Sreedhar's Journey

Sometimes in life's journey we find ourselves in a little corner that we cannot seem to come out of. It may be embarrassing or even life threatening. Many times we get there with foolish talk, or perhaps statements of faith like what happened to Ezra and the people of Israel. Ezra 8:21-23, Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. Yes, God answered their prayer. What a great miracle. They were on a treacherous road to Jerusalem. The convoy was filled with women and children. They wer

When I was growing up I always looked forward to going to Jeffrey and Veronica's house at Christmas time. We always received presents and we would have a gala time. I was always curious about Christmas, but no one said anything about what it really meant. As shared in my testimony on this site, I eventually followed Jesus at the age of 14. God has a plan for each of us to know Him. The Persian kings were no different. Ezra 7:23, Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it diligently be done for the house of the God of heaven. For why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? The history behind how the Persian kings knew the God of heaven started with Daniel. He served them with unrelenting integrity combined with his great devotion to God. The kings of Babylon and Persia admired him and His God for that. Fire and lions were no match for the children of God because the God of heaven was with them. What a testimony. Unlike my curiosity about Christma

Whenever I experience favor from somebody or an organization, I do not take it for granted. It usually means God had a part to play. Why? Satan is constantly on the attack. He wants to get God's children upset and ineffective. But God is in control. The miracle of having the temple rebuilt by a foreigner is unfathomable. Ezra 6:16, Then the children of Israel, the priests and the Levites and the rest of the descendants of the captivity, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. The one thing that did not really occur to me (until I heard Pastor Marocco's sermon) is that Cyrus was named in a prophecy by Isaiah to be the one to arrange for the rebuilding 150 years before it happened. Isaiah 45:1, “Thus says the Lord to His anointed,To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held — To subdue nations before him. And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: What can I say! God is in charge. Father, continue to pour

Do you struggle getting organized? I have learned over the years that no matter how good my memory is, I have to write it down. I am very grateful for the discipline of taking notes that I learned from my days working for the government as a consultant. They issued a notebook that could be used to take ALL notes, and the beauty of it is that you had it all in one place. The Persian kings were also well organized. Ezra 5:17, Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, whether it is so that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send us his pleasure concerning this matter. Tattenai the governor of the region beyond the River, who also oversees Judah was getting a little concerned, and was looking for what we today call a development order. He did the right thing by sending a letter to the king. That enquiry was able to be answered because the Persians had

It is not easy to build a good reputation. It may take years. However, you can lose it all in one moment. The cause can be your own or others. Many fall because of moral failure. One of the biggest one is not sexual impropriety, but corruption. Someone creates a situation where they say you can make easy money. They create a nice little scam and you become a big beneficiary of the scam. Of course the lion share goes to the originator of the scam. But still other times your reputation is damaged by unscrupulous people. Ezra 4:12, Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us at Jerusalem, and are building the rebellious and evil city, and are finishing its walls and repairing the foundations. The inhabitants of Judah get jealous with the rebuilding of the temple and they write to the king of Persia. They managed to convince the king and stall the rebuilding. How can this be? Is not God in control? After all, this is His house. The story does not stop h

Are you crying or laughing? Sometimes when you are overjoyed you could be crying while laughing. But at the end of a football game, the crowd with the losing team could be heard crying, while the winning crowd could be screaming and shouting with joy. When the people celebrated their first sacrifice upon returning to Judah, it was mixed with mixed feelings. Ezra 3:13, so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off. The new temple was not going to be the same size as before. Only the older generation may remember this from about 70 years ago. The new generation are probably just happy to be home and free to worship. It all seems relative. But the most important thing is that they were following God's ordinances. Do we look at the size of the church building? Or, the size of the heart of the people? Today there are many empty churches across E

Have you ever been imprisoned? I have not been. But there are countries in the world where they imprison people who say they are Christian. In other countries they may impose a hefty fine or some other penalty. Some even will impose a death penalty. In the case of the people of Judah, as promised by God, they returned to their land after 70 years in captivity. Ezra 2:1, Now these are the people of the province who came back from the captivity, of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his own city. The reason for this captivity was the sinful actions of the leaders of Judah. They worshiped other gods and God's protection over the people was removed. He allowed the defeat of His people. So you may ask, why are the people of God in today's circumstances being persecuted? Did they commit some sin against God? In God's sovereign way He is allowing it. Jesus also

As we go about our lives do we stop to think about the legacy that we are leaving behind for the next generation. It may be good or bad. I believe one such person that left a great legacy during the captivity of the people of Israel is Daniel. He worked well with the king and influenced the king to honor God. Ezra 1:3 Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem. Cyrus was prepared to rebuild the temple that was burned down and return all the articles that were taken from the temple by Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel's faith lived out in the king's court resulted in such incredible favor. He certainly did not shy from talking about God. Father, help me not be ashamed of the gospel. Let it be demonstrated through my life and presented with great openness and vigor .

