True Values 05.22.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday May 22, 2008 and today we are beginning our srudies on the book of II Chronicles. Please read Chapters 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read.

In today's message we will read and learn about Solomon's sacrifices; his dream; his accumulation of chariots and horsemen; and his building of the Temple. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that worldly treasures are temporal and that the true treasure is the Word of God. Without it we will lose sight of the true values of life.

The book of II Chronicles is the fourteenth book of the Old Testament and contains 36 chapters. The author of the book is unknown, but may be Ezra, it was originally written to the people of Israel and the purpose of the book was to record the religious history of Judah. The principle of the book is to teach us that God's blessing comes through humbling ourselves and seeking Him.

King Solomon began his reign in submission to the LORD his God, "And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.....In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like." (II Chronicles 1:1,7-12). Through this dream, the Lord was revealing to Solomon that his greatest need was to be obedient to the Word of God.

Following the sacrifices at Gibeon, Solomon began accumulating massive numbers of chariots and horsemen, "And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance. And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price." (1:14-16).

Receiving the multitude was against the command of God. "But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold." (Deuteronomy 17:16-17). Solemon not only multiplied horses from Egypt, he did even worse by marring the heathen daughter of Pharaoh and refused to obey God's command for a king to study His Word daily. (See I Kings 3, Deuteronomy 17).

It may appear strange for one to possess such wealth and wisdom and not desire to please the Lord as David did. But possessions give a false sense of security and self-sufficiency which often robs many, otherwise with spiritual insight, of the true values of life. The Scriptures teach that the Word of God is the source of true wisdom for daily direction. As we read the Bible with a desire to do His will, the Spirit of Christ, the Living Word guides our thoughts and actions. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:30-31). It is pathetic to learn that Solomon never repented of these sins. Consequently, his powerful and famous kingdom was eventually destroyed, proving that no matter how powerful we are destruction will come to those who seek worldly possessions over God.

It makes little difference whether or not we become famous, powerful, or wealthy. But, it is most important for us to recognize that, since God is our Creator, He has first claim on our wisdom and abilities, and on our use of them. "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (II Peter 1:2-4)

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the thousand burnt offerings of Solomon (II Chronicles 1:6). We can be thankful that the one perfect offering of Christ on the cross did away with the need for many and continual individual offerings.

Today's Psalm: 71:1-3
"In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me. Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Any words we speak or pictures we draw cannot fully describe your infinite love. Your boundless love reaches beyond the heavens and yet it penetrates our individual hearts. It is only in experiencing a personal relationship with you that we begin to sense the inexhaustible and pure love that comes only from You. Even as the waves of the ocean are powerful and wash over the rocks may Your abundant love fill my life to overflowing so that Christ’s love is seen through me. In Jesus' name, I pray......Amen.

Have a great and wonderful Thursday!
God bless,
Christina

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Pray With Thanksgiving 05.21.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday May 21, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of I Chronicles. Please read Chaptes 27-29 in your Bible or Click Here to read.

Today we will read and learn about Solomon encouraged from his father to build the Temple; David's gifts for the Temple; his thanks and prayer; Solomon ordained as king; and David's death. Today's message focuses on the importance of praying with thanksgiving and praise no matter what difficulties we face.

In his last year, David assembled all the tribal princes and military captains. "And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem." (I Chronicles 28:1).

He then told them how God had chosen Solomon to build His Temple and that their greatest concern should be to be obedient to the Lord, "Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever. And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever." (28:8-9).

David then offered one of the most inspiring prayers recorded in the Scriptures, "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." (29:11-13).

David's heartfelt prayer is a reminder to all of us that prayer should be a time of praising and worshiping God with thanksgiving for who He is, as well as for what He has given us. As we recognize our total dependence upon God for everything, we will praise Him for His provision. When we neglect to praise the Lord daily, our worship often becomes a mere ritual. Every day, under every circumstance we are to praise and give thanks to the Lord. "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Thessalonians 5:16-23).

Kneeling, bowing the head, and stretching forth hands are all expressions of worship. David was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write, "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD." (Psalm 134:2).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the gold offered for the Temple by David from his personal wealth (I Chronicles 29:3-5). Gold is the purest metal as it can be refined to transparency (Rev. 21:21) and represents the preciousness and great worth of Christ.

Today's Psalm: 134:1
"Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
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 Jesus name, I pray....Amen.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

God Bless,
Christina

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God Will Supply 05.20.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday May 20, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of I Chronicles. Please read Chapters 24-26 in your Bible or Click Here to read.

Today we will read and learn about the duties assigned to priests; musicians and singers; the divisions of the porters (gatekeepers); the treasurers and other officials. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that no task is too small for God. He will bless all who serve Him and will supply us with all of our needs.

David seperated all the workers of the Temple who were entrusted with nonpriestly responsibilities required for worship in the Temple. He instituted this method for the 24,000 Levites to avoid any favoritism. This division of duties was still in effect in the time of Christ. "Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:" (I Chronicles 25:1)

The porters (gatekeepers) were called able men, "All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obededom." (26:8). Every position was equally important to maintain worship in the Temple as required by the Lord. Today, there are no unimportant tasks in the Church (the Body of Christ). The ministries dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission are also a sacred responsibility from God.

Earlier, David had planned to make Jerusalem the religious center of Israel by bringing the Ark of the Covenant there. After Uzzah was struck dead for touching the Ark, it was taken to the home of Obed-edom. When he received the Ark containing the Word of God, he also received the very presence of God who dwelt above its Mercy Seat. (I Chronicles 13:7-11). God greatly blessed Obed-edom during the time the Ark of the Covenant was in his home. In like manner, the presence of the Lord will also bless our families and homes when the Word of God is prominent in our lives. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:12-14). The more our thoughts are occupied with Christ and His Word, the more we realize His presence.

God will bless all who allow Christ and His Word to come first in our lives. Just before He ascended into heaven declared All power is given to me in heaven and earth, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the Temple treasures (I Chronicles 26:20-28). In Christ are treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and riches to supply all a believer needs. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19).

Today's Psalm: 12:4-6
"Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I know that contentment with godliness is of great benefit. It brings about a lasting peace and grateful heart that only You can give. Help me not to focus so much on the material possessions that I lose sight of that which is of vital importance. May the character of my soul and the fruit of my actions be of much greater importance than the perishable goods that capture my attention. I look to You for proper balance in the things You have blessed me with and the attitude in which I receive these good things from Your hands. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful Tueday and God Bless you, Christina

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Importance of Bible Reading 05.19.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday May 19, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of I Chronicles. Please read Chapters 21-23 in your Bible or Click here to read.

Today we will read and learn about David's sin of taking a military census, his preparation and instruction to Solomon for building the Temple, and the duties of the Levites. Today's message focuses on the importance of reading God's Word, it is our shield against Satan's enticements.

King David, beloved of the Lord, is enticed by Satan to number Isreal which resulted in the death of 70,000 people. "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it." (I Chronicles 21:1-2). We could reason, why was it a sin to number the people? Did not the Lord command that a census be taken in the wilderness (Numbers 1:1-3; 26:2). Then too, census-taking was customary with other kings in order to know what size army they would have in case of war. In spite of all our logical questions, the Bible reveals that this particular decision was instigated by the supernatural enemy of all mankind, Satan. He was permitted to influence David to authorize the census. Since sin is man's own choice to act, a righteous God must administer judgment upon the trespass. "So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men." (21:14).

David's sin was that of human nature and appears most natural and innocent. Few are conscious that Satan is so near or so powerful in prompting sin that appears on the surface to be innocent. Be assured that wherever there is a ministry being done for Christ, Satan's strategy of discrediting the believer and God Himself must be recognized. It is of utmost importance that we read the Lord's directions in the Bible.The Bible alone is our shield and weapon, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" (Ephesians 6:16-17).

Solomon was about 20 years of age when he was anointed king. Since young people do not have the years of experience that their elders do, they often underestimate the things that are of greatest importance. Consequently, David was not satisfied with just providing Solomon with the materials needed to build the Temple he wanted him to know the Lord. "Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee. Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.....Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD." (22:11-13,19).

David's appeal to Solomon is still the need of every Christian. True faith is demonstrated by our commitment and obedience to the Word of God and our dependency upon Him to answer prayer while we do all we can to bring it to pass. We should not assume that we can just leave it up to the Lord and do nothing. The Lord expects our participation in all that we can do. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the altar David built to sacrifice unto the Lord so that Israel might be restored to a right relationship with God (I Chronicles 21:18,26). Only through Christ can we be restored to a right relationship with God.

Today's Psalm: 37:4-5
"Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We are confronted with deception on many fronts every day, so much so, that we can be deceived without even realizing it. Would You help us to watch out and be on our guard so that we are not enticed by Satan, no matter how convincing they are, how charming their personality, or how cunning their craft. Help us not to fall for his deceptive tactics that have brought down believers throughout the church age. We seek You for strength and discipline. We search Your Word for discernment and the true revelation of who Jesus is; the Son of the Living God. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful Monday and week.
God Bless,
Christina

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Importance of Prayer 05.18.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday May 18, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of I Chronicles. Please read Chapters 17-20 in your Bible or Click Here to read.

Today we will read and learn about God forbiding David to build the Temple, God's Covenant with David, his prayer, and God's extension of Davids kingdom. Today's message focuses on the importance of prayer, praise, and reading the entire Bible.

Prayer and praise to God were distinguishing characteristics in the life of David. Of no other person in Hebrew history do we find equal to David's often recorded phrase, David inquired of the Lord (I Samuel 23:2,4; 30:8; II Samuel 2:1; 5:19,23; 21:1; I Chronicles 14:10,14).

David's prayer life was often words of praise and although he is the king of Israel, he opens his prayer with a deep sense of humility and dependency, "And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?" (I Chronicles 17:16). Then he praises God, "O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears." (17:20). Although almost everyone is aware of the importance of prayer, few make it a vital part of their lives. But prayer has led many Christians to make right decisions. As we pray, we are speaking to our Father, and as we read His Word, He is speaking to us. That is open communication in the family of God. Prayer and knowing God's Word are vital links in releasing heaven's power to answer our prayers. All of us need to be an example of David and meditate upon his Word and give Him praises daily.

His love for the Word of God and his prayer life were the key to his greatness. In fact, knowing the Word of God is the foundation to anyone's true wisdom. There is no better how-to-pray manual, nor reading plan than beginning in Genesis and ending with Revelation. It is an attitude of foolish pride to believe we are qualified to choose what not to read when the Lord has clearly said, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16-17). When we recognize the Bible as His unique prayer manual written for us, we will give it priority far above all other important matters in our daily schedules.

Prayer often goes hand in hand with attending Church, many Christians are usually loyal in attending worship on the Lord's Day. However, if we fail to be faithful to the Church, we fail to accomplish God's best in our lives. Then, when we are faced with a critical situation we may say with our lips that only prayer can solve it, yet we often talk more than we pray, worry more than we pray, and scheme more than we pray. Other activities are placed in prominent positions while prayer is often put aside for a more convenient time.

Be prepared because once we have been awakened to the importance of knowing His Word, taking time to pray and becoming loyal to His Church, numerous things will interfere with our intent to remain faithful. Many unexpected situations will arise that try to distract you from staying loyal to serving God. These are not coincidences, they may be Satan's planned strategy to keep us from praying or the Lord's best for our lives to give ourselves to prayer and to reading His Word. Both God and Satan know that spiritual work which is established on the foundation of prayer and knowing His Word will eventually prevail. Because of this, Satan's strategy is to keep Christians so busy about other things that they fail to allow Christ to be Lord of their lives. "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;). And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through David, the shepherd-king (I Chronicles 17:7) The shepherd king is symbolic of Christ as the Good Shepherd, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:11).

Today's Psalm: 147:7-9
"Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains."

Today's Prayer:

Dear Lord,

I want to praise You, my great Redeemer, for who You are and for Your acts of kindness seen so many times throughout my day. I never cease to praise You because You never cease to work on my behalf. Your mercy and love, Your strength and comfort, Your sustaining power and guiding hand are only a tiny fraction of the many reasons that lead me to praise You. Instead of a murmuring and ungrateful attitude, I want to join with the multitude of believers and sing of my Great Redeemer’s praise to everyone, everywhere, all the time. In Jesus' name, I pray.......Amen.

Have a great and wonderful Lord's Day.
God Bless,
Christina

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