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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net