Jotham a mighty Ruler

Readers: I am taking a short break during my move to a new location. Rest assured that I will be back after several days, and will continue with the literal lessons of the Old Testament.

Chronicles Chapter 27

King Jotham reigned for sixteen hears in Jerusalem. He did what was pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. But unlike his father Uzziah, he did not enter the Temple of the Lord. Nevertheless, people continued in their corrupt ways.

Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate to the Lord's Temple and did extensive rebuilding on the wall at the hill of Ophel. He built town in the hill country of Judah and constructed fortressess and towers in the wooded areas. He waged war against the Ammonites and conquered them. So for the next three years, he received from them an annual tribute of 7500 pounds of silver, 50,000 bushels of wheat and 50,000 bushels of barley.

King Jotham became powerful because he was careful to live in obedience to the Lord his God.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Like Jotham, we can live an obedient life with Christ and still have those around us who remain corrupt. But the difference between us and Jotham is that he couldn't order people to obey God, he was probably hampered by and sequestered in his role as king. But we can reach out to others and tell them about a life with Christ. Imagine Christianity spreading like red poppies across the bland meadows of populated peoples. Each and every one of us is a signpost, a lesson, an example for others to follow. A major theme of the Holy Book is to tell us to witness and gather others to us, to teach and show. His Holy Son gave his life for us. Is it therefore too much that we give our life to him? Be a poppy! Praise God and his only son our Savior!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Pray for Janice Long’s parents, especially her mother whose cancer has returned and her father with Alzheimer’s and now her mother in law also with Alzheimer’s. Their family is feeling the strain both emotionally and financially. Pray for them. And pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for John recovery from a heart attack and pray he can stop smoking.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.