"It all started in a garden, but it ends in a city. We have an urban future." Harvey Conn Westminster Seminary.
It will be a urban future unlike anything we have every experienced here. New York city is the city that "never sleeps". Our Heavenly city will be a place where no artifical light will ever be needed because of the light of the Lamb of God will shine eternally and timeless.
What's Our Excuse?
It's possible, even in the most wicked environment. Wickedness was great, every thought was evil continually, the earth was full of corruption and violence. If anyone had an excuse to say, "you have no idea how hard it is to live for God in my neighborhood", it was Noah. But Noah found favor with God and he walked with God in spite of all the cussin, fussin and carrying on. Genesis 6.
Walk with God
So intimate, so close, so sweet, so inhibited, so uncumbered....your walking and talking one day and God says "let's just walk up to my place, and stay there from now on through eternity".
Enoch walked with God in habitual fellowship. How's your walk with God? If your like me I have to break out the annoying kazoo of my wretched self and blow it a while, hindering my walk and fellowship with God. Oh to walk with God consistently like Enoch.
Ornament of Grace
Christmas is just around the corner and the concept of ornaments is fresh in our minds. Ornaments off all shapes and colors adorn trees in homes, malls and public squares. Ornaments that are new, some antique, some from our childhood or passed on to us from grandma. Ornaments bought from the store, the yard sale or hand made at home or school. Some ornaments are sentimental, some tell a story about a specific event and others are just dazzling and sparkling with beauty. There is an ornament that shouldn't be on the tree but rather on us...the ornament of grace.
Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention that you may gain understanding, For I give you sound teaching; Do not abandon my instruction. When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother, Then he taught me and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live; Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. "Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. "The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding. "Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her. "She will place on your head a(Ornament) garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty."
Proverbs 4:1-9
How many ornaments of grace are hanging on your tree. The most dazzling ornament of grace that should be adorning your tree is the ornament of grace found in salvation, which will then produce the ornament of grace found in sanctification which will ultimately produce the ornament of grace in our glorification.
May your "tree" be trimmed with dazzling ornaments of grace.
Sin Loves You! Is It Your Master?
When Cain got angry over his inappropriate sacrifice, God revealed an incredible principle. Sin loves you or "it's desire is for you", in reality because we love it so much. It's a mutual "love affair". But the key is we must master sin or it will master us!
But Abel brought [an offering of] the [finest] firstborn of his flock and the fat portions. And the Lord had respect (regard) for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and his offering He had no respect. So Cain became extremely angry (indignant), and he looked annoyed and hostile. And the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you so angry? And why do you look annoyed? If you do well [believing Me and doing what is acceptable and pleasing to Me], will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well [but ignore My instruction], sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you [to overpower you], but you must master it.” GENESIS 4:4-7
Delightful, Desirous and Delicious!
In that case, how could it be bad for you?
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was delightful to look at, and a tree to be desired in order to make one wise and insightful, she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband with her, and he ate.
GENESIS 3:6
BEWARE....MIGHT BE DEADLY!
Don't Dabble with Subtlety!
Why would we Dabble with the most subtle thing and most volatile dangerous thing that exists? But that is exactly what we do when we dabble with sin and The Deceiver.
Now the serpent was more crafty (subtle, skilled in deceit) than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And the serpent (Satan) said to the woman, “Can it really be that God has said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?”
GENESIS 3:1
One of the most embattled statements of history. If it is not true we are merely part of some cosmic experience without any certainty of our beginning or end. If it is true, and I believe it is, our hope does not lie in humanities abilities but are rather in the God of the universe who was and is and will always be.
The verse is clear and the old hymn spells it out. Bask in His live for.you today!
But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
ROM 5:8
The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.
Refrain:
Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
When hoary time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
There are times maybe more often than not, that we should just say nothing. I am not really sure why Jobs friends didn't continue thier refrain, but they are not much different than we are at times.
Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, for they had made an appointment together to come to condole with him and to comfort him. And when they looked from afar off and saw him [disfigured] beyond recognition, they lifted up their voices and wept; and each one tore his robe, and they cast dust over their heads toward the heavens. So they sat down with [Job] on the ground for seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief and pain were very great. Job 2:11-13. James chapter one also reminds us to be swift to hear and slow to speak.
The hymn writer challenged me today.
More Love to Thee
1 More love to Thee, O Christ,
More love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make
On bended knee;
This is my earnest plea:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!
2 Once earthly joy I craved,
Sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek,
Give what is best;
This all my prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!
3 Then shall my latest breath
Whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry
My heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!
“You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” (Psalm 73:24-25)
This is the number you have been waiting for! 490 and no more, it will be awesome! You can get angry, slap someone and.forgive them no more. Won't that be so exhilarating and satisfying? The moment you have been waiting for! After all Jesus said all we need to do is forgive 7x70 which equals 490. I mean I am no mathematician and I have that figured out. What? That's not what Jesus meant? Oh okay I guess I will just have to keep on forgiving. Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22
It is one thing to be tempted, that is unavoidable. It is an entirely different thing for someone to fall into temptation because of you. What you say, where you go, what you do or even how you dress can be a potential pitfall and temptation for someone else. "Woe on you!"
Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11) I trust the God I cannot see who sent His Son I did not see to die on a cross I did not see to raise from the dead which I did not witness to take away my sins (which are very evident) and take me to a location called heaven, that I cannot see that is somewhere beyond our visible time space continuum? But then I have trouble trusting God for the "little things" of life. Oh to have mountain moving faith. " ...If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." Matthew 17:20
In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13, Mark 4 and Luke 8) we often spend a great deal of time trying to figure out those who have or have not responded appropriately to the seed (The Word of God). Jesus does spend time describing the soil type and the results but notice how the parable begins. The parable begins with the sower who is sowing the seed. The Word of God is sweeter than honey(Psalm 19) The Word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword and reveals the intentions of the heart(Hebrews 4) The Word of God provides answers for life, conflicts and relationships and possesses the truth that will set you free for all eternity. Don't stop sowing the greatest hope for all of humanity's needs.
