2 Chronicles 16:7-9, "And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. 8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. 9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars."

Asa had done right up to this point as King of Judah. But on this occasion rather than depend upon the strength and help of the LORD he made a league with Ben-hadad, King of Syria. God reminded Asa through Hanani, the seer (prophet) "Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand." (vs. 7) "Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars." (vs. 9) Asa became angry with the prophet when he should have been convicted of his own lapse of faith.

It is important that we don't get our focus off the LORD. We are reminded of a great truth in verse nine, "...the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." God desires to show himself strong to you and me. He sees you and me, He knows where we live, and wants to show us how big and mighty He is. The word "perfect" in this verse implies whole-heartedness for God, single-mindedness, sincerity, not sinless perfection. Asa's sin was that he had turned to another man for help, when He should have turned to God for help.

I desire to see God manifest Himself in power and strength on my behalf, on your behalf, and on behalf of our church. Will you take God's desire to show Himself strong seriously? Will you make sure your heart is perfect toward Him?

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. What distracts you from keeping your eyes on the Lord?

2. What can you do to keep your focus upon God?

3. What part does Bible reading and prayer have in keeping your eyes on God?