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Lessons from Athaliah—Trusting God’s Sovereignty in Dark Times

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Have you ever felt like the world around you is spiraling out of control? In those moments, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s promises and His unwavering faithfulness. The Bible, however, is filled with stories that remind us of God’s sovereignty, even in the darkest of times. One such story is found in 2 Chronicles 22:10, where Athaliah, the wicked queen, attempts to destroy the royal line of Judah. Yet, despite her evil plans, God’s purpose prevails. In this post, we’ll explore how this passage teaches us about the dangers of sin, the courage of the faithful, and the unshakable promises of God. Let’s journey together through this powerful story and discover how it can strengthen our faith today.   The Story of Athaliah and God’s Preservation of the Davidic Line To understand the significance of 2 Chronicles 22:10, let’s set the stage. The Books of Chronicles focus on the history of Judah, particularly the Davidic line, and God’s covenant faithfulness. In this chapter, Ahaziah, the...

God’s Love in the Rain: A Lesson for Us All

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A Question of Fairness Have you ever wondered why good things happen to bad people? It’s a question that nags at us when life feels unfair. Why does the sun shine on both the kind-hearted and the cruel? Why does the rain water the crops of the righteous and the wicked alike? In Matthew 5:45, Jesus gives us an answer that’s as comforting as it is challenging: “ For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” ( ESV). This simple verse, tucked into the Sermon on the Mount, reveals a stunning truth about God’s love—and it’s a truth that calls us to live in a way that might just turn our instincts upside down. A Radical Teaching To really grasp what Jesus is saying, let’s set the scene. Matthew 5:45 comes from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where Jesus lays out what life in God’s kingdom looks like. He’s speaking to a crowd of everyday folks, challenging the religious norms of the day with a vision of faith that’s all about the he...

2 Kings 2:23-25: A Lesson in Respect and Divine Authority

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Today's Scripture: 2 Kings 2:23-25 (KJV) "And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria." The Bible is filled with passages that challenge us to dig deeper into God’s truth, even when they seem difficult or unsettling. One such passage is 2 Kings 2:23-25, where the prophet Elisha is mocked by a group of youths, and two bears emerge from the woods to maul 42 of them. At first glance, this story might appear harsh or confusing. Yet, when we explore its context and meaning, it reveals profound lessons about God’s holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the reverence due ...

Standing Firm in Perilous Times: Lessons from 2 Timothy 3:1-5

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 In a world where moral decay seems to spread like wildfire, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We see self-love glorified, truth twisted, and godliness mocked. But as believers, we’re not left without guidance. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul warns us of these very days, urging us to stand firm in our faith. His words, penned under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, are a lighthouse guiding us through the storm of a world gone astray. As Christians who hold the Bible as God’s unchanging truth, this passage speaks directly to our hearts. It calls us to recognize the signs of the times, guard our souls, and cling to the Word that equips us for every good work. Let’s explore Paul’s warning and uncover its lessons for us today. The Warning of Perilous Times Paul begins with a sobering truth: " This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come " (2 Timothy 3:1, KJV). The “last days” aren’t just a distant future—they’re the period from Christ’s first coming to His second. That...

No One Is Beyond Reach: Lessons from Simon the Sorcerer and the Origin of Simony

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Have you ever wondered if someone is too far gone to be reached by the Gospel? Maybe it’s a friend lost in sin or a public figure whose life seems irredeemable. The Bible offers a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God’s grace. In Acts 8:9-24, we encounter Simon the Sorcerer—a man steeped in magic and self-glory—yet even he was drawn to the message of Christ. His story showcases the limitless reach of the Gospel while warning us about the dangers of greed and false faith. It’s from Simon’s actions that we get the term "simony," a word that still cautions against corrupting the sacred for personal gain. As Christians who cherish the Bible as God’s inerrant Word, Simon’s account challenges us to trust the Gospel’s power and guard our hearts. Let’s explore this story and uncover its lessons for us today. The Rise of Simon the Sorcerer In Samaria, Simon was a big deal. Known for his sorcery, he dazzled the people with his magic and claimed to be someone great. The Samaritans...