My Walk with God

23/05/2026

23/05/2026

In 2 Chronicles 35:3, King Josiah commissions the Levites to return the Ark of the Covenant to the Temple and shifts their primary focus to teaching and ministering to the Israelites.

Matthew Henry emphasizes this as a model for ministry, highlighting the dual duty of serving both God's glory and His people. Matthew Henry’s commentary on this verse draws several key lessons:

* Devotion over Burden: Because the Ark now had a fixed resting place in the Temple, the Levites were freed from the physical labor of carrying it on their shoulders. Henry notes this allowed them to dedicate their full energy to serving God and the people through teaching and worship.

* A Dual Calling: He points out that ministers should view themselves as servants to both Christ and the church. This requires laboring for the glory of God and the spiritual welfare of His flock.

* Ministers as Teachers: The verse specifically refers to the Levites as those who "taught all Israel". Henry uses this to highlight that a minister's primary role is to act as a helper of holiness and joy, rather than a harsh master

The destruction Josiah made of idolatry, was more largely related in the book of Kings. His solemnizing the passover is related here. The Lord's supper resembles the passover more than any other of the Jewish festivals; and the due observance of that ordinance, is a proof of growing piety and devotion.

God alone can truly make our hearts holy, and prepare them for his holy services; but there are duties belonging to us, in doing which we obtain this blessing from the Lord.

Prayer

Almighty God, our Father in heaven, we praise You and give glory to Your Holy Name, for You alone are God, holy, righteous, and worthy to be exalted forever.

Accept us as we are, sinners and unworthy in Your sight, yet trusting in Your mercy, grace, and unfailing love. Cleanse our hearts and renew a right spirit within us, that we may serve You with humility and sincerity.

Lord, as written in 2 Chronicles 35:3, teach us to consecrate our lives wholly unto You, just as Josiah commanded the Levites to prepare themselves for Your service and to honor Your holy presence.

May we carry Your Word faithfully in our hearts, walk in obedience to Your commandments, and dedicate our lives for Your glory alone.

Strengthen us to remain steadfast in faith, fervent in prayer, and faithful in serving others with love and compassion.

May our lives become a pleasing offering unto You, O Lord, and may Your Holy Spirit continually guide us in the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

21/05/2026

We have seen Manasseh's wickedness; here we have his repentance, and a memorable instance it is of the riches of God's pardoning mercy, and the power of his renewing grace.

Deprived of his liberty, separated from his evil counsellors and companions, without any prospect but of ending his days in a wretched prison, Manasseh thought upon what had passed; he began to cry for mercy and deliverance.

He confessed his sins, condemned himself, was humbled before God, loathing himself as a monster of impiety and wickedness. Yet he hoped to be pardoned through the abundant mercy of the Lord.

Then Manasseh knew that Jehovah was God, able to deliver. He knew him as a God of salvation; he learned to fear, trust in, love, and obey him. From this time he bore a new character, and walked in newness of life.

Who can tell what tortures of conscience, what pangs of grief, what fears of wrath, what agonizing remorse he endured, when he looked back on his many years of apostacy and rebellion against God; on his having led thousands into sin and perdition; and on his blood-guiltiness in the persecution of a number of God's children?

And who can complain that the way of heaven is blocked up, when he sees such a sinner enter? Say the worst against thyself, here is one as bad who finds the way to repentance. Deny not to thyself that which God hath not denied to thee; it is not thy sin, but thy impenitence, that bars heaven against thee.

Prayer

Gracious Lord and God, our kind and loving Father, into Your hands we entrust our lives, for You alone have the power to forgive our sins and transform our hearts and minds. You are sovereign over all creation, in the earth below and in the heavens above.

We thank You for Your mercy, grace, and unfailing love that sustain us each day. Teach us to walk in obedience to Your will, to trust in Your perfect plans, and to remain faithful even in times of trials and uncertainty.

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that our lives may bring honor and glory to Your holy name. Guide our thoughts, words, and actions, and help us to live according to Your righteousness and truth.

May Your peace reign in our hearts, and may we always find refuge and strength in Your presence. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

19/05/2026

Those who trust God with their safety, must use proper means, else they tempt him. God will provide, but so must we also. Hezekiah gathered his people together, and spake comfortably to them.

A believing confidence in God, will raise us above the prevailing fear of man. Let the good subjects and soldiers of Jesus Christ, rest upon his word, and boldly say, Since God is for us, who can be against us? By the favour of God, enemies are lost, and friends gained.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the courage and strength that You have promised to Your people. Just as You encouraged King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles to be strong and courageous and not to fear the enemy, strengthen our hearts today to trust fully in You.

