Sreedhar's Journey

Do you believe in miracles? We always look for the supernatural. We pursue this in stories we listen to, and places and people we visit. We are a curious lot. Human beings I mean. We are always amazed at these things, and rightly so. But in God's economy and design these are natural. 2 Kings 19:19, Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone. King Hezekiah was at wits end when challenged by the King of Assyria. He tore his clothes and cried out to the God of Isaiah. 2 Kings 19:4, It may be that the Lord your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the Lord your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.’ ” Hezekiah does not refer to God as his God. But later this changed and he prays directly to God and Isaiah mentions that the deliverance

You have probably heard me write or talk about how early a person can become a leader. In God's economy or design, a person is an adult at puberty. Samuel, David and Joseph were well regarded and mentioned in the Scriptures before the age of 20. Samuel, when he was just a toddler. Here we have Hezekiah made a king at the age of 25. 2 Kings 18:2, He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. I don't think it just happens. He was probably raised by a Godly mother and provided guidance by a good priest. He is said to have been the best king of Judah ever. 2 Kings 18:5, He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him. But in spite of all this he faced a great challenge. Samaria and the king of Israel was totally decimated by the king of Assyria. He is now coming for Judah. It looks like a hopeless

Ever done anything in secret and hoped that you would not be found out? I have! What an embarrassment that was. I won't repeat it here. I am too embarrassed to share. Suffice to say that it taught me a big lesson for the rest of my life. You guessed it. It was something in my early childhood days. The same was true for the King of Israel. It cost him and his people dearly. 2 Kings 17:4 And the king of Assyria uncovered a conspiracy by Hoshea; for he had sent messengers to So, king of Egypt, and brought no tribute to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year. Therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison. The king and his people were deported in totality to Assyria, and in their place was brought people from other nations to inhabit these empty cities. What a sad outcome. They were promised this land by God, but they rejected Him. The people that came to takeover this land decided that they needed to worship the Jewish God. 2 Kings 17:28, Then one of t

Outward and early appearances can be deceiving. You have probably heard the saying, "don't judge a book by its cover" or "still water runs deep ". All alluding the possibility that it may not be what it seems. This verse seems to indicate that King Ahaz of Judah was good. But, the subsequent verses are very revealing. 2 Kings 16:2, Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and he did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord his God, as his father David had done. This king worshiped many other things. He followed evil practices that were followed by other nations around him. He should have realized why he was being defeated by his enemies. He did not trust in God. He trusted in created things and man. 2 Kings 16:3-4, But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel; indeed he made his son pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out from before the children o

Many corporations fail not because of external factors, but internal. You can face increased competition, changing supply costs, new legislations, and new customer trends, but if you are not ready as a team, your organization will fail. The kingdom of Israel had great internal challenges. 2 Kings 15:30, Then Hoshea the son of Elah led a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and struck and killed him; so he reigned in his place in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah. King after king in Israel die because of internal conspiracies. They are facing enemies from the north in this chapter, and they are unable to truly defend the state. Fighting internal battles is not easy. Instead of focusing on what is important, you are distracted by things that should be a given. The problem with Israel started with their DNA of rebellion against God. It is so important for the leadership of any organization (yes All) to submit themselves to God and His values for themselves as an i

Many people go about their daily lives oblivious to the fact that they are being watched and their conversations being eavesdropped. What these system and technology giants do with all that collected data is a big wonder. Your phone is the biggest culprit today. Having said that, there is someone else watching and listening. 2 Kings 14:26, For the Lord saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter; and whether bond or free, there was no helper for Israel. Israel became a renegrate state from the time after Solomon. It went into great leadership trouble. Some great prophets lived during those days. Why? God was watching and listening, and He maintained an active interest in the affairs of these people. He intervened many times. Eventhough their leaders were bad, God had compassion. 2 Kings 14:27, And the Lord did not say that He would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven; but He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash. What about you and me? Same compassion

