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Scripture reading for April 30th: 2nd Chronicles 26-28

People are always curious when someone says that they know a secret that will make them young, rich, beautiful, successful or powerful.  Many people have gotten rich selling secrets to achieve these popular desires.  Most of them are people who are playing on the selfish nature of man for their own benefit.   But in today’s reading, we find a treasure from the Lord!

Do you want the secret of great power?  Look at the Life of Jotham, the twenty five year old son of King Uzziah.  This king did right in the eyes of the Lord.  (2nd Chronicles 27:2)  The main event recorded about this king was a war with the Ammonites and Jotham conquered them. (2nd Chronicles 27:5)  After the conquest, he was rewarded with a large amount of silver, wheat, and barley for several years.

The secret of his power was found in one verse: “Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.” (2nd Chronicles 27:6)  Faithfulness is the first requirement of a good steward.  Jotham was faithful and he kept the faith all of his life!   He served the Lord his God.  God must be your God personally as well.  He can’t be just the God of your father or mother.  He can’t be just your nation’s God or your wife’s God.  In order to serve steadfastly, you need to know God for yourself!

If you need to ask the Lord to be your God today, take time now and get right with Him.  The path to great power starts with a heart commitment to the Lord in faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.  (Acts 4:12)  We must humbly confess our sins and our need of His grace. (1st John 1:9)    We must believe in our hearts and confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and we will be saved.  (Romans 10:9-11)  All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.  We are saved by grace through faith in Christ and He has good works for us to walk in.  (Ephesians 2:8-10)  If you continue in the faith, steadfast to the end, you will experience the greatest power available to man–God will raise you from the dead and you will live forever with Him!  (1st Thessalonians 4:13-18)  May the Lord bless you with “great power“!

Scripture reading for April 29th: 2nd Chronicles 21-25

I have officiated at many funerals.  Most have been fairly well attended and most have been for people who knew the Lord and had a Christian testimony.  Sorrow is normal and mourning can go on for several months or more.  Usually, if a person is a great leader or a person who has had public contact and great influence, the funeral is well attended and many kind words are said.  I remember attending the funeral of a famous Christian musician and songwriter.  The service was three hours long and the graveside service another half-hour! This man ended well and there were lots of people who were sad that he had departed.  Of course, we all rejoiced that he was with the Lord for he had a strong Christian testimony.

King Jehoram was a king of Judah who did evil in the Lord’s eyes.  He married a daughter of the wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.  God raised up enemies who constantly caused trouble in Jehoram’s kingdom in hope of turning his heart back to God.  But Jehoram sought idols and built pagan shrines instead of seeking the Lord.  The prophet Elijah sent him a letter that told him of his sins and warned of  coming consequences.  (2nd Chronicles 21:12-15)  This letter plainly told how Jehoram’s family would suffer and then the king himself with a wasting disease of the bowels.  It appears that Jehoram was unresponsive to God’s loving concern.

God aroused the Philistines and Arabs, and they attacked Jerusalem and carried off all of Jehoram’s sons but the youngest.  Jehoram was afflicted with the disease of the bowels and he died in great pain.  There is no record that he sought the Lord or tried to find help from God. When this king died, there was no big funeral or celebration of remembrance.  No one mourned or was sad to see this king leave this world because no one regretted his passing!

What kind of legacy are you leaving behind in your community and family?  What will people say about you and your life when you pass from the scene?  More importantly, what will God say about your life?  Will the only record be that you “did evil in the eyes of the Lord”? (2nd Chronicles 21:6)   My prayer is that you hear “Well done, good and faithful servant!”  (Matthew 25: 23)

Scripture reading for April 29th: Deuteronomy 6:1-12, Psalm 128

Dear Friends,

This Sunday we will have our children in service with us.  I feel it is healthy to have families together for worship on a somewhat regular basis. Pastor Brent will have a message for the children during the service and we will share a message to assist you in your job of raising godly children.  Our children are our heritage and blessing from the Lord!  Come expecting God to be in our midst!  In His Love,  Pastor John and Mary

Scripture reading for April 27th: 2nd Chronicles 17-20

A dangerous trend in our own land is the appointment of judges who do not just render decisions based on the law, but bend the law to suit the people.   Every government needs a moral base for their law.  God’s law is the best definition of right and wrong that was ever written down and it cannot be changed!  When judges change the laws to suit people’s desires, trouble results in the land and with the people!

In today’s reading, King Jehoshaphat had narrowly escaped death when he unwisely allied himself with King Ahab of Israel.  When he cried out to the Lord, God spared his life.  King Jehoshaphat decided to bring more reform to the people he served.  He appointed judges in each of the fortified cities and gave them strict instructions about how to serve the Lord and His people.  He told them that each decision should be rendered as from the Lord and that the fear of the Lord should be upon them. (2nd Chronicles 19:5-7)   He gave them strict orders to uphold the Law of the Lord and to warn the people not to sin against the Lord or his wrath would come upon them.  (2nd Chronicles 19:9-10)  As they ruled justly,  God would be with them and reward them.

God Himself places all authority.  (Psalm 75:6-7)   God is pleased when that authority rules and enforces His laws.  When the authority violates His laws, consequences follow that bring God’s wrath and judgment.  Our nation is in peril today because of violating God’s laws.  Unrighteous judges have reinterpreted the laws of our land and  removed God and His law.

We as a nation need to take warning from God’s Word about judges and law.  Pray that those in authority will appoint judges who will impartially interpret the laws.  Pray that there will be no bribery, injustice, or partiality.  After you pray, think about ways God gives you to make a difference.  Vote for godly leaders.  Call elected officials and make  your godly beliefs known.  Teach your children God’s Word and law so that they know what He expects!  Discuss with them where our nation violates God’s law so that they can be informed with a Christian world view.  If we don’t pray and take action, we will be overwhelmed with ungodly laws, unrighteous judges, and God’s wrath!

Scripture reading for April 26th: 2nd Chronicles 13-16

“Listen to me, Asa and all of Judah and Benjamin.  The Lord is with you when you are with Him.  If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2nd Chronicles 15:2

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2nd Chronicles 15:7

God is good at warning and encouraging!  King Asa started out right and did right in the eyes of the Lord.  He proceeded to remove idols from the land and commanded God’s people to seek the Lord and obey His laws.  He rebuilt the fortified cities and the land enjoyed peace under his godly rule.  When an attack came from Zerah the Cushite, Asa called out to the Lord for help and God answered him. (2nd Chronicles 14:11)  King Asa had a great victory and was walking close to the Lord.

God saw something inside of this king that He addressed.  He encouraged Asa by the prophetic ministry of Azariah, son of Oded.  He encouraged this victorious king to keep on seeking the Lord.  He warned him and his followers that if they forsook the Lord, they would find themselves in trouble.  He encouraged King Asa to be strong and not give up.  God would reward him for his work.   Prophesy is always to build up, not to tear down.  (1st Corinthians 14:3)

Asa was humble and teachable at the time of this earlier word, but later Asa went on his own to Damascus and enlisted the Syrian King Ben-Hadad with monies from the temple treasuries.  Again the Lord sent a prophet to warn and correct Asa.  Hanani came to him and told him he had done a foolish thing and would now be at war.  Asa became angry with the seer and imprisoned him.   He got a disease in his feet, but refused to seek the Lord and only went to doctors.  As a result, he died.

