Deception Material of Wealth 05.07.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday May 7, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Kings. Please read Chapters 14-15 in your Bible or Click Here to read. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%2014-15&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the reign of Amaziah, Azariah (Uzziah), and Jotham over Judah; and the reign of five of last six kings over Israel. Today's message focuses on realzing that material success can be deceptive. We must not let success become more important than God, if that happens we will have nothing to show for it in the end.

Following the death of his father Jehoash, Jeroboam II ruled the northern kingdom of Israel in Samaria for 41 years (II Kings 14:16-29). However, he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD. "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin." (II KIngs 14:24). Immorality and idolatry flourished during the reign of Jeroboam II.

For about 30 years the nation enjoyed peace, prosperity, and political prestige unparalleled since the days of David and Solomon. "He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher." (14:25). Sadly, Israel's prosperity did not cause the people to worship the Lord. It appears that they attributed their prosperity to idols. However, After Jeroboam's death, anarchy prevailed and Israel rapidly degenerated.

Material success is often deceptive, as it was for King Jeroboam II. We cannot measure a man's character by the length of his life, his friends, or his wealth. All things are temporal, especially wealth, you can not take any of it with you nor will you have many true friends. Just as Isreal rapidly degenerated so will ours if we are not walking in God's will. God knows the secrets of the heart and He will bless us with prosperity in all areas of our lives as long as we acknowledge Him is what we do, or at least try our best to put Him first above all things.

Surely the goodness of God should lead us, in gratitude, to do the will of Jesus Christ our Lord. "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1:12-17).

Today's Psalm: 44:20-21
"If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I pray that You will help me to sow for myself righteousness, so that I will reap the fruit of Your unfailing love. Break up the unplowed ground of my heart that is stony and hard so that I acknowledge my sins, receive Your forgiveness, and look to You for guidance. May I thoroughly discern the vain philosophies and empty deception that pervades our society. I want to seek Your will above man’s agenda so that You shower Your blessings upon me. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.
God Bless,
Christina

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