Are you dreaming big today? Martin Luther, the great black preacher and equality activist made some great proclamations. He dreamt of a day when we will not be judged by the color of our skin but by the content of our character. I strongly believe that dreams declared and/or symbolically stated have the power of becoming reality when it is done by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jehoash realized this when the people of Israel beat back the Syrians 3 times. 2 Kings 13:25, And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz recaptured from the hand of Ben-Hadad, the son of Hazael, the cities which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times Joash defeated him and recaptured the cities of Israel. Joash could have defeated the Syrians more times but he only struck the ground three times. 2 Kings 13:18, Then he said, “Take the arrows”; so he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground”; so he struck three times, and stopped. Sometimes we stop dreaming bigger t

Ever been in a corner that you could not get out of? Great fear could come upon you. Physically you feel weak. I have been in these situations before. I just shared one experience yesterday when the company I was running was being investigated for company law infringements. Praise the Lord everything was in good order and we got our company files back. Jerusalem was about to be attacked. 2 Kings 12:17, Hazael king of Syria went up and fought against Gath, and took it; then Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. Joash was so gripped with fear that without any recorded consultation he took all the expensive and important things in the house and gave it to the King of Syria to appease him. 2 Kings 12:18, And Jehoash king of Judah took all the sacred things that his fathers, Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own sacred things, and all the gold found in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and in the king’s house, and sent them to Hazael

The question that many have is when is a young man or woman ready to assume leadership. In years past many got married a little after puberty. Some of my aunties went through that. My mother, who married at 18, was considered late. However, since those years we have changed our expectations and changed the economic and education systems, and laws to accommodate a longer learning process and allow the person to mature. But in the chapter that I am reading a person is made king at the age of 7. 2 Kings 11:3, So he was hidden with her in the house of the Lord for six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land. 2 Kings 11:21, Jehoash was seven years old when he became king. Amazing. But this is made possible with the close mentoring and supervision provided by the priest, Jehoiada. The boy could not be left alone to rule Judah. I believe many adults forget to mentor and supervise well, eventhough they may have done the right thing by passing the baton to a young person. Our young peopl

Many of us are very territorial. Whether it is our place of residence, office location and size, place at the dinner table, or order of seating in a meeting. In the past, there was always a little competition for who would sit where among our children. God had promised land for the people of Israel, but they were losing it. 2 Kings 10:32-33, In those days the Lord began to cut off parts of Israel; and Hazael conquered them in all the territory of Israel from the Jordan eastward: all the land of Gilead—Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh—from Aroer, which is by the River Arnon, including Gilead and Bashan. This chapter is full of bloodshed. King Jehu was very clear. He was to eradicate all Baal worship in Israel. He went about it with great force. However, he is said to be still an idoltrer. 2 Kings 10:29, However Jehu did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin, that is, from the golden calves that were at Bethel and Dan. God desires purity of heart

When I was growing up as a Hindu we used to use coconut oil to wash ourselves in preparation for a special day. The day was started with prayers and then there was some special meal together. The significance of the oil in Hindu culture is great. It was likely carried across from Jewish ideas, including the structure of the Hindu temple. In this chapter Jehu is anointed king with oil by one of the prophet's son. 2 Kings 9:6, Then he arose and went into the house. And he poured the oil on his head, and said to him, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘I have anointed you king over the people of the Lord, over Israel. Temple structure, oil, the color red, the ash rubbed on the head (and sometimes other parts of the body), the special ceremony at puberty, and many other experiences and practices point to one thing. God was revealed to the Hindus of India. Possibly by Thomas the apostle. This makes Hinduism a young faith. In doing some cursory investigation, I find that God has revea

I just did a visioning exercise with 62 people yesterday. Their plans and ideas drive much of what they decide to envision for themselves. Ultimately it is how they hear God's purpose for their lives. Their vision can however move away from God's unique purpose for each of them. Likewise, in ancient times. 2 Kings 8:11, Then he set his countenance in a stare until he was ashamed; and the man of God wept. Elisha had a reputation that brought at least two leaders from the kingdom of Syria to see him. One was for healing leprosy. The other was healing from a life threatening sickness. However, while meeting Hazael from the courts of the Syrian King, Elisha saw that Hazael was going to lead Syria into a terrible war against Israel. God's original purpose was to bless Israel. But their sin and unrighteousness took them away from God's purpose for their lives. This lead to dire consequences for them. Father, I will seek first your kingdom and your righteousness. Fulfill yo

