Making The Right Decisions 05.27.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday May 27, 2008 and today we are cintinuing our studies on the book of II Chronicles. Please read Chapters 18-20 in your Bible or Click Here to read. ww.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Chronicles%2018-20&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Jehoshaphat and Ahab becoming allies, the death of Ahab, Jehoshaphat's national reformation and his death. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that the decisions we make can cause many complications if we are not letting God guide us. However, God never leaves us nor forsakes us and helps us through any situation that we get ourselves into as long as week seek His help.

Jehoshaphat was one of the most godliest kings in the history of Judah. He appointed Levites throughout the country to read and instruct people in the Law of God (II Chronicles 17:3-9). He forced the Baal and Ashtoreth cult followers, as well as the male prostitutes (homosexuals), out of his country (I Kings 22:46).

However, he made a serious mistake when he allied himself with Ahab, the Baal-worshiping king of the northern kingdom and accepted his offer to feast with him and his evil wife Jezebel. "Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead. And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war." (II Chronicles 18:1-3).

During this time Jehoshaphat inquired of a prophet to hear the word of God in which a fearless prophet named Micaiah boldly foretold that Ahab would not return alive from that war (18:4,13,16). In disregard of the prophet's warning, Jehoshaphat joined Ahab and almost lost his life. "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla......And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak. And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand. And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD? Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace." (18:6-8,13-16).

Now, the people of Judah were surrounded by vast armies of enemy nations. "It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle." (20:1). The people of Judah hastened to Jerusalem, bowed before God, confessed their sins, and prayed earnestly for God to protect them. "And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.....And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD. " (20:13, 15-18). The next morning they did as they were told and prevailed against Moab and Ammon.

Victory is always made to those who trust in God. When difficulties mount, misunderstandings arise, or situations overcome you that is when you need to trust in the True Source of strength. An important principle in praising God is to take your eyes off the alarming predicament and put them on Him. He wants to ease your burdens, but He also wants you to put your trust and faith in Him to make that happen.

The alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahab eventually caused many problems for the people that followed them as we learn of the eventaul marriage of Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram to Athaliah, the daughter of evil Jezebel. This opened the door to Baal worship in Judah and the eventual massacre of all of Jehoshaphat's sons and grandsons, except for one-year-old Jehoash (Joash) who was hidden by the high priest Jehoiada for six years and the only air left that lead to the birth of Jesus Christ.
All of our relationships should be guided by the Scriptures, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (II Corinthians 6:14-17). All too often our children are affected by our disobedience to God's Word. That's why we must teach them His Word and own up to our failures.

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through Micaiah, who told the truth even though it was unpopular with his listeners (II Chronicles 18:12-27). We are reminded of Christ when He spoke the unpopular truth to the Pharisees (Matthew 12:1-14).

Today's Psalm: 7:1

"O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:"

Today's Prayer:

Dear Lord,
When we consider how many struggles, hardships and temptations we face in our lifetime the weight of these difficulties could overwhelm us. Watch over us, guide us, and give us the strength to follow Your will and not get caught up in making the wrong decisons that could cause consequences later on for me or my family. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful Tuesday!

God Bless,
Christina

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