Apr 17

 “…right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.” 2 Kings 18:3

At twenty-five years of age, Hezekiah began his reign as king of Judah, and ruled for almost three decades. With so many kings who did ‘evil in the sight of the LORD’, it is refreshing to read the report of this king’s life. His zeal for God and desire for righteousness, his severity in removing the places of idolatry and standing strong against heathen practices, along with a notable trust in God, is praised as ‘right in the sight of the LORD’. He is aligned with the manner, upright walk and faithfulness for which, David his forefather, is set up as a standard by the Lord. Along with Hezekiah, only two other kings of Judah, Asa and Josiah are given such praise, and interestingly all three, were sons of wicked fathers! The pattern of godly and wicked kings often succeeding each other, shows us that we are each responsible as individuals before God, for our actions and the quality of our walk with Him. Clearly even the ‘best’ men of God have faults. Walking ‘perfectly’ in the sight of God doesn’t mean holding absolute, flawless perfection, but rather that in obedience and righteousness we strive towards the holy and high calling, because our Father is Holy! This motivation of heart, and diligence of spirit, is what God notes and rewards. The lack of this desire to ‘do right’, and the want of a heart given to consistent purity and uprightness, marks us as having failed to ‘walk right in the sight of God’. It should be our life’s greatest ambition to fulfil the will and purpose for which God made us, saved us and empowered us! Though perhaps flawed through our mortal, human imperfection, let us yet with all heart and soul, strive to bring glory and honour to our King and Master, in a way that will evoke a report that we walked ‘right in the sight of the LORD’! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 7

“…This day is a day of trouble…” Isaiah 37:3

Hezekiah along with Israel faced severe times. Enemies will try to drive us away from God, but in their efforts, if we remain faithful, they will actually drive us closer to Him. Though Israel had wrongly held onto the Lord in a loose and careless manner, and Hezekiah had somewhat trusted in Egypt, when faced with the blasphemies of the emissary of the Assyrian king, he and all the people found refuge by going to God. Much of what the enemy will try to do is to inject fear and promote intimidation, so that weakened and discouraged, we might let go of our faith and trust in God. Satan continues to use his old tricks against unsuspecting Christians, and one of his main weapons is fear, in many facets - fear of the threats of unbelievers, fear of being ridiculed, fear of the unknown, fear of the future and fear of failure.  The cure for all unhealthy and devil-driven fear is a close, intimate and trusting relationship with Jesus! Hezekiah was being weakened by the calumny and derision of the enemy, but Isaiah, the prophet of God, strengthened him with reminders that God is in control, even of those who have no regard for Him. There may be times of sorrow, rebuke and persecution which we may have to face also. It is good for us to be reminded not to allow anything the enemy throws at us, to terrorise us. We must remember that Jesus is ultimately in control, and He will perform His will and fulfil His purpose. Dark times may come, but the Lord will bring light. We must not be cajoled into believing the lies that the enemy of our souls pushes and promotes, but rather be fully persuaded of the truth and encouragement that comes from the Lord God Almighty!  

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion