Bible Soundbites
Monday, 24 March 2008 00:00 | and posted in Asa
Asa did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the Lord his God. 2 Chronicles 14:2
David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah and now Asa had become King. As the new king Asa had a choice to make: was he going to be a king like David and follow God or a King like his father Abijah and rebel against God.
He chose the harder and potentially the least popular choice with his people: he chose to follow God.
Tuesday, 25 March 2008 00:00 | and posted in Asa
Then Asa cried out to the Lord his God, “O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone.” 2 Chronicles 14:11
After 10 years of peace, war arrived. A sea of men advanced upon Judah from Ethiopia. Asa went out to meet them with his own army and turned directly to God for help.
When tough times come it can be a real test of our faith. Is your first thought like Asa’s, to turn to God?
If you do, God will hear your cries.
Wednesday, 26 March 2008 00:00 | and posted in Asa
When Asa heard this message from Azariah the prophet, he took courage and removed all the detestable idols from the land of Judah and Benjamin and in the towns he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. 2 Chronicles 15:8
We came across this quote recently, ‘If a professed faith is not sufficient to promote action, then it would be better called an opinion or an idea or a concept… If we are so committed that we take action there is real faith at work.’*
Asa took courage from God’s words and chose to act upon them; he demonstrates to us real faith at work.
* Quote from Brian McLaren’s book A Search for What Makes Sense, page 40.
Thursday, 27 March 2008 00:00 | and posted in Asa
Many from Israel had moved to Judah during Asa’s reign when they saw that the Lord his God was with him. 2 Chronicles 15:9
God’s way of life is characterised by a selfless love towards others, concern with justice for the poor and the oppressed and care for the environment. It’s a way of forgiveness, peace and nonviolence.
Living God’s way is attractive to others and reveals God’s heart for his people… Through the way Asa lived and led he had people flocking to Judah to experience knowing his God.
Friday, 28 March 2008 00:00 | and posted in Asa
All in Judah were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into it with all their heart. They earnestly sought after God, and they found him. And the Lord gave them rest from their enemies on every side. 2 Chronicles 15:15
Under Asa’s leadership all of Judah committed themselves to ‘seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul’ (verse 12). The people were happy to do this as they had experienced who God was and also that godly living meant a better way of life.
Another phrase sticks out to us here… Those who wholeheartedly seek God find him.
Saturday, 29 March 2008 00:00 | and posted in Asa
Asa responded by removing the silver and gold from the treasuries of the Temple of the Lord and the royal palace. He sent it to King Ben-hadad of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus, along with this message: “Let there be a treaty between you and me…” 2 Chronicles 16:2
He was doing so well. For 35 years, Asa held strong to God’s ways. Then he took his dependence away from God and paid a human King to help him against his enemy.
It pains God to see people move away from a relationship with him. We need to be there to support others in their journey with God, and to keep our own relationship strong.
Sunday, 30 March 2008 00:00 | and posted in Asa
Even when the disease became life threatening, Asa did not seek the Lord’s help. 2 Chronicles 16:12
If you ever turn away from God, know that God is waiting for you to return with his arms open wide. Sadly, Asa’s story doesn’t end with an embrace.
Asa became very ill, yet something held him back from turning to God. Maybe guilt? Perhaps pride? Why do we let things stop us from running back into Daddy God’s open arms?