2 Kings 13 - 2.26.25

Scripture

2 Kings 13:4-6 Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor, and the Lord listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. The Lord provided a deliverer for Israel, and they escaped from the power of Aram. So the Israelites lived in their own homes as they had before. But they did not turn away from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit; they continued in them.

Observation

The book of Kings tells the stories of the kings of Israel who came after David. With few exceptions, they were corrupt and followed other gods, leading the people farther and farther away from the one true God, until the collapse of Israel and the exile of its people.

In the middle of a long line of kings who refused to follow God, Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor and the Lord listened to him. God granted favor. But even then, the people did not turn from their sin and continued on the path to ruin.

Application

We cannot earn God’s love and salvation. He freely gives it, even though we do not deserve it. When we ask, He shows us mercy and grace, forgives our sin, and restores us into relationship with Him. But that does not mean that we should test God. 

We are humans and no human is, or ever will be, perfect. We have all sinned, and even when we come into relationship with God, we will continue to sin. So how do we reconcile that with Jesus' command to go and sin no more? This is a question I continue to wrestle with. If I truly love and want to serve God, why would I continue to sin? Here is an understanding that I am coming to: I continue to try to earn my salvation. My goal should not be to attain perfection, my goal should be to follow God. When I focus on my sin and my failure, I am putting the attention and importance on myself instead of God. Following God is not about working in my own strength to attain perfection for myself. It is about putting God first and following Him with my whole heart. 

Romans 6:15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!

When I acknowledge my weakness and failure, I acknowledge His lordship. When I acknowledge my sin, I understand my need for a savior. The more I pour myself into running after God, soaking Him in, letting Him fill me up and change me, the less room I have for sin. 

Prayer

Lord, may my heart’s desire first and always be to please you. May I love the Lord My God with all my heart and all my soul and all my mind. May I always be open to your promptings and correction. Thank you for your unfailing love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. 

- Debbie Dunn

Psalm 25 - 2.25.25

SCRIPTURE:  PSALM 25:4 - 5

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

OBSERVATION

This is a Psalm of David which shares his trust and faith in God. It was hard to choose which specific scripture of this Psalm to use because each and every part of it is wonderful. I love how David is so open and real about what he’s done in life (vs 7: Do not remember the sins of my youth) and in his praises (vs. 2: I trust in you; vs 8: Good and upright is the Lord; vs 10: All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful).

In reflection, this scripture is very similar to one of my favorite Psalms in 139:23-24 (which was also written by David):

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” 

APPLICATION

The heart of this scripture really points to being humble before the Lord. David is asking to be shown God’s ways, teach His paths, and to be guided in His truth. If David (or us) were not humble before the Lord, it would be impossible to ask for these things. It’s similar to when we think there’s no need to ask for instructions, directions, or input from those around us because in our own mind, we’ve got it all covered. That’s the opposite of being humble. It is very easily revert to the “I can do it myself” mentality. For me personally, I’m inquisitive and like to figure things out on my own but know my limitations. As an example, I tought myself how to work on computers (software and hardware) and how to do regular maintenance on my mom’s Chevy Vega (yes, cue the jokes). After gathering the right tools, I learned how to change the oil and do a tune up on the car. But if I needed to overhaul the engine, I knew that was beyond my abilities. Knowing your limitations is important in life but when it comes to anything relating to approaching the Lord’s throne, there’s no other way but in humbleness.

There are 73 references in the Bible where the word “Humble” is used. Many of them are in the Old Testament with 16 references in the New Testament. I guess the topic of being humble is important! One of my favorite scriptures about being humble is James 4:10 which says “ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James is referencing this because earlier in James 4:6 he quotes Proverbs 3:34 ““God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”  I sure don’t want to be opposed by God and would rather have His favor.

God is willing to show us His ways, to teach us, to guide us down the path He has for our life, and to reveal all His truths.  All it takes is a humble heart before God. We can then receive God’s hope – all day long – because of our humbleness before God.

PRAYER

Lord, I’m so thankful for your Word which comforts my heart. You, Lord, are the only one worthy. My trust is in you! Thank you for allowing me (and all of us) the opportunity to come before your throne, in humbleness, to ask for your help in following you, to teach me all that you want me to learn, and to guide me each step of my life’s journey. I need you, Lord, for everything. You are my all, my everything, my life. Help me to always be humble before you, to seek you for everything, and to never rely on anything other than you. In Jesus name! Amen

- Mary Oberg

Revelation 3 - 2.24.25

Scripture

“I know your deeds…” -Revelation 3:1b; 8 and 15

Observation

This chapter continues Jesus’ letters to the 7 churches.

The churches in Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea are being addressed through angels (or messengers) of Jesus. Every message begins with Who Jesus is. Jesus is described as holding the 7 spirits of God and the 7 stars (vs. 1); He is holy, true and holds the key of David where what He opens no one can shut and what He shuts, no one can open (vs. 7); He is the Amen, the faithful, true witness and the ruler of God’s Kingdom. (Vs. 14). Then, it begins with Jesus’ personal words to the churches and it always begins with, “I know your deeds.”

Application

We must earnestly repent to the Lord of the ways we are falling short. He knows it all anyway!

If Jesus were to say to me and you, “I know your deeds,” what would we want his following statement to be?

I love how Jesus gave encouragement to each of the churches and an admonition (or warning) regarding what they needed to change. What would He say we are doing well and what we need to work on, individually and corporately? WE are the church (not the building or programs) and change always begins with the hearts of His people first.

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” -‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The book of Revelation is usually a challenging book for me to understand; however, this chapter is very clear and convicting with certain areas that I need to change in myself personally, specifically about needing to wake up due to unfinished deeds and also remembering that even those who are “rich” in this life are still “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”  We continue to need Jesus and must have compassion towards those who need Him too!

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank You for Your Word and for admonishing those You love. I pray that I would earnestly repent of any ways that I have fallen short from what You expect from me. Help me to keep Your Word and not deny Your name. May I endure patiently and always remember You as my first love. May I also continue to have a heart for the lost, knowing that I was once “wretched, pitiful and blind” before You took a hold of my life. In Your name I pray Jesus, Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi