2 Kings 22 - 3.7.25

Scripture: ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭22‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’ ” So they took her answer back to the king.”

Observation:

Josiah became king when he was 8 years old and he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The two previous kings had done evil. I would love to know what made the difference. 

“In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles and idols.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭34‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He was 16 when he began seeking the Lord. In his eighteenth year as king at 24 years old he began to restore the temple. Workers found the Book of the Law. When it was brought to him by the priest and read to him he believed and knew Judah had broken the covenant. He repented and sent the priest to inquire of the Lord. God saw Josiah’s response to hearing His word and said He would not see the disaster and would die in peace. 

Application:

God’s Word is powerful. He does what He promises. However, over and over again we see God holding back His hand when people humble themselves before Him repenting of their sin. 

“He is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) which means He still does the same today. 

God’s word has great impact. Its power can bring repentance. Also, young people can seek God and be the vessels of change. We need to value all they have to offer. This is not only a reminder for me to be reading the Word myself, but also its power when I share it with others. 

Prayer:

Lord, Thank you for the ways you are always working. You use young and old to do your work. You caused Josiah’s heart to turn to you when others before him had done evil. Please work in those hearts who I’ve been praying for and have not yet turned to you. May I find creative ways to share your Word. Please keep me humble and show me areas of sin I need to repent of. You brought a season of peace to a nation because Josiah repented. Please bring peace to those who need you. I am available to be an agent of change. Give me your voice and wisdom. Thank you for your grace and faithfulness. Amen

- Cindy Howard

Psalms 34. 03.06.25

SCRIPTURE: Psalms 34:8 NIV

“TASTE and SEE that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

OBSERVATION 

What does it mean to TASTE and SEE that the LORD is Good?

The word taam translated as “taste” is an invitation to —taste and experience—to genuinely savor—

At the farmer’s market a couple years back there was a vendor (Tenerelli Orchards) who had these Peaches during July and August.

If you know, you know! 

You could SEE they were Perfectly Ripe by the beautiful myriad orangish red bursting sunsets that colored each of these beauties. Their scent was compelling. It drew you in. And, The second you cut into one of these juicy ripe peaches—you were hit with the instant aroma and juicy TASTE of summer sunshine.

I went every week to get MORE. Larry who didn’t even like Peaches became addicted. This rich deep pure Peach Perfection involved all the senses of sight, smell, taste, and even touch as the sticky juice ran down your fingers-which was never a bother because they were SO worth it.

I tell you this story BECAUSE this is what I Believe God intends when HE says “TASTE and SEE” that The LORD is GOOD.

To BE the longing and desire of our heart.

To be our ONE and ONLY obsession that we can’t WAIT to spend time with. 

The One we want to wake up to—and begin our day with and the One we want to share our last words with at the very end of each day before we close our eyes.

Knowing That His Love is so Perfect and so compelling—it draws us in and nothing ever has or ever will compare with it. 

That we learn to savor the richness and depth of His word as if it were a banquet of the most delectable and flavorful bites—and as we sit at the table—we realize this is not a fast food drive through. We sit and taste, and savor every bite—not wanting to miss the experience of one single flavor nuance or new special seasoning. 

APPLICATION 

Taste and See-That the LORD—is— GOOD.

It’s interesting that there are many scripture references that link God’s Word to experiencing something that we “taste”.

“How sweet are your words—to my taste—sweeter than—honey to my mouth!” (Psalms 119:103 NIV)

“When your words came—I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight,  for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.” (Jeremiah 15:16 NIV)

“Then Jesus declared, “I AM—the bread of life.” (John 6:35 NIV)

“The laws of the Lord—are true; each one is fair. They are sweeter—than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.” (Psalms 19:9-10 NLT)

“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice,  “Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me—and drink.” (John 7:37 NIV)

Coming Today to Drink IN and Taste —and Savor the Sweetness of God.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

Thank YOU that You are constantly extending an invitation for us to Come and savor Your Goodness. To spend time with You and experience You in deeper and fuller measure. The application here includes an amazing promise of relationship. And You are Faithful.

The More we come, the More we experience You, the More we sit with You and simply be in Your Presence-the More we take You in to the Fullest measure. May Your Word become so much apart of me that I can literally begin to taste its sweetness. Your Word is spirit and life (John 6:63). Fill me with Your word, Fill me with Your Presence Today. May Your sweetness overflow in me Today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Tina L Kudelka

Psalm 33 - 3.5.25

Scripture

A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. (Psalms 33:17)

Observation

The NASB version of the same verse says, “A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength”. The author of this Psalm is not explicitly stated, but most Bible scholars attribute this Psalm to David. 

King David was a warrior. God appointed him as a king during a time when Israel was constantly at war with multiple enemies. David was tasked with the great responsibility of defending and protecting his nation from invaders. In those days, the strength of an army was measured by the number of horses and chariots that they possessed. But David knew better. He knew that no king is saved by the size of his army, and that no warrior escapes by his great strength (Psalms 33:16,17).

A good horse played a huge part in winning the war,  providing the warrior unmatched speed and mobility. Warhorses had huge strength and could carry the warrior and heavy weaponry. They were fearless and would charge into battle, and had a close bond with the warrier. However, David knew that his victory did not come by possessing a good warhorse.

Putting his trust in his good well trained and powerful horse was a vain and false hope for victory and deliverance (Psalms 33:17). David knew that the eyes of the Lord were on them who put their trust in Him, to deliver them and give them victory (Psalms 33:18, 19). 

Application

I took on a new job a little more than a year ago. I had worked for the same organization for 25 years, and I had no plans to move. However, I knew that the Lord was leading me to this change and had opened this door for me. I had never faced an interview in 25 years, though I had interviewed and recruited many people. During the last phase of the recruitment process, I was supposed to meet with a very senior executive and decision maker. I was nervous and I was reading up about the latest technological and business advances in my professional field, preparing for this interview. As I was doing that, this verse came to my mind “a horse is a vain hope for victory”. I knew that I had heard the voice of the Lord. It was not by my power nor by might that I was going to move into this new phase of my career, but by His Spirit and His power (Zechariah 4:6). I faced the interview with confidence in Him (Prov 3:26). The Lord opened the door, and I went through it to my new job. 

What are we putting our trust in? Is our trust in our modern day “horses” and “chariots” - our abilities, our education, connection, money and other things we possess? Or are we putting our trust in God alone? Let us say like David, “some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of our Lord” (Psalms 20:7). 

Trust in man is a snare (trap), but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe (Prov 29:25). If we have put our trust in anything else other than the Lord, let us repent and put our trust in Him alone. Let us fix our eyes on the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2). Those who look to Him are radiant, and they are never put to shame. (Psalms 34:5). 

Whatever be the mountain you are facing today, if you put your trust in Him, you will not be put to shame. He is a shield around you, your glory and the lifter of your head (Psalms 3:3).

Prayer

Father, I thank you because you are faithful. I know that I can put my trust in you. I am safe in you. The battle belongs to you (1 Sam 17:47). I will not put my trust in horses and chariots. I will look at your face alone. You are my defense (Psalms 59:9). You will fight for me (Exodus 14:14). I trust you because you will go before you and will level the mountains, you will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron (Isaiah 45:2). No weapon formed against me will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Thank you Jesus. Knowing you is the biggest blessing of my life. Help me to live a life that pleases you. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight (Psalms 19:14). In Jesus’s name. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George