2 Kings 22:3-23:30, Acts 21:37-22:16, Psalms 1:1-6, Proverbs 18:11-12

What God said to me – In My covenant with Israel I outlined the blessings I would pour out on them if they followed Me wholeheartedly and the judgment that would fall if they turned from Me and followed idols.  The Northern Kingdom of Israel was taken captive by Assyria because of their idolatry and eventually Judah went the same way.  When My prophet told King Hezekiah that Judah was going to be invaded and taken captive by Babylon as judgment his response was, “at least it’s not going to happen in my day”, and he went on with his life.  However, when My prophet told Hezekiah’s great grandson, Josiah, the same thing, he tore his clothes and wept and grieved for the sin his people had fallen into.  Then he told the people what My word said and how they had fallen away from Me.  He went through the country tearing down idols and restoring My worship.  A revival took place of people returning to Me and although judgment still fell on the nation, many people were made right with Me before it happened.  You live in a day where judgment is quickly approaching – don’t be like Hezekiah and say, “at least I’ll be okay” and go on with your life.  Be like Josiah and grieve for the sin of those around you and share how they can be saved from the wrath to come.  There is still time for many to come – be bold – be Josiah.

2 Kings 20:1-22:2, Acts 21:18-36, Psalms 150:1-6, Proverbs 18:9-10

What God said to me – Have you ever seen a plumb bob?  It is a very simple device – basically a string with a weight on the end – that was used by builders to determine verticality so that the building was straight.  It utilizes the law of gravity, so angles are correct and things stay plumb or level.  The plumb line doesn’t alter, or shift based on the impulses of the carpenter – it remains true and all work must line up to it so the building is not crooked.  When Judah turned away from Me to idolatry, I told them I would use the same plummet that I used to judge the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the house of Ahab.  The plumb line I use is My word and My standard never changes.  If you want to walk in a manner that pleases Me and glorifies Me, then line up your life with My plumb line – My word.  You cannot base your life on what society says is right or what is legal by government standards or even what your conscience says – My word is the standard and nothing else.

2 Kings 18:13-19:37, Acts 26:1-17, Psalms 149:1-9, Proverbs 18:8

What God said to me – Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you?  One moment everything is fine and out of the blue you take a blow and suddenly can’t breathe.  It is frightening and hard to think straight.  Sometimes life seems like that – everything seems to be going well and out of the blue you take a hit – you lose your job – you get a bad medical report – you have an accident – a loved one dies.  How do you react?  Look at Hezekiah, King of Judah.  Jerusalem was surrounded by the Assyrian army.  They were savage and cruel, and they had already taken the Northern Kingdom of Israel into captivity.  Their king sent a message to Hezekiah proclaiming their coming destruction and how they had destroyed every other nation and their gods and how Hezekiah’s God would not save them either.  Hezekiah took the enemy’s letter and brought it into My house and laid it out before Me and prayed.  I answered his prayer through My prophet, Isaiah, and one of the things I told him was that this was not a surprise to Me – I planned it long ago.  Remember that no matter what you are facing and how blindsided you are by it, “I AM” not taken by surprise.  I planned it from long ago and “I AM” at work in it and through it.  Like Hezekiah, come lay it out before Me and pray – then trust My plan.