BESIEGED
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 25
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Dung Gate is one of the gates in the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. The gate is situated near the southeast corner of the Old City, southwest of the Temple Mount.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 2 Kings 25:10
And all the army of the Chaldeans, who were with the captain of the guard, broke down the walls of Jerusalem all around.
This was a day of judgment! The capital city, the symbol of the nation, was destroyed by Babylon (modern Iraq). Things had never looked worse for God’s chosen people. Earlier they had been forcefully removed from the northern areas, and now from Judah and the city of Jerusalem. What of God’s promises now? What of the prophecies of the great future ruler who would reign forever, the Messiah, the Son of David?
Look ahead! Israel was restored under leaders such as Ezra and Nehemiah. The Temple and the walls were built again. The people of God came to know a long period of peace and prosperity. Greatest of all is that in the course of time, just five miles south of Jerusalem, in the city of David, Bethlehem, Jesus was born.
We move in our reading for tomorrow into the book of Ephesians. After reading Kings, I think we need the encouragement we will receive from the Holy Spirit-inspired letter to the Church at Ephesus!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, fill me each day with the joy that comes from knowing that the darkness and despair that may seem to be all around is only temporary. Please help me to look to the eternal reality of Your plans for my future. Plans that are greater than anything I could imagine. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’m taking the time today to read at one sitting the entire book of Ephesians. We’ll consider over the next six days, God willing, the life-enriching and life-changing truths which Paul writes to the people of Ephesus, the largest city of what was then known as Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Paul spent two years there sharing the Good News of Jesus and establishing the church. Now he writes back to these people who are so precious to him. What joyful assurance he brings his loved ones! This is powerful teaching! Perhaps it’s obvious that I’m excited about the week ahead before we move back again into the books of 1st and 2nd Chronicles, which present more of a spiritual history of the dynasty of King David. The books of 2nd Samuel and 1st and 2nd Kings, which we’ve just completed, are more of a political history. I hope and pray for staying power for each reader. I call it sanctified stubbornness! Never give up!! I pray that there will be steel up each backbone which will never bend to the pressures of daily life that might steal away the great blessings which God has for us. Amen!!!
Yours for consistency… as Shakespeare wrote, “Consistency, thou art a rare jewel,”
David
Norma-Jean and I at Sea Level on our way down to the Dead Sea, which is over 1,300 feet below Sea Level. This was during our last trip to Israel in 2015.
Thank You, Lord God, for being so faithful. No matter what, You are there, and You are working out all things for good. Please strengthen all Your people, and help us to listen and obey You always. In Jesus’s name, amen
I like David”s prayer today… Lord fill me with joy each day that comes from knowing darkness and despair is only temporary…
I have to admit part of me wanted to skip these sad chapters that we have been reading, and yet deep down I know that God brings hope and truth and joy in our dark world! More than ever I want to serve Him!
Thank you everyone for all your hope inspired comments, I love reading them!
Anne, when I read your comment, I was totally in agreement with your words. I read the prayer out loud twice. I am not feeling the best, it’s like I’m feeling anxious about something. Probably because I have to have my second cataract surgery a week from tomorrow. The first one went well, but the drops you have to put in are a lot.
There is a pit in the bottom of my stomach. So hope that goes away after next week.
Lord I pray that you will give Anne your perfect peace. Reassure her that you are always with her and will go before her into that surgery. Guide the doctor’s hands and may the surgery be a complete success and the recovery be quicker and easier than the last time.
Replace that feeling at the pit of her stomach with your abundant joy, even now!
Thank you for caring for Anne and never letting her out of your sight and grasp! In the precious name of Jesus, I pray! Amen! Amen!
Please give us an update after your surgery , Anne. God bless you!
Agreeing with Luisa and praying for Nan’s upcoming cataract surgery and Lord that you ease her anxious feeling in the pit of her stomach.
Agreeing with Anne for David’s prayer giving us strength and peace.
Thanking all the saints, today, for their love and prayers. May each be blessed with His guiding light and love. Amen.
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39 NIV
Peace Be Still (Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgnaUoMXM9M
Sorry….it should have said Nan
Chapter 25 of 2Kings is a sad chapter in Israel’s history but that is not the end, thank God. Victory will come out of death if we don’t give up as David said. Yes, I remember that stop with David and Norma Jean and I was blessed to be on that trip also. Lord Jesus help us not to miss any of the blessings you have ordained for us. Amen.
Amen, Ger!
I want to thank all thiose who are continuing to pray for Gavin. He has a long way to go he hasn’t got his speech back but talks in a garble. When folks don’t understand him he gets frustrated as he knows what he is saying.
I am keeping up with our readings and am looking forward to Ephesians as well. David’s words are always encouraging.
Blessings to all , Eleanor M.
So glad to hear update on Gavin. He is young and will recover good.
Still praying for this young man.
God is good and hears our prayers. He is answering the prayers for Gavin.
Praying for his parents and grandparents (you) as well.
God bless all bloggers today.
Thank you so much for your prayers Nan, I am also praying for you that the Lord will give you His Peace that surpasses all understanding. God Bless you and keep you in His Loving Care.
Eleanor M. ❤️
These things take time, keep telling Gavin. Not to fear but just trust that he will get better because he will. Still praying for him, Eleanor, and you and your family.
Thank u David and to your beautiful family for continuing this precious blog. Yes, ready to move onto Ephesians after such a roller coaster ride in Kings.
Blessings on all dear saints.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:28, 30–31).
Amen Lynda!
Had a blood pressure of 212/117 on Sunday. Took 2 aspirin & called 911. They came quickly & took me to Emerg. All kinds of tests were done but they cannot lower it or understand why it spiked. Increased BP pill & next day did some walking in our complex when I saw an unusual sight. A large van followed closely by a black SUV drove around our 3 buildings. Unusual. Anyway as I was walking back to my condo, the van came in my direction (very close). I moved quickly to one side but the van drove right toward me! Jumped into car parking. (I’m OK). Read in paper today of a road rage ( which this was, I found out), & thought reporting on this event. It was not. It was another one & then on radio I heard of a mother with children in car that was a road rage incident!! What is happening to our society? Dangerous out there. I thanked the Lord for protecting me. Praying for family & myself each day as the roads are incredibly busy in my town
So sorry for what happened to you, that certainly was t good for your blood pressure. These are crazy times that we are living in, BUT GOD is still in control. One day everything will be made right.
Eleanor M.
Agreeing with Eleanor, for you, Doreen. Lord God bring the answers needed for doctors for our sister Doreen’s blood pressure and bring an end to the craziness around her survey with road rage and drivers and people in distress. Protect her with Your guiding Hand and love. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen!
Thanks Beverlee. These people were not from our complex – the rage happened on a main road near us. Saw fam doctor today & looks good – takes about 5 days to two weeks to lower BP on added med. They can’t bring it down too fast or other complications. Nice pic of David & Norma Jean. Praying for Gaven’s improvement on the way to total healing.
Thank you, Luisa, Beverlee, Eleanor for your prayers, they mean so much to me.
Doreen, my goodness what a close call. God certainly was with you and protected you.
I will also be praying for your bp to be lowered.
Blessings. Nan
Agreeing with all comments and prayers; Have a joyous day, safe in the palm of His hands!!
Amen, Irene !????????