2 Kings 17-19: Matthew 15:21-end

Good Evening Truth Seekers! It has been an interesting day. I started a new part time job today. I worked 11 hours, went to church and just now blogging. 2 Kings 17-19 is the story of how God spared Israel from the Assyrians. Hezekiah sought the Lord and prayed for his people and the Lord spared him. God did not spare him because he was perfect, but because he was faith filled and trusted God in his time of need. We never talk about the faith of Hezekiah, but it is noteworthy. Do you trust God in both good and bad times?

Matthew 15 closes out with more miracles from Jesus. He healed the lady's daughter without ever laying a hand or eye on her. WOW!

2 Kings 18: Matthew 15: 1-20

Good Morning Truth Seekers! 2 Kings 18 is Hezekiah's story. He was a good king in Judah and honored God in how he ruled. However, some of what he inherited was punishment for Judah's disobedience and turning from God. He faced a constant threat from Assyria, but he continued to trust in the Lord. (v5) There will always be trials in this life, and with every test a testimony. What will yours be? Will it be that you trusted God or yourself?

Matthew 15: expounds upon what is clean. Jesus teaches that it is not what goes into a man that makes him clean or unclean but what comes out of him. The Pharisees were worried about being ceremonial clean, but Jesus taught that it is not just about ceremony. Clean is a state of and the a matter of one's heart. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man unclean, but eating with unwashed hands doe not make him unclean. Do you get it?

2 Kings 15-17: Matthew 14:21-36

Good Night Truth Seekers! The kings of Israel and Judah failed to keep the commandments of God. It lead to destruction of both kingdoms and eventually their land. God commanded that they worship no other gods and not to make idols for themselves. Every king from Jeroboam strayed further away from God so that it seemed that they knew him not. Assyrians raided and took over Samaria, and caused the nation to produce offspring that were mixed with Assyrian men and Israelites women. To this day, Jews do not like Samaritans because they are half breeds.

Matthew 14: Jesus not only feeds five thousand, but he healed the sick of the land. Do not over look Peter's short walk on the water. He failed to keep his faith and eyes on Jesus and began to sink. Hint! Without Jesus there is no power.

2 Kings 13-14: Matthew 14:1-21

Good Evening Truth Seekers! 2 Kings feels like I need a score card of who is king and who got killed. Sometimes I have to admit I do not always understand God's justice, but I never question His mercy. I have concluded that it is hard to do right, if not more people would be righteous. The kings had to contend with flesh and power. Even the good kings did not eliminate the high places and it eventually lead to their down fall.

Matthew 14 is primarily about the death of John the Baptist. What a tragic ending to such a great man. John's life's purpose was live out; to God be the glory! Jesus feeds the five thousand out of a small lunch. I often time feel like Jesus feeds me the small out of such vast resource of his word. God has no limits to his power! Wow what if we lived right there?

2 Kings 7-12: Matthew 13

Hello Truth Seekers! We acknowledge the sacrifice made by our fallen soldiers and to those who voluntarily defend this country in every branch. Thank you! May God rich bless and protect you and your families. Amen!
2 Kings 7-12 is a host of kings who sat on the throne. some remembered the Lord and other continued to lead the people astray. God kept his word and dealt with each offender accordingly. He is a God who cannot lie. Every word that he spoke through the prophet came true. The grass may wither, and the flower fade, but the word of the Lord will stand forever and forever.

Matthew 13: Jesus spoke in parables to try to give a sense of what the kingdom of God is like. I believe that there is no way to really explain it but to compare it to things we can relate. Can you relate to the what the kingdom is like? One of my favorites is the parable of the weeds.

2 Kings 4-6: Matthew 12: 24-50

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Sorry for the delay! My service was down this morning. 2 Kings is full of my some of my favorites. The widow's oil, Naaman and the Shunammite woman's son brought back to life, and the ax head floats. Elisha is well into the ministry God has ordained in his life and he is serving to the glory of God. Elisha's life is meaningful because he gets to do something for God. I believe that your will be more fulfilled when you serve God. My life is fulfilled because I see God at work in me and through me. Come and join me in His service.

Matthew 12: 24-end is a strong rebuke to anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit. Jesus is wiser than Solomon, and more his preaching is more powerful than Jonah. Make no bones about it, Jesus is the Son of God and has power to heal, deliver and save in this life and the one to come. I hope you can answer this question correctly; To you who is Jesus?

