Circuit riders ∙

Circuit riders ∙

It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent. – Luke 24:47

Acts 1:8-9

 8 You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him.

The Role of Circuit Riders in Early America

In the early years of the United States, clergy members known as circuit riders were tasked with traveling across specific territories to minister to settlers and establish churches. Men, primarily affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal denomination, ventured into sparsely populated frontier regions to organize camp meetings in rural villages and unincorporated settlements.

One of the most notable years for camp meetings was 1811, during which an estimated 10% to 33% of the American population attended at least one gathering. These meetings became a cornerstone of spiritual revival on the frontier.

James McGready: A Revivalist Pioneer

James McGready (1763–1817), a Presbyterian minister and revivalist during the Second Great Awakening, left a profound impact on the American frontier. Known for his vivid preaching, McGready could describe Heaven so beautifully that listeners felt they could almost see its glories. In contrast, his portrayals of hell were so terrifying that they left the wicked trembling, envisioning the horrors of eternal damnation, with the lake of fire and brimstone threatening to consume them.

Circuit Riders in Popular Culture

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, circuit riders had become romantic figures, inspiring numerous novels and capturing the American public’s imagination.

The Call to Spread the Gospel

The gospel message is meant to be shared by ordinary people, who are called to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus Himself instructed His followers in Matthew 28:19-20 to “go into all the world and make disciples.”

God’s desire is for everyone to hear the truth and have the opportunity to respond to it. As 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us, “the Lord is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but longing for all to come to repentance.”

Sharing the Gospel with Gentleness and Love

While not everyone will accept the message of salvation, believers are called to share it with kindness and patience. As instructed in 2 Timothy 2:24-26, “Servants of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, teach gently, and trust God to change hearts. Our role is to present the truth clearly and with love, leaving the transformation of hearts to God.”

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father’s patience and mercy extend to all, allowing time for repentance and salvation.

Father, thank You for using every means to share the truth of the gospel with fallen humanity. I am grateful that I heard the voice of my Shepherd, came to Him, and received eternal life.

INSIGHT

The Father’s Heart for Salvation

What is the Father’s heart regarding the salvation of humanity? What does He desire for people? The Scriptures are clear: God desires all people to be saved and to know the truth. His heart is filled with love and mercy, longing for humanity to turn away from sin and embrace eternal life.

1 Timothy 2:4-6 reminds us: “God wants everyone to be saved and understand the truth. There is only one Mediator between God and humanity, Jesus Christ. Jesus gave His life to purchase freedom for all, delivering this message at the perfect time.

Ezekiel 18:21-23 echoes this truth: “If the wicked turn from their sins and live righteously, they will be forgiven and live. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires their repentance and life.”

The Father desires everyone to understand the truth and be saved. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. This loving attitude of the Father motivates us, as children of the King, to spread the Word. Our role is to share the gospel while God works in people’s hearts to help them recognize their need to address the problem of sin.

The Paradox of Free Will and Divine Calling

Scripture presents an intriguing paradox: although each individual has the freedom to choose, their choices are influenced by the state of their hearts. On the other hand, the Lord Jesus Christ makes it clear that only a subset of humanity, His sheep, respond to His voice and follow Him. When they do, they receive the gift of eternal life. His sheep are saved when they respond to the message of the gospel.

John 10:27-28 explains: “Christ’s sheep hear His voice, follow Him, and receive eternal life. They are secure in His hands, and no one can take them away from Him or the Father.”

For sheep to hear His voice and believe, someone must share wonderful news of the gospel. Romans 10:14 asks: “How can they believe if they have not heard? And how can they hear unless someone tells them?”

The sheep of Christ reveal themselves by responding to the gospel message. There is no outward mark to identify them. As Spurgeon humorously noted, “If God had painted a yellow stripe down the back of each of the elect, I would run up and down the streets lifting shirttails and preaching to the elect.” We are called to preach the gospel to everyone, urgently encouraging all to come to Christ.

The Great Commission: A Call to Action

After His resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ articulated the Great Commission, instructing His followers to make disciples of all nations. In a way, it represented His “Last Words,” highlighting what was of utmost importance. This mission is central to the Father’s heart, as He postpones the Second Coming to provide more people with the opportunity to hear the gospel and respond to it.

2 Peter 3:9 reminds us: “God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but longing for all to repent.”

M.S. Mills explains that God’s mercy and love are evident in His delay. He does not force salvation upon humanity but allows each person the freedom to choose, desiring that all will surrender to His love. This delay is an act of grace, providing more souls with the opportunity to find salvation and enjoy eternity with Him.

The Father’s heart is patient and merciful, giving humanity time to repent and turn to Him. Our responsibility is to faithfully share this message, trusting Him to work in the hearts of individuals and bring them to salvation.

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© Dr. H 2025

What is the basis for hope? ∙∙

What is the basis for hope? ∙∙

His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:23-24

Lamentations 3:1-3

 1 I have seen the afflictions that come from the rod of the LORD’s anger.

 2 He has led me into darkness, shutting out all light.

 3 He has turned his hand against me again and again, all day long.

Lamentations 3:12-24 [paraphrased and shortened]

He has made me His target, piercing my heart with sorrow. My own people mock me endlessly. Bitterness fills me, and peace feels like a distant memory. I cry out, “All I hoped for is gone!” The weight of my suffering is unbearable, and I cannot forget this pain. Yet, even in despair, I find hope: the Lord’s love never fails, His mercies are new each morning. I remind myself, “The Lord is my portion, and I will hope in Him.”

Daily Dystopia: A Call to Reflection

Watching or listening to the news on television and streaming media often feels like stepping into an Orwellian nightmare. The constant barrage of negativity and chaos has become the norm for 21st-century life. But pause for a moment and ask yourself: Is this what you are willing to settle for? If the Lord does not return soon, is this the kind of world you want your children and their families to inherit?

Choosing Hope: A Ripple Effect

“When we choose hope, we define what matters most to us.” These words from Dr. Shane Lopez, Gallup’s Senior Scientist in Residence, remind us of the transformative power of hope. “The tiny ripple of hope you set in motion can change the path of someone’s life.”

But what is hope, really?

Worldly Hope vs. Biblical Hope

Worldly hope is often no more than wishful thinking, a fleeting desire for the best possible outcome. The Rubaiyat by Omar Khayyam reflects on the fleeting and fragile nature of worldly ambitions and desires. It suggests that the things people strive for, whether wealth, success, or happiness, are often temporary. Even if they are achieved, they don’t last long, much like snow that briefly brightens the barren desert but soon melts away.

His sentiments are paraphrased as follows: The hopes and dreams that people cherish in this world either crumble to nothing or briefly succeed. Like snow falling on the dry, dusty desert, they shine for a moment, then quickly disappear.

In contrast, Biblical hope is something far greater. It is not a fragile wish but a confident expectation rooted in the promises of the Father.

The Foundation of Biblical Hope

Biblical hope is built on the unshakable foundation of God’s faithfulness. It is the assurance that whatever the Father has promised will certainly come to pass. As Barclay eloquently put it: “The Christian hope never proves an illusion, for it is founded on the love of God. When our hope is in God, it cannot turn to dust and ashes. When our hope is in God, it cannot be disappointed. When our hope is in the love of God, it can never be an illusion, for God loves us with an everlasting love backed by an everlasting power.”

The Greek word translated as “hope” is elpis. Elpis “conveys a sense of reasonable and confident expectation, as well as joyful anticipation of the future.” This kind of hope, cultivated by the Father, will never disappoint.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father’s faithfulness is the bedrock of our hope.

Father, I have known the dark night of the soul. Thank You for the future and the hope You have promised me. Help me to rest in Your faithfulness and share the ripple of hope with others.

INSIGHT

The Darkest Hour in Israel’s History

It was the worst of times, the darkest hour in the history of Israel. The nation had been invaded and conquered. Jerusalem’s walls lay in ruins, the temple of God ransacked, and its treasures carried off. The people of Judah were taken captive. They felt like fish strung up on hooks and hauled away to Babylon, as described in Habakkuk 1:15, “Must we be strung up on their hooks and caught in their nets while they rejoice and celebrate?”

A few survivors, left behind in the rubble of better days, now lived among the debris. Among them was Jeremiah, the weeping prophet.

A Nation’s Greatest Disappointment

For the Jewish people, this was the ultimate disillusionment. Jeremiah had been the Father’s weeping prophet of doom, warning of the judgment to come. Now, he became the tear-streaked voice of their despair. He was the oracle of Israel’s dark night of the soul.

Their fate lies in the hands of their cruel captors. For many in deep despair, God was dead!

When Trauma and Doubt Overwhelm Us

How many of us have faced severe trauma and disappointment in our own lives? In such moments, doubt and unbelief often creep in. We find ourselves questioning God, asking, “Why?” And when no answer comes, our circumstances can spiral further into darkness.

How often have we, like the people of Judah, felt as though God was so distant that, for all practical purposes, He was dead?

Yet, as Charles Stanley reminds us, “From cover to cover, the Bible proclaims, ‘God is there, and He cares!’ He never abandons us.”

Jeremiah’s Heartache and Hope

Picture Jeremiah walking through the ruins of Jerusalem, weeping as he goes. He took no joy in preaching judgment, and now he bore the pain of witnessing its consequences. How much more does it hurt his heart to see the result of the judgment of his beloved people? Oh, the despair!

But even in the depths of despair, Jeremiah proclaimed a stunning affirmation of hope, Lamentations 3:22-24: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”

Jeremiah remembered the Father’s hesed, His steadfast, loyal love that never ceases. His mercies are unending, and His compassion is eternal. Each new day is a fresh reminder of the Father’s great faithfulness.

Jeremiah declared, “The LORD is my portion.” The Hebrew word translated as “portion” is cheleq. Cheleq can also mean “inheritance or possession.” Jeremiah wasn’t claiming to “own” God. Instead, he is expressing complete trust in Him. It’s as if he were saying, “God is everything; I need nothing else,” or “I need nothing because God is with me” (USB).

Ralph Carmichael’s hymn captures this sentiment beautifully, “He is everything to me.” When the Father is our everything, all else pales away into insignificance.

A Promise of Restoration

Israel’s dark night was not permanent. The Father had a plan all along, and He made a promise to His people. He explains to His people in Jeremiah 29:11-14: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days, when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you, says the LORD. I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

A Future and a Hope for All

The Father’s promise to Israel extends to each child of the King. He says to us, “I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

No matter how dark the night, the Father’s steadfast love and faithfulness remain. His plans for us are good, and His promises never fail. Trust in Him, for He is everything we need.

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© Dr. H 2025

Compassionate touch ∙∙

Compassionate touch ∙∙

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. – Mark 1:41

Matthew 8:1-4

 1 Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside.

 2 Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

 3 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.

 4 Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”.

Understanding Leprosy: A Disease Beyond the Physical

Leprosy, also known as  Hansen’s disease (HD), is a chronic infectious condition that leads to severe, disfiguring skin sores, nerve damage, and muscle weakness. Approximately 180,000 people are infected with leprosy worldwide in the 21st century. In the United States, around 100 new cases are diagnosed each year. It is not easily transmitted; typically, people contract it only through close and repeated contact with the nasal or oral fluids of an infected person.

The Cause and Effects

The bacterium Mycobacterium leprae is responsible for leprosy. One of the most devastating effects of this disease is nerve damage, which can lead to a loss of sensation. This inability to feel pain often results in repeated injuries or infections, ultimately leading to the loss of extremities, such as fingers or toes. Beyond the physical toll, leprosy places a significant emotional and social burden due to the stigma and isolation associated with the disease.

The Power of Compassion: Dr. Paul Brand’s Story

Dr. Paul Brand, a 20th-century medical missionary in India, witnessed firsthand the stigma and emotional pain experienced by those with leprosy. During one appointment, he touched a patient to reassure him that treatment was possible. The man began to cry, and an attendant explained, “You touched him, and no one has done that for years. They are tears of joy” (Lisa Samra).

The simple act of touch carries profound meaning. It isn’t just physical contact; it’s a gesture of acceptance, dignity, and love. For many suffering from diseases like leprosy, the pain of isolation and rejection can be as severe as the physical symptoms. Beyond medical treatment, there is a deep human need for connection, acceptance, and compassion.

Jesus Christ – Compassion in Action

The Lord Jesus Christ exemplified perfect compassion. The Greek word translated as “compassion” is splagchnizomai. Splagchnizomai conveys a “deep, visceral sympathy.” Splagchnizomai is derived from the word splagchnon, which refers to “the inward parts of the body (like the intestines),” and it reflects “the seat of tender emotions” in ancient thought. Interestingly, the English word “spleen” is related to this Greek term.

Jesus felt deep compassion, and His feelings did not stop there. He acted out His compassion by extending grace, healing, and acceptance to those who were outcasts and suffering. His touch was not just physical; it was a profound expression of love and restoration.

The Call to Compassion: Following Christ’s Example

As children of the King, we are called to follow Jesus’ example by reaching out with compassion to those who are lonely, rejected, or hurting. A simple act of kindness, whether it’s listening, understanding, or even a gentle touch, can make an extraordinary difference in someone’s life.

Some individuals have a remarkable ability to offer sensitive and caring support through touch. If you are blessed enough to know such a person, cherish the opportunity to experience and learn from their beautiful empathy and caring.

REFLECT & PRAY

Are you willing to be made whole? He is willing to make you whole.

Father, thank You for being the source of all compassion. Your loving arms and hands touch the deepest recesses of our souls, bringing comfort, healing, and joy. Help us to extend that same compassion to others, reflecting Your love in a world that so desperately needs it.

INSIGHT

The Meaning of Leprosy in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word translated as “leprosy” is tsara. Tsara was not limited to what we now understand as Hansen’s Disease, but referred to a “wide range of visible skin ailments. It “encompassed a variety of skin conditions, including peeling skin, sores, rashes, measles, and even smallpox.”

Leprosy: A Physical and Spiritual Condition

Leprosy in the Old Testament was not only a physical ailment, but also had spiritual implications. When someone was afflicted with leprosy, they were required to visit a priest for diagnosis, as outlined in Leviticus 13. During that time, priests served as both spiritual and physical examiners since there were no medical doctors available. Similarly, if a person was healed or cleansed, it was the priest who confirmed this, as described in Leviticus 14.

Recorded Healings in the Old Testament

While leprosy was common, the Old Testament records only two miraculous healings:

1. Miriam, the sister of Moses, was healed of leprosy after suffering the consequences of her rebellion (Numbers 12:10-15). 

2. Naaman, a Syrian commander, was healed after following the prophet Elisha’s instructions to wash in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:1-14).

The Heart Matters More Than the Outside

Although leprosy is a visible, external condition, the Bible reminds us that what happens inside a person is far more critical. 1 Samuel 16:7, “The LORD does not see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

In the 21st century, most of us will likely never encounter physical leprosy. However, many of us carry an unseen form of “leprosy” within our hearts, wounds, guilt, shame, and spiritual decay. These internal struggles can often be far more debilitating than any physical condition. Who among us can genuinely claim to have a heart completely free from darkness or rot?

The Father’s Provision for Healing

God, in His mercy, has made a way to cleanse and heal the “leprosy” of our hearts. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system was established to cover and redeem sin. However, the blood of animals could only provide temporary cleansing. The ultimate and eternal solution came through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ.

The author of the book of Hebrews explains in Hebrews 9:13-14: “Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Through Christ’s sacrifice, the guilt, shame, and remorse that plague our hearts can be lifted. His blood is far more powerful than any earthly remedy, providing complete and eternal cleansing.

The Compassion of Christ: Touching the Untouchable

The Lord Jesus Christ showed remarkable compassion, not hesitating to touch even the most loathsome human conditions, such as leprosy. As one commentator points out, “Wherever the compassionate Christ and the yearning sinner meet, there then comes instantaneous and complete cleansing.”

“In the antiseptic cleanliness of modern hospitals, we lose sight of the wonder of the parable of Jesus in all his purity stooping to touch the ugliness and stench of our sin to bring healing and forgiveness” (Cole).

Take a moment to reflect on the wonder and magnificence of the Lord Jesus Christ. According to the law of Moses, touching a leper made a person ceremonially unclean and defiled. However, the Lord Jesus Christ was unfazed by this; He willingly accepted the risk of becoming defiled so that the leper could be cleansed and made whole. Cole notes that “the essence of the gospel is captured here: Christ redeems us from the curse by taking on the curse for our sake.”

