Think On These Things Thursday

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

In Junior Church this year, I have been going through the kings of Israel and Judah. It is amazing to me how patient God was with His children. You read of king after king who did that which was evil in the sight of God and even kings that followed God, but still allowed idol worship. God sent difficulties to get their attention, but they still continued to ignore Him. There were times of revival, but they were few and far between. There were also kings that started out serving God, only to go their own way in the end. Joash started out and served the Lord as long as his mentor, Jehoiada the priest was alive, then he turned away from God. He turned so far away that when God sent a prophet to tell him to get right with God, he killed the prophet! God dealt with him, but was a sad ending to what could have been a great life used for the Lord. Even sadder is the fact that when the kings served other gods, so did the most of the people.

I am thankful for God's patience and love for us. This also challenges me to live for the Lord and lead others to Him.

May we be able to say what King Hezekiah could say:

2Kings 20:3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.