II Chronicles 10:1 – 11:17

November 04, 2010

Solomon dies.

Because of Solomon's sin the kingdom is divided into two separate groups. Israel (eleven tribes), and the tribe of Judah.

Rehoboam takes over after Solomon dies. The people come to him and complain about how hard his father (Solomon) made them work. The people asked Rehoboam to please make it easier for them and they would serve him.

Rehoboam thinks about it for several days. He consults the older leaders and the older leaders said to treat the people kindly and the people will serve you well. But Rehoboam rejected that advice and instead decided to make the people work even harder than his father. He was going to exert total dominance over them and dominance never works!

God used Rehoboam's pride to accomplish His plan.


Next Entry: The Journey: Part One

II Chronicles 8:1 – 9:31

November 03, 2010

These chapters talk about Solomon and his achievements and wealth. For everything Solomon did right, he also got caught up in doing wrong. He knew he was going down a dangerous path—but he did it anyways. Solomon was told specifically NOT to marry/join women who had other gods. He wanted to do what he wanted to do... so he did. Consequences soon followed and his actions caused his downfall.

Solomon knew it was wrong. (II Chronicles 8:11) Solomon married the daughter of the king of Egypt. He did not bring her to live where the Ark had been because those places were holy. So, he instead built her another place to live. You can't compromise, doing what you know is against God's clear instructions, and not be affected by it. The more wealthy Solomon became the more self-reliant he became. Solomon replaced his reliance on God with self-reliance.

Today's Life Lesson is about the need to appear like someone/something you are not. What you look and/or act like on the outside and the disconnect with what is on the inside.

"The truth is that you are empty on the inside and you're faking it on the outside. Not one thing in all your "kingdom" has brought you the happiness you long for. So you're thinking... maybe if..."  

 "Money has never made anyone rich. Want riches? Then listen to Jesus. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." Then, in the application part it says, "Is wealth your aim? Put that dream aside and give priority to God. Do something today to curb the appetite for money and be content with what you have." ~ From Living on the Ragged Edge by Charles Swindoll.

Well said. 


Next Entry: II Chronicles 10:1 – 11:17

II Chronicles 5:2 – 7:22 (Continued)

October 28, 2010

Wow! It's been ten days since I've written. We've just returned from five days of vacation with the whole family. What a fun and great time we had with our kids and grandchildren. Many, many wonderful memories were made. Now... back to writing.

Solomon is praying to God in front of all the Israelites. First praising God; then asking God to keep His promises. What I find amazing is this: At the very time "the storm" in our lives is picking up in intensity, I am reading in II Chronicles (of all places) and there are three things in these chapters that exactly correlate with what Jane (Her Name Was Jane) told us to read back in 2007, just days after "the storm" first hit.

1) Psalm 150 and II Chronicles 5:12–13 - Praise to God
2) Psalm 140:9 and II Chronicles 6:23 - "...then hear from heaven and act. Judge between your servants, repaying the guilty by bringing down on his own head what he has done. Declare the innocent not guilty and so establish his innocence."
3) Psalm 140:12 and II Chronicles 6:39 - "...then hear their prayer and their pleas, and uphold their cause."

The exact same words at the exact time the winds of "the storm" picked up strength again. 

Solomon repeatedly prays for protection for those who have been wrongly accused. II Chronicles 6:35–39 - "Then hear their prayers from heaven and do what is right." Solomon finished praying and fire came down from heaven and the LORD's glory filled the temple. All the people worshiped and said, "He is good; his love continues forever." Then the LORD appeared to Solomon and said, "I may stop the sky from sending rain. I may command the locusts to destroy the land. I may send sicknesses to my people." (In other words there will be consequences.) BUT then the promise found in II Chronicles 7:14 - "IF my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." IF—THEN.

The choice is ours. The choice is yours. The LORD goes on to say, "But, you must serve me... you must obey my commands... you must follow me... you must not serve other gods" (self, money). "IF you do... I (God) will take... I (God) will leave... I (God) will bring disaster on them."

The choice is ours. The choice is yours. I choose to believe. I choose to follow. I choose to serve. I choose to obey.

Addendum: October, 2014 - See LORD – What Am I to Do?