2 Kings 1-3: Matthew 12: 1-21

Good Morning Truth Seekers! 2 Kings is really transitional. Elijah is taken up by God and Elisha gets a double portion of his spirit. He goes on to serve in the position ordained by God. This is why he burned his plow. Never to look backward but only to what God had ordained in his life. He had the good pleasure to learn from Elijah. Are you learning from anyone? Are you following the plan God has for your life? We see that the consequence of turning away from God is death. You might not die physically as the Kings of Israel did, but spiritually speaking there is no life without God.

Matthew 21 establishes that Jesus is the Lord of the sabbath. Life is more valuable to God than tradition. Jesus is more important than any sacred law or rule given. He has come to give life and he will not stop until salvation goes out to every one who is intended to receive it.

1 Kings 21-22: Matthew 11

Good Morning Truth Seekers! 1 Kings ends with Ahab's legacy being one of the most defiled king who reigned in Israel. He and his wife were more so lived in contempt for what was right in the eyes of the Lord. They both were cursed to die because of their misdeeds. Ahab ignored the wise counsel of Micaiah and did die. It comes down to will the kings follow God or Sin.

Matthew 11 primarily exalts John the Baptist as the greatest to live among men. Jesus proclaims that what John preached was prophetic and all who rejected it would be punished. Do you accept John's testimony about Jesus?

1 Kings 21-22: Matthew 10:21-42

Good Morning Truth Seekers! In 1 Kings 21-22 God speaks to Elijah in a still small voice. In my opinion God seems baffled by the prophets response to run and hide given the triumph he just experienced. Elijah is overwhelmed by fear and cannot go any further in his role as prophet of God. He puts the mantle on Elisha and a new day dawns for whom God uses. Ahab is the beneficiary of God's protection of his people even he is not deserving. He marries wrong, worships other God's and still God provides chance to repent. What a merciful God we serve. I love this God who is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. I hope you know him as such.

In Matthew 10:21-42 Jesus instructs his disciples on what to do on the road. It really boils down to decision time in the life of this world. Every person must decide for him or herself. Families might be divided, but each person must decide if they will acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah or not. Jesus will reward each person accordingly to the course of action taken. Who is Jesus to you?

Matthew 9-10:20

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Jesus is establishing his authority and team on earth. He does so by showing great power to heal and deliver those in need. Heal the sick, raise the dead and give sight to the blind are just a sample of his power. He says that he harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few, and he then dispatch his twelve disciples to labor amongst a ripe field to be harvested. I want to note that he sent them to preach to Israel, that they might be saved first as the chosen people of God. As they go he says that he is sending them out as sheep among wolves, so to be as shrewd as a snake and as innocent as a dove. In other words, be crafty but not cocky, be smart, and be ready to move quickly if needed.

1 Kings 12-18

Good Morning Truth Seekers! I will create two posting to catch up, and I will separate 1 Kings from Matthew. 1 Kings 12-18 covers a lot of time in the kingdoms of both Israel and Judah. The Kingdom has split because the Lord God said it would. But what brought it on was that Solomon's son Rehoboam took the advice of his young friends and threatened to be more harsh toward the people. The people rejected him as king and crowned Jeroboam as Ahijah said. Please note that the writer refers in comparison each king to either David or Jeroboam. Those who followed the Lord were considered good kings, and those who ignored the commandments of God were considered to have followed Jeroboam. Because Jeroboam lead the people to idol worship and turned the people from God. This was a constant among Israels kings and they each reigned a short time and were punished for it. However, in Judah, even though no one returned to the devotion David had there were some who loved God and followed his commandments. The Kingdom was divided and the people fought against each other and that was the beginning of the end of Israel as it was under David and Solomon. Ahab who was the worst king married Jezebel and began to worship Baal, Elijah opposed him he and Jezebel and killed the prophets of Baal. (A must read!)

1 Kings 10-11:Matthew 8:18-34

Good Afternoon Truth Seekers! 1 Kings 10-11: Queen of Sheba's visit is quite flattering to any man. However, Solomon seems to lose his way in women. It is sad to read about how he went down due to his uncontrollable desire for so many women. God forbid the intermarriage of a Israelite and a foreigner, but Solomon ignored God. It eventually cost him everything compared to what he could have had for his family. God was clear. Keep my ways and I will bless you. Stray and pay. I know this spirit of failure in Solomon. We all suffer by our own hand or behaviour. We live in the consequences of all of our decisions. If you want a better life, make better decisions.

