But Still

“And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done (although he did not enter the temple of the LORD). But still the people acted corruptly.”  2 Chronicles 27:2

We can’t always see the immediate effect living for Him is making on the people around us.

Lord, help us not be discouraged as we follow You.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

It’s Not Over

I might think
it doesn’t matter
that my faith
is a small thing
as loved ones
continue their way
“but it’s not over”
says the King.

 

“He Loved The Soil”

“Also he built towers in the desert. He dug many wells, for he had much livestock both in the lowlands and in the plains; he also had farmers and vinedressers in the mountains and in Carmel, for he loved the soil.”  2 Chronicles 26:10

My youngest likes to grow things.

Lord, thank You for loving us and tending to the soil of our souls.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Growing Us                                                            

Oh He loves
the soil we’re made of

delights to plant
and see what grows

watering
what has become hard

pulling out stones
as He goes.

Loyal Hearts

“And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a loyal heart.”  2 Chronicles 25:2

I was a people pleaser, with a heart that desperately sought approval, always trying to do the “right” things according to the person I was with.

Thank You, Lord, for changing me into a people person, who can love others because of Your great love, whether I can “do right in their sight”  and please them or not.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Change of Heart

praying teen
source: sewc.org

It’s tricky business
trying to please

all the while
your heart’s deceived

not really meaning
what you say

oh, but for Jesus
He makes a way!

Look On It

“Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son; and as he died, he said, ‘The LORD look on it and repay’.”  2 Chronicles 24:22

I’m thinking of another Father and Son, and His last words – “Father, forgive them . . .”

Lord, thank You for offering forgiveness to all who ask.  And here is a simple poem . . .

Re: Paid

The Crucifixion by Vouet 1622 Genoa
source – wikipedia

There is a Son
His Father’s only
who cried out
from upon that tree

please forgive them
they know not what they
are doing
to Me.

*(not an exact quote of Jesus)

Treason!

“And when she looked, there was the king standing by his pillar at the entrance; and the leaders and the trumpeters were by the king .  All the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, also the singers with instruments of music, and those who led in praise.  So Athaliah tore her clothes and said, “Treason! Treason!’ ”  2 Chronicles 23:13

Athaliah had “destroyed all the royal heirs of the house of Judah”.  (2 Chronicles 22:10)  Now she cries treason?

Lord, help me not to immediately emotionally respond to what I hear or read.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Emotional Halt

Guy Fawkes by Cruikshank
source – wikipedia

I hear the cry
on an injustice done
and my heart is off
on the run
ready to go
to the rescue
before I even know
what is true.

When Families Falter

“So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest (for she was the sister of Ahaziah), hid him (Joash) from Athaliah (his grandma)  so that she did not kill him.”  2 Chronicles 22:11

“And he was hidden with them in the house of God for six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land.”  2 Chronicles 22:12

Sis Caddo mentioned that from her Bible reading time, she found  families were dysfunctional even way back when.

Lord, we pray for healing within our families today.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Pieced Together

Under constant pressure                                           
families crack
separating into
precious pieces
that feel broken
until He heals
giving a place
at His table.

Allies

“Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.”  2 Chronicles 21:5

“And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he had the daughter of Ahab as a wife; and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.”  2 Chronicles 21:6

I wonder if this is the result of Jehoshaphat, Jehoram’s father, allying himself with Ahab.

Lord, I thank you for those precious people You lined me up with years ago, that continue to be a blessing to me and my family.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Godly Allies

Allies Day, May 1917, National Gallery of Art
wikipedia – Childe Hassam

Newly washed
in His blood
God sent those
who greatly loved
confirming Him
in my life
blessing my children
with the gift of Christ.

 

Thank you, dear Ruth, if you are reading! You are one
the precious Godly allies He sent my family and I!  Love you!

Of Multitudes

“Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar (which is En Gedi)’. ” 2 Chronicles 20:2

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaim a fast throughout all Judah.”  2 Chronicles 20:3

A multitude of things can go wrong in a day.

Lord, we thank You that we don’t have to be afraid of whatever comes against us.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Salvation Coming

photo credit – goodsalt.com

They did not know what
the multitudes would do
but they knew
what God had done

they could not control
Ammon’s hand
but could be held
in the Holy One’s

as they gathered to seek Him
to fast, to pray
to humbly worship
they heard Him say

do not fear
or be dismayed
but stand still and watch
your Salvation come today.

“Should You Help The Wicked?”

“And Jehu the son of Hanini the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, ‘Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD?’ ”  2 Chronicles 19:2

Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahab, a God hater.

Lord, please give us discernment about those who truly hate You and those who are hurting and have lost their way.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Above

photo credit – wikipedia.com

In this world of tolerance
and political correctness

help us to seek You
for who You are

to love You more
than our causes

to glorify Your name
above all.

Yes Men

“Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?’  And they said, ‘Go up, for God will deliver it into the king’s hand.'”  2 Chronicles 18:5

It might seem nice to have everyone agree with us.

Lord, we pray for genuine loving-kind supportive people in our lives, who aren’t afraid to tell us when we’re wrong.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Soft Ears

Though a thousand say ‘yes’
but You say ‘no’

may I take heed
and not go

so my ears stay soft
when the truth is hard

not seeking tickles
but to know Your heart.

elephant ear
photo credit: elehost.com