II Chronicles 6:23 -  "...then hear from heaven and act. Judge between your servants, repaying the guilty by bringing down on his own head what he has done. Declare the innocent not guilty and so establish his innocence." Declare. Establish. That is our prayer. I don't know how that could possibly happen. In fact, I would say it is impossible. But we serve a God that specializes in the impossible so we are going to ask. We want our names cleared for HIS name sake. 

I was going to go on to say "if" this journal is to be "The Book" but God stopped me in my tracks. I can no longer hide behind the word "if."

Walking by Faith: A True Story of God's Faithfulness

and 

 Walking on His Footpath (Following the Master's Lead)

IS THE STORY. It is "The Book." We want the way cleared for HIS STORY to be told with legitimacy and without a cloud of doubt. So we are going to ask for the impossible. LORD, we pray the words of Solomon, "...then hear from heaven and act. Judge between your servants, repaying the guilty by bringing down on his own head what he has done. Declare the innocent not guilty and so establish his innocence." Amen.

I think back to what the two pillars were named. He Establishes and In HIM Is Strength. So true. So true.

Addendum #2: 10/30/18 ~ I've been thinking a lot about the prayer of Solomon after reading it again several days ago.

"...then hear from heaven and act. Judge between your servants, repaying the guilty by bringing down on his own head what he has done. Declare the innocent not guilty and so establish his innocence."  

Hear. Act. Judge. Repay. Declare. Establish. Strong words that have gripped my heart. I decided to look up the definitions to some of the key words in order to get a better understanding of the full depth of their meanings. Wow. While I am not going to write the definitions out in detail, I found them all to be very relevant, with very special and applicable meanings to "the storm" we are facing. 

This is what I KNOW: The Lord hears; HE acts; HE judges; HE repays; HE declares; and HE will establish our innocence. It is ALL about HIM.  Our only responsibility is to remain faithful and wait for HIS fulfillment of HIS promises.

I've now memorized this prayer that Solomon prayed in the temple and quote it (along with Psalm 8, Psalm 150, Psalm 140 and Psalm 1) often.

2020 Update: Establish innocence; to make firm, secure, permanent. That is exactly what happened. "The Storm" is over. Permanently! It can never be rekindled or brought up in a court of law again. Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!


Next Entry: II Chronicles 8:1 – 9:31

II Chronicles 5:2 – 7:22

October 18, 2010

The temple is built and the Ark is brought to it. The people praised the LORD saying, "He is good; his love continues forever." Solomon did the work, but God did what He promised. Solomon's work was a fulfillment of God's promise. 

God does what He says He will do!

Then Solomon prayed. I love the visual picture painted by the scriptures. The great king Solomon stood facing the LORD's altar with the people behind him. He spreads out his hands. Then, this mighty king, in front of everybody kneels down, spreads his hands to the sky, and praises God. God, there is none like you! You keep your promises. You spoke it with your mouth and finished it with your hands today. Now LORD, please keep your promises. You have said that if we continue to carefully obey your teachings, that you will keep your promises.

Addendum:  6/24/14 ~ "You spoke it with your mouth and finished it with your hands today." What a statement. What a promise. Time is of NO importance. What He says He will do—HE does!!


Next Entry: II Chronicles 5:2 – 7:22 (Continued)

II Chronicles 2:1 – 5:1

October 15, 2010

Preparations. The plans for the temple were in place; now it was time to build it.

The names of the two pillars were: He Establishes and In Him Is Strength.

He Establishes: God is in control. Every plan has been laid out. He knows. He guides. He directs. There are no surprises. In Him is all things. He provides. The maker of heaven and earth knows what He is doing. Who are we to question Him? He is THE God.

In Him Is Strength: Everything we need He has. Everything. It isn't our strength, it is strength in Him! He meets our needs. All we have to do is trust. All we have to do is believe. We are nothing. It is His power, His strength, His might, that saves us. In Him. Through Him.

Psalm 121 - Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.

Addendum: 7/14/16 ~ As I was editing Isaiah 60:1 - 61:11 something I'd never noticed before jumped out at me. In I Kings 7:21 - it says the pillars of the Temple in the first Jerusalem were called He Establishes and In Him Is Strength. In Isaiah 60:18 - it says the walls of the New Jerusalem will be called Salvation and the gates Praise.

