A 180 DEGREE TURN
Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 33
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
An hour’s drive north of the Sea of Galilee is Caesarea Philippi, also known as Banias. Here you can view the remnants of the Temple of Pan. It was here that Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13-20). As in today’s reading, here is evidence of the people of God turning to false gods.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 2 Chronicles 33:3, 15
For he rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; he raised up altars for the Baals, and made wooden images; and he worshiped all the host of heaven and served them…He took away the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the Lord…
Manasseh was just 12 when he was crowned king. His father, Hezekiah, was a man of the true God, but he died, and obviously those around the new boy king exerted a great influence. Not only did Manasseh reintroduce idol worship, he led the people deeply into the occult, practising witchcraft, sorcery, and consulting mediums and spiritists. This list sounds as if it could be lifted from today’s newspapers and magazines. Manasseh worshipped the starry hosts. Does that sound like reading the horoscopes? Ouija boards, fortune telling, and palm reading are prominent in our time. Let us run from such practises into the truth of Jesus, our Saviour and Lord!
Manasseh repented, making a 180 degree turn, but only after he had paid a horrible price. Nevertheless, God is full of mercy, and the latter days of Manasseh’s 55-year reign produced a return to God and God’s blessings upon the people of Judah and Israel. The story of Amon, Manasseh’s son, was a return to evil practises. However, Amon reigned for only two years. For that we can be thankful. How crucial it is for each generation to have its personal encounter with the true God!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray for total freedom in my life from any and all influences that come from the “rulers of the darkness of this age.” I run into Your complete protection! Keep me pure in Your sight, Lord Jesus! In Your holy and all-powerful Name I ask! Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
In tours that Norma-Jean and I have led to Israel I have spoken at the location of today’s photos regarding the confession Peter made there, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). May I suggest that all of us read Matthew 16:12-23. Could it have been the influence of the spirits inhabiting this shrine that caused Jesus to have to say to Peter shortly thereafter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me.” In order to always think like God thinks, I must be faithful in reading, underlining, meditating and assimilating God’s thoughts, His Word.
It has been a while since I asked readers to check out www.crossroads360.com. Here’s a powerful testimony of a woman deeply involved in the occult, as Manasseh was, who found deliverance in Christ (click here for part 1 of the story of Carole Kornacki and click here for part 2).
Yours for turning away from any influence whatsoever from the occult,
David
This was a “high place” in ancient Caesarea Philippi. It was a temple where various gods were worshipped. The main source of the Jordan River flows from under this mountain.
Jesus and His disciples likely walked on these very steps when they visited Caesarea Philippi.
This is a depiction of what the sacred high places in Caesarea Philippi may have looked like at the time of Jesus.
What a powerful story. We should never ever give up on people as the Lord can make such changes in a persons life.
What a God we serve.
I have got behind in the study, first time and felt strongly to get up and do todays. Please pray for my recovery as I have been quite sick and still not over all of it. God bless you and thank you for your prayers.
What a powerful testimony of what the power of Jesus can do! Am very concerned about the youth today. Last weekend a young 16 year old girl was killed in a wreckless car accident; went off the road and alcohol was involved. Just learned she had worked at a local summer Bible camp. The enemy is out “to steal, kill and destroy.” Have many young people in my family. The young people surely need our prayers.
Lord, we uphold Elizabeth today in prayer for healing and complete recovery from her illness, in Jesus Name. The Word is life to our flesh so it is good to recite the healing promises and stand on His Word. God bless you.
Amen
I pray for Elizabeth today Lord Jesus put your healing touch on her.
Heal her completely we ask in your name Lord Jesus Amen…R…
Thank Pastor David for the vivid pictures …how sad when people so quickly turn away from God to worshiping other god.
How Big is God’s heart!! as soon as Menasseh repented God received his prayer, and was with him.
Thank you for your prayer and I prayed in agreement: Lord keep me close to you…away from the “rulers of the darkness of this age”.
He restores my soul: He leads me on paths of righteousness for His Names sake”
here are some scriptures I received this morning in my quite time this morning:
Isaiah 51:25b: “…I will contend with him that contends with you….” Lord thank you that You are my defense!!!
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am Your God: I will strengthen you: yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.” Lord thank You that You are ever with me!!
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the Lord; and He shall give you the desires of your heart”. Thank You Lord!!!
I Listened to Carol Kornecki’s testimony…also remember her sharing on Full Circle years back.
Lord, I pray keep our young people from the snares of the enemy, from his lying deceiving spirit, I pray in Your Mighty Name Jesus.!! Amen!!!
Father God I pray that You will heal Elizabeth Kyle, I pray that You will give her total restoration of her health so that she may be able to continue her life of serving You dear Lord, we thank You for complete healing of this precious child of Yours;
Father I bring before the youth of our communities, in particular Liam and Colton, guide, protect and lead these 2 young people to a safe place where they can grow in the Grace of Jesus Christ, where they can let go of their fears and be among people who love them and will be good mentors in their lives. where they can grow up to be strong, humble leaders and see the Grace of God working in their lives and be able to help others around them and throughout the community!
Lord these are 2 of many thousands of young people who need to know their Saviour Jesus Christ, they need to know they are saved by grace through faith and not because of anything they have done or need to do! They only need to know that when they are sorry for their sins, that You dear Lord are right there beside them and You will put Your arm around them and hug them and lead them to be happy and productive citizens in our world!
thank you in the Name of Jesus Christ our Risen Lord and Saviour AMEN AMEN AMEN
Amen Sah!