Remind us that no power of this world is greater than Your mighty hand, for You are with us to help us and to fight our battles. Cast away our fears, doubts, and anxieties, and fill us with steadfast faith and peace.

Teach us to rely not on our own understanding, but on Your unfailing promises and everlasting love. May our lives glorify You as we walk boldly in obedience, knowing that You alone are our refuge, defender, and salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

18/05/2026

After the passover, the people of Israel applied with vigour to destroy the monuments of idolatry. Public ordinances should stir us up to cleanse our hearts, our houses, and shops, from the filth of sin, and the idolatry of covetousness, and to excite others to do the same.

The after-improvement of solemn ordinances, is of the greatest importance to personal, family, and public religion. When they had tasted the sweetness of God's ordinance in the late passover, they were free in maintaining the temple service.

Those who enjoy the benefit of a settled ministry, will not grudge the expense of it. In all that Hezekiah attempted in God's service, he was earnest and single in his aim and dependence, and was prospered accordingly.

Whether we have few or many talents intrusted to us, may we thus seek to improve them, and encourage others to do the same. What is undertaken with a sincere regard to the glory of God, will succeed to our own honour and comfort at last.

Prayer

Gracious Lord God, our Father in heaven, You are the Creator, the Author and Finisher of our faith. We entrust our lives into Your keeping and surrender to You our hearts and minds. Teach us, as in 2 Chronicles 31, to serve You faithfully and wholeheartedly, with willing hearts devoted to Your work. May we seek You diligently in all that we do, and may Your goodness and mercy strengthen us to walk in obedience and truth. Purify our hearts, O Lord, and let our lives bring honor and glory to Your holy name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

17/05/2026

The Nature of God: Hezekiah reassures the people that God is gracious, merciful, and will not turn His face away if they earnestly seek Him. It is a profound declaration that returning to God yields acceptance rather than punishment.

Hezekiah made Israel as welcome to the passover, as any of his own subjects. Let us yield ourselves unto the Lord. Say not, you will do what you please, but resolve to do what he pleases.

We perceive in the carnal mind a stiffness, an obstinacy, an unaptness to compel with God; we have it from our fathers: this must be overcome. Those who, through grace, have turned to God themselves, should do all they can to bring others to him.

Numbers will be scorners, but some will be humbled and benefited; perhaps where least expected. The rich mercy of God is the great argument by which to enforce repentance; the vilest who submit and yield themselves to the Lord, seek his grace, and give themselves to his service, shall certainly be saved.

Oh that messengers were sent forth to carry these glad tidings to every city and every village, through every land!

Prayer

Almighty God, our Father in heaven, we praise and adore You, for You are merciful, gracious, and kind. We thank You for Your great compassion upon us sinners, and for Your unfailing love that never ceases. Truly, O Lord, You never turn Your face against those who humbly return unto You with repentant hearts.

As Your word in 2 Chronicles 30:9 reminds us, You are gracious and full of mercy, always ready to receive and restore those who seek You. Teach us, Father, to return unto You wholeheartedly, to walk in obedience to Your will, and to trust in Your loving forgiveness. Cleanse our hearts, renew our spirits, and help us to remain faithful before You all the days of our lives.

May our lives bring honor and glory unto Your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

17/05/2026

When Hezekiah came to the crown, he applied at once to work reform. Those who begin with God, begin at the right end of their work, and it will prosper accordingly.

Those that turn their backs upon God's ordinances, may truly be said to forsake God himself. There are still such neglects, if the word be not duly read and opened, for that was signified by the lighting the lamps, and also if prayers and praise be not offered up, for that was signified by the burning incense.

Neglect of God's worship was the cause of the calamities they had lain under. The Lord alone can prepare the heart of man for vital godliness: when much good is done in a little time, the glory must be ascribed to him; and all who love him or the souls of men, will rejoice therein. Let those that do good work, learn to do it well.

Prayer

Gracious Father, we believe that You alone can transform our hearts, for You have chosen us to stand before You and to serve You in spirit and in truth. Teach us, O Lord, to walk faithfully in Your presence with humble and surrendered hearts.

Help us to remember the command of King Hezekiah to the Levites: “Be not now negligent,” that we may never waste the calling You have entrusted unto us, but diligently consecrate ourselves for Your holy service. Cleanse us, renew us, and restore within us a steadfast spirit that delights in worship and obedience unto Thee.

Lord, You have called us to minister unto others and to dedicate our time, talents, and resources for the glory of Your name. May our service be done with faithfulness, sincerity, and a perfect heart before You. Separate us from worldly desires and influences that weaken our spiritual sensitivity, and fill us instead with the power and guidance of Your Holy Spirit.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

16/05/2026

Israel gained this victory because God was wroth with Judah, and made them the rod of his indignation. He reminds them of their own sins. It ill becomes sinners to be cruel.