When I left home at 17 for Toronto, Canada my parents had a lot of faith with the high school that I was to attend and me. It was quite a plan. It was wild. Anything could have happened. I was half way round the world. The amazing thing is that I graduated and my parents came for the first time to Toronto in 1984. I stayed on to do my MBA and return to Malaysia in 1986. Elisha also had great faith in God by declaring that the siege by the mighty Syrian army will end. 2 Kings 7:14, Therefore they took two chariots with horses; and the king sent them in the direction of the Syrian army, saying, “Go and see.” The king could not believe the good report of the lepers. The Syrian army had fled because of God's intervention. He got his own men to check it out. The king's aide, who did not believe Elisha, was killed as the prophet had said at the city gate. What a huge miracle for the people of Israel. Father, I am game for your big miracles.

The conflicts in the Middle East are great at this time. They seem to be at each other's throat all the time. Based on historical events, this has been going on for quite a while. The Bible records the experiences with God during this time. Elisha who manages to warn the king of Israel about the Syrian plans for attack is surrounded by the Syrian army, but he has no fear. 2 Kings 6:16-17, So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. This is simply amazing. Much happens in the spiritual realm that we are not aware of. You can be very fatigued by your earthly activities and be unaware of the spiritual battles that rage around you. I am reminded that God is constantly watching and protecting us as we engage in our Go

When you are in business you always find ways to pursue your customers. In business to business type businesses building a network of business contacts is very important. You look for ways to connect with the right customers. The gestation period for this can be long. Wouldn't it be great if your customers came looking for you? That is what happened to Elisha. 2 Kings 5:9, Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. Elisha’s reputation spread by word of mouth. Naaman is a Syrian. His servant from Israel tells his wife that there is a prophet in Israel that can help Naaman's leprosy. Elisha did not have to go looking for Naaman. Naaman came looking for him. What kind of reputation do you have? Do people seek you out? Are they seeking you out for answers to life's questions? God is looking for men and women that would carry His reputation into the world. The world is looking for answers, and they should find it in our relations

Are you fond of miracles? I am. That is how God demonstrates His presence in our situations. The Thai cave rescue is nothing short of a miracle. Many around the world were praying and God intervened. Elisha the prophet had incredible favor from God. 2 Kings 4:2,So Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” This lady had need for money to pay creditors. She was faced with the prospect of her sons being sold into slavery. Elisha simply does some multiplication work with God's intervention. The chapter continues with other miracles, with a son being born in old age, the same son being raised from the dead, and a little bit of food multiplying to feed a hundred. 2 Kings 4:43, But his servant said, “What? Shall I set this before one hundred men?” He said again, “Give it to the people, that they may eat; for thus says the Lord: They shall eat and have some left over

When you are desperate what would you do? I suppose it depends on how desperate you are. We may remember stories of how humans became cannibals when they are desperately hungry. When your child is drowning, you will do everything possible to save the child even if it means losing your own life. I wonder what is going through the minds of the divers saving the boys in the Thai cave. In desperation this father killed his eldest son. 2 Kings 3:27, Then he took his eldest son who would have reigned in his place, and offered him as a burnt offering upon the wall; and there was great indignation against Israel. So they departed from him and returned to their own land. Human sacrifice is practiced because people are desperate and they have no where to turn. It is encouraged by demon possessed mediums that desire these sacrifices. It brings greater destructible to those that have a desperate need. Even today many large projects have human sacrifices. This happens all over the world. Elisha t

Through history we know that man is always pursuing power. Power to control his own destiny. Power to influence others. Power to make wealth and live comfortably. Power for great health. Elisha was also seeking power when he spoke with Elijah. 2 Kings 2:9, And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” What was Elisha's agenda? Why did he want the power? He wanted double the power Elijah had. Was it out of a sincere heart? Elijah kept wanting to separate himself from Elisha. It was no secret that Elijah was leaving this earth. Ultimately, the test of Elisha's sincerity was placed with God. 2 Kings 2:10, So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” And in the turn of events God did bless Elisha. It was not up to E

