Patience & Perseverance 05.16.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Friday May 16, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of I Chronicles. Please read Chapters 11-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read.
Today we will read and learn about David being made king over Judah; all of Israel anointing David king; and his reigns in Jebus (Jerusalem). Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that no matter how big things look with patience and perseverance through God all things are possible.
David did not see any possibility that he could ever be king of Israel when Saul, the first anointed king of Israel, with all his authority and other resources, was determined to kill him. Saul was also far from being an old man, and he had sons who were the expected heirs to the throne. However, a new era in the life of David begins as he is finally anointed king over both Judah and Israel. "Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel. Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel. And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land." (I Chronicles 11:1-4).
The ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom did not decide to make David king even after Saul and his sons were killed, not until Abner and Ishbosheth were both dead. They waited until there was no one left who belonged to the house of Saul except crippled Mephibosheth, who was then only twelve years old. When it appeared they had no other choice, they anointed and desired that David be their king.
In many respects, David's problems parallel situations that some of us face today. Just as surely as the Lord gives us a desire to accomplish something for His honor, obstacles will appear. It may be a financial situation that seems hopeless or simply a feeling of inability to cope with problems. For some of us, not much opposition is needed before we feel there is no use in trying. Whatever the case, overcoming these difficulties may seem as impossible for us as it was to David becoming king.
When one recognizes God's authority and yields to His will, then he will see that all personal influence and abilities of every kind are gifts of the sovereign God, bestowed lovingly by Him for rewards in heaven for all eternity. It meant waiting patiently many years and going through difficult circumstances.
The Lord never promised an easy road for any of His followers. In fact, Jesus said, "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23). The way of the cross is often long and lonely and it is never popular. Once we submit to the authority of Christ over our lives, we will patiently look to Him for direction and strength. "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:22-25). It is not what we do for God that matters, but how faithful we are when doing it that matters.
Discover Your Talents 05.15.08
It is Thursday May 15, 2008 and today we are continuing out studies on the book of 1 Chronicles. Please read Chapters 8-10 in your Bible or Click Here to read.
Today we will read and learn about the descendants of Benjamin; the priests and Levites in Jerusalem and their responsibilities; the genealogy of Saul; and the tragic deaths of Saul and his sons. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we all have special talents that God has given us and no matter how small they seem, they are important to God.
The Chronicles were especially written to encourage Jews who were to reconstruct the Jewish national and religious life in Judea. Only a small minority of Israelites were willing to leave the comforts of the new Persian kingdom and return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. "So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression. Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh;" (I Chronicles 9:1-3).
These people had all returned to rebuild the Temple, "And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God......And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief; Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.....And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale. Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices." (9:13,17-18,28-29). The work of the Nethinims (overseeing the vessels) may seem rather insignificant, it was essential work that needed to be done for the Lord. Loyalty to their heavenly King made them willing to work and to serve wherever needed.
Some of the responsibilities appear to be of little importance, but God esteemed each responsibility as indispensable and worthy of recording and, collectively, all tasks were necessary to fulfill the service to the Lord in the Tabernacle. Regardless of the seeming importance or insignificance of our abilities, they are a sacred trust from God. The Lord does not expect the person who is given one talent to fulfill the responsibility of the person who has five talents, but, though his talents may be minimal, everyone can do something. "For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey." (Matthew 25:14-15).
We are reminded to be faithful stewards of our lives and the abilities and opportunities that God has entrusted to us. "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:22-24).
In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through Jerusalem, which means "foundation (possession) of peace" (I Chronicles 9:3). Christ is the only foundation of peace upon which man can stand before God.
Today's Psalm: 102:25-26"Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:"
Today's Prayer:Dear Lord,You have called us, Your servants, to exercise our talents to the contributing of the needs of others, leading, and being vessels of Your mercy. Help us not to be fearful or timid in exercising our talents that flow from Your power within us, since it is not for our own glory, but rather for the building up of the body of Christ. We are inadequate within ourselves, but fully sufficient according to the grace given to us through Your Holy Spirit. We seek affirmation from You, the opportunities You provide us, to confirm our talents and to use them for You. In Jesus' name........Amen.
Have a wonderful Thursday!God Bless you,Christina
Missing Out of God's Blessings 05.14.08
It is Wednesday May 14, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of I Chronicles. Please read Chapters 6-7 in your Bbile or Click Here to read.
Today we will read and learn about the descendants of Levi; the Temple singers and keepers appointed; the descendants of Aaron; the cities of the Levites; and numerous genealogies leading to the birth of Christ. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we must guard ourselves against giving in to seeking the things that this world offers before we miss out on God's best blessings.
Chapter six is given wholly to the tribe of Levi, which God appointed to serve as His priests. Levi's descendants include Moses and Aaron, which also lists of all their priestly services throughout the chapter. From the time Abram dwelt in Hebron it has a major part in God's plan for Israel.
