Grains of Sand

woodturnersofswmo.org (Google Images) The trouble with Chronicles is that the book repeats much of the information that I have already read in the book of Kings. So I feel that history is repeating itself as I read—and so are the lessons that jump out from the page! That in itself tells me something. If I wondered why God would allow so much repetition, I am reminded that repetition is a good teaching tool and that some things need to be repeated occasionally so that people understand their importance. Take the story of Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26. I’ve read this before—and commented on it. Still it leaps out from the passage at me. “ He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success ” (2 Chronicles 26:4, 5). This morning I took note of a little letter written beside the word “ fear ” in verse 5. Apparently many of th...

Normally I would focus on the wonderful promises of God's presence and blessing that we find here in the first chapter of Joshua. But this morning something else grabbed my attention. Moses has died and upon Joshua now rests the mantle of leadership. The Israelites are about to begin a new chapter in their history. The land God has promised to them lies just on the other side of the river. Not all the Israelites are planning to settle on the other side of Jordan. The tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of the tribe of Manasseh have made the choice of not crossing over with the rest of their people. This decision had been made, and approved, some time earlier. But when the deal was struck it was with the provision that when the time came for the rest of the nation to cross over and take the land, these two and a half tribes would also cross over to help their brothers in the fight that would surely take place. Now, as they prepare to cross, Joshua reminds them if their promise: " ...

When it finally happened, it happened fast. One minute Joseph was in prison; the next he was standing before the Pharaoh interpreting a disturbing dream that the king had suffered repeatedly. This was his big moment, the moment to shine, the moment to put himself forward, to make a name, to take some credit and to get what he rightfully deserved after all his suffering. The Pharaoh asked Joseph if he could interpret the dream. The correct answer for the one million dollar prize was, “yes.” We are told to be positive, to be confident, to have our resumes polished and loaded with personal initiative and promising achievements. If you want to get ahead in life, you have to “toot your own horn,” “blow your own trumpet,” because no one else will do it for you. “‘ I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh… ” (Genesis 41:16, NIV). Gasp! If Joseph had ever spoken words that demonstrated his trust in God, these were the words. He knew his own limitations, However, he also walked with t...