June 23

2 Kings 18

Hezekiah institutes a reign of righteousness.

INSIGHT

It is wonderful that such a wicked man as Ahaz had such a righteous son as Hezekiah. It is difficult to stand against moral disintegration—especially when it is all around you and generally accepted. It is also likely the fall of the Northern Kingdom is a great incentive to root out idolatry. God richly rewards Hezekiah for his moral courage and leadership, demonstrating the validity of 2 Chronicles 16:9: “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

PRAYER

Praise the Lord that He richly blesses those who seek to follow Him with all their heart:
Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul keeps them.
The entrance of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.
I opened my mouth and panted,
For I longed for Your commandments.
Look upon me and be merciful to me,
As Your custom is toward those who love Your name.
Direct my steps by Your word,
And let no iniquity have dominion over me (Psalm 119:129-133).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
You will revive me;
You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me (Psalm 138:7).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• A heart more tender to the things of the Lord
• The work of a specific ministry that has had an impact on your life
• Your activities for the day

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore (Psalm 121:8).