harsh treatment. They appear to be trying not to lose faith in their prayers for help.

 

Michelle

It does seem to be asking God to return to them in their time of need.  As if they feel he has left them to their enemies.  But I agree they are trying not to lose faith. 

Day 265 - Ezra 9-10 & Psalm 79

 Julie

The people have intermarried with those that do not follow God and are punished. Ezra and some of the people ask for forgiveness. I am not sure that I really understand the relevance here.

This seems like a prayer asking how long they will have to endure those that are not followers of God and that are doing evil. 

 

Michelle

I am with you.  I am not sure the relevance.  I understand asking for forgiveness for not following God's law. But then they send away the wives and children, which seems kinda messed up. 

So in this psalm, I see what you are saying but it also takes me back to this chapter reading.  It is calling for God to pour out his wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you or call on his name, yet they are sending away wives and children that have been with them instead of showing them the way to God.  Maybe this is because this is what we are taught today.  I don't know.  It just feels very divisive. 

 

Day 264 - Ezra 7-8 & Psalm 78

 Julie

Ezra is now king and was sent by God to teach the people. Something that stood out today, "The hand of God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him." They fasted and prayed about this and God heard them. I think it was a good reminder today that we should see him in hard times and he will take care of those that are fighting against us. 

We should be good stewards of what God does for us and pass down what we know from generation to generation. It is our responsibility to teach our children so that they will teach their children. As we have read over and over in the OT, the people wouldn't follow the will of God regardless of what he did to them. He gave them chance and after chance to do things right and the chose the wrong path every time. 

 

Michelle

When I think of Xerxes of Persia, positive things don't come to mind.  I do not recall ever hearing that the Persian kings believed in God or followed any of God's commands.  So this chapter has had some surprising things shown to me.  I find it interesting that what I have always known about these kings is not what is said here.  I can appreciate that they are helping God's people take care of the temple and allowing for the ritual sacrifices and festivals.  

Yes, it is our responsibility to pass down what we know and teach our children about God.  This psalm seems to be doing just that.  It goes thru all that has happened to the people and says to stop hiding this from the descendants, but tell the next generation of all the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord and all his wonders.  As we are progressing thru the bible, or the Old Testament, I sometimes think about why things changed with Jesus.  Why did God think that the people needed a human sacrifice to show us the way?  I understand that even after all that he did for his people from the beginning and they still were rebellious and strayed so easily, God is constantly pulling us back to him.  But why did it take that to change all that had been practiced before.  We no longer do the sacrifices listed in the law of Moses.  I am sure we will learn more about this question later. 

Ok I am not sure how I overlooked this in chapter 8, but there is a devotional related to verses 22-23.  It talks about total dependence.  I am going to send you the page.  It really stopped me in my reading as it is very relevant to what we are experiencing right now.  It is a reminder to me that faith is the ingredient that needs to have our focus at all times.  Faith in God and that we turn to him in all things. 

Day 263 - Ezra 5-6 & Psalm 77

 Julie

The Jews were able to begin working on the house of God again. Darius decrees that they should be allowed to complete this as it was decreed by king Cyrus. He also gives them what they need to help them. 

When we are troubled we should seek the Lord. Even if it seems that he is not listening we need to remember that he is always there.

 

Michelle

As I read this, it took me back to the previous reading when the people refused the help of their enemies.  I'm not sure what triggered that.  As we are seeing in this book so far, the kings of Persia are helping God's people rebuild his temple and providing all they need for it, so that they will also be blessed by God.  As if they believe in God and whatever other gods they follow.  King Darius even provides for their sacrifices.  It's interesting that the people will accept help from the king, which is not surprising, but will not accept help from others.  I get that they were enemies, but as we are supposed to love all people including our enemies, this made me think that prejudice and indifference and segregation are continual within even God's people.  As they rejected those that wanted to help, without even seeking to understand their motives.  Maybe they were being drawn to God as well at that time, even though they had been enemies in the past.  I understand it's hard to trust people, especially when they have been enemies in the past.  It just got me thinking about those things. 

You said exactly what I was thinking about this psalm.   

