Asking God for Help

II Chronicles 13 - 16

But you asked GOD for help and he gave you the victory. GOD is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God's help. Now you're in trouble — one round of war after another."

At that, Asa lost his temper. Angry, he put Hanani in the stocks. At the same time Asa started abusing some of the people.

A full account of Asa is written in The Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa came down with a severe case of foot infection. He didn't ask GOD for help, but went instead to the doctors. Then Asa died; he died in the forty-first year of his reign. They buried him in a mausoleum that he had built for himself in the City of David. They laid him in a crypt full of aromatic oils and spices. Then they had a huge bonfire in his memory. 2 Chronicles 16:8-14 THE MESSAGE

As I read through today's Bible reading, I was reminded of when I was a first-time mom. Our son was at the age where he should have been sleeping through the night. My pediatrician gave me suggestions as what to do and my ladies home fellowship was giving me wonderful advice as what to do. I was growing more and more weary because our son wasn't sleeping through the night.

No one seemed to understand. If my son started crying too hard, it would easily trigger him to throw up. Then we would really be awake, because I was up changing his clothes and crib sheets. This went on for several weeks.

At some point, I realized that I had not asked Godfor help. I remember specifically praying Psalm 139, "Lord, you know my son, Terren, and how he is made. The doctor and friends are all giving me good advice but I haven't sought you for help. You know how tired I am and need Your help . . ." That very evening, Terren slept through the night!

God does want us to seek Him for help. I realized that He cares that we come to Him, our Creator. I try to remember this before I give someone else advice or ask, "Have you asked God about it?" I don't mean it to be a trite response but He does care for us and desires us to seek Him, first.

My son didn't sleep through the night every night after this. But God made Himself very evident and present that night.
But you asked GOD for help and he gave you the victory.

The Family Tree

I Chronicles 9 - 11

This is the complete family tree for all Israel, recorded in the Royal Annals of the Kings of Israel and Judah at the time they were exiled to Babylon because of their unbelieving and disobedient lives. I Chronicles 9:1

I was thinking as I was reading through all the names and how interconnected they are and how God preserved, always kept a remnant, to prepare the way of the Lord Jesus. God was careful to leave us the details in His word. I am amazed from those who have studied how these family groups are relevant today in our current events.

My mom did quite a bit of research on our family tree. It was surprising to find out that one line of the family had several preachers or ministers over several generations. I am also finding it interesting the interconnection of personal relationships in my life and how they are coming around full circle.

I don't know if I have the right words to illustrate what I am meaning or feeling.

When I was in ninth grade, my parents and I joined a new church that had an active youth choir ministry. The church at that time did not have a youth ministry as you see in churches today. Sonny Steed, the minister of music, has had an amazing impact on the kingdom of God. As I reflect on the people that have come through his ministry, many have gone on into full-time Christian service, or they are faithful servants in their churches and their children have gone on to full-time ministries. I am aware of the spiritual impact that is has and is going to have on the generations to come.

Just prior to my senior year in high school, the church called its first Minister of Youth. Although I had grown up in church, David Gentiles, was the first who taught me about the disciplines of the Christian walk; how to have a quiet time, meditating on the Word and other disciplines such as fasting, etc. We had our first discipleship weekend called "Salt/Light." My small group leader for that brief weekend was Don Piper. I don't remember if he was even married then. Don was a good friend of David's.

Just this week, I read Don's book Ninety Minutes in Heaven. In his book, he shares the impact that David had been in his life. Don later was on staff with Sonny Steed. I read the book with mixed feelings because David Gentiles is presently with the Lord since December 2009. David has also had a great spiritual impact on many lives, mine being one of them. When I think of David, I think of Jesus. He loved in that way. He had a special gift. David also believed God. His kind of belief is contagious.

I have always "believed" in God and I do have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. I have a growing awareness of God's presence and it is overwhelming. As I am reading through the Bible, I had been convicted about if I really believe that God is still powerful and can do great and mighty things. To this I say, "Yes!" and may we see a glimpse of His glory.

Lord, You are the great God!

He's the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords, He's the great and mighty maker of all things. Yet this God of all gods, and Lord of all lords chose to give His Son for you and me. What a great God of all is He! He's a great God! He's the God of all gods!