Matthew 18: 19-end Why do we not have enough faith in Jesus to heal, rescue, deliver and save? Jesus saves and delivers. The question is, "Will we allow him to save us?"

1 Kings 8-9: Matthew 8: 1-17

Good Morning Truth Seekers! What a powerful passage of scripture from the heart and prayer of Solomon. I am moved by the kings prayer. His adoration and respect for God is evident by his sacrificial offerings. Solomon knew where his blessings came from, and the more he gave to God, the more God gave to him. His gratitude is unmatched, and that might be because he received more than any. What if we worshipped God like Solomon? What if we dedicated all that we do as Solomon did unto the Lord God? I believe that if we did God would keep his promise to us; if we follow his commands and keep his decrees he would bless us beyond our imagination. I want this type of blessing. How about you?

Matthew 8: 1-17 Jesus heals! Only our faith limits what Christ can do in our life. Jesus surely is able to heal from afar. We see that in Centurion's story. He says to Jesus I believe if you just say the words my servant will be healed. I know he can do more than we can imagine or think. My prayer is that God will stretch my imagination and my faith, thus increasing his movement in my life.

1 Kings 6-7: Matthew 7

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Solomon built the Temple for the Lord and a palace for himself. Solomon sets priority by serving God first. He sacrificed his want or need to honor God. Additionally he spared nothing to insure that everyone knew that he loved and honored God. In return God shows the world that he loved Solomon. Oswald Chambers wrote a daily devotional that speaks to Solomon's approach to God, "My Utmost for His Highest." It will forever be how we should serve, and honor God.

Matthew provides many lessons in chapter seven: Judging others; do not judge others, for in the same way you shall be judged. Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you shall find, and knock and the door will be opened to you. This speaks of spiritual truths and desires to know God. Everyone is welcomed to Him. However, only a few find their way, is what "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Lastly, words will not suffice in proving you found life, but your fruit will speak for you. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree will never bear good fruit. Check your tree and your what your house is built on!

1 Kings 3-5: Matthew 6:19-36

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Solomon asked for a discerning spirit to rule God's people and was made the wisest to ever live. But what struck me was that God gave him what he did not ask for, and that was wealth, honor and long life. I know that if we put the most important thing first (God) we never have to worry about the rest. That is what he promised in Matthew 6, there is no need to worry as long as God is on the throne in heaven. He takes care of his responsibility, if we give the authority in our lives. It all adds up to peace: no worries. I hope you have it, the peace of God. It is a by-product of righteousness and God centered living.

Jonah, 1 Kings 1&2, Matthew 3-6:18

Good Evening Truth Seekers! I have fallen into a nasty regarding my reading and blogging. Pray that I will get back on track tomorrow. Jonah was fascinating reading again. God shows Jonah all people mattered to him. He teaches Jonah this lesson by highlighting his feelings about something that he neither created or cared for. God loves everyone, and want them to receive the salvation he provides.

1 Kings 1-2 are wonder narrative about how Solomon became king. God was in the plan and so it was, snatched right out of the wrong hand of Adonijah. David rejoices in see his son succeed him, and finishes his business and passes away. We each get just a little while to handle the business of this life. I hope you about your father's business.

Matthew 5-6:18 is a continuation of how Jesus wants us to live and pray. Jesus establishes his kingdom and his rules for living both on earth and in heaven. If we asked WW JD? The answer would be found in these passages called the 'Be Attitudes.'

Numbers 29-36: Matthew 3-5:26

Good Evening Truth Seekers! It has been a busy two days. Today we took the young people to six flags for Gospel Festival and Kirk Franklin performed. It was a glorious time and I enjoyed it. Numbers 29- 36 is the end of Moses ministry and life. Matthew 3-5 begin the ministry of Jesus. They both had the favor of God upon them. They both honored their post as priest and leaders. Will you do the same? As a Father, Mother, Brother or Sister? Follow up and follow through with what God calls you to do.