Day 262 - Ezra 3-4 & Psalm 76

 Julie

As they are building the house of God they are singing praises to him. "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever..." However, in the midst of their building the king makes them stop and will not allow the Jews to continue. If I understood correctly it's because the Jews wouldn't let them help in building the house of God.

While we know he is merciful, God is to be feared. 

 

Michelle 

There is a part in chapter 3 that gave me pause.  It says that when the foundation was laid the people shouted for joy, but the elders wept aloud.  It doesn't discern whether it was joyful weeping or sadness.  Not sure why this stood out.  When the people refused help from their enemies to rebuild the temple they went to the king to get them to stop, telling the king that the city will be rebellious if it is restored.  It seems like a childish move and I am not sure how it will benefit them exactly.

I think you said that perfectly.  The last line stands out to me;  He is feared by the kings of the earth.  This makes me think that even those who don't believe, fear God and what God does thru his people.

 

Day 261 - Ezra 1-2 & Psalm 75

 Julie

Cyrus, the king of Persia, is tasked by God to build a house of God in Jerusalem. The second chapter chronicles all of the people that come to the house of God.

It is not our place to judge. That we need to leave with God.

 

 Michelle

I am playing catch-up today.  I find it interesting God uses Cyrus the king of Persia for this task.  It shouldn't be surprising though as God all people for his ways.  I guess this just goes to show how our thinking has been guided in this way by cultural biases maybe.  That we think God only uses those that believe in him, when this is a prime example of God using someone who is not a faithful believer.  

I agree.  God will judge us all, even the non believers. 

Day 260 - Psalm 74

 Julie

This seems like a prayer to good from those that feel like they are forgotten in a time of great evil. Asking God to not forget them and asking when he will be taking care of the evil incurring like he had done in the past. 

 

Michelle

As we have seen time and again throughout the bible, God never actually leaves us, yet we always feel that way.  This psalm seems that the person is trying to remind God of things, when if we think about it, it's likely that God doesn't forget these things.  He may just be stepping back to check your faith, or to teach you something, or to help you see how strong you are and that you only need to turn to him for strength.   

Day 259 - Psalm 73

 Julie

Let the Lord be your refuge.

 

Michelle

When reading this one something struck me.  We tend to make assumptions about other people's lives, and it seems the person writing this was doing the same at the beginning.  We think those that are prosperous or don't follow God have it easy or are blessed beyond what we think they should be.  But we don't really know.  We only see what is outside and from our vantage only.  Yes we may know when people lie or cheat or steal, but we do not know what they have gone thru that has put them into making that choice.  I am not saying it's right for them to act that way regardless, but just that we don't see it all.  Only God does.  We only see from our perspective with the little knowledge we have of them.   And the same goes for them looking our way.  They do not know the details.   

Day 258 - 2 Chronicles 35-36 & Psalm 72

 Julie

Josiah is the last king in this book to do right in eyes of the Lord. He even goes as far as celebrating Passover which has not been done in many years. His last few successors fail at being king as they do not do right in the eyes of the Lord.

This is a prayer asking God to protect the king. It is not specific as to which one, and is indicated in the explanation that it is for all the kings in the line of David.

 

Michelle

I find the end of this chapter most intriguing.  After 70 years were completed fulfilling the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, Cyrus King of Persia came about and fulfilled the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah.  It says God moved his heart to make a proclamation in his realm and put it in writing that the God of heaven, having given him all the kingdoms of earth, has appointed him to build a temple for him in Jerusalem in Judah and that any of his people may go up and "may the Lord their God be with them".  So far we haven't seen other kings doing anything that would benefit God's people or following what God has instructed.  I am curious why Cyrus has been chosen and moved to do so.

This does seem to be a prayer asking God to bless and protect the kings and the people they lead.  

Day 257 - 2 Chronicles 33-34 & Psalm 71

 Julie

Today we go through 3 kings. The first is Manasseh who begins his reign by doing wrong in the eyes of the Lord, but repents and the Lord forgives him. He lives out the rest of his life in service to the Lord. Upon his death his son, Amon, becomes king. During his short reign he does wrong in the eyes of the Lord. The last one is Josiah who begins he reign at the age of 8. He does right in the eyes of the Lord. He finds the book of the commandments and realizes that no one has been living the laws of the Lord and asks what will happen because of that. The Lord says, that he will punish those that are not living according this word, but that since Josiah has followed the Lord he and all of those that follow as well will be taken care of.

