But God—July 16 Bible Reading Plan

But God.

Two words that change everything. When the kings of this earth do evil in the eyes of the LORD, but God. God is still sovereign. He is still in control. When there’s a pandemic and our nation is divided—but God. We don’t have to fret because we know God already knows the end and is using it all together for our good and His glory. When things seem to be falling apart, our God holds it all together.

Bible Reading of the day: 2 Kings 11-15

The Book of 2 Kings is a history of Israel’s and Judah’s kings. The rise and fall of kings occurred as each king followed God or not.

There is a struggle in 2 Kings. The same struggle we deal with today. Evil seeking to overcome good. The constant refrain, “He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight” is countered by the mercy and sovereignty of God. The grace and strength of God is available to those who seek it.

Leaders rise and fall and man thinks he has the power, but ultimately, when the people of God turn back to God and choose to obey Him, mercy triumphs in our midst.

Here are some examples from today’s reading of those who did not cave to evil, but sought God:

Choosing God Over Idolatry—2 Kings 11:17-18

“Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people that they would be the Lord’s people and another covenant between the king and the people. 18 So all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed its altars and images to pieces, and they killed Mattan, the priest of Baal, at the altars.”

Jehoiada chose to belong to the LORD. And he acted upon it. When we choose God, it is not a once and done choice, but a daily choice.

Choose God Without Compromise—2 Kings 13:4-6

“Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor, and the Lord heard him, for he saw the oppression the king of Aram inflicted on Israel. 5 Therefore, the Lord gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped from the power of the Arameans. Then the people of Israel returned to their former way of life, 6 but they didn’t turn away from the sins that the house of Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit. Jehoahaz continued them, and the Asherah pole also remained standing in Samaria.”

What is it in your life that is a stronghold? That thing that you make concessions for or rationalize away? That thing keeps you from God’s blessing.

But God—Undeserved Favor 2 Kings 13:22-23

“King Hazael of Aram oppressed Israel throughout the reign of Jehoahaz, 23 but the Lord was gracious to them, had compassion on them, and turned toward them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He was not willing to destroy them. Even now he has not banished them from his presence.”

In two words, friends, “But God”. God’s grace covers our failings. God chooses us not because of our goodness, but because of His.

But God—God is in control

The king’s heart is guided like a watercourse wherever He determines it to go. We likely all feel the intimidation of the enemy, trying to silence the voice of Christians. But we dare not be silent. God has not called us to sit idly by at such a time as this. The battle we are in right now is spiritual. And the battle is the LORD’s. When we resist evil, pray to God and be a voice of righteousness in this generation, we make a difference.

Scripture of the Day:  2 Kings 14:26-27

“For the Lord saw the bitter suffering of everyone in Israel, and that there was no one in Israel, slave or free, to help them. 27 And because the Lord had not said he would blot out the name of Israel completely, he used Jeroboam II, the son of Jehoash, to save them.”

Friends, God sees us. None of the present day struggles are a surprise to Him. And He is still with us.

Application

• Don’t just choose God once. Choose Him every day.
• Don’t go with the culture. Go with God.

7-Fold One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Day #198: 2 Kings 11-15

Scripture of the Day: 2 Kings 14:26-27

Listen: https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/2Kgs.11

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