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Today is Friday May 22, 2009 and we are beginning our studies on the book of II Chronicles. Please read chapters 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Chronicles%201-3&version=9

Today's Message: Self Satisfaction
The desire for material gain always pulls us away from God's will for our lives. Many gifted people forsake the Lord to satisfy their own needs.

The book of II Chronicles is the fourteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains thirty-six chapters. The author of the book is unknown, but it could possibly be the prophet Ezra. The book was written to the Israelites and the purpose of the book was to record of the religious history of Judah. What we are to learn from the book is that the blessings that God give to us comes through our humbling ourselves and seeking Him in all that we do.

King Solomon began his reign in submission to God, the first act of Solomon as king was to gather all the people to the ancient Tabernacle of the congregation of God. "And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers. So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness." (II Chronicles 1:1-3). All who live in submission to God will be magnified. Often, we make the mistake of thinking that what we want is what God wants us to have and when we do not get it we begin to doubt God. However, when we live in submission to Him, we come to understand that God prepares and grows us to receive the things we truly need.

The one thing Solomon asked God (in a dream) was for the wisdom and knowledge he needed to be a good ruler to his people. "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." (1:8-12). Many people have misunderstood this verse to believe that it was an actual prayer from Solomon, but it was only a dream. God was speaking to him through the dream, attempting to show him that his true desire needed to be his dependence on Him. God often speaks to us in peculiar ways to get us to realize the same thing, it is up to us to study the Scriptures to know if what we desire lines up with God's desires for us.

Sadly, the more powerful Solomon got the less he relied on God, until he eventually turned from Him altogether, breaking every one of His commands. It may appear strange for one to possess such wealth and wisdom and not desire to please God, but possessions always give a false sense of security and self sufficiency which often robs many of the true values of life. The Scriptures teach us that the Word of God is the true source of wisdom for knowing the values of life. As we read the Bible with a desire to do His will, the Spirit of Christ, who is the the Living Word, guides our thoughts and actions. "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. 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 1:27-31).

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
There are many good things that beckon my attention, time, and energy, but You know what I truly need. Lord, give me the strength and endurance to press on zealously, no matter how difficult things seem. As I obey You I find reward and fulfillment in my spiritual walk and learn Your true desires for my life. Keep me firm and immovable always abounding in Your work because I want to make an eternal difference and am confident that my work for You will never be in vain. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

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