This psalm is asking to God to rescue them from the enemy. Since there is constant prayer and praise around this they also ask that God not forsake them when they are weary and struggling from the constant battle that they are facing.

 

Michelle

It seems again we are back and forth.  Once the book is read and they are humbled then they choose to follow, but are lead astray again and then come back to God.  Something I realized today is that there have been multiple female prophets.  It says often that the prophet is a wife of someone.  

Reading this psalm I had the same or similar understanding as you did. The devotional attached gave me a different perspective.  It's called Unshakeable Confidence.  It talks about what do we really rely on to give us confidence.  When we are called to do something do we question if we are the right person or do we have the right skills to do it?  It tells us that if we only rely on ourselves, we will not be qualified for whatever we are called to do, but if we rely on God asking the question," Can God do this through me?", then we should be finding a Yes answer.  It says when the psalmist boldly proclaimed his dependence upon God, he knew that every breath he had taken had occurred because God had given it.  As we go through things in life, challenges or callings or changes, we should rely on God placing our unshakeable confidence in him to get us through.  This was a pretty powerful devotional.  Some other affirmations listed are; "I can do all this through him who gives me strength; With God all things are possible; My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness; Nothing is to hard for the Lord; In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us". 

Day 256 - 2 Chronicles 31-32 & Psalm 70

 Julie

Hezekiah does seem much more faithful to God than his forefathers. At the precipice of attack, he tells his people, "Be strong and courageous, do not dismay..."  the Lord God is with us. He has faith and trust that the Lord will get them through this trial. If I understand the end correctly, the Lord is testing him to see if he will continue to stay faithful or if he will fall. I believe that we may learn that later in another chapter.

This is asking God to hurry and help save him.

 

Michelle

It does appear that Hezekiah is faithful to God, unlike some of his ancestors.  He remained faithful until the end of his life when there seems to have been a misstep and pride crept in.  God then puts him to the test.  I wonder what happened and if we will learn about it later. 

The psalm is asking for God's help quickly.

 

Day 255 - 2 Chronicles 29-30 & Psalm 69

 Michelle

Hezekiah works to bring the Lord's temple back to proper operation according the God's law and then proceeds to bring the people back to God.  Even though some people scorned and ridiculed the messengers, there were people whom returned to God and attended the Passover that Hezekiah made happen.  He seems to be starting off well, he prays to God to forgive the people and God hears him.  

This psalm is a bit confusing.  It starts out sounding like he is taking responsibility for people's bad choices, then it sounds like he wants God to rescue him from his enemies wrath, then he is asking God to bring bad things upon his enemies, then he is singing God's praises.  I am not sure what is happening in this one. 

Julie

It's refreshing to read about a king that is actually doing things right. I hope that he continues to do that. 

He starts asking God to save him and ends with praise in knowing that God will save him. It seems that he is praying to God continuously asking to be saved. In that time he is also being continuously further attacked by his enemies and asks God to take care of them. Then returns to asking to be saved and praising God because he know that God will save him.

Day 254 - 2 Chronicles 27-28 & Psalm 68

 Julie

Jotham becomes king and does right in the eyes of the Lord. There is not much said about him. Ahaz follows Jotham and practices idolatry so God makes things difficult. This really seems to be the common theme in this book.

Singing praises to God for all of the good works and protection that he provides those that believe and trust.

 

Michelle 

This is a recurring theme of these kings.  Jotham does right by God, but the people continue their corrupt ways under his rule.  Ahaz did not do right by God and his delivers him into his enemies hands.  He plunders the Lords temple and closes the doors.  

This psalm was long and I got lost in reading it.  I did get that the person is constantly praising and singing to God. 

