~ Rules ~

[Lani]

2 Chronicles 30:18-27
18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one
19 That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.
20 And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.
21 And the children of Israel that 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 with loud instruments unto the LORD.
22 And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the LORD: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers.
23 And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness.
24 For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.
25 And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced.
26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem.
27 Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.



The good Lord pardon all who set their hearts to seek God. 2 Chronicles 30:18-19 (NRSV)




“Mom, Jesus doesn’t care how I’m dressed; he cares that I’m at church,” yelled my daughter as she angrily ran upstairs.

I had insisted that she change from her blue jeans into a dress before going to church. I was reared to believe that it is improper to wear blue jeans to church, that we should try to look our best when attending Sunday morning worship. Now my daughter was questioning the rules I held dear. Convinced that she was only rebelling against parental authority, I held my ground. She changed her clothes, and we went to church – with my daughter sulking all the way.

Later that week, I read a scripture passage that put Sunday’s argument with my daughter in a new light. In 2 Chronicles 30:18-27, Hezekiah welcomed all who “set their hearts to seek God,” whether or not they followed the traditional rules of the Temple. The people were blessed and so was their nation. I felt as if God were speaking to me, encouraging me to put less emphasis on how my daughter looks on the outside and more emphasis on what is going on in her heart. I resolved that day to set aside my rules for Sunday dress in favor of encouraging my daughter unconditionally to worship God.



Prayer: Dear God, help us to accept all who seek you and to encourage all your followers. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.



Prayer Focus of Day: Parents of Teens

Thought for the Day: God doesn’t enforce a dress code.

Story shared by: V. Hines (TN)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 1/8/12

[Mackenaw]

Reminded me of a song from way back...they year: 1971 by Five Man Electrical Band entitled "Signs". It was re-recorded 20 years later by a group called Tesla. Good song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrdH4Tm8p-U

God is so Good!!! I Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him [Eliab -- David's older brother]: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Note: emphasis [] added by Mack

God bless you all.
Love,
Mack