HiI may have shared before that when I was young my mother would regularly go to the medium (in some cultures they call them shamans or bomohs). As the eldest and only son, I would be there as well. However, after I followed Christ, I had one last encounter with the medium and my visits to the medium stopped. This is a great story by itself. You can message me if you want to know more. The King Israel was also doing the same and Elijah spoke up with boldness. 2 Kings 1:2, Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria, and was injured; so he sent messengers and said to them, “Go, inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this injury.” Ahaziah took over from his father Ahab. He continued in the ways of his parents, and this caused God to use Elijah to speak up. It took great courage and looking at what transpired in the chapter, you can sense some fear in Elijah. But, he had his full trust in God. To the point that he called down fire and

Do you rely on good advice? Good counsel is important so that the best decisions can be made. Good decisions could affect the rest of one's life, and in some cases, an entire country. There was a difference between how the king of Israel and the king of Judah sought advice. 1 Kings 22:7, And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of Him?” It was clear that King Ahab had asked prophets that worshiped other gods to give advice on whether they were to go to war. As we read the rest of the chapter you realize a discussion happens in heaven where agreement is made to send a lying spirit into Ahab's prophets. 1 Kings 22:22, The Lord said to him, ‘In what way?’ So he said, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And the Lord said, You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go out and do so.’ Ahab dies in battle. His blood is licked by dogs. What a sad end. For a moment he repented and given 3 years of pe

Many of us look at the rule of law as an inconvenience. Especially when it comes to traffic rules. What is a no parking rule for? Or better still, what is a red light for? We fail to realize that rules give us boundaries that give freedom for action within the boundaries. Naboth was very clear about the rules when he gave a negative reply to King Ahab. He adhered to God's rules on land ownership. 1 Kings 21:3, But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!” However, some people abuse the rules with false accusations to get you out. It is amazing that someone would scheme to kill to gain from you. Life is cheap? 1 Kings 21:15, And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money; for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” This "disease" continues to be prevalent acro

We are always looking for enough resources to get started. Whether it is a business project or something in our personal lives. I remember at my first job as a consultant we were constantly gathering data and analyzing them to discover some new insights. You can be caught in "analysis paralysis". There is only such so much data and time at your disposal. For the people of Israel it was no different in their fight against Syria. 1 Kings 20:15, Then he mustered the young leaders of the provinces, and there were two hundred and thirty-two; and after them he mustered all the people, all the children of Israel—seven thousand. God had planned Syria's great defeat. They were a great country with a large army. They were like bandits craving for their enemies assets and women. Israel was targeted. In spite of Ahab's unfaithfulness, God wanted to use him and Israel to demonstrate judgement. Israel was real small. 1 Kings 20:27, And the children of Israel were mustered and gi

Many in today's society are experiencing depression. It is blamed on the fast pace of life, and ever increasing demands for the success of a person. However, I do not think this is a new phenomenon. These also happened in the days of the old testament. One example is Elijah. 1 Kings 19:4, But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” He had a very successful time in defeating the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. God was with him, and yet he cried out for God to take his life. This further tells me that only God is perfect. You cannot decide on matters by looking to man. If a great prophet can fail like this, what more a regular follower of Jesus Christ. Our focus needs to be on Jesus. Not man. God asked a good question. Elijah had more greater things to do. He needed to overcome depression by looking beyond h

Do you regularly meet people in high positions in your country? Do you feel nervous about doing it? The worst that can happen is that you lose your job, position or a contract. I used to meet people in high places all the time. I was nervous but with God never forsaking me, I knew that He is in control. But in the old days the worst that can happen to you is that you will be killed. Elijah, God's prophet had to meet Ahab who was after his life. 1 Kings 18:1, And it came to pass after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.” Elijah had total confidence in God. He went on to worship God openly with a sacrifice. He had an open challenge with the prophets of Baal and won. Not only that, he told Ahab that there will be rain, even though it had not rained for 3 years. This is confidence and his trust in God was rewarded. Father, I have total confidence in You my God. I can stand be