Day 253 - 2 Chronicles 25-26 - Psalm 67

 Julie

All of these stories of the kings sounds oddly familiar. It's as if each one just repeats the sins of the one before. Most of them start off doing good in the eyes of the Lord and then a few years into their reign beginning sinning against God. They seem to be repeating the sins of their fathers. God does seem to give chance after chance, but they let the temptation lead them.

Praise God and receive his blessing.

 

Michelle

Yes, all these kings seem to be doing the same things over and over.  They are not learning from the ones before and are creating their own downfall.  The devotional attached to chapter 26 talks about the good and bad of pride.  That the word has two connotations.  In one context it's self-respect and dignity and motivates us to make good choices and appreciate our God-given talents and strengths.  But this is not the one often discussed.  It is the flip side of pride which offers a warning.  The evil inclination of pride contains self-centeredness that can lead you downward.   It tends to carve out a path of destruction, arrogance, conceit and egotism.  This is what we keep seeing in these kings I think.  The power corrupts them, as we see in some people even now.  It goes on to say that the way we cultivate the right kind of pride is by balancing humility with a right relationship with God.  When we understand that he is the one who gives us everything we have we learn to cultivate a healthy pride, not in ourselves, but in the Lord who has given us everything.  

The psalm seems to be asking for God to bless us and that the people should sing praises to God for his blessings.  

Day 252 - 2 Chronicles 23-24 & Psalm 66

 Julie

I had some trouble understanding today's reading. Joash is made king at the age of 7 and it says that he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Then at the end, it says that he has forsaken the Lord. I cannot figure out what he did to do that. He and his father worked to rebuild the house of the Lord. After his father died the followers started worshipping idols again? I can't understand if Joash was part of that or not. In the end he is assassinated.

"Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing, power and majesty praise to our King. Nothing compares to the promise I have in you." This verse of the song was in my head as I started reading this psalm. We should sing the praises of what God has done in our lives. We should share those moments when prayers are answered. 

 

Michelle

If  I read correctly, after Jehoiada the priest died, Joash was influenced by officials from Judah whom did not worship God.  God sent prophets to the people to try and bring them back to him yet they did not listen.  Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest warned the people that if they did not come back to God they would be forsaken, Joash then had him killed and as he lay dying he said the Lord would call him to account for his actions.  So even though he started out in God's favor, once his positive influence died and he decided to listen to others, he fell out of favor.  In most of these recounts, God is always calling people back to him, but they must make the choice to return.  It all seems to come down to free will and making decisions for ourselves, but God is always calling.  

This psalm does sound like it's telling us to sing God's praises.  That we should share with others what God has done or how he has worked in our lives.  

Day 251 - 2 Chronicles 21-22 & Psalm 65

 Julie

This seems to be a time of evil rulers. When Jehosaphat dies his oldest son becomes king and kills all of his brothers and lives for man and not God. God punishes him for this and he dies. His youngest son becomes king and is counseled by his mother who also has him living for man and not God, and he was killed very early in his reign. However, his mother takes over the kingdom because there was no one to rule in his place. 

The psalm is praising God for his salvation and for being the one that provides everything on earth.

 

Michelle

I agree, this appears to be an age of evil.  A prophet warns Ahaziah, but he does evil anyway as does the one that becomes king after, and his mother whom takes over after he dies and she kills all the other royal family members.  The one whom gets hidden, I assume we will see this one later on.  

I read the psalm twice already and my mind keeps getting away from me.  It seems a more positive psalm and yes praise for all God has created and all he provides.  

Day 250 - 2 Chronicles 19-20 & Psalm 64

 Julie

In his fear, Jehosaphat turns to the Lord and prays for help in defeating the Ammonites and Moabites. In his prayer mentions God's promises to the Israelites and that it was agreed that they would trust him no matter what they are put through. They would continue to trust and pray. The Lord speaks to them and tells them, " Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's." God is asking them to stand firm in the midst of the battle and if they trust he will fight the battle for them. These words are comforting to me today in that I feel like I am in the middle of a battle that I don't know how to fight. I just need to have the strength and courage to stand my ground and trust that God will take care of everything. We need to also remember to, "Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever." There are multiple messages in Jehosaphat's prayer, but the outcome fits with what we are enduring today. 

