Dunford Family Ministries

2 Chronicles 32:22 ²² So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all others. He took care of them^[c] on every side.

Whenever I wake up in the morning, I am always surrounded by a host of hugs and kisses and “Good morning, Momma” greetings.  As you can imagine, on every side, I run into a little person, or a middle person, or a big person.  I really don’t do anything throughout the day that doesn’t involve some or all of the Dunford tribe, and I love it!

In the same way, God is at every little corner of our lives, waiting for us to listen to His greeting of “I love you and you are the apple of my eye!”  He wants to run into every part of our lives, no matter how small and no matter how large.  Just like Hezekiah, may we cry out to the Lord in prayer and expect Him to surround us on every side.  He’ll take care of our battles from there!

Reading through the Bible: May 18, 2012

2 Chronicles 32-34 http://www.blueletterbible.org/reader/daily/generic.cfm

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2 Chronicles 28:3  ³ He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites.

Rock-a-bye baby, in the treetops, when the wind blows, the cradle will rock, when the bough breaks, the cradle will fall, and down will come baby, cradle and all…

God has very explicit instructions about children.  They are His treasure, they are his family, and they are our heritage and legacy on earth. God chose Abraham to follow Him because He knew He would teach his children about the Lord.

When those in power start to expose and mistreat the children, the leaders and those they serve will possibly be in the middle of the wrath of God.  Our country could be in danger of that very thing. King Ahaz was certainly in the hands of an angry God because he sacrificed the innocent.

My husband says this about children, and I love it:  “Treat your children as an asset, not a liability.”  These young ones who have an eternal soul are a treasure from heaven.  Unlike the old lullaby, we must train, protect, correct, and love those God has given to us.  Lord, give us the wisdom, endurance, and love we need to help our children grow into amazing adults!

Reading through the Bible: May 17, 2012

2 Chronicles 28-31 http://www.blueletterbible.org/reader/daily/generic.cfm

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2 Chronicles 26:19 ¹⁹ Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy^[i] broke out on his forehead.

I used to think I was the only one.  But the more people I talk to, the more I realize I’m not alone. After I’ve missed the mark, it’s sometimes easier to get angry when others try to guide or correct me instead of taking it on the chin and being humble.  Grabbing at an angry response can be so tempting, and frankly, feels easier than practicing self-control.

Here’s one of my favorite verses: “In your anger do not sin:” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry (Ephesians 4:26). Of course, easier said than done.  This says to me that I may feel angry, but I need to make it right, quickly.  Much like I change the thermostat to alter the temperature of a room, I can also choose to alter my words and actions to be kind and loving.

Uzziah had an opportunity to change his direction.  He could have responded with meekness and obedience. Instead, he reaped the consequences of a raging spirit. Lord, when things get “hot,” help us to choose to change the temperature of our response.    

Reading through the Bible: May 16, 2012

2 Chronicles 25-27 http://www.blueletterbible.org/reader/daily/generic.cfm

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2 Chronicles 21:20 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.

I was in high school when I began to journal in a notebook.  Our English teacher required us to write daily, and she always came up with interesting topics.  One day she asked us to write a short obituary and epithet about ourselves.  In other words, she wanted us to think about what we would want to be remembered by after our death. 

Though no one in our class really wanted to imagine that scenario in our young lives, I do remember that we were impacted at the thought. How devastating that no one in Jerusalem “regretted” that Jehoram left this life! Really, the bottom line in this short time on earth is living out the love and grace of our Savior with words and actions of service. May our lives speak loud and clear, “remember HIM.”  Then when our departure comes, we and those we love can rest in peace.

Reading through the Bible: May 15, 2012

2 Chronicles 21-24 http://www.blueletterbible.org/reader/daily/generic.cfm

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2 Chronicles 19:7 “Live in the fear of God—be most careful, for God hates dishonesty, partiality, and bribery.”

JESUS!  This is the name God has placed above all other names.  If we fear, i.e., respect, God, we will not ignore the name and all that it stands for.  Today is no different than days gone by; the status quo wants nothing to do with Jesus but waves the name God around like a rabbit’s foot.

There is no God without Jesus (John 14:6).  And to fear God is to embrace His Son as Christ and Lord.  Outside of that name, nothing truly exists in its proper place (Colossian 1:15-17).

Reading through the Bible: May 14, 2012

2 Chronicles 18-20 http://www.blueletterbible.org/reader/daily/generic.cfm

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