Friends in high places

Wk1 Day 2:
Jotham ruled Jerusalem after his father Uzziah's death. Like his father, he knew what God wanted and was successful. Unlike his father, he did not become prideful. During this important time is when Isaiah saw the Lord and was called to be a prophet. Both important points. Jotham was a good ruler, but was afraid to rock the boat of his kingdom. He knew the worship the people were doing in the "high places" was not honoring God, however he did not use his position of authority to put an end to the practice. It is exactly as this is going on that Isaiah encounters God personally in a very powerful way. A common person from the era called by God to remind the people who their Lord is and what is to come for God's chosen people. I am thankful of the reminder today of God's reminder in the days of Isaiah that We must confess and repent of our sins and praise the one true God with clean lips and a pure heart. 

Week 1/Day 1: Uzziah The Proud

There are many examples of the old saying "pride comes before the fall" in The Bible. One of the clearest is King Uzziah. Appointed king at only 16, the book of 2 Chronicles 26: 1-23 tells he

quickly grew in power, popularity, and success. Even though he was taught well and in his early 
years...he quickly came down with a case of the swollen head. Pride. When he angered God by

entering the core of the Temple where only the high priests were allowed... and then

disgracefully burned incense just to prove he was the most powerful person, God quickly struck

the king with leprosy. Uzziah was forced into isolation for the rest of his life and his son

ruled the kingdom. Indeed, a very sad ending to a once powerful man. This story is one of many

that portray God's hatred of pride. So...why is it that we all struggle with it so much. So 
many times I find myself following this very dangerous road that leads me directly away from

God when I only want to draw closer to Him. I know I shouldn't...but it happens. We all do from time to time. When we do, I think it is very important to just to bring it to God and then make it a point to worship God through scripture and song to reaffirm that He alone gives us all of

our blessings and He can take them away too. Just ask King Uzziah.  

Introduction

Although I might think it and even act like it sometimes...I know I am not the only one who feels as though I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. Too many commitments and basic day-to-day things can be overwhelming sometimes. Frustrations and irritations can control my emotions at times before I even realize it. Everyone goes through this from time to time. As Beth Moore begins this study of breaking free from the many types of strongholds that can keep us captive, she reminds us that this is not the life that God wants for us. The words that the God  ( through a prophet) told Gideon in Judges 6:8 is true for us today as well..."I freed you from a life  of slavery." Today our slavery is not the oppression the Israelites suffered under the Egyptians and Midianites. Our masters can come in the form of addictions, poor self esteem, pride, and abuse...just to name a few. When we give our lives to God we may still suffer on this Earth, but His promise of abundant life will never be broken. Life to the fullest does not mean we are slaves to these things, but that through God...when we are obedient to His will...we will overcome these strongholds that weigh us down. Even if the pile of laundry seems endless, our marriage is seeming to fail, our health declines, or other hardships we may endure...we can still have peace knowing that when we let God be in control that He will always give us life to the fullest. We all struggle with some stronghold in our life...but when we give them to God we experience His grace and freedom. I can stay chained down with burdens, or give them over to God. I, for one, think it is time to "break free."

The night before it all begins...

Hey, everyone. Even though I love summer, I am glad it is winding down and the fall season is coming. I love this time of year best- maybe because my birthday is in 3 weeks. Ha Ha Ha. Ok...not completely joking but I do love the leaves changing and the cooler air.

I am writing this tonight because I am again going to try to blog my way through a Bible study. I tried with the Beth Moore study of Esther...but after getting back logged for about 2 weeks it became more of a distraction than a tool to help my grow in my walk with the Lord.

Tomorrow- we begin the updated Beth Moore study- "Breaking Free." I never did the original study- but have heard such wonderful things about it. It focuses on the book of Isaiah- such a rich prophetic book. I hope I can at least blog a couple times a week  during this 11-weeks the study lasts. We took a couple month break from our organized Wednesday night ladies Bible study group for the summer- so I am just as excited to get back with my table of great friends. Even though we have talked some on Sundays- it is not the same as our gab fests at the table before and after the study.

Well, as always with a Beth Moore study- and particularly from what I have heard about this one...I am definitely prepared to be broken and grow closer to the Lord. I love that we are asked to memorize scripture. I always say I will "try to" but am so glad that I am challenged to learn 10 new verses- all from Isaiah. It will be hard to top "One In A Million" by Priscilla Shirer though. If you haven't done that one- I would highly recommend it.  That has to be my favorite study I have done by far...followed by the Beth Moore one that focussed on the fruit of the spirit. Both were so good.

Well, I have rambled on enough. Can't wait for tomorrow's night Bible study !!!!! Have a blessed evening.

Robbyn