2 Chron. 18

King Ahab had formed an alliance with King Jehoshaphat to battle their mutual Syrian enemies. Having sought the Lord’s counsel at Jehoshaphat’s request, he received false counsel that he would be victorious. However, the true prophet Micaiah predicted a loss.

King Ahab became the victim of a random archer’s arrow, although he was disguised as a common soldier. God caused him to be the target of an unguided arrow, thus fulfilling Micaiah’s prophecy.

Our lives are in God’s hands. Actually, nothing is random because God has control over everything that happens to us. We are wise to abide under His Protective Hand.

Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. [Ps. 91:9-11]

Testimonial note: Patty and I memorized Psalm 91 when I was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. God graciously kept me out of the war. I had Christian buddies whom God preserved without a scratch even though they lived in combat.

2 Chron. 14-17

Asa had a great reign, for the most part following with ways of King David and honoring the Lord with his decisions. However, in the later days of his life he was diseased in his feet. His condition got progressively worse. He sought the help of physicians, but didn’t trust God for his health.

This strikes close to home for me. I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet. It is a result of the medications I took early in my Multiple Myeloma diagnosis. I am hereby resolved to begin seeking the Lord’s healing in my feet, and the other areas of my affliction. I want my life to be a testimony to God’s faithfulness.

2 Chron. 11-13

Today we bring you a special announcement!

JESUS IS THE ANSWER!

You may ask, “What’s the question?” It makes no difference. Christ Jesus is always the answer to every question. Go ahead and try it. Ask a question. Christ is and has the answer. Need healing? Need money? Need wisdom? Need strength? Whatever you need, He has it.

1. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. [Col. 2:9]
2. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: [1 Cor 1:30]
3. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; [Eph. 3:16]

My parents were raised in a movement called “Jesus Only.” The truth is, if you have Christ Jesus, you have all of God.

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? [John 14:9]

2 Chron. 8-10

Solomon put a “heavy yoke” of taxation upon the inhabitants of Israel. His standard of life was very high … gold was always his choice … silver was considered of little value. Leaders came from around the world to learn how he had created such a glorious kingdom. It seems that he got more credit than God did.

Taxes are necessary to operate a government. When the people observe that taxes are used for the personal success of a few at the top, people become disgruntled. Solomon’s son Rehoboam imposed an even greater burden upon the people. They promptly rebelled.

The people can only take so much hypocrisy.

2 Chron. 5-7

IF my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. [2 Chron. 7:14]

Our land NEEDS a healing. God transcends our national identity, but HE puts this formula in His Word so we can pray for the peace of the city and nation we live in.

“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” [Jer. 29:7]

Now, we humble ourselves, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways. That’s our part.

2 Chron. 2-4

Huram-Abi was a very highly skilled artisan whom King Hiram sent to Solomon to fabricate and produce items of worship for God’s temple. His list of accomplishments is staggering. He undoubtedly had the very best workers given to assist him, but his ability to produce quality work stands out in the Bible.

Paul encouraged us to do whatever we do “Heartily as unto the Lord.” God’s Holy Spirit is the silent observer of all we do. A lifestyle that pleases the Lord is always working for God’s glory and not the mere reward of man.

The great composer, J.S. Bach, signed all of his music with the dedication Soli Deo gloria .. the glory only goes to God.

1 Chron. 29; 2 Chron. 1

Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead. It was no doubt a request that pleased the Lord.

Each day I pray for the leaders of our church and our school. This is my primary request; Lord, give them wisdom to make the right decisions. Especially in 2020, wisdom has been NEEDED.

Wisdom has been defined as “Insight into the true nature of things.” When the issues are clearly seen, better decisions can be made.

Good leaders make decisions that pursue the best for everyone. Leaders destroy respect when they make decisions that contribute to their own self interests.

Examine the fruit that follows politicians when you vote. Are they for YOU, or for THEM-SELF?

1 Chron. 26-28

God gave the plans for the new temple to David. “I have (it) in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.” [1 Chrn 28:19] Details, accurate material lists, and insights into building it were all in the heart of David.

This is an example of how God fills the mind of a leader and lays out plans for whatever He is involved in. People just don’t understand why God does that. They want Him to spread it around so they can claim some credit. This gets them in trouble. When God gives the plan, He will defend it. The leader need not defend him/herself. Step back and watch God protect and defend His doings. Just keep being obedient and do what He shows youl

1 Chron. 24, 25

David used the casting of lots to determine the order of service for Levite families who ministered unto the Lord. The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. [Pr. 16:33 CSB]

The Disciples cast lots to replace Judas. {Acts 1:26]

All football games begin with a flip of the coin.

Disclaimer: I am not sanctioning gambling hereby. I am saying that lots can solve disputes fairly. Try it with your children.

1 Chron. 20-23

David had it in his heart to build God a temple in which to live. It seemed this was his lifelong quest. He finally designated the threshing floor of Araunah (also called Mt. Moriah where Abraham offered Isaac) for the location of the new temple. Solomon was commissioned to build it but David gathered quality materials for its construction so that “The house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations.”

The latter house’s glory is greater than the former. God’s house IS His church. We are that magnificent building, and God is still putting in the quality. He is refining us for more beauty. We are His bride.