The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 3:13, “Christ redeemed us from the curse by becoming a curse for us.”

This act encapsulates the gospel: Jesus took on our defilement so that we might be made clean and whole.

Modern Healing: Physical and Spiritual

Thanks to advances in medicine and science, physical leprosy is no longer the devastating condition it once was. However, the spiritual “leprosy” of guilt, shame, and a guilty conscience remains a universal human experience. The good news is that because of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, we do not have to live with the burden of remorse and a guilty conscience.

If you are willing to seek healing, He is more than willing to make you whole.

A Song of Redemption: He Touched Me

The transformative power of Jesus’ touch is beautifully captured in the hymn by Bill Gaither:

“Shackled by a heavy burden,

‘Neath a load of guilt and shame.

Then the hand of Jesus touched me,

And now I am no longer the same.”

“He touched me, oh, He touched me,

And oh, the joy that floods my soul!

Something happened, and now I know,

He touched me and made me whole.”

Heaven Came Down: A Celebration of Salvation

Another hymn, written by John W. Peterson, celebrates the joy of salvation:

“O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget;

After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met.

O what a tender, compassionate friend, He met the need of my heart;

Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart.”

“Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, when at the cross the Saviour made me whole; my sins were washed away – and my night was turned to day – heaven came down and glory filled my soul!”

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© Dr. H 2025

We are called the children of God, and such we are! ∙∙

We are called the children of God, and such we are! ∙∙

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. – 1 John 3:1

Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

The Seven Longings of the Human Heart

In his book, “Longings of the Human Heart,” Mike Bickel identifies seven eternal longings that reside within every human heart. These longings are not fleeting desires but deeply rooted aspects of our nature, designed by God to be fulfilled both in this life and in eternity. Bickel categorizes them as follows:

1. The Longing to Be Enjoyed by God

2. The Longing for Fascination

3. The Longing for Beauty

4. The Longing for Greatness

5. The Longing for Intimacy Without Shame

6. The Longing to Be Wholehearted

7. The Longing to Make a Deep and Lasting Impact

Bickel writes, “Not only are our longings universal, but they are also eternal. They are not limited to our relationship with God in this age. God did not intend for our longings to go away after this life. In fact, they and their fulfillment will be even greater in the age to come.”

The Longing to Be Wanted and Belong

One of the deepest longings of the human heart is the desire to be needed and to belong. Through our adoption into the Father’s Forever Family, this longing is fulfilled in an extraordinary way. As children of the King, we are no longer outsiders; we truly belong, completely and eternally. This truth is one of the great wonders of our relationship with God. We have become His children, a reality so profound that we will be contemplating it for all eternity.

The Apostle John explains in John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”

The Greek word for “right” is exousia, which can also be translated as “authority, power, honor, or privilege.” Although it is available to all, not just anyone enjoys this privilege. It is reserved for those who have believed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and received Him as their Savior and Lord.

Born Again: A Heavenly Transaction

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Spirit of God causes us to be born again. Our rebirth is not a physical experience; it is a divine act with eternal significance. As a result, we become actual children of the King. God becomes our spiritual Father, and we become His beloved children. Our new identity is forever secure.

The Father Himself guarantees this adoption. Since no one is higher than God to draft the adoption papers, He has done it Himself. There is no one greater than Him to swear by; thus, He swore by Himself to uphold His promise. The Father alone signs the papers, ensuring the permanence of our place in His family.

Hebrews 6:13, “Now, when God made his promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself.”

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father Himself guarantees our eternal permanence as members of His Forever Family. No one is able to cancel our adoption. John 10:29, “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

Father, thank You that we are eternally safe and secure in Your hands. It is not because of our ability to hold on to You, but because of Your unshakable grip on us. May we rest in the assurance of Your love and faithfulness.

INSIGHT

The Incredible Love of the Father

The apostle John writes, 1 John 3:1 “Consider the incredible love that the Father has shown us in allowing us to be called ‘children of God,’ and that is not just what we are called, but what we are” (Phillips translation).

Our heavenly Father calls us His children, and that is exactly who we are! When we begin to understand how deeply our heavenly Father loves each of us, something extraordinary happens. God is love, and when we place our trust in Him, we start to experience a profound spirit-to-spirit connection with Him. Consequently, we begin to live in love, and His love dwells within us. Over time, this incredible experience continues to deepen.