The pillars of the Temple is the foundation for how to live your earthly life; full surrender because He Establishes and In Him Is Strength. When you go to HIM (walk through the pillars) in surrender you receive the salvation HE established through the Cross, and HE gives you the strength to follow HIM in this life. You enter the New Jerusalem through gates of Praise and the walls show the result of your surrendered life and the fulfillment of HIS promises—Salvation. When this life is over and eternity comes your PRAISE is the entrance and you are literally surrounded (the walls around you) by HIS Salvation in the New Jerusalem. How cool is that?

Imagine. What we now have as a promise will be reality.


Next Entry: II Chronicles 5:2 – 7:22

II Chronicles 1:1–17

October 13, 2010

Ask. It's that simple—ASK! BUT! There is a whole process that needs to take place before you ask.

Solomon obeyed the LORD's commands and led his people to do so as well. Solomon's heart was right. He was worshiping GOD with burnt offerings when God came to him and said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." Solomon's heart was right before God opened the door for Solomon to ask for anything he wanted. And because Solomon's heart was right he asked for wisdom and understanding to do what God wanted him to do. He didn't ask for personal gain. He didn't ask for revenge against his enemies. He only asked for the wisdom, knowledge and strength to be faithful to God. And God, because of Solomon's heart, blessed him with the things he didn't ask for.

I can't think of a single time in scripture where God invited anyone whose heart was not right to ask for whatever they wanted and he would bless them with whatever their desire was. The key here is "bless" them. God has certainly allowed people to have the selfish desires of their heart at times as a form of punishment or accountability.

The Life Lesson for this chapter was again about God providing all the resources you need and what I wrote about yesterday—being willing. No coincidence that the very thing we needed to be reminded of is the encouragement that God sent our way.

"Don't go to God with options and expect him to choose one of your preferences. Go to him with open hands—no hidden agendas, no crossed fingers, nothing behind your back. Go to him with a willingness to do whatever he says. If you surrender your will, then he will "equip you with everything good for doing his will" (Hebrews 13:21). It's a promise." ~ From On the Anvil by Max Lucado.

The Life Lesson then sent me to multiple verses about "asking." When our hearts are right we can ask for anything (because we will be asking for the right things), and it will be done.


Next Entry: II Chronicles 2:1 – 5:1

I Chronicles 28:1 – 29:30

October 12, 2010

David is getting ready to turn his kingdom over to Solomon. He put the plans for the temple down in writing; plans that the Holy Spirit put in his mind. He gathered all the things needed. He did all he was supposed to do for God to get the glory in the temple that was to be built. Then David gathers Solomon and the people of Israel together. David tells them, "Be careful to obey all the commands of the LORD." David tells Solomon, "Serve God completely AND willingly. God knows what is in your mind. He understands everything you think. If you go to Him for help, you WILL find Him. (Jeremiah 29:11–13) BUT if you turn away from Him, He will leave you forever. Solomon—you need to get this!! The LORD has chosen you to do this. Now do it! Be strong and finish the job." (My paraphrase.) David continues, "Be strong and brave.  Don't be afraid or discouraged, because the LORD God is with you. He will not fail you or leave (forsake) you until all the work you are supposed to do is finished." The priests are ready, the workers are ready—now do it.

We are in the middle of "the storm." Did we need to be reminded of this or what? Thank you, God. We will be strong and brave. We will continue.

The temple wasn't for David, Solomon or the people, it was for the LORD. David and the people gave willingly to further the cause of God. We will willingly continue forward, with our heads in the mouth of the lion, to further the cause of Christ.

In front of all the gathered people David praised the LORD. "We praise you, LORD, God of our father Israel. We praise you forever and ever. LORD, you are great and powerful. You have glory, victory and honor. Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you. The kingdom belongs to you LORD; you are the ruler over everything. Riches and honor come from you. You rule everything. You have the power and strength to make anyone great and strong. Now, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name."