Find a quiet place and just be still for a few moments. It will refresh you spiritually, emotionally, relationally, mentally and physically!
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
It's a dangerous world out there. But notice what the Bible doesn't say...we aren't supposed to look like, act like or smell like the wolves. We are supposed to be sheep who are very wisely and gently following Christ. Don't be afraid to be a sheep in the world where you will encounter wolves.
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves; be wary and wise as serpents, and be innocent (harmless, guileless, and without falsity) as doves. Matthew 10:16 AMP
How Valuable Are You?
In the vast complexity of the whole of creation God has great concern for the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures. Even if one of a pair of sparrows falls, amongst the millions world wide, God knows. And we are more valuable than the sparrows, to who God gives undivided attention. Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's leave (consent) and notice. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, then; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31 AMP
The newspaper and social media sites are often teeming with Help Wanted Ads. The very first Help Wanted Ad was written around AD 55 in the book of Matthew. Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest to force out and thrust laborers into His harvest.
Matthew 9:37-38 AMP
The startling reality is that the world had not been reached with the gospel because we have not answered the Help Wanted Ad.
It would seem as though the anti semetic attitude of Sanballat and Tobiah is still prevalent today. God chose Israel for very special purposes yet as John chapter one tells us "He came unto His own and His own received Him not". Yet God is not finished with Israel anymore than He is finished with humanity desiring that none would perish but that all would come to repentance II Peter 3:9. It is quite ironic that the attitude of Sanballat and Tobiah is now even creeping into Chrisendom. When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard this, it distressed them exceedingly that a man had come to inquire for and require the good and prosperity of the Israelites.
Nehemiah 2:10. Remember what God told Abraham And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves]. Genesis 12:3
The Road Less Traveled
"I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
You may recognize these two lines from American Poet Robert Frosts poem "The Road Not Taken". Although I do not know Frosts intention for those lines in the poem they certainly ring loud an clear. There is a road less traveled that each of us would be wise to take. Which road are you on? It begins at the gate.
Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. Matthew 7:13-14 AMP
Its true, scripture presents truths that are difficult to swallow. Sometimes Godly wisdom and truth should be kept to yourself because dogs and pigs just don't get it. On top of that pigs will turn on you and literally consume you bones and all. Be careful with wild dogs and watch your back when you get in the pig pen. Read the context of Matthew 7:6 "Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces."
Don't quit asking, seeking or knocking! God loves to hear His children coming before Him over and over again because He desires for us to depend on Him and trust in Him. Unlike those of us who are earthly fathers and we get frustrated when our children keep on "bugging us".
"Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened. Or what man is there of you, if his son asks him for a loaf of bread, will hand him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will hand him a serpent? If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give good and advantageous things to those who keep on asking Him!
"
Matthew 7:1-2, 7-11 AMP
Be A Fountain Not A Drain!
It is so easy to look at others and become critical. We tend to put criticism in another category but the reality is when we criticize we are setting as judge over another person. When we criticize we dethrone God and set in His seat.
DO NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you.
Matthew 7:1-2 AMP
BE A FOUNTAIN NOT A DRAIN!
We have all be brokenhearted at one time or another in our life because of a girlfriend or boyfriend or a spouse or a child or a friend but.....
When was the last time you were brokenhearted over the sinful condition of the nation?
Listen to the broken heart of Ezra.
AFTERWARD, THE officials came to me and said, The Israelites and the priests and Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, but have committed the abominations of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. For they have taken as wives some of their daughters for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy offspring have mixed themselves with the peoples of the lands. Indeed, the officials and chief men have been foremost in this wicked act and direct violation [of God's will]. When I heard this, I rent my undergarment and my mantle, I pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled. Then all those who trembled at the words of the God of Israel because of the offensive violation of His will by the returned exiles gathered around me as I sat astounded until the evening sacrifice. At the evening sacrifice I arose from my depression, and, having rent my undergarment and my mantle, I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God, Saying, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads and our guilt has mounted to the heavens.
Ezra 9:1-6
He is Dead, Now What?
"They crucified Him, brutally beat Him beyond recognition, mocked Him and wanted to silence Him once for all. What are we going to do, our master has been exterminated. We must stay in hiding or we will be next. This is the end, all our hope is gone. Was this all just a dream? A figment of our imagination? Confusion, despair, agony, hopelessness has overcome us." The Disciples
Salt and Light
Salt makes one thirsty and light exposes darkness. So I wonder how well we have been doing amidst all the political rhetoric flying around social media. Little snide remarks about this candidate or that one's family affairs or this one's past. We may be better served spending more time being salt and light about Jesus than Donald or Ted or John or Hillary or Bernie. Now that's not to say we can't or shouldn't weigh in on the great political debate of the century, because we should...I have. But, let's focus on the virtues of Christ, after all this is Easter right? It was Jesus that died on the cross, was buried and on the third day rose again and is the only candidate capable of taking away our sins!
Jesus said it this way...
You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
Don't Listen
No matter the offer be it fame, wealth or power. No matter how hungry or tired you may be don't be lured by promises that will destroy your present and your future. No matter how luring and delightful it may seem at the moment don't give in! Stand and fight with the Word that is able to fend off the temptation that seems to be yours for the taking. Resist the devil by the Word and he will flee from you.(James 4:7) Don't give in, he is standing over your shoulder promising you the world and your desires to be satisfied...DON'T LISTEN!