From Fear to Confidence: The Journey of Love

Many of us may initially approach God with fear or uncertainty, often influenced by our experiences and family dynamics. However, this fear has no basis in the Scriptures. As we come to understand and experience the love of the Father, our learned fear and trepidation gradually fade away.

Eventually, we reach a point where we no longer fear the idea of going home to be with our Father. As His love matures within us, fear is cast out. This is the natural progression for every child of the King. The more we grow in God’s love, the less we fear. The degree to which we feel fear indicates our level of immaturity in faith.

Perfect Love Expels Fear

The apostle John makes this magnificent truth abundantly clear in 1 John 4:16-18: “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. As we live in God, our love matures. Therefore, we will not be afraid on the day of judgment; instead, we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is due to fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” 

Love and fear cannot coexist. Perfect love drives out fear, as Daniel Akin explains, “This phrase is a powerful metaphor, suggesting that fear is cast out, turned out-of-doors, by the perfection of God’s love.” In modern terms, we might say, “Love runs off fear; it chases it away.”

When we fear the Father, we prevent ourselves from fully experiencing His love. However, when we open our hearts to receive His love, fear is wonderfully transformed into confidence. This is the essence of living in God’s perfect love.

Shining as Children of God

As children of God, we are called to live in a way that reflects His love and light in a dark and broken world. This calling is not passive; it requires us to live with integrity and purpose.

The Apostle Paul advised in Philippians 2:14-16, “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life.”

As we live as children of the King, we illuminate a world that needs His love and truth. By holding steadfastly to His Word and embracing His love, we become beacons of hope and transformation.

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© Dr. H 2025

Who You Gonna Call? ∙∙

Who You Gonna Call? ∙∙

During the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor, David. Then, in the twelfth year, he began to purify Judah and Jerusalem, destroying all the pagan shrines, the Asherah poles, and the carved idols and cast images. – 2 Chronicles 34:3

A summary of 2 Kings 22:8-20 is as follows:

This passage describes a critical moment during King Josiah’s reign when the Book of the Law, likely the Torah or a portion of it, was rediscovered in the temple by Hilkiah, the high priest. The scroll was read to King Josiah, who was deeply moved and distressed upon realizing how far the nation of Judah had strayed from God’s commands. In response, Josiah sought guidance from the Lord through the prophetess Huldah.

Huldah delivered a dual message.   God’s anger was kindled against the people of Judah for their idolatry and abandonment of His covenant, and disaster was inevitable. However, because of Josiah’s humility, repentance, and genuine sorrow, God promised that the judgment would not occur during his lifetime. Josiah would die in peace, spared from witnessing the destruction of Judah.

Ghostbusters: A Cultural Phenomenon

Released in 1984, Ghostbusters is an iconic American comedy that masterfully blends humor, supernatural thrills, and action-packed adventure. Co-written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, the film quickly became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences and solidifying its place in entertainment history.

The film’s success was monumental, earning $295 million globally and becoming the highest-grossing comedy of its time. Its appeal transcended generations, turning it into an instant classic. Adding to its charm was the unforgettable theme song, “Ghostbusters,” performed by Ray Parker Jr., which topped the charts. The catchy line, “Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!” became a pop culture phenomenon, as memorable today as it was then.

A Legacy That Endures

Decades later, Ghostbusters remains enchanting to audiences with its perfect blend of comedy, eerie adventures, and unforgettable characters. Its timeless appeal ensures it remains a beloved favorite among fans of all ages.

The Age of the Prophets

After the era of Moses, the Father raised up many prophets to guide the nation of Israel, starting with Samuel. These prophets lived among the people and were often approached for guidance, direction, and messages from the Lord. During the reign of King Josiah, two notable prophets, Jeremiah and Zephaniah, were present in the land. Yet, when a word from the Lord was needed, who were they going to call?  Hilkiah, the priest, turned to Huldah  to “inquire of the Lord.”

Huldah – A Beacon of Faith and Courage

Huldah’s remarkable story is recorded in 2 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 34, during a pivotal moment in the history of Judah. King Josiah was leading a national return to God. During the restoration of the temple, a forgotten Book of the Law was discovered. Seeking to confirm its authenticity and understand its significance, Josiah’s officials turned to Huldah, a trusted prophetess.