Another psalm asking for God's protection from the enemy and the evil that surrounds them. Asking to not be sent down the same path as those that have done evil, but to emerge victorious over those that will be punished for the evil-doing because they have been faithful and trusting in God. 

 

Michelle

This passage was interesting in that Jehoshaphat follows God as his ancestors and tries to lead his people to the same.  In the battle we are to put it to God and allow him to work for us and guide us while we are in it.  Yet in the end, Jehoshaphat makes an alliance with a wicked king and God destroys what he has built.  That phrase, his love endures forever, continues to show up throughout our readings.  It seems a reminder as we continually are pulled away from God.  

The psalm does seem to be asking for protection from enemies and their influence.  It ends with taking refuge in the Lord, which is where we all need to be headed. 

Day 249 - 2 Chronicles 17-18 & Psalm 63

 Michelle

This passage takes us thru Jehoshaphat, King of Judah's time.  It says that he followed the Lord and was given much wealth by those around him.  He then is asked by Ahab, king of Israel, to aid him in attacking Ramoth Gilead.  Jehoshaphat agreed but first wanted council from God.  Many prophets were consulted and said to attack but he asked for another prophet of God, which leads me to believe he didn't trust these many prophets, or they weren't of God.   The one prophet he seemed to trust was not liked by the king of Israel because he didn't like what he was told by him.  This whole reading feels of deceit as the king of Israel, once they go to battle, he disguises himself, but ends up wounded anyway and dies.  It's interesting the way of Ahab, because many people are like this now.  They do not like what they are told and seek answers from others until they find the one that aligns with what they really want, so as to justify whatever it is they are doing.  It seems the many prophets of Ahab did this, to appease the king.  During this battle God protected Jehoshaphat.  

The psalms seems to be saying seek the Lord and you will be satisfied, and the mouths of liars will be silenced.  That last line stands out to me today.  Well the beginning and the end.  That we must first seek the Lord in all times and he will handle those that are against us. 

Julie

What struck me is that he was being tested because of his lack of trust. In that test he failed. He as purposely given false information from a prophet at the behest of God to see if he would follow and he did, even after he was warned. So God knew that Ahab would be deceitful and would try to have Jehoshaphat killed.

I agree and don't really have much more to say than that. It is something good to remember...as I continually say about a lot of these.

Day 248 - 2 Chronicles 14-16 & Psalm 62

 Michelle

This passage tells us of Asa, king of Judah, son of Abijah.  He starts out in God's favor, reforms the people and they all turn to God under his reign.  At the end of Asa's life though it takes a turn.  There's not really a good explanation though that I can see.  He makes a treaty with the king of Aram but then a seer comes to Asa saying he did not rely of God but instead relied on the king of Aram, so he was no longer in God's favor.  If I understand correctly it's because of his treaty and subsequent actions.  I am also confused about the seer.  This person is not called a prophet yet has the same knowledge of God and tells Asa that when he relied on God his enemies were given into his hands and that God sees everything and will strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. This makes it sound like Asa was not fully committed to God at this point.  The devotional talks about King Asa choosing to do what was good and right.  When he became king he made a deliberate choice that he and his people would seek the Lord and obey his laws.  The question asked is what will people remember about you?  Will they remember a woman who continued to do God's work until her last days?  Not sure why this stood out to me.  Maybe because I had a weird dream in which I was doing something very wrong and was being fired from work.  And it's not something I would do so not sure why I was participating.  

The psalm talks of finding rest in God in whom salvation comes, while being thrown down and cursed by those around you.  The last few psalms have had a theme of God being the rock and refuge, salvation and honor depend on God.  Trust in God at all times for God is our refuge.  

All kinds of things are running thru my head today and it's been hard to turn it off lately.  Today's reading seems to hit on all points without going into greater detail.  The message seems to be rely on God thru all of your trials, commit to doing what is right in the eyes of God all the days of your life, turn to him in times of trouble as he is the one constant.  

Julie

So, I was confused about the same thing and had to go back again. It's a bit obscure, but when he aligns himself with the king of Syria he gives him gold and silver that he took from the house of God. I think that is where God decides he has aligned himself in the wrong way.  Maybe out of fear he chose to trust in man instead of in God and that is why God decided that he would not be in his favor any longer. 