There are many things that appear impossible in our lifetime. Can the effects of the French revolution be reversed and the pursuit of God returned to this once God fearing nation. How can Egypt, a Muslim nation, return to its Christian roots? I believe it is possible. 2 Chronicles ends with this profound verse. 2 Chronicles 36:23, Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people? May the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up! Jeremiah prophesied that after 70 years the people of Israel will return to their land. It happened because a heathen king who worshiped other gods, including himself, acknowledged God! This king was victorious and powerful. He could have avoided the need to make this statement. However, it is evident he saw and heard the God of the universe through the lives of people like Daniel and his friends.

There are many old practices in the faith that have tremendous meaning. But many forgot them and continue to engage in the practices with no real meaning. Over time the practices get adulterated with other things and the original meaning can never be truly recovered. One of them is the use of blood sacrifices. The Jewish passover is probably the most powerful presentation of God's plan of salvation. 2 Chronicles 35:18, There had been no Passover kept in Israel like that since the days of Samuel the prophet; and none of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as Josiah kept, with the priests and the Levites, all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Young King Josiah reinstituted it during his time. The most powerful element in the passover is the slaughter of the lamb and the sprinkling of the blood. The Chinese and the Indians, who form the largest populations of the world, have this in their cultural and religious practices. But they don'

Yesterday I asked the question about the age at which you would have someone ruling. Today's chapter talks about an 8 year old becoming king. He was probably lead by Godly counsel and this led to him leading a Godly life. 2 Chronicles 34:2, And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. They discovered the Book of the Law from Moses during Josiah's reign. This was while they were clearing out all the idols and related things from around the country, including places of worship. Josiah instructed for the Book of the Law to be read, and after hearing the word the king tore his clothes and sought the Lord. God speaks of judgement. In response Josiah orders a public reading of the book. 2 Chronicles 34:30, The king went up to the house of the Lord, with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem—the priests and the Levites, and all the people, great and small. And

Is a child as young as 12 years old ready to take the throne and become king? Does he or she have the maturity to do it? Who provides the needed support for this child to rule well? David was anointed king close to this age. Manasseh, David's descendent became king at 12. 2 Chronicles 33:23, And he did not humble himself before the Lord, as his father Manasseh had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more. Manasseh ended well, but when he first became king, he was influenced by someone to worship other gods. He came to his senses in prison. He repented and came back to God. He was restored and did right. But his son probably had the same problem. There is great need to train them up as a child so that when they grow up they will not depart from it. Father, I know I have a huge responsibility with my children. Help me do well.

Many countries use military might to demonstrate their strength. Many countries, until today, hold large processions and aircraft flybys to showcase what they have. Perhaps this is to show the military equipment they have and give assurance to the citizens of the land that they can feel safe. Hezekiah on the other hand used God. 2 Chronicles 32:8, With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. God in fact delivered them. 2 Chronicles 32:21 Then the Lord sent an angel who cut down every mighty man of valor, leader, and captain in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned shamefaced to his own land. And when he had gone into the temple of his god, some of his own offspring struck him down with the sword there. When we rely on God, no one can stand in the way of His plans for our lives . God only has plans to prosper and not to harm us. We may feel despe

When people lose trust in the government of the day the situation can quickly become anarchy. You probably have observed that in many parts of the world. I recently met a Mexican brother who lamented about the state of affairs in Venezuela. Zimbabwe is also facing challenging times. Malaysia, my country, is getting battered. So what do you need? Godly leaders like Hezekiah. 2 Chronicles 31:21, And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered. Hezekiah lead the people of Judah back to God. In the process many throughout Israel followed suit as well. The Levites took on their rightful roles of priests. Part of this office included law, medical and treasury administration. They were the administrative arm of the king. The tithes given by the people (not taxes) supported this work. The king had his own business that supported his lifestyle and needs. Thinking about a new

It is always very challenging to organise a big event. It is difficult to anticipate the numbers, and this could lead to wasted energies and resources, or you may have a good problem of too many people. Hezekiah was going to conduct an event that was done in this scale only in Solomon's days. But times have changed. 2 Chronicles 30:10, So the runners passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as Zebulun; but they laughed at them and mocked them. Many in Israel rejected the invitation to the Passover. It is obvious that the people had no idea about the significance of the Passover. Nevertheless, Hezekiah proceeded. It was a loud event. 2 Chronicles 30:21, So the children of Israel who were present at Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness; and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing to the Lord, accompanied by loud instruments. They taught the Word of God and responded by asking God