And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are God's Son, command these stones to be made [loaves of] bread. But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. [Deut. 8:3.] Then the devil took Him into the holy city and placed Him on a turret (pinnacle, gable) of the temple sanctuary. [Neh. 11:1; Dan. 9:24.] And he said to Him, If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, He will give His angels charge over you, and they will bear you up on their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone. [Ps. 91:11, 12.] Jesus said to him, On the other hand, it is written also, You shall not tempt, test thoroughly, or try exceedingly the Lord your God. [Deut. 6:16.] Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory (the splendor, magnificence, preeminence, and excellence) of them. And he said to Him, These things, all taken together, I will give You, if You will prostrate Yourself before me and do homage and worship me. Then Jesus said to him, Begone, Satan! For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve. [Deut. 6:13.] Then the devil departed from Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
Matthew 4:3-11
Nothing New
We tend to think that the swelling tide against Judeo-Christian values is some sort of "new thing" in the 21st century. Yes the "ACLU" and the "People For The Separation of Church and State" were alive and well long ago hiring thier attorneys to frustrate matters.
Then [the Samaritans] the people of the land [continually] weakened the hands of the people of Judah and troubled and terrified them in building and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose and plans all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius [II] king of Persia.
Ezra 4:4-5
Don't be surprised at opposition, it's nothing new. Don't let the opposition silence you, just keep sharing the love of Christ.
Too Sophisticated To Shout!
Have you ever been so excited that you shouted? My guess is of course, at the ball game or because of some other thing that was just so exciting you couldn't contain yourself. What about because of something God has done? Why is it that our Christianity is too sophisticated for shouting because of the goodness and glory of God? Shouting or not shouting doesn't determine our standing before God. Just thought I would pose the question for you to ponder. Go ahead...SHOUT! You will freak everyone out.
And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their vestments with trumpets, and the Levite sons of Asaph with their cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the order of David king of Israel. They sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, For He is good, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid! But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first house [Solomon's temple], when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice, though many shouted aloud for joy. So the people could not distinguish the shout of joy from the sound of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard far off.
Ezra 3:10-13
Providential "Chess Master"
In the game of Chess one move now is critical to several moves later. God has always been the grand "Chess Master" of life moving things today that will affect things years from now. God has and continues to use whatever he determines for His divine purposes. The heathen King Cyrus, King of the great Persian Empire was moved by God to send the Israelites back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and temple. Think of the number of "moves" God has divinely made over the coarse of history on your behalf so as to have you right where He wants you today.
NOW IN the first year of Cyrus king of Persia [almost seventy years after the first Jewish captives were taken to Babylon], that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might begin to be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and put it also in writing: [Jer. 29:10-14.] Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever is among you of all His people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah and re build the house of the Lord, the God of Israel, in Jerusalem; He is God.
Ezra 1:1-3
Great Man Of God
We seldom think of Joseph(the earthly father of Jesus) as a "great man of God" someone special yes but not a giant hero. I believe he was a hero because of the great discipline and godliness he demonstrated in one verse of scripture. I mean after all she was already pregnant and she is going to be my wife so why not. No, Joseph was a great man of God with incredible discipline. He wanted above all to honor God.
And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.
Matthew 1:24-25
Don't Test His Limits
God is merciful and longsuffering, He is slow to anger and not willing that any should perish. He is gracious and loving, kind and forgiving. Don't push Him to far or you will reach a place of no remedy or healing. This is a dangerous point for us as individuals or a culture. We may be close to that point.
"What you applaud, you encourage. And: Watch out what you celebrate." Peggy Noonan (speech writer for former President Ronald Regan)
The children of Israel kept pushing and the result:
But they kept mocking the messengers of God and despising His words and scoffing at His prophets till the wrath of the Lord rose against His people, till there was no remedy or healing.
2 Chronicles 36:16 AMP
A Future Truth That Never Gets Old
We have heard it quoted read and referred to as much as any passage in scripture but it never gets old!
Then I heard a mighty voice from the throne and I perceived its distinct words, saying, See! The abode of God is with men, and He will live (encamp, tent) among them; and they shall be His people, and God shall personally be with them and be their God. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.
Revelation 21:3-4
GENESIS 3:15 Completed
Lucifer started his rebellion in heaven (Isa. 14:12-15), moved his deceptive work to the garden (Gen. 3) and has been doing all he can ever since to bring about destruction (John 10:10). But make no mistake, his "reign of terror" will come to an end!
Then the devil who had led them astray [deceiving and seducing them] was hurled into the fiery lake of burning brimstone, where the beast and false prophet were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (through the ages of the ages).
Revelation 20:10
Teenage Mutant Ninja Spiritual Leader
When we think of teenagers we often think of attitude, rebellion, drama, school, sports, girlfriends, boyfriends, messy bedrooms, driving, peer pressure and the list goes on. Why do we never think...Godly leader? If a teenager started being sold out for God most would think it's just a fad or they would get little support or even ridicule from home because they aren't doing what "normal teens" are supposed to be doing. Shame on us!!! Josiah was 8 years old when he became King and at age 16 he began to seek God. Then he went on a literal "Holy campaign" transforming the ungodliness of a nation. We need more Teenage Mutant Ninja Spiritual Leaders!
JOSIAH WAS eight years old when he began his thirty-one-year reign in Jerusalem. He did right in the sight of the Lord and walked in the ways of David his father [forefather] and turned aside neither to the right hand nor to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young [sixteen], he began to seek after and yearn for the God of David his father [forefather]; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and molten images. They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence; the sun-images that were high above them he hewed down; the Asherim and the graven images and the molten images he broke in pieces and made dust of them and strewed it upon the graves of those who sacrificed to them. Josiah burned the bones of the [idolatrous] priests upon their altars, and so cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 34:1-5
A Dreadful Legacy
We often think of legacy in a positive respect yet there have been countless examples of the contrary. Manasseth, King of Judah waffles(sacrificed his children among other things) in his obedience to God, is carried into captivity(with a hook in his nose) and eventually humbles himself and finishes his life serving God. However, the damage was done and as has been said by many what we do in moderation our children will do in excess. This came true with his son Amon. You will leave a legacy one way or the other! Here is a sample reading from II Chronicles 33 that tells the story.
MANASSEH WAS twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. But he did evil in the Lord's sight, like the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord drove out before the Israelites. And he burned his children as an offering [to his god] in the Valley of Ben-hinnom [son of Hinnom], and practiced soothsaying, augury, and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and wizards. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking Him to anger. The Lord spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they would not hearken. So the Lord brought against them the commanders of the host of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks and in fetters and brought him to Babylon. When he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to Him, and God, entreated by him, heard his supplication and brought him again to Jerusalem to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God. Amon was twenty-two years old when he began his two-year reign in Jerusalem. But he did evil in the sight of the Lord, as did Manasseh his father; for Amon sacrificed to all the images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them, And he did not humble himself before the Lord, as Manasseh his father [finally] did; but Amon trespassed and became more and more guilty.
2 Chronicles 33:1-2, 6, 10-13, 21-23
Great Leaders Inspire
Throughout history great leaders have inspired nations and people's because of thier ability to exude confidence and to perform great tasks. People love to follow great leaders. Hezekiah was was a great leader. At a time when one of the strongest most wicked nations, the Assyrians, came to destroy Israel Hezekiah steps up and delivers the speech the people needed. It wasn't just what Hezekiah said but it was the reality of what he lived. This was not just "political rhetoric", this was what Hezekiah believed and lived.
AFTER THESE things and this loyalty, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, invaded Judah, and encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to take them. And he(Hezekiah) set captains of war over the people and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city and spoke encouragingly to them, saying, Be strong and courageous. Be not afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there is Another with us greater than [all those] with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles. And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
2 Chronicles 32:1, 6-8
You need to read the rest of the chapter to see the follow through. Hezekiah put actions to his speech.
Response to Spiritual Reform
In the days of King Hezekiah things were not going well spiritually. Idolatry had become the norm and the people were doing everything that was right in thier owns eyes not the eyes of God. Hezekiah comes along begins to set things right spiritually and a major spiritual transformation takes place and note the first two immediate responses of the people.
1. They get rid of all thier idols
2. They give so much it is in heaps
There is the solution to declining spiritual temperature and stinginess.
2 Chronicles 31:1, 7-10
NOW WHEN all this was finished, all Israel present there went out to the cities of Judah and broke in pieces the pillars or obelisks, cut down the Asherim, and threw down the high places [of idolatry] and the altars in all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the Israelites returned to their own cities, every man to his possession. In the third month [at the end of wheat harvest] they began to lay the foundation or beginning of the heaps and finished them in the seventh month. When Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord and His people Israel. Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and Levites about the heaps. Azariah the high priest, of the house of Zadok, answered him, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the Lord's house, we have eaten and have plenty left, for the Lord has blessed His people, and what is left is this great store.
Who' s Who
Since the late 1800's there have been several publications listing outstanding men and women who have accomplished great things. Some of those publications today you can even buy your way in to be a part of the infamous listings. I have seen faxes, letters and emails offering those opportunities. There is a Who's Who book that will reveal something far more than just your great accomplishments. The book is called the Lamb's Book of Life. You can't buy your way in nor can you demonstrate enough marvelous deeds, or acts of kindness or philanthropic gestures to find yourself inscribed on its pages. Your name will only find its way onto it's pages by receiving the the offer of salvation which demands you repent of your sin and selfishness and trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
If not, then what? "And if anyone's [name] was not found recorded in the Book of Life, he was hurled into the lake of fire."
Revelation 20:15
Is your name inscribed in the eternal Who's Who book?
Anticipation
What have you got more anticipation about the coming new president or the coming KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS? A valid question, not that we ignore current events, but let's focus on something that is absolute and true, something glorious and freeing. When Christ comes in this text of scripture it will be to defeat once and for all human government and establish a universal Theocracy! You think the debates look wild and crazy, wait until this event takes place.
After that I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse [appeared]! The One Who was riding it is called Faithful (Trustworthy, Loyal, Incorruptible, Steady) and True, and He passes judgment and wages war in righteousness (holiness, justice, and uprightness). [Ezek. 1:1.] His eyes [blaze] like a flame of fire, and on His head are many kingly crowns (diadems); and He has a title (name) inscribed which He alone knows or can understand. [Dan. 10:6.] He is dressed in a robe dyed by dipping in blood, and the title by which He is called is The Word of God. And the troops of heaven, clothed in fine linen, dazzling and clean, followed Him on white horses. From His mouth goes forth a sharp sword with which He can smite (afflict, strike) the nations; and He will shepherd and control them with a staff (scepter, rod) of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath and indignation of God the All-Ruler (the Almighty, the Omnipotent). [Ps. 2:9.] And on His garment (robe) and on His thigh He has a name (title) inscribed, king of kings and Lord of Lords. [Deut. 10:17; Dan. 2:47.] Then I saw a single angel stationed in the sun's light, and with a mighty voice he shouted to all the birds that fly across the sky, Come, gather yourselves together for the great supper of God, [Ezek. 39:4, 17-20.] That you may feast on the flesh of rulers, the flesh of generals and captains, the flesh of powerful and mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all humanity, both free and slave, both small and great!
Revelation 19:11-18
Commander In Chief
We may not be electing a "Pastor in Chief" as I have heard many say however it would be incredibly refreshing and an enormous blessing to our nation if the first order of business by the next President was to put our national "spiritual house" in order. Our founding fathers gave thier lives and fortunes to secure our rights and benefits that have been thrown to the wind for far to many years beginning from the highest office in the land even down to the pulpits of America. Maybe it's time to take a lesson from Hezekiah.
In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord [which his father had closed] and repaired them. And said to them, Levites, hear me! Now sanctify (purify and make free from sin) yourselves and the house of the Lord, the God of your fathers, and carry out the filth from the Holy Place. Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord, the God of Israel, that His fierce anger may turn away from us.
2 Chronicles 29:3, 5, 10
4 Valiant Men
In the midst of wrong doing there are few who will stand up and do right. From time to time there is a bright spot with valiant men of character. Azariah, Berechiah, Jehizkiah and Amana stood up and did the right thing. When things are not going in the right direction will you be a man or woman who conducts themselves in a valiant, Godly fashion? Here is their story.
Then certain of the heads of the Ephraimites [Israel]–Azariah son of Johanan, Berechiah son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah son of Shallum, and Amasa son of Hadlai–stood up against those returning from the war And said, You shall not bring the captives in here; we are guilty before the Lord already, and what you intend will add more to our sins and our guilt. For our trespass (guilt) is great, and there is fierce anger against Israel. So the armed men [of Israel] left the captives and the spoil [of Judah] before the princes and all the assembly. And the men who have been mentioned by name rose up and took the captives, and with the spoil they clothed all who were naked among them; and having clothed them, shod them, given them food and drink, anointed them [as was a host's duty], and carried all the feeble of them upon donkeys, they brought them to Jericho, the City of Palm Trees, to their brethren. Then they returned to Samaria.
2 Chronicles 28:12-15
Super Hero Formula Revealed
The comic book hero Mighty Man does what every superhero does, fights evil and wins. There are many examples of great men in the Bible. One man by the name of Jotham is described as follows:
So Jotham grew mighty, for he ordered his ways in the sight of the Lord his God.
2 Chronicles 27:6. Very simply put he walked with God, ordered his ways before God and he was a Mighty Man. There you have it, the super hero formula you have been looking for.
To Big For Your Britches
A dangerous place to be in life is when we become "all that" and pride creeps in. It was King Uzziah who had sought the Lord and had been strengthened by the hand of the Lord that allowed pride to override. Pride certainly does come before the fall. One of the things God hates is a proud heart. Pride was the very thing that drew Lucifer to his fate (Isa. 14:12ff)
II Chronicles 26:16,19,21 But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the Lord his God, for he entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. But Uzziah, with a censer in his hand for burning incense, was enraged; and while he was enraged with the priests, the leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord , beside the altar of incense. King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death; and he lived in a separate house, being a leper, for he was cut off from the house of the Lord . And Jotham his son was over the king's house judging the people of the land.
The Key to A Fulfilling Life
Fulfillment can come in many different ways. We can be fulfilled for a brief moment of for an extended period of time even days or weeks. What is the most critical key to a lifetime of fulfillment? YEARN! Uzziah learned early on how critical it was to his well being. II Chronicles 16:5
He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the things of God; and as long as he sought (inquired of, yearned for) the Lord, God made him prosper.
It is not a one time deal, it is a continual action, day by day as the Psalmist says.
O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalms 63:1
Have you yearned after Him today?
The Prayer and Voting Link
Many have said, including this author, that 2016 is a critical voting year. The reality is every year is a critical voting year. Politics in and of itself will not change or shape a nation, however it is an integral piece of the puzzle that makes up the national landscape. There are two prevailing attitudes in regards to politics and voting. Attitude #1: If we just elect the right candidates then America will forever change. Attitude #2: It doesn't make any difference whether we vote or not, there is no hope for America. Both attitudes are wrong!
There is a clear Biblical mandate that links our responsibility to pray and vote. The principle is found in two texts of scripture that complement each other.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
James 2:17-18 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
We should pray and vote! Pray so that we might lead a quiet and peaceable life and so that those who are in political leadership without Christ, will come to Christ. Prayer, which is an act of faith, trusting God to do what only he can do, must be coupled with action or it is worthless. Just praying and saying "Oh Lord please put the right person in office" and then never voting is like praying "Oh Lord please save so and so" but never opening your mouth to witness or going to share the gospel. Faith without works is dead and praying without voting is equally as preposterous.
Can prayer and voting have a direct impact on the righteousness of the culture and the peaceable life of Christians? Absolutely! So this election cycle, Pray! Pray! Pray! and then get registered if you're not, and go VOTE!
Love God and Love People
There are many outstanding epitaphs in the Bible and many that are heartbreaking. One of the great epitaphs is about a priest named Jehoiada. Was he perfect, no. But the epitaph really sums up what Jesus Christ later in the New Testament says sums up everything. Remember when Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment? Love your God with your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.
II Chronicles 24:15-16
But Jehoiada became old and full of age, and he died. He was 130 years old at his death. They buried him in the City of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel and toward God and His house.
Reminder: Love God and Love people!
Remember Susan Smith the mother from SC who drown her children? The nation was in shock! Susan Smith buckled her children in the car and let it slide into the lake, believing it will mend the broken relationship. Both her sons, 3-year-old Michael Smith, and 14-month-old Alexander Smith, lay dead when she innocently pleaded on the national television for 9 days for their rescue and return. All this was for the sake of having a relationship with local wealthy man.
Solomon said there is nothing new under the sun. Athalia the mother of Ahaziah killed all the children of the royal family. (II Chronicles 22:10)
Mother's you have incredible influence either for good or wickedness.