Delivering God’s Message

Huldah’s message was direct and profound. She confirmed that the book that was discovered was indeed the Word of God. It contained God’s warnings and instructions to the nation. Yet the nation disregarded His words and rebelled against Him. Her words cut deeply and altered the nation’s trajectory. She helped shape the major reforms enacted by King Josiah.

Huldah’s wisdom and faithfulness highlighted her vital role in guiding Judah during this critical time. It is noteworthy that, despite the presence of male prophets, a female prophetess was chosen as the messenger through whom this important message was delivered. God’s gifts and callings transcend gender.

Huldah’s Prophetic Legacy

Huldah, a revered woman of God, was widely recognized for her wisdom and spiritual insight. When she spoke, her words carried the authority of God Himself. Her prophecy, marked by the repeated declaration “Thus says the Lord,” left no doubt regarding the source of her words.

King Josiah’s Reforms

King Josiah took decisive action based on Huldah’s prophecy, sparking significant spiritual reforms. These changes were not mere human strategies but a direct response to God’s Word as revealed through Huldah. Huldah’s faithfulness ignited a flame of renewal, rekindling the nation’s relationship with God. Her legacy serves as a powerful example of how one person’s obedience can be the impetus for the transformation of many.

REFLECT & PRAY

We must return to the Word of God and seek His guidance wholeheartedly. Knowing His desires is essential for walking in His ways. However, it doesn’t stop there; we must respond with unwavering commitment. Halfhearted devotion is insufficient; we must choose between the world and God. By dedicating ourselves wholly to Him, we allow His Spirit to move freely among us.

Father, ignite within us a deep hunger to hear from You. May our hearts be eager to listen for Your voice. And when You speak, give us the humility to receive Your direction and the courage to obey completely. Amen.

INSIGHT

A Heart Set on God

Josiah’s extraordinary journey begins at the tender age of 16, when he set his heart on seeking the Lord and following in the footsteps of King David, a man after God’s own heart. Josiah chose the path of righteousness. By the age of 20, his faith had already inspired him to take bold action. He initiated widespread religious reforms, purging the land of idolatry and restoring the worship of the one true God (2 Chronicles 34:3-7).

Restoring the Temple

At 26, Josiah’s commitment to God deepened further. He began the monumental task of restoring King Solomon’s Temple. This sacred place had fallen into disrepair during the reigns of corrupt Kings (2 Chronicles 34:8). This restoration project would set the stage for a life-changing discovery.

A Forgotten Treasure Found

During the temple’s renovation, a momentous event took place: the Book of the Law was discovered. This sacred text, which contains God’s commands and covenant, had been hidden away to protect it from destruction during the reigns of previous wicked kings. For years, the Scriptures had been nearly forgotten.

Josiah’s First Encounter with the Word of God

Pause for a moment and imagine the young king’s shock and anguish as he heard the words of the Law read aloud for the first time. The commands, warnings, and promises of God struck him deeply. It was a moment of profound conviction and sorrow. Josiah tore his clothing in despair, a traditional sign of grief and repentance (2 Chronicles 34:19). He was overwhelmed by the realization of how far the nation had strayed from God’s ways.

Josiah’s response to hearing God’s Word was one of deep humility and brokenness. The Lord acknowledged his heartfelt repentance, saying, “You were sorry and humbled yourself before God when you heard his words . . .. You humbled yourself and tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance” (2 Chronicles 34:27). Josiah’s humility and zeal to make things right reflected the sincerity of his heart.

The Root of Judah’s Trouble

Judah had come upon tough times. The Scriptures revealed the root cause of its troubles: the people had abandoned God (2 Chronicles 34:25). Josiah was devastated by this revelation. He took resolute action and repented. He led the entire nation back to God. They returned to following the Word of God, destroying idols, and restoring proper worship. His leadership inspired a national revival.

A Revival of Wholehearted Devotion

Josiah understood that only wholehearted devotion could restore the nation’s relationship with God. His actions embodied the truth of Jeremiah 29:13, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Josiah’s determination to seek God with his whole heart became a powerful example of faith in action.

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© Dr. H 2025