Do you have rubbish around the house? What should you do with it? Or perhaps you are asking, what do you define as rubbish? They are things that no longer have any value to you, or to others. This is not the same as recyclables and items that could be profitably used by others. Hezekiah found rubbish in God's House. 2 Chronicles 29:5, and said to them: “Hear me, Levites! Now sanctify yourselves, sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry out the rubbish from the holy place. Hezekiah's father had moved to idol worship and probably had elements of these in the temple. Hezekiah calls them rubbish. They needed to be cleared out. Do I have anything that needs to be thrown away in my house? That takes me away from God? It is truly time to hear God and understand God's ways. This will give us the wisdom for making the hard decisions in life. But the result of doing this will be great. Hezekiah has a great experience with the Lord and the people as a result. 2

Two of our children are studying in Dunedin. The city's current population is about 125,000. It is a small and quaint city where there is always a possibility you bump into somebody you know in the town center. But it is also big enough that you don't really know everybody. What about a city of 320,000? That was how many were impacted negatively by a conflict between Judah and Israel. 2 Chronicles 28:6 For Pekah the son of Remaliah killed one hundred and twenty thousand in Judah in one day, all valiant men, because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. 2 Chronicles 28:8, And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand women, sons, and daughters; and they also took away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria. I am not sure what part of Judah was hit, but it does appear that King Ahaz, the king of Judah, was not involved in the front of the battle. Otherwise, he would be killed or captured. He was busy praying

When you want to become a medical doctor it is not an easy task. Some are attracted to it because of the prominence it gives them in the community. Others are compelled by their parents. And still others have a deep desire to help people. Whatever the motivation, it takes true grit to get through a medical program. But one thing cannot be missed. God! 2 Chronicles 27:6, So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God. Jotham is yet another example of a king who purposed in his heart to serve God. In the process he became mighty. This is one of the shortest chapter in this book, with little written about Jotham. In the process this verse stands out for me. Jotham prepared his ways before the Lord his God. Not only is it noted that He is Lord, it is also noted that He is Jotham's God. Is the Lord your God? Submit your words, actions and attitudes to God, then you will be a great medical doctor, or whatever else you want to do. Father, I will prepare m

Have you played bible trivia before? It is quite interesting to get into biblical history that reveals details that we never think about. Sometimes these truths give us some background information that sheds light on the actual situation of the day. As I read today's chapter I see an interesting man. 2 Chronicles 26:15, And he made devices in Jerusalem, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and large stones. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong. King Uzziah is an inventor, a businessman, a war strategist, a man devoted to God, but also a man of arrogance. He is the only known king in the bible (to me) that died a leper. His leprosy was self induced. He knew pretty well that only the priests can enter the temple to offer incense. His pride got in the way. He became king at the age of 16. He had great accomplishments, but his pride got in the way. So much to learn from his success and failure.

As a father you want to be able to give an advice once and see that your children take it. But sometimes they may have some other thoughts. King Amaziah had the same problem with God. 2 Chronicles 25:20 But Amaziah would not heed, for it came from God, that He might give them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought the gods of Edom. Reading this chapter you get the feeling that this king is irrational. It should not take a rocket scientist to understand that foreign gods cannot help Judah. He counted the strength of his army and realized he is short. He paid good money to Israel for help, but eventually sent them back because God told him to. But he did not heed the second command, and ended up being captured and died. The bottom line in all of our lives is that our trust in God must be absolute. There is no compromise. This is especially important in God's economy as you rise in leadership for the sake of the Gospel. Where does my help come from? Father, my help c

In Malaysia there used to be night markets where you could easily buy counterfeit goods, including watches and clothes. They looked like the original but with defects. They lasted a little while but easily got damaged or broken. All that changed when the government became strict in applying the law. The Levites applied the law and this caused Judah to return to God. 2 Chronicles 23:18, Also Jehoiada appointed the oversight of the house of the Lord to the hand of the priests, the Levites, whom David had assigned in the house of the Lord, to offer the burnt offerings of the Lord, as it is written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was established by David. Joash was made king. The queen and the chief priest of Baal worship were killed. Judah returned to God. No more counterfeit gods. Judah worshiped the true and living God. The Levites were the custodians of the Law and they applied it. When the government stops applying the law, lawlessness prevails. When God&

Do you agree with me that humans are generally never contented? When this manifests itself negatively, it becomes jealousy, greed, and covetousness, among other things. We start to think ourselves better than others, when we really need them as well. King Ahaziah was a terrible king influenced by a mother that worshiped other gods. She eventually became the only illegitimate Queen of Judah. She killed all heirs, but missed one. 2 Chronicles 22:11, But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being murdered, and put him and his nurse in a bedroom. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest (for she was the sister of Ahaziah), hid him from Athaliah so that she did not kill him. What evil was going through her mind? Was she trying to create history so that people could make a movie out of her story? Is this the work of a human being? It looks more like a monster. She