Without God's Word, there is no plumb line in your life. The alternatives to a life lived according to His ways all lead a person to destruction. Following your own desires, following others, following false gods....they all lead a person away from truth. If you don't understand how God created you and what sin can do...you won't know how to defeat it. In today's message, King Josiah will discover the laws of the Lord. He'll hold up God's standards to the ways the people have been living and see that a change needs to be made. Humility and a willingness to follow God's Word will lead to a life of balance and blessing.

During a time of crisis, whether it's personal, a tragedy in a community, or a national disaster...for a while after, the pews of churches are often filled. When the initial shock and grief die down...those people disappear. Why don't they return? Often, it's because they're not hearing the Word and understanding it in a way that they can apply to their lives. A conversion requires transformation...but if a person doesn't see a need to change, they won't seek to. The Word provides every answer and motivation for living life under its authority. As we'll see today, the promises and guidelines found within the Bible are timely and relevant for everyone.

When a person is confronted with the truth about their need for salvation...there are two choices: Surrender to God and follow Him, or reject Him and turn away. It sounds black-and-white, but many people get stuck in the gray...that area where there is repentance, but the person is still hanging onto some part of their old life. Don't get caught in that trap, because the longer you rebel in that area, the more difficult it will be to surrender it. As we'll see today in 2 Chronicles, when Manasseh first becomes the king of Judah, his ways are deeply evil. By the time he repents, a precedent has already been set, and the people will cling to some of their old ways.

You probably don't have to think too hard to remember a time when you really blew it with God, right? Maybe you didn't set out to get carried away with pride, or be fixated on that bigger house and consumed with greed...but our flesh often leads the way if its left unchecked. As we'll see today, in the case of Hezekiah...God is a merciful Father. When you go to Him with a spirit of repentance, He responds with love. Even though our sin can leave a residue of consequences...what's most important is that you are reconciled to Him. Especially when our days are limited and our time is short...we should seek to serve Him as long as we are still breathing.

If one of your loved ones was assaulted, or even killed by someone...you'd want justice for them. The person committed a horrible crime, it's only right that they should be punished. Why, then, do we have such a difficult time imagining the wrath of God? God must judge sin. He's a just God, and faithful to His promises. For every person who chooses to carry their own sin to their end...they'll remain under God's wrath. Only those who allow Jesus to unburden them of their sins and commit their lives to Him will escape it. In our study today, we'll see how believers can commit time, resources and talents to helping people see how Jesus took their punishment.

Making a commitment for Jesus means a lot of change has to take place in a person's life...which is why so many put it off. They see the truth, but are devoted more to themselves and the way they want to live. Some believe there's a heaven and a hell, so they want to wait until the last possible moment and THEN repent. The problem with that is...no one really knows exactly when their last moment will be and, as we'll see today, thinking you'll ride out the tribulation when it comes is really an overestimation of your own strength. With every day that passes, you should grow more concerned with your eternal destiny..because it's forever.

For many folks, hearing the words, “the wrath of God” evokes pictures of a white-bearded figure in the clouds, smiting people with lightning bolts whenever they sin. Now, Scripture clearly says that God's wrath is reserved for the wicked, who are Godless and turn away from the truth. His desire is for ALL to come to know Him. He gives people many opportunities to come to Him. But, the wrath of God is real, and as we'll hear today, there will be a time when there are no more chances to repent. Because of that, all people need to hear the good news...AND the bad news. There is a way out from under the wrath of God...and it's Jesus.

We've all overcome temptations, and we've all given into them. In those moments, remembering who God is can provide you with a way out. Recognizing His faithfulness can allow you to give over control to God, and let Him help you overcome the pull of the flesh. But, in those moments, remembering who God is can be difficult...our sin nature doesn't want to be reminded. Today's study will provide us with ways to remember who God is so that we can be focused on Him, instead of the lure of the world and the troubles of the day. When we commit to a daily practice that will build our faith, His faithfulness will be evident in our lives.

Remember when you were a kid, and you had to retrieve something from a dark place, or sleep over somewhere new for the first time? You tiptoed and shivered through it until it was over. When you have faith in God, you don't have to tiptoe through challenges or fears. He wants you to barrel towards them, with the confidence that He will go in front, protecting and empowering you all the way. Remember who HE is, and those fears won't hold any power over you. As we'll see in today's teaching, that kind of approach to life is not only more comforting, it also speaks loudly to others going through hard times. When people see God's work in you, they'll see Him.

Imagine there's a situation in your life where things are just falling apart. You're knocked down by the weight of it...and afraid. Don't focus on the fear. As difficult as it is...take a breath and reach out to God. For the Christ-follower, He is ever-present, and ready to move the mountain for you. As we'll hear today, David faced a literal giant when he went out to fight Goliath. Amidst taunts, though no one thought he could be successful, He had experienced God's faithfulness before, and was confident the Lord would prevail once again. Consider where your heart is when you're facing a giant...is it cloaked in fear, or strengthened by God?