Understanding God's Will 05.24.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday May 24, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of II Chronicles. Please read Chapters 7-9 in your Bible or Click Here to read. biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Chronicles%207-9&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the sacrifices of Solomon, the glory of the Lord in the Temple, God appearing before Solomon, the visit of the Queen of Sheba, his riches, fame, and death. Today's message focuses on the importance of understanding God's Will for your life.

The confirmation of God is seen as fire comes from heaven, consuming the offering and sacrifices given to Him and as the children of Israel witness this amazing act they all bow down and praise Him. "Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD's house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." (II Chronicles 7:1-3).

After that great dedication, the Lord again appeared to Solomon by night, "And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (7:12-14).


Carefully consider the qualifications for God to heal their land. First, He is speaking of His people. This implies our need to receive Christ according to His Word. "And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." (II Thessalonians 3:5-6)

Second, to humble ourselves means, first and foremost, a confession of our sin of neglecting His Word and living as if we have no need of His direction. To humble one's self also includes acknowledging all sin, having a sorrow for sin, and genuinely repenting of sin. God alone can, and does, forgive and cleanse us from all confessed sin. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9).

Third, When God says: Seek My face, He means that we daily need to seek His will as we prayerfully read His Word. This is the only way that we may know how He wants us to live. As we read His Word, the Holy Spirit not only enlightens our understanding to know His will, but He empowers us to live it. "Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:" (Ephesians 1:8-9)


We need to ask ourselves, Will what I am seeking in prayer bring honor to God or merely benefit me? Our great need is to prayerfully read all of God's Word.

Today Jesus Christ is revealed through the glory of Solomon's kingdom (II Chronicles 9:1-28). Even though Solomon had a rich and glorious kingdom, it cannot compare to Christ's coming eternal kingdom.

Today's Psalm: 7:17
"I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your plan for our lives. You are the one, sovereign God, and you are all powerful in every aspect of our lives. We want to turn it all over to you, but there are parts of us, that we're so reluctant to release. We might not even know what it is that we're holding on to, but we can feel that part of our flesh is ruling us more than it should. Holy Spirit, sweep through us. Help us to see what it is that we're unable to let go of, and then minister to our hearts so that we can trust you in that area. Speak to us through your word today as we study. Show us something new about yourself or our relationship with you. In Jesus' name.....Amen

Have a great and wonderful Saturday and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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