Could they hope for the mercy of God, if they neither showed mercy nor justice to their brethren? Let it be remembered, that every man is our neighbour, our brother, our fellow man, if not our fellow Christian.

And no man who is acquainted with the word of God, need fear to maintain that slavery is against the law of love and the gospel of grace. Who can hold his brother in bo***ge, without breaking the rule of doing to others as he would they should do unto him?

But when sinners are left to their own heart's lusts, they grow more desperate in wickedness. God commands them to release the prisoners, and they obeyed.

The Lord brought Judah low. Those who will not humble themselves under the word of God, will justly be humbled by his judgments.

The progress of wickedness and misery is often rapid; and it is awful to reflect upon a sinner's being driven away in his wickedness into the eternal world.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, may Your message today reach the deepest parts of our hearts. Teach us to take heed to Your holy words, to walk in obedience before You, and to show compassion and care for our brethren just as You lovingly care for us each day.

Fill our hearts with kindness, mercy, and humility, that we may become instruments of Your grace and love to those who are weary, needy, and afflicted. May our lives reflect Your goodness and bring glory and honor to Your holy name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

15/05/2026

The people did corruptly. Perhaps Jotham was wanting towards the reformation of the land. Men may be very good, and yet not have courage and zeal to do what they might. It certainly casts blame upon the people.

Jotham became mighty. Having built towers and castles, and fortified cities, and conquered his enemies because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God; ordered, directed, and guided them according to the word and will of God, and walked as in the sight of God, having the fear of him continually before him.

The more stedfast we are in religion, the more mighty we are, both to resist evil, and to do good. The Lord often removes wise and pious rulers, and sends others, whose follies and vices punish a people that valued not their mercies.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, indeed Your Word reminds us to be like Jotham, who prepared his ways before You, O Lord our God. Teach us to walk uprightly according to Your Word and Your holy will, living always in reverence and fear of Your name. Grant us steadfast hearts that seek to please You in all that we do, and help us to remain faithful and obedient in Your sight. May Your Spirit guide our paths daily, that our lives may bring honor and glory unto You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

13/05/2026

As long as Uzziah sought the Lord, and minded religion, God made him to prosper. Those only prosper whom God makes to prosper; for prosperity is his gift.

Many have owned, that as long as they sought the Lord, and kept close to their duty, they prospered; but when they forsook God, every thing went cross. God never continues either to bless the indolent or to withhold his blessing from the diligent.

He will never suffer any to seek his face in vain. Uzziah's name was famed throughout all the neighbouring countries. A name with God and good people makes truly honourable. He did not delight in war, nor addict himself to sports, but delighted in husbandry.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is indeed a delight to follow and obey Your statutes. We praise You and honor You in spirit and in truth, for You alone are the source of all wisdom, strength, and prosperity. As long as we seek You and do what is right in Your sight, You remain faithful to guide and sustain us.

Teach us to walk humbly before You with steadfast hearts, that we may not lean on our own understanding but continually trust in Your holy will. Grant us a deeper hunger for Your presence and a sincere desire to remain faithful in every season of our lives.

May our thoughts, words, and actions bring glory to Your name, and may Your Holy Spirit lead us daily in righteousness and obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

12/05/2026

Amaziah was no enemy to religion, but cool and indifferent friend. Many do what is good, but not with a perfect heart. Rashness makes work for repentance. But Amaziah's obedience to the command of God was to his honour.

A firm belief of God's all-sufficiency to bear us out in our duty, and to make up all the loss and damage was sustain in his service, will make his yoke very easy, and his burden very light.

When we are called to part with any thing for God and our religion, it should satisfy us, that God is able to give us much more than this. Convinced sinners, who have not true faith, always object to self-denying obedience.

They are like Amaziah; they say, But what shall we do for the hundred talents? What shall we do if by keeping the sabbath holy we lose so many good customers? What shall we do without this gain?

What shall we do if we lose the friendship of the world? Many endeavour to quiet their consciences by the pretence that forbidden practices are necessary.

The answer is, as here, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this. He makes up, even in this world, for all that is given up for his sake.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that we are sinners in need of Your mercy and grace. Grant unto us Your goodness and faithfulness, that we may trust You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Teach us not to rely on our own understanding, but to depend wholly upon Your wisdom and power. Bestow upon us a double portion of Your Holy Spirit to guide, correct, and strengthen us in all Your ways. Remind us, as in 2 Chronicles 25:8, that victory does not come by human strength alone, but by Your mighty hand, for You alone have power to help and to cast down. Keep us steadfast in obedience, faithful in service, and victorious through Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.