Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday May 28, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Chronicles. Please read chapters 21-24 in your Bible or Click Here to read them.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Chronicles%2021-24&version=9

Today's Message: Having An Affect
The way we live our lives as Christians has a far reaching affect on those who are around and watching us, hoping to find a Christian life that really works.

During most of Jehoshaphat's reign, he maintained friendly relations with Ahab, the idol worshiping king of the northern kingdom. Although it didn't seem to affect him personally, his evil associations caused his son to become an evil leader, first he married Ahab's evil daughter, then he killed all his brothers and brought idol worship back to the land. "Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD." (II Chronicles 21:4-6). Sadly, there is always a division between living godly and living sinfully when we allow ourselves as well as family and friends to align with non-believers.

The prophet Elijah lived in the northern kingdom, he sent a letter to Jehoram foretelling his death brought on by his wicked ways. "And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah, But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, which were better than thyself: Behold, with a great plague will the LORD smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods: And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day." (21:12-15). One of the worse things that anyone can do is cause others to sin, it's one thing to bring sin upon yourself, which brings it's own suffering, but leading others into it will only cause a much harsher punishment.

Jehoshaphat could not have realized the tragic consequences that resulted from his friendship with Ahab and allowing his son to marry his daughter. Every Christian should recognize the strong warning signs against dating those who do not have the same values. Some Christian parents have broken hearts as a result of allowing a son or daughter to date an unsaved person or even a Christian that does not live right with God. We are accountable for everything that we do and even though we may not suffer we never know what suffering we will bring others if we are not careful. However, always know that regardless of how many mistakes we have made God is with us and get us through the pain as long as we come to Him.

We as Christians have a huge affect on others, we are constantly being watched, not only by loved ones, but by everyone that we come in contact with, especially those who live in the world. They are observing us to see what the value is in living for God. The majority are curious and want to take that step, but many back down when they see so called Christians living more sinful lives than they are. That is why it is so important to get right with God and live according to His Word, we are no longer making an impression on ourselves, we are making an impression on God. If we spoil our own name we will certainly spoil Gods.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We pray that You will empower us to live responsible lives so that we can be living examples of what it means to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Help us to resist temptations that weaken our resolve to live holy lives by memorizing and quoting Scripture that speaks to that sinful behavior, even while we’re being tempted. We desire to bring joy to Your heart as we live responsibly and cast off that which hinders our spiritual growth. In Jesus' Name.......Amen.

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

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