But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7.

Choose love. Pray without ceasing and in great love. Let go of condemnation. Let go of anger and let love and joy have free reign in your heart. It truly is a choice honed with the help of our loving God. Every time the frustrations of this world bear down, I go to God and in His love find renewal of hope.

The circumstances in this world don’t always offer hope and in our chapter, 2 Kings 24, Judah is invaded by the next powerful world ruler, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. (In the notes below it said there were 3 Babylonian invasions over the next 20 years and in the first Daniel was taken in 605 B.C. The Babylonian policy for taking captives was different from that of the Assyrians who moved most of the people out and resettled the land with foreigners. The Babylonians took only the strong and skilled, leaving the poor and weak to rule the land, thus elevating them to positions of authority and winning their loyalty. The leaders were taken to Babylonian cities where they were permitted to live together, find jobs, and become an important part of the society. This policy kept the Jews united and faithful to God throughout the captivity and made it possible for their return in the days of Zerubbabel and Ezra as recorded in the book of Ezra).

3 different kings rule Judah under the authority of the king of Babylon in this chapter and all do evil. It was because of the Lord’s anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his presence. v. 20. Doing evil is a choice too.

In the sweep of world events in any age we can know God. We can learn from Him. World events give testimony to what living without God’s love brings. We can choose to live in His love. It’s always been an individual choice. This chapter describes events but can’t relay the fear that must have overtaken the people when the powerful Nebuchadnezzar invaded and deported 10,000 skilled workers and artisans, 7,000 strong fighting men. v. 14-17. Who did they turn to then?

As we face challenges in our lives today there is comfort and hope in knowing God is here with us. We can turn to Him at any time and ask for His help. Do you know who He begins to help? You and me. Our hearts and minds. Does your heart and mind need the healing of His love? He’s here, always. Who else will lead you in love and mercy? This world today is as temporary as the empires that ruled in other ages. Only God remains. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.