Day 174 a note from God: Obadiah and Psalm 82-83

You live in a mountain fortress, because your pride makes you feel safe from attack, but you are mistaken
Odabiah 1:3 CEV

It seems from the time Israel entered the promised land and failed to carry out God's orders, they have been under attack. The perplexing part for me is their inability to figure out why.

Follow God's commands . . . peace.

Don't follow God's commands . . . turmoil.

Is it really that hard?

Despite the wishy-washy faith of the people, God is always there protecting and preserving. God needed to because there were always those that wanted something.

Obadiah gives warning to those that are wanting . . .

Be careful. You that rule from on high imposing your will on others.

Be warned. You that think you are right because you are stronger.

Sounds something like a guy I know that said, "The first shall be last. And those that humble themselves will be lifted up."

Just saying, watch your pride it can be misleading.

Day 173 a note from God: 2 Chronicles 19-23

Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He passed away, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

2 Chronicles 21:20 NIV

This entire set of chapters for today reads like a bad soap opera. One king after another plotting treachery, trying to get ahead. Few are good. Most are evil and self-seeking.

But, this passage sticks out as really sad:
He passed away, to no one’s regret

A 43 year old man, at the top of his field, dies. No one cares. No fancy funeral - no one would come. No accolades.

I often ask church leaders, "If you church closed tomorrow, never to exist, would anyone care other than your members?"

Ask yourself, "How will your absence effect those around you?"

Live a life that impacts those around you - not because you can gain something from them, but because you have something to give.

Live a life of no regrets and avoid the sad epitaph:

He passed away, to no one’s regret