November 25, 2025

Baasha, king of Israel, the northern kingdom, decided to rebuild the city of Ramah to control King Asa, from the southern kingdom, and keep him from coming and going as he pleased. King Asa, forgetting what God had done to help him win against Ethiopia, consulted with the king of Syria, King Benhadad, sending him gifts from the temple and from the king’s house to encourage him to help. Benhadad went to war with Israel and smote some of the territories. When King Baasha heard what had happened, he stopped building Ramah, and Judah went in and carried away all the building materials they were using. God wasn’t happy about what Asa did without consulting Him and sent the seer, Hanani, to admonish him for what he did. Asa got mad about his chastisement and put Hanani in prison. If ever there was an example of the saying, “don’t shoot the messenger,” this was it! We need to make sure we express our anger only to the appropriate person; in this case, he should have been mad at himself and become remorseful. A few years later, he began to suffer from a disease in his feet, but still didn’t consult God for healing. Instead, he relied on those considered doctors. He died a couple of years later. 

Don’t forget that God is your source for everything. We must rely on Him. Consult Him before every decision you make, whether it is about a business deal or about your health. Allow Him to guide your actions. He is very jealous and wants all of your attention, so make sure you never leave Him out.

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. 2 Chronicles 16:9