Thank God today for the prophetic word that seeks to warn and encourage us.  Ask the Lord to teach you what you need to know and how to stay humble and able to obey.  If you have a hard heart, open up to His amazing love and let this word encourage you.  Be strong, do not give up, for your work will be rewarded! 2nd Chronicles 15:7

Scripture reading for April 25: 2nd Chronicles 10-12

Have you ever slept through an important event or meeting that you were supposed to attend?  Have you shut the alarm off or hit the “snooze” button and then failed to make it to work or an important gathering?  King Rehoboam got an unusual “wake-up” call from a prophet of God and a pagan king, Shishak of Egypt, and his 1200 chariots!  (2nd Chronicles 12:3)  Sometimes the wake-up call is death staring us in the face!

The problem with Rehoboam was his failure to keep regular appointments with God and obedience to God’s law after he was established and became strong.  (2nd Chronicles 12:1-2)  Rehoboam followed his father Solomon to the throne.  But he failed to listen to wise advice and evidently failed to seek the Lord and obey His law.  Instead he sought the advice of his own peers and sought his own way and welfare over the welfare of the people God had entrusted to him.  We may get by doing this for a while, but soon our sins find us out.

When we disobey the Lord, we open the door to Satan’s attack.  Rehoboam found himself under attack by Shishak, King of Egypt.  Shishak had 1200 chariots and many hired warriors.  God sent a prophet named Shemaiah to warn Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah.  Upon hearing the Word of the Lord, the king and the leaders humbled themselves and God relented of destroying them.  He did allow Shishak to carry off the treasures of the Temple and the royal palace.  (2nd Chronicles 12:6-9) The king and the people became subjects of Egypt.

Rehoboam heard the wake-up call and responded temporarily.  He was spared destruction but did not truly repent.  He continued to do evil in God’s eyes and failed to set his heart on seeking the Lord in everything.  (2nd Chronicles 12:14)

This is a sad story that is repeated often in our time as well.  Many have divided loyalties and God sends his “wake-up” calls.  Sometimes we humble ourselves and repent but often we go right back to doing the same old things that cause us to not seek the Lord fully.  If you have trouble in this area today, ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Spirit.  Take this message as your “wake-up” call and respond with all your heart!  You wouldn’t want to miss the most important appointment in all eternity!

Scripture reading for April 24th: 2nd Chronicles 6-9

Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived other than Jesus Christ.  Solomon got his wisdom by asking for it! (James 1:5)  God appeared to him early in his rule and asked him what he needed.  Solomon asked for wisdom to rule God’s people.  (2nd Chronicles 1:7-10) God granted him his request and  gave him fame and fortune as well.

The Queen of Sheba was a foreign dignitary of Solomon’s time who had heard reports of Solomon’s wisdom and wealth.  She came to see for herself and took it all in.  Her recorded remark was “not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me”.  (2nd Chronicles 9:6)    This Gentile queen praised Solomon’s God for delighting in Solomon and placing him on the throne.  She noted that the Lord loved His people and appointed Solomon as king to uphold them and rule them for God!  She had great understanding herself as she stood in Solomon’s presence.

The Queen of Sheba also lavished gifts of gold and spices on Solomon.  She gave him over 25 tons of gold helping to fulfill God’s word to Solomon!  A king who is full of wisdom deserves great honor and recognition!

Solomon had a distant grandson, Jesus Christ, who was also filled with wisdom from God.  Luke recorded that he grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. (Luke 2:51)  Paul stated that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  (Colossians 2:2-3)  This same Jesus has been made unto us wisdom from God.  (1st Corinthians 1:30)  If we need wisdom, we can simply ask God and He will give us liberally!  (James 1:5)  We have record of Jesus’ unequaled wisdom, yet the half has not been told!  When we see Him we will know fully what we only know in part now!

As Solomon’s fame spread far and wide, so Jesus Christ’s fame is spreading to all the nations!  As the Queen of Sheba gave lavish gifts to Solomon, so we are to honor Jesus Christ and give our tithes and offerings.  He alone is worthy!  We are to tell of the riches of His glorious Kingdom and publish His wisdom for all who will listen!  We bring Him the precious “gold” of our faith and the “spices” of prayer and worship.  All nations will worship Him of whom “the half has not been told”!

Scripture reading for April 23rd: 2nd Chronicles 1-5

Two great truths about God are voiced in this simple song that was sung when the priests and Solomon moved the Ark of the Covenant into the completed temple of the Lord.  These truths are so simple and obvious that one would think everyone should know them and had experienced them but Satan is a liar!  He is always questioning God’s goodness and His enduring love!

The first truth is that God is good!  God is good in all his ways and character.  His goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives.  (Psalm 23:6)  He is good in His creation through which He has provided for all creatures food and drink to sustain them.  Everything we eat ultimately comes from His hands.  He is good to both the evil and the good.  He shows mercy by his goodness in sending rain and bringing forth crops and food for all, no matter how they might treat Him!  God is good in His character as well.  He is pure and holy and righteous in every way. (Revelation 15:3-4)   His perfection and holiness causes the hosts of heaven to adore Him, crying: “Holy, Holy, Holy!”  ( Revelation 4:8)  Ultimately all nations will come and worship Him for his goodness, justice and truth!

The second truth declared by those who moved the Ark into the Temple was that God’s love endures forever.  God is love.  (1st John 4:16).  God is from everlasting to everlasting!  (Psalm 90:2)  He pours out His love on those He has made in His image and likeness!  “God so loved the world” (John 3:16) is one of the most quoted verses of the Bible.  God’s love moved Him to send His only Son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to seek lost men and save them. (Luke 19:10)  His love heals the sick, cleanses the defiled, and restores broken lives, turning them into to trophies His of love!

Today, try singing this simple song as you go through your day.  Look for all the ways that God is good to you and thank Him as you are reminded of His goodness!  Tell Him that you love Him and appreciate his eternal love!  As you do, remember that you now bear His presence and glory as a living stone in his temple!  As you worship, you join Solomon and the hosts of heaven as they worship eternally!

Scripture reading for April 21st: 1st Chronicles 28-29

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion,  for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all you that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2nd Corinthians 9:7-8

Preachers are sometimes pushy or manipulative in asking the people to give.  There are so many needs and money is often a limiting factor in the work of the church, at least in our minds.    The love of money keeps many from giving and holds back God’s blessing in the people as well.  This area is a touchy area for many because of the various abuses and the strongholds of idolatry to money and materialism in this land.

I love the 29th chapter of 1st Chronicles.  In this chapter, King David sets forth what he is personally giving to fund the vision he has been given of building the temple of the Lord.  He sets the example of personal dedication by first giving sacrificially himself.  A good leader will always lead the way for those he is calling to help.  David gives of his personal treasure 188 tons of gold, 375 tons of silver, 675 tons of bronze and 3,750 tons of iron!   From this position of personal dedication, he challenged his other leaders to give as well.

His leaders caught the spirit of generosity that King David had modeled.  They contributed “willingly and wholeheartedly” to the Lord.  (1st Chronicles 29:6-9)  David rejoiced with a psalm of praise to the Lord for His greatness and power.  He attributed everything that he had to God’s grace! (1st Chronicles 29:11-12)  We can boast about nothing because all things come from God’s hand to us!

David prayed for the people: “And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.  O, Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever and keep their hearts loyal to you.” (1st Chronicles 29:17-18)

May God give each of us a heart to give!  If you are a leader, may you set an example of extravagant giving.  May your heart remain loyal to the Lord and open to be generous forever!  God loves a cheerful giver!

Scripture reading for April 22nd: Matthew 16:13-20, John 20:19-31

Dear Friends,

The Church of Jesus Christ is God’s idea.  He is building His Church and the gates of hell will not stop Him!  Join with a church family this morning to worship, meditate, and experience God’s word and His presence.  You will never be the same!  The battle for the souls of men requires our strengthening through fellowship, worship, prayer and hearing God’s Word!  These are the basic functions of a healthy church family!

In His Love, Pastor John and Mary