Dear Friends,
More historical books await us today as we travel from Solomon through the ups and downs of the good and bad kings, to the invasion and destruction of Israel and Judah and then the return. It's similar to our lives, with all of their ups and downs, sometimes things happen to us and sometimes we do it to ourselves. But through all that happens to the people of Israel, and through all that happens to us, the theme in these verses from the drawing, "God's Fingerprint," seems to be to hold strong and steadfast to the teachings and the ways of the Lord:
"When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 'Be strong. Show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways and keep his decrees and commands, so that you may prosper in all you do wherever you go.'" I Kings 2:1-3
"When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, 'Tell me, what I can do for you before I am taken from you?' 'Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.' Elisha replied." II Kings 2:9
"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity." I Chronicles 29: 14, 17
"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." II Chronicles 16:9
"The gracious hand of God was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws." Ezra 7:9-10
"The joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
May you find renewed strength and courage in these words as we take them to heart during these weeks of Lent.
Grace and Hope to you,
Pastor Duane