Then David talks about who "they" were in the overall scheme of things. "These things did not really come from me and my people. Everything comes from you; we have given you back what you gave us... LORD we are like strangers... our time on earth is like a shadow... there is no hope. LORD, we've gathered all of this... but everything has come from you; everything belongs to you. I know that you test people's hearts. You are happy when people have integrity (NIV) and do what is right... we are happy to give to you. We have given with an honest heart. Make your people want to serve and obey you always. PRAISE THE LORD."

So, if everything belongs to the LORD, and we say that we believe that—then the only thing left—is for us to be willing. All God needs from us is to be willing. Willing to follow and obey His commands. Willing to be on whatever path He puts us on. Willing to give up everything. Willing to put it all on the line. Willing. Willing to do everything He asks us to do. Willing to give Him everything!! It is already His. We are just giving it back! Willing cannot be just words we say.  It has to come from the heart.

I Chronicles 28:9 - "The LORD knows what is in everyone's mind. He understands everything you think." You can't do this thing called "Walking By Faith" part way ... you have to be all in.

I Chronicles 28:9 - "Serve him completely AND willingly."

I Chronicles 28:10 - "Be strong and finish the job."

I Chronicles 28:20 - "Don't be afraid or discouraged... he is with you.  He will not leave you."

When we are willing—God WILL. God will do what He has said He will do. We will stand on those promises. 


Next Entry: II Chronicles 1:1–17

I Chronicles 25:1 – 27:34

October 7, 2010

Today's reading was all about preparing the different groups to worship the LORD in the temple that Solomon was going to build. What really struck me is the scripture the Life Lesson sent me to.

Isaiah 45:9 - "How terrible it will be for those who argue with the god who made them. They are like a piece of broken pottery among many pieces. The clay does not ask the potter, 'What are you doing?' The thing that is made doesn't say to its maker, 'You have no hand.' "

Luke 12:47 - "The servant who knows what his master wants but is not ready, or who does not do what the master wants, will be beaten with many blows!"

Wow. There is so much to digest in these two scriptures. "How terrible it will be," for those who decide to be their own boss instead of submitting to God's authority. "Beaten with many blows!" It goes on to say in the next verses that it would be so much better to have never known what God wanted you to do because the punishment would be so much less severe.

Oh, the audacity to think we know more than the One who made us. Talk about pride! The statement "among many pieces," creates such a word picture. Pride causes the rebellion and what does it get you? Nothing. Worse than nothing. You are like all the other broken pieces, indistinguishable from the others.


Next Entry: I Chronicles 28:1 – 29:30

I Chronicles 22:2 – 24:31

October 6, 2010

There is a recurring theme throughout all of scripture. When the LORD is with you (which occurs when you are faithful to Him and obey His commands), you WILL have success. Then it goes on to say, be strong and brave. Don't be afraid or discouraged. God has done His part, now it is up to us.

Are we going to believe Him—or not? Are we going to be faithful—or not? Are we going to obey His commands—or not? Are we going to trust Him—or not? God didn't say it would be easy, but He did give us the directions of how it can be done. No other gods. Serve only me. Forsake all others. Come unto me. I will give you rest. Hang on to me. I will give you success. Success as the world defines it? Wealth? Riches? Power? Greed? Control? No. When you've submitted your life to God those things are not your desire. When God promises to give us the desires of our heart it is when our hearts desires line up with His. Selfishness? No. Selfless? Yes.

Doing life God's way brings happiness. Trying to achieve our desires our own way brings restlessness, discontentment, frustration, exhaustion, and unfulfillment. God's plan is so much better. His plan is perfect. And the only way to follow it is to give up "self." Get out of the driver's seat. Die to pride. What you get in return is priceless!! You get GOD; the maker of heaven and earth. You get success. You get peace. You get contentment. You get joy. You get salvation.

"Take the whole world... just give me Jesus." What a great old song.

Addendum:  6/20/14 ~ The name of the song is actually I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.

I have decided to follow Jesus [Repeat 3 times]
No turning back, no turning back!

The world behind me, the Cross before me [Repeat 3 times]
No turning back, no turning back!

Though none go with me, still I will follow [Repeat 3 times]
No turning back, no turning back!

O take the whole world but give me Jesus [Repeat 3 times]
No turning back, no turning back!


Next Entry: I Chronicles 25:1 – 27:34

I Chronicles 18:1 – 22:1

October 05, 2010

When David did what the LORD said was right; the LORD blessed him with victories. I Chronicles 18:6;13 - "The LORD gave David victory everywhere he went."

David tried to show the people of Ammon compassion after their king died. Instead of accepting the messengers, they were suspicious of David and his motives. The Ammonites shamed Israel by making the messengers publicly ashamed. They cut off their beards and exposed their nakedness. They knew they had insulted David so they went on the aggressive and hired the Arameans (32,000 chariots AND the army) to help attack and defeat them. The Israelites were surrounded but they faced the battle. The Ammonites were on one side and the hired Arameans on the other. Joab gathered Israel's army. They were split to attack each side, yet they pledged to help one another so the enemy could be defeated. Joab said, "Be strong. We must fight bravely... the LORD will do what he thinks is right." The KJV says "let" the LORD do what is right.

Joab and his army attacked the Ammonites and Arameans. They both turned and ran. The Arameans regrouped, added more soldiers and attacked again. When David heard this he gathered all the people, he prepared them for battle and crossed the Jordan river, facing the Arameans. David soundly defeated them. The Arameans refused to help the Ammonites again and the Ammonites were completely defeated.

When David inquired of the LORD and followed his commands, he had success. When he decided to do things on his own, he bore the consequences. David decided to count the people. Why? God promised Abraham they would be like the stars in the sky. Why did David need to know a number? Joab tried to tell him it was wrong. But David wouldn't listen and had the people counted. The LORD was angry. David repented but there were still consequences for David and the Israelites. Horrible consequences. David took personal responsibility and the LORD relented.

The LORD asked for an offering and David gave it, only after rightfully purchasing the land and the things required. It was offered to David free. But David knew that if it was to be from his heart he could not take what was someone else's and "give" it as his own personal gift to the LORD.

Our gift to the LORD has to be ours. Our life, our pride, our possessions, our will, our dreams, our hope, our all. 


Next Entry: I Chronicles 22:2 – 24:31

I Chronicles 15:1 – 17:27

October 1, 2010

The Ark of the Lord is brought to Jerusalem, but this time David inquired of the LORD how to do it and all went well. I Chronicles 16 - records David's song of thanks.

David's song of thanks is our song of praise:

Give thanks to the LORD, pray to Him.

Sing to Him, tell what He has done.

Be happy you are His.

Depend on God, go to Him for help.

Remember what He has done.

Remember you are His.

He will keep His promises.

Sing to the LORD, tell what He has done.

The LORD is great and worthy of praise.

The LORD made the heaven and earth.

He has glory, majesty, and power.

Praise the LORD, all people.

Praise the LORD for His glory and power.

Praise the glory of God's name.

Worship the LORD because He is holy.

Give to Him.

Tremble before the holy God.

Even the skies, the earth, the sea, the fields, the trees, all will sing for joy before the LORD.

They will sing because He is the judge.  

Thank the LORD because He is good.

His love continues forever.

Say to Him: SAVE US.

Restore us LORD, bring us back.

We will thank you.

We will praise you.

Praise the LORD who was and is and always will be.

Amen. Praise the LORD.  

LORD, today we claim I Chronicles 17:9 - "I will plant them so they can live in their own homes. They will not be bothered anymore. Wicked people will no longer hurt them as they have done in the past." It goes on to say, "...I will defeat all your enemies."

LORD, we claim those verses. Free us from "the storm." LORD, we ask that you would put a hedge of protection around us. Thank you for the song of praise and the promise for protection I unexpectedly found in the middle of I Chronicles.

David prays to God and says, "Who am I... why did you choose to work through me and to bless my family?... LORD keep you promises... DO WHAT YOU HAVE SAID... LORD, you are God and you have promised these good things to us... You have chosen to bless us... Let it continue before you always... LORD bless us." This is our prayer as well.  

"I will plant them so they can live in their own homes. They will not be bothered anymore. Wicked people will no longer hurt them as they have done in the past." We will continue to STAND on the promises of the LORD.


Next Entry: I Chronicles 18:1 – 22:1

I Chronicles 13:1 – 14:17

September 30, 2010

It seemed right.