II Chronicles 22:3-4 Forty-two years old was Ahaziah when he began his one-year reign in Jerusalem. His mother was Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri. He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly.
Messing Up A Great Heritage
Jehoram(not a real popular name today, by the way) could have continued with a great heritage his father had laid for him, but instead he determined to follow selfish desires. Don't ruin the heritage that has been left for you and if you don't have a great example to follow build a great heritage for the generations coming after you.
II Chronicles 21:1-6 JEHOSHAPHAT SLEPT with his fathers and was buried with [them] in the City of David. Jehoram his son reigned in his stead. He had brothers: Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah, all the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. Their father gave them great gifts of silver, gold, and precious things, together with fortified cities in Judah, but the kingdom he gave to Jehoram, the firstborn. When Jehoram had ascended to the kingship of his father, he strengthened himself and slew all his brethren with the sword and also some of Israel's princes. Jehoram at thirty-two years of age began his eight-year reign in Jerusalem. He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab, for he married the daughter of Ahab and did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Literally! A ship wreck. Poor choices of friends and close acquaintances will leave you a wreck. Choose your close alliances very carefully! That doesn't mean you are to be snobbish to those who don't align with your Biblical Worldview it just means surround your inner circle with those who do. Jehoshaphat, struggled making those clear sound choices and as a result....Ship Wreck!
II Chronicles 20:32-37 And he walked in the ways of Asa his father and departed not from it, doing what was right in the sight of the Lord. But the high places [of idolatry] were not taken away, for the people had not yet set their hearts on their fathers' God. Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from first to last, they are written in the records of Jehu son of Hanani, which are in the Book of the Kings of Israel. After this, Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly. He joined him in building ships to go to Tarshish, building them in Ezion-geber. Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because you have joined Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy your works. So the ships were wrecked and unable to go to Tarshish.
The Battle
Not that we would abdicate on our responsibility or run from adversity and difficulty, that is not the point! In the fray, in the trouble, make sure you are standing; having on your armour as you should when the enemy attacks. Whether the enemy is from within your own desires or from without. Know that you have a Battle Captain who is able to defeat the worst of your enemies. Sometimes I am my own worst enemy and my own desires need to be defeated and at other times there are external forces hurling garbage my way. I can do my part and resist(Jam. 4) and stand fast (Eph.6) all the while knowing with great confidence, the Battle belongs to the Lord. II Chronicles 20:15
Fear!
There seems to be an attitude that fear is a "four letter word" and that if you fear you are somewhat less of a person or even less of a Christian because we are supposed to be above it. In reality, as human beings we have a built in fear mechanism granted to us by God, whose handiwork is all over us. The key is, what do we do with the fear, focus on it and become crippled by it, or turn our eyes to the God of the universe who is able to overcome our circumstances. Another lesson learned from Jehoshaphat.
II Chronicles 20:1-6 AFTER THIS, the Moabites, the Ammonites, and with them the Meunites came against Jehoshaphat to battle. It was told Jehoshaphat, A great multitude has come against you from beyond the [Dead] Sea, from Edom; and behold they are in Hazazon-tamar, which is En-gedi. Then Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself [determinedly, as his vital need] to seek the Lord; he proclaimed a fast in all Judah. And Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord [yearning for Him with all their desire]. And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the Lord before the new court And said, O Lord, God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven? And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? In Your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand You.
The Beast
There is coming a day of great deception and delusion unlike humanity has ever seen. The key to overcoming the Beast of Revelation 13 and all his deceptive actions is very simple. Read the text very carefully and the answer is there. Make sure your name is recorded in the Lambs Book of Life!
Revelation 13:1-2; 6-8 [AS] I stood on the sandy beach, I saw a beast coming up out of the sea with ten horns and seven heads. On his horns he had ten royal crowns (diadems) and blasphemous titles (names) on his heads. And the beast that I saw resembled a leopard, but his feet were like those of a bear and his mouth was like that of a lion. And to him the dragon gave his [own] might and power and his [own] throne and great dominion. And he opened his mouth to speak slanders against God, blaspheming His name and His abode, [even vilifying] those who live in heaven. He was further permitted to wage war on God's holy people (the saints) and to overcome them. And power was given him to extend his authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation, [Dan. 7:21, 25.] And all the inhabitants of the earth will fall down in adoration and pay him homage, everyone whose name has not been recorded in the Book of Life of the Lamb that was slain [in sacrifice] from the foundation of the world.
Greatness was often determined in ancient civilization by the alliances you held with other leaders. Those alliances were often forged by marriages. The old saying..."You are who you are by the people you know and the books you read" certainly bears weight but you better be sure those alliances are spiritually healthy. Jehoshaphat wasn't real selective in one particular alliance when he married into a relationship with King Arab of Israel and could have cost him his life were it not for God's merciful intervention. Forge great alliances(by the way...NOT by multiple marriages) and be very selective.
II Chronicles 18:1; 29-31. NOW JEHOSHAPHAT had great riches and honor, but was allied [by marriage] with Ahab. And [Ahab] king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself and will go to the battle, but you put on your royal robes. So King Ahab of Israel disguised himself, and they went into the battle. Now Syria's king had commanded his chariot captains, Fight not with small or great, but only with the king of Israel. And when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat [of Judah], they said, It is the king of Israel. So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.
Solution to America's Problems
We have been looking in all the wrong places trying to solve all our issues with the wrong antidotes. Amazingly the solution has been hidden right under our noses all along, or in the back window of the car or stuffed on a shelf at home somewhere or in the lost and found box at church or obscured among all the other apps on our smart device. What the President needs to do is just send out our congressmen and senators and let them go across america teaching the Bible along with all the preachers. PROBLEMS SOLVED!
Read what Jehoshaphat did. He was so politically incorrect. Where was the ACLU and the People for the Separation of Church and State when they were so badly needed.
II Chronicles 17:7-9 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah; And with them were the Levites–Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah; and with these Levites were the priests Elishama and Jehoram. And they taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the Lord with them; they went about throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.
The Lord Was With Him!
There are no greater words that characterize a man or woman of God than just the simple statement...."God was with him" Why? Because Jehoshaphat sought and yearned for God. Are you yearning for God?
II Chronicles 17:3-4 Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the first ways of his father [David]. He did not seek the Baals But sought and yearned with all his desire for the Lord, the God of his father, and walked in His commandments and not after the ways of Israel.
Starting with great purpose, intentions and gusto is one thing but finishing well is another. Asa had done well, he had sought the Lord over and over, he had even kicked his own mother off the throne for doing wickedly, there were no wars and Judah was at peace. A test came along for Asa and instead of doing as he had done so many times before he relied on an alliance with another King and relied on the doctors for a personal need. As a result war insued, he was deceased in his feet and he died. FINISH WELL, don't quit trusting God!
II Chronicles 16:7-13. At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, Because you relied on the king of Syria and not on the Lord your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you. Were not the Ethiopians and Libyans a huge host with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied then on the Lord, He gave them into your hand. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him. You have done foolishly in this; therefore, from now on you shall have wars. Then Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison [in the stocks], for he was enraged with him because of this. Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time. The acts of Asa, from first to last, are written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet–until his disease became very severe; yet in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but relied on the physicians. And Asa slept with his fathers, dying in the forty-first year of his reign.
There are important things in our lives and important people in our lives. Sometimes those things and people need to be set aside because they are or can be distractions to living our lives pleasing to God. Sometimes those things or people are sitting on a throne where they do not belong. But dethroning your own mother? That is exactly what Asa did. Mommas little boy kicked her right out of the Queens chair. That is heartless, cruel and unexceptable right....no it was the what needed to be done. What needs to be dethroned in your life?
II Chronicles15:16 And also concerning Maacah, King Asa's mother, he removed from being queen mother, because she had made an abominable image for [the goddess] Asherah. Asa cut down her idol, crushed it, and burned it at the brook Kidron.
We all can relate to needing help. Sometimes we are to proud to ask and suffer through the circumstances all alone. Sometimes we are like the proverbial wolf that crys for help when it is really not neeeded. But in those moments, when help is needed, you can be sure of this one thing, it makes no difference whether you are weak or mighty, our God is all powerful and always ready willing and able to help. Just press the button! Asa did!
II Chronicles 14:9-12 There came out against Judah Zerah the Ethiopian with a host of a million [that is, too many to be numbered] and 300 chariots, and came as far as Mareshah. Then Asa went out against him, and they set up their lines of battle in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. Asa cried to the Lord his God, O Lord, there is none besides You to help, and it makes no difference to You whether the one You help is mighty or powerless. Help us, O Lord our God! For we rely on You, and we go against this multitude in Your name. O Lord, You are our God; let no man prevail against You! So the Lord smote the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians fled.
"An idol is an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed or any person or thing regarded with admiration, adoration, or devotion."
Would you like to have "rest" and peace in your personal kingdom? What about rest and peace for an entire nation?
1. The first step to aquiring rest and peace is...get rid of the idols. Anything and I mean anything people, job, food, family, material posessions...
2. The second step is...Seek the Lord God and crave for Him. Is God only a vital necessity when we are in distress or all the time?
3. The third step is...Fortify your life, home, family and your mind spiritually.
II Chronicles 14:2-4
And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He took away the foreign altars and high places and broke down the idol pillars or obelisks and cut down the Asherim [symbols of the goddess Asherah] And commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers [to inquire of and for Him and crave Him as a vital necessity], and to obey the law and the commandment. Also Asa took out of all the cities of Judah the idolatrous high places and the incense altars. And the kingdom had rest under his reign. And he built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest. He had no war in those years, for the Lord gave him peace.
Simple, yet profound. There are only two possibilities. Rely on God or rely on you. Who is wiser, knowing all things? Who is everywhere at the same time? Who has all power? A perfect example is found in a battle that takes place between two kings in II Chronicles 13. "Thus the Israelites were brought low at that time, and the people of Judah prevailed because they relied upon the Lord, the God of their fathers." (13:8) Simple yet profound. F.R.O.S. not hardly it doesn't even make sense (that's fully rely on Steve) F.R.O.G. FULLY RELY ON GOD!
Fear The Lord
Psalm 128 "BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who fears, reveres, and worships the Lord, who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments. [Ps. 1:1, 2.] For you shall eat [the fruit] of the labor of your hands; happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) shall you be, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the innermost parts of your house; your children shall be like olive plants round about your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you out of Zion [His sanctuary], and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life; Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!"
Heed Good Aged Advise
We think we have all the answers and all the angles on how things are to be done until we speak to someone with age. Then it's a matter of what's the best advice. Rehoboam took over for his father Solomon as King and failed to head the advice of the old men instead he listened to the young guns who thought they had all the best ideas. Didn't turn out so well for the man who's daddy was the wisest man that lived.
II Chronicles 10:8,18-19 But the king forsook the counsel which the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who were brought up with him and stood before him. Then King Rehoboam sent Hadoram, who was over the forced labor, and the Israelites stoned him and he died. But King Rehoboam hastened to get up to his royal chariot to flee to Jerusalem. And Israel has rebelled against the house of David to this day.
Who Should Be President?
This is the question on everyone's lips. There is great debate stirring even over the debates. The answer is very simple and found in of all places...the Bible.
We need a man full of the wisdom of God.