This psalm could tie into today's chapters as a prayer to commit ourselves to God and not man. We are tempted to do things that will test that commitment and while God doesn't punish as quickly as he did then we still have to realize if we have done something that we shouldn't and ask for forgiveness. In all things, yes, we should put all of our faith and trust in God and not in man.

Day 247 - 2 Chronicles 13 & Psalm 61

 Michelle

So it sounds like Abijah, who has become King of Judah, still follows the Lord and God is showing him favor during this battle with Jeroboam, who has not been following God.  It talks of the war between them and that when Judah cried out to God, God delivered Judah's opponents into their hands.  Again we will hear more about this king later on.

This sounds like he is praying to God and that his faithfulness is waning.  Yet he is trying to hang on as he is singing God's praises.

Julie

I am glad you started this one today. I read through this three times to make sure I wasn't missing something, but still wasn't grasping much. 

I wonder if "Lead me to rock" is his way of saying that God is the rock to lean on and since he is struggling with this faith that he needs to be reminded that God is there to lean on.

Day 246 - 2 Chronicles 10-12 & Psalm 60

 Julie

If I understood this correctly Rehoboam takes the advice of the wrong crowd and loses favor with God. Since his followers still believe God keeps them from total destruction. 

I am not sure again, but this psalm seems to be understanding that God has placed them in this place, but that they still have the faith in the fact that God will protect them from the foes that he has placed in their path.

 

Michelle

I think this is correct.  But it also seems toward the end that Rehoboam tries to redeem himself.  But again it sounds like we will hear more later on somewhere in the bible.  I don't understand why he chose to listen to the wrong people.  I guess it's a choice still, free will.  But when the people rebel against him it seems that should have been a sign.  Although some people don't handle their position well.  

I am getting distracted.  There is alot going on in the room right now and that is probably why.  I think your interpretation seems right.  It starts about God rejecting them yet at the end it says with God they will gain the victory.

 

Day 245 - 2 Chronicles 9 & Psalm 59

 Julie

Solomon talks to the Queen of Sheba and his wealth is explained. This is where the story of Solomon ends.

God is our protector and our fortress. He provides us strength in difficult times and protects us from our enemies. He provides the judgment for those that do evil to others.

 

Michelle

This talks about the Queen of Sheba and her interaction with Solomon.  She was amazed by his wealth and prosperity and wisdom that God had provided him.  She even at one point says, "Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the Lord your God....".  Solomon then gives her all she desired.  Unsure of the significance here.  We then hear about all his wealth, which I still don't know why we are constantly reading about the wealth of all these people, except that God is providing this wealth.  At the end it says we will hear about the rest of Solomon's life later on.  

I agree with your interpretation.  It seems like at points he is asking God to bring them down and then it then sounds like he is just going over the bad things they are doing.  At the end it reminds that God is refuge and to sing praise to God.  

Day 244 - 2 Chronicles 8 & Psalm 58

 Julie

Today's reading was about Solomon's accomplishments and the things that he did that his father had commanded. I didn't notice anything that stood out today. 

This psalm seems to be looking forward to the day that God judges those across the world that are doing wrong. 

 

Michelle

What stood out to me was regarding Solomon's wife, the daughter of Pharaoh, in which he moved her away from God's temple.  It's interesting because the devotional also speaks of this section.  It talks about if you live with an unbelieving husband or are surrounded by those that do not believe in God as you do.  Solomon recognized that God's holiness must take precedence over his wife's comfort, so he moved her and her household away from God's holy place.  It does question if she knew why she was being moved and if she resented it but it doesn't say anything about it in the reading.  It says we later find out that Solomon's heart was divided by the gods of his many wives and that he couldn't or didn't keep his heart from being corrupted.  Which leads me to believe that the wife may have been resentful.   It says to keep yourself faithful to God and in doing so those around you may be won over not with words but by your behavior.  And rest that you are in God's hands.  

I can see your interpretation in this psalm and agree.  It feels like they await God judging those that are wicked or wronging the writer in some way.