David decides to bring the Ark of the Lord back to them. He talked it over before the people, and it "seemed right." David didn't inquire of God what HE wanted done. So they did what they thought right, and they danced and sang with all their strength. The problem is they were doing a right thing in the wrong way. The end result was disastrous.

When David was being attacked by the Philistines, he inquired of the LORD. "Should I go? Will you give victory?" And the LORD responded, "Go, I will hand them over to you," and the LORD provided the victory. Later, the Philistines attacked again, and David again inquired of the LORD. This time God tells him not to attack from the front, but instead to go around back and when he hears marching in the trees to attack because, "I God, will have gone out before you to defeat them." David did as God said and the victory was won.

What a difference. Try to do things—even good things—in your own power and things get messed up. Inquire of God what He wants done and He gives clear direction. When we obey, the victory is ours. It may seem right, but it doesn't matter if it seems right in hundreds of people's eyes. The only person that matters is God. The rest of the world may think you're nuts, but if God says do it—then do it! If he says don't—then don't. 

Addendum: 6/16/16 ~ Because of  "the storm" and the absurd things I have been accused of, I should probably explain what I meant (and mean) when I talk about following what God instructs you to do.

First and foremost, the Holy Spirit would NEVER guide you to do something that goes against God's written word. NEVER. Whenever you feel as if God is directing you to take a specific action, the first thing you must do is to carefully measure those thoughts and/or feelings against God's clear values—His own words. Jesus' words are very clear. We are to love others as ourselves and we are NEVER to seek harm against another. The Holy Spirit would NEVER guide you to do something to harm another person physically or otherwise. NEVER. The Old Testament is full of graphic descriptions of when people were held accountable with their lives, but that was prior to the coming of Christ, the Lamb of God. Nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus tell us that we should be the instruments to hold another person accountable. Vengeance is the LORD's, not ours. To claim God told you to do something contrary to Jesus' words is you effectively deciding to become your own god by defying Jesus' authority as Sovereign Lord. 

In addition to making sure everything you feel you are being led to do lines up with God's Word, you should also seek wise counsel from other believers. Only after you are sure it is God's directing you by confirming it agrees with His Word, and after it has also been confirmed by other believers, should you proceed with following His direction.

Finally, there is no comparison between someone with mental illness who is hearing "voices" telling them to do something, which is obviously not from God, and the decisions made by someone who lives their lives surrendered to the King of kings and Lord of lords. The latter understands it is ALL about HIM and would NEVER support actions or behaviors that go against HIS word.


Next Entry: I Chronicles 15:1 – 17:27

I Chronicles 10:1 – 12:40

September 28, 2010

Because...
     Saul was not faithful to the LORD;

Because...
     he did not obey the LORD;

Because...
     he went to people for help instead of God; the LORD left him and he died.

Because...
     David was faithful; he became stronger and stronger and the LORD was with him.

These chapters talk about David's chief soldiers, mighty men of valor that David was king over.

I Chronicles 11:17 - David had a strong desire for some water from Bethlehem so, "The Three," broke through the enemies lines and got David the water. When David realized what they had done he refused to drink it, saying it would be like drinking their blood since they risked their lives to get it. "Humility – the mark of great leadership. Service – the result of humility." (From The Leadership Summit 2010 conference.) David didn't feel like the people under him "owed" him anything.

The higher you go in leadership positions the more there is required of you.

When God is on your side (because of HIS faithfulness to your obedience), NOTHING or NOBODY can defeat you. Benaiah went up against an Egyptian that was 7 1/2 feet tall with a huge spear, and he only had a club, but Benaiah grabbed the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear.


Next Entry: I Chronicles 13:1 – 14:17

I Chronicles 9:2–44

September 27, 2010

Because...
     the people of Judah were not faithful to God they were captured and forced to go to Babylon.

Because...
     Phineas was faithful, the LORD was with him.

Because...
     Mattithiah was dependable he was given the job of baking the bread for the offerings.

Because! The choices and decisions we make are important. Our actions determine God's response. Judah was unfaithful and their consequence was bondage. Phineas and Mattithiah were faithful and dependable and their result was God with them and God blessed them.

What a difference. 


Next Entry: I Chronicles 10:1 – 12:40