II Chronicles 9:5-6;22-23 She said to the king, The report which I heard in my own land of your acts and sayings and of your wisdom was true, But I did not believe their words until I came and my eyes had seen it. Behold, the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the fame that I heard of you. Happy are your wives and men, and happy are these your servants who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom! King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom which God had put into his mind.
God loves to hear you pray and see you pray. He can't help but focus on you in your place of prayer. For Solomon and the Israelites it was in the temple. II Chronicles 7:15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer offered in this place. The God of the universe is all eyes and ears bending over intently and attentive to watch you and hear you in prayer anytime and anywhere.
Death is something that the vast majority of humanity wants to escape yet in this life inevitable for all. Yet there is coming a day when most will want to die but they cannot. Revelation 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
Therefore we should consider embracing the hope that sets us free from death. I Corinthians 15:55-57 “Where , O death , is your victory? Where , O death , is your sting? ” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"
Oh that our worship and praise of the Lord, both private and coorporate, would be so sweet in His sight that we would sense His glory. For those who criticize experience and feelings as emotionalism the Glory of God is nothing any human being can conjure up. And His glory is as wonderful today as in times of old. For those who try to conjure up the Glory of God in song or some other method, it is nothing more than a flawed human effort.
II Chronicles 5:13-14 gives us a glorious glimpse into a moment when God did what only God can do and how His people were just simply honoring Him in their worship and praise.
"It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord ; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord , saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord ; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God."
When Solomon built the temple,
(II Chronicles 3-7) he sparred no expense and it was gloriously, extravagantly and exquisitely adorned with gold. The features of the temple and it's beauty would be a sight that tourist today would flock to see and it would be the talk of the travel channel. The estimated cost in today's economy is between 6 and 8 billion dollars. The temple is where the Living God dwelt. How well are you taking care of the temple in which God dwells today? Remember your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit
(I Corinthians 6:19). I wonder how people ewww and ahhh because they see the glory of the power of God in us?
Who are we to do anything for God? Solomon was preparing to accomplish the task of building the temple that God had ordained him to do and he became overwhelmed with this thought.
II Chronicles 2:5-6And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?
We are not adequate but God loves us so much He wants to use us for His glory.
Tears whether trickling down your check visibly or down the walls of your heart invisible to others indicates sorrow that can come from any number of sources. Sorrow over hurtful words spoken, death, physical, material or spiritual crisis, a wayward child, relational disasters, family conflicts....and the list goes on. One day all tears and sorrow and pain will be forevermore eradicated. So whatever your going through today, there is a better day coming.
Revelation 7:17; 21:4 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
God designed us like a one ton truck. We are designed to carry today's load but the problem is we go back and pick up a ton from yesterday and then pick up a ton from tomorrow. Now your going down the road of life in your one ton truck with 3 tons. The result....you break down.
Matthew 6:34
So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.
If you could ask for anything honestly what would you ask for? The winning numbers for the 1.5billion dollar lotto tickect? Someone to come back from the dead? World peace? ....It would be in our best interest to take a lesson from Solomon. I Chronicles 1:10 "Give me now wisdom and knowledge,"...
Wisdom-the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.
Knowledge-facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
Wow how those two would alter our world if we conducted ourselves in the wisdom and knowledge of God.
It might be your house or your car or some other material good but if the bank or someone else holds the mortgage they have authority because they hold the title. God holds the title to all things and thus is the ultimate authority over everything that exists. Therefore it would behoove humanity to honor Him accordingly. Give Him today the glory due His name. I Chronicles 29:1-13 Thine, O Lord , is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord , and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
In the book of Revelation chapters 2 and 3(not exclusively here) God says on several occasions "He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit says". Or another way to approximate that is "Now think through what has been said". In order to think through what has been said you have to have heard first. The clutter and clamor of all that is going on all to often prevents us from hearing what the Spirit says. How can we possibly be obedient or make necessary adjustments if we don't even hear what is said in the first place? He is speaking, listen!
The Living Dead. The 1968 horror film by George A. Romero and John A. Russo was not the original. The original living dead was at the Sardis church as recorded in Rev. 3:1-2 "AND TO the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Sardis write: These are the words of Him Who has the seven Spirits of God [the sevenfold Holy Spirit] and the seven stars: I know your record and what you are doing; you are supposed to be alive, but [in reality] you are dead. Rouse yourselves and keep awake, and strengthen and invigorate what remains and is on the point of dying; for I have not found a thing that you have done [any work of yours] meeting the requirements of My God or perfect in His sight."
A warning to heed that our lives don't become another horror film in the sight of God.
Obededom was a man who was blessed by God. (See I Chron. 13:14; 26:4-5). Not much else do we know about this man other than God blessed him. Oh that God would bless us today! Lord send your blessings and may my life be so pleasing that you would have every reason to bless me and thank you for the times that you have blessed me inspite of all my failures and shortcomings.
Follow me has taken on a meaning of its own in our social media culture. "Follow Me"...seemingly very simplistic, yet incredibly profound were the words of Christ when He called His disciples. As Oswald Chambers said so well in his devotional for today there was a lot that happened in Peters life between the first follow me and the second follow me. When will we get past ourselves and what we think we can accomplish and fully rely on the Holy Spirit and follow Christ as we should?
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." John 10:27
There are many outside of Christianity that don't believe it and there are many inside Christianity who have given many a good reason not to believe it...BUT.. believe it or not, mock it if you will, even call me crazy...JESUS IS COMING! Now before you jump off the deep end I didn't say when and I never will claim to remotely know that answer...BUT...JESUS IS COMING!
Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Rev. 1:7-8. ARE YOU READY?
He took us from the most filthy, deplorable, disgusting conditions imaginable; loved us, washed us clean and made us royalty.
"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." Revelation 1:5-6
