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Today is Thursday May 14, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Chronicles. Please read chapters 6-7 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Chronicles%206-7&version=9

Today's Message: Family of God
We no longer have to be born in a certain earthy family in order to be used by God, but we do have to be born into the family of God in order to be used by Him.

The long and seemingly uninteresting genealogy in these chapters reveals that the name of every individual priest and Levite, along with the family and tribe he belonged to, was carefully registered. "The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar." (I Chronicles 6:1-3). In gratitude for the Levite's spiritual leadership, the other tribes were given the responsibility of providing for those who lived within their communities through their tithes and offerings. God does not look on mankind as just a crowd of human beings who populate the earth, each person has a personal responsibility. We are all made for a purpose, but that does not mean that all of us will accept those responsibilities.

Not all of the Levites were devoted to their God given responsibilities. Some, at first, seemed to be blessed with remarkable spiritual beginnings, but when tested, they forfeited their heaven born opportunities. Aaron was devoted to his God given responsibilities, but two of his sons, Nadab and Abihu, who had every opportunity to be equally used by the Lord, did not follow God's commands. "And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD." (Leviticus 10:1-2). Eli was a faithful prophet, but his sons were unworthy immoral reprobates. Samuel was a godly judge, priest and prophet, but his sons were unscrupulous and took bribes. For years, Zadok shared the High Priest position with Abiathar (see I Kings 2:26-35), but by participating in Adonijah's plot to seize the throne from David became a traitor.

The sons of Levi represented a sacred office, not a political appointment or popular vote of the people so there was to be complete, submissive obedience to their God given call. Today, we are no longer born into a special earthly family to be used of God, but we are born into the family of God through the Lord, Jesus Christ. It's a wonderful blessing to know that by faith we are saved by the blood of Christ. However, if we want to receive the full blessings in store for us, it's not enough to have faith we must also be a faithful servant. Every child of God has the privilege and responsibility of representing the Lord and of being a faithful servant of Christ. "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:19-24).

It should be of little consequence to us whether or not we are used of God in a spectacular work. The deception of our twenty-first century is that we are prone to measure God's approval in the light of sensational success. However, the person who satisfies God is one who is loyal to the indwelling Christ. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Thessalonians 5:18-23).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
I want to fix my eyes, my thoughts, and my affections on You, my blessed Redeemer. Though You faced enormous opposition that would provide understandable excuse for altering Your redemption plan, nevertheless You endured Calvary's cross. When I consider the depth of Your commitment I am determined to be faithful even in the night seasons of my Christian walk. Jesus, help me to endure by keeping my eyes, not on that which is seen, but on the future rewards that You promise to those who are faithful. In Your Great Name, Jesus............Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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