Numbers 26-28: Matthew 2

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Numbers 26-29: The census being retaken to establish those who would go into the promised land. Don't forget that anyone over twenty at the first census would suffer death because of lack of faith in the spying assignment. God establishes that Joshua will lead, but not with all the authority that Moses had. Notice that he then ties his leadership to the Priest who would inquire of the Lord on his behalf. Being in relationship with God requires sacrifice. The offerings required by the Lord represented value to those offering them. I notice that they gave out of what they had, and that meant that there was no shortage. There is a song that says, "You can't beat God giving no matter how you try; the more you give the more he'll give to you, so keep on giving"

Matthew 2 is the birth of Christ. I have often overlooked the killing of the babies in Bethlehem. Christ's birth threatens all kings of the world and they were trying to stop his kingdom before it started. The other thing noteworthy is that Jesus receive offerings at his birth. His family went to Egypt at did the children of Israel, and was brought out on God's command. This was no coincidence. Joseph was lead and saved by God. Will you allow the Lord to lead you? It comes with great benefits; provisions and prevention.

Numbers 23-25: Matthew 1

Good Evening Truth Seekers! Numbers 23-25 is the courageous story of Balaam to be obedient to God. Balaak wants him to curse the Israelites but he does not because that is not what God says. I pray for this type of courage, to do what God wants regardless of the circumstance. Lastly, the race is not given to the swift, but to the one who can endure. The Israelites get caught up in the Midianite women and caused a plague to come upon them from God. What a fascinating story of how it ends. Don't miss it.

Matthew 1 is the lineage of Jesus and the story of his immaculate conception. It would be incorrect to say his beginning because he was and foretold long before. What a privilege and honor for Mary and Joseph to be used like this by God. A wonderful blessing to all for his name Immanuel means God with us. Believe it or not this story impacts the world including believers and non believers. Which are you?

Numbers 20-22:Revelation 22

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Revelation has come and gone! 22 is the signature of God upon this vision and revelation. Do not add to it or take away from it. I receive John's prayer for the people of God. Will you?

Numbers 20-22 Israel goes on the move and to war. God movers his people and moves with and for them. But like Balaak and Balaam found out we should move and speak on God's command. I often wonder will it take a donkey to get our attention regarding God and what he is doing in our lives. Say it ain't so Joe!

Numbers 15-19: Revelation 20--21

Good Afternoon Truth Seekers! Numbers 15-19 establishes the protocol when it comes to tabernacle positioning and work. God selected Moses and Aaron to be his leaders and it was non negotiable. We dishonor God when we go against his appointed leadership and organization. If and when there is any problem with the man of God, God will not only hold them accountable but will judge all. We would have a different church if all of us honored God and his church/tabernacle as prescribed in Numbers.

Revelation 20-21 brings about the judgement and a new heaven. Ultimate honor and glory belongs to the lamb of God (Jesus) who died for the sins of the world and whose reward is power to judge everyone. Don't wait to call upon his name, for all who do will be saved from the second death.

Numbers 11-14: Revelation 19

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Numbers 11-14 marks a rebellious time in Israels history. They almost moaned themselves to death. They complained about meat, Miriam complained about Moses, and they failed to believe in the Lord's might. It all added it up to a self fulfilling prophecy. The Lord punished them with their own words. They were sentenced to unfulfilled lives in the desert and would see the promised land. God is able to do exceedingly more than we can imagine, I pray that we are not talking our ways out of blessings. Do you believe God can do what he promises? If not, he won't. In Hebrews 11:6 it teaches us, without faith it is impossible to please God. Do you have God pleasing faith?

Revelation 19 is the continuation of the beginning of Christ reign. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. His kingdom has come and all will bow down in due time. He has earned all power on earth and in heaven. Bow down to the King or suffer later the consequence.

Numbers 9-10:Revelation 18

Good Morning Truth Seekers! Numbers 9 establishes the passover meal as an ordinance in Israel. They are to par take in in annually and follow the instructions given by the Lord God. The passover is to remind them of how God passed over every first born of Israel and killed the firstborn of Egypt in his delivering them out. None of us should forget how God has rescued us. Our lives should be a constant offering unto him. What we say, how we live, how we love, forgive, and treat others. Being children of the most high comes with responsibility and as a result we get rewarded with his grace, mercy and countless blessings. As the Lord God lead the people by the cloud he will lead us in every aspect of life. He knows the way, we have to be willing to follow. The trumpets are tools God used to assemble his people. When the trumpets sounds again, the end, and it will be a gathering of God's people. Will you be in that number?

Revelation 18: the end of Babylon as a nation of sin. Sin will be wiped from the earth and will have no place in God's holy city.