And with that into our study of God's word tonight. On Thursday nights we're going through

Second Chronicles chapter by chapter and verse by verse. So we've been averaging about two chapters

a night a week. And so tonight we're going to, Lord willing, be able to do two more chapters,

chapter 17 and 18. Really interesting study tonight, looking forward

to what the Lord has for us. So why don't we pray and we'll ask God's blessing on our time

together in His Word if you would join with me. Loving Heavenly Father, thank you for this time that we have together tonight in your

Word.

We do, Lord, need for you though at this time to enable us to give you our undivided attention

so that nothing can distract us from what

you would desire to minister to us tonight.

Lord, I just pray that you will have unfettered access to the deep recesses of our hearts

as you minister to us. That's why we're here. We look forward

to our midweek Bible studies, Lord, because it gives us that time to put aside all the

cares and the affairs of the week and all the busyness of the day and just focus on you

and listen to you as you speak. So Lord,

will you speak? Your servants are listening. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. All right,

let's jump in chapter 17 verse 1. Then Jehoshaphat, his son reigned in his place and strengthened

himself against Israel, and he placed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set

garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Iim, which Asa his father had taken.

Now the Lord was with Jehoshaphat.

And here's why.

Because he walked in the former ways of his father David.

...