Wall of Protection

O. T. #951 "Wall of Protection"
March 31, 2017
2 Chronicles 11


LET IT GLOW

The division of Solomon's kingdom was a result of a revolt of the 10 northern tribes of Israel. Jeroboam led them to separate due to over taxation and forced labor, thus being placed as their king. He established the city of Shechem as his royal residence.

That left the tribes of Judah and Benjamin forming the southern nation of Judah, with Rehoboam as their king. He was Solomon's son. Of course, had Rehoboam listened to the counsel of the advisors of his father, the split would not have occurred. David's line came through Judah, continuing to Jesus.

Israel's kings ruled about 20 years until Assyria conquered them. Judah's kings ruled about 345 years until Babylon conquered them. Eventually, the Babylonian Empire reigned over all this region, which lasted about70 years for God's people. God allowed this due to the idolatry of both nations.

That's an overview of history for us to review. There were priest and Levites who did not support Jeroboam as their king due to his idol worship, and the left the area to go to Jerusalem and the Temple. Thus, Jeroboam set up his own idolatrous priests.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary gives us some good insight here:

• Demons is another word for idols (Lev. 17:7). Jeroboam made 2 golden calves for worship in Bethlehem and Dan.
• God's blessings rested upon Rehoboam and Judah for 3 years because of the people's commitment to the ways of God as patterned after David and Solomon. However, his life of polygamy violated God's law for marriage and resulted in severe trouble and disaffection toward God.
• Presumably, Rehoboam's 3 years of blessing preceded a fourth year of spiritual rebellion, which God judged in his fifth year with judgment at the hand of the Egyptians.

Are we careful in what has first place in our heart and life? If God is not on the throne of our life, then we allow some form of idolatry to creep in and we know how that ends up. We become subject to the effects of demons, and ooh what a mess they can make of things.

So friends, let's stay close to God, surrendered to Him.

LET IT GROW

Rehoboam eventually forsook God's Word and led Judah into apostasy, as we find out in the next chapter. Previously, God had put a wall of protection around His people, so great nations were not able to invade their territory.

Are we trusting in God's protecting hand up us? Or are we trusting in our self? Do we pray for His wall of protection around our family, as the world tries to lead them astray?

LET IT GO

Stay within the wall of protection that God has around me.

Be obedient to His commands and servant to His leading.

Pleasing Others

O. T. #950  "Pleasing Others"
2 Chronicles 10
March 28, 2017
And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants forever.  2 Chronicles 10:7

LET IT GLOW

Seems like lately, all I do is make people angry at me. All I'm doing is following the rules, informing them, but they do not seem to be interested in those things. No, they want their way, whether it is right or wrong. Don't tell them "no" either, or they will be out to get you, me in this case. They are revengeful; spread gossip; and turn others against us. So I have folks, whom I never dreamed would walk away so they don't have to talk to me. Friends, who chew me out and slap my hand, mind you. Never in 37 years of ministry have I had church people be so hateful to me as recently. Well, I have cried my heart out for days on end. But Jesus always comes and puts the broken pieces back together and gives me strength to carry on. I leave the revenge to Him. His judgment is so  worse than what I could ever think of. No, it will take a while, but I'm sure Jesus will give me forgiveness and love for those folks. Now, I'm sorry to have poured out my hart to you, but have you experienced a similar thing?
Pleasing others-oooh eee, that is a tall cup of tea, Lord! I realize there are some folks you cannot please, if you hung them with a new rope, so to speak.
Are you ready to move on? Thanks for listening. I feel better already now.

As a reminder, the Chronicles are divided into four divisions:

1. The Genealogies (chapters 1-9 of 1 Chronicles)
2. The Reign of David (chapters 10-29 of 1 Chronicles)
3. The Reign of Solomon (chapters 1-9 of 2 Chronicles)
4. The Kings of Judah (chapters 10-36 of 2 Chronicles)

By the time of our chapter, King Solomon has died. (2 Chronicles 9:31)
Now his son, Rehoboam take over as Israel's king. In only 19 verses, the monarchy of Israel's king divides. Isn't that something?

Is there anything that divides our home, our family, our church? A house divided will fall.

LET IT GROW

Liberty Bible Commentary gives us an outline:

• Israel's request for a new king, Rehoboam (verses 1-5)
• the counsel he received (verses 6-11)
• his foolish decision and answer (verses 12-15)
• the resultant revolt of the northern tribes (verses 16-19).

It corresponds with 1 Kings 12:1-19, verse by verse. Ezra failed to mention Jeroboam who was king over Israel in 1 Kings 12:20.

I noticed that Rehoboam sought counsel with the older men, who advised Solomon, but he did not heed it. Instead, he listened to the younger, inexperienced men, and as Paul Harvey said, "We know the end of the story." Israel divided into two kingdoms-northern and southern, with 2 kings.

Are we doing good to people? Do we do our best to please them? Are we willing to give them favorable answers?

Perhaps the young men had public jobs, eating out of the public trough, so to speak, and did not want their source of money cut off, but increased with money from more taxes. That is what the revolt was about. Pockets were padded besides the king's. Isn't that the way it goes often times-politicians pass bills to put more money into their projects or pockets?

Do we consider the good of the people instead over our self? Do our decisions take advantage of others? How will this effect them?


LET IT GO

Give my burdens to Jesus; pour out my heart to Him.

Think of others before myself.

Obey God's commands and Word.

*Update on Rose: She is doing well off the gas, which was keeping her down. Her oxygen level is good. She still has the trachea tube in, though. We are hooping she can come home the first of next week. Yes, Gaylene, God is good!

Who Has The Reigns in Your Life?

O. T. #950  "Who Has The Reigns in Your Life?"
March 27, 2017
2 Chronicles 9-Part 2
verse??

LET IT GLOW

Who has the reigns in your life and mine? Horses are guided by the turn of the reigns. Are we allowing God to turn us His way or are we turning our own way? When we know which direction we are to go, do we  allow God free reign to guide us? Or are we in charge of where and what we do? Solomon had that problem.

It appears that Solomon does as verse 25 tells of his 4,000 stalls for horses and chariots and 12,000 horsemen. He stationed them in chariot cities. The horses were imported from Egypt. At that time, chariots from Egypt could be purchased for 600 pieces of silver and horses for 150 pieces of silver.

The king knew that he was forbidden to multiply his horses according to the Mosaic Law, yet he did.
(Deuteronomy 17:14-20) Also, kings were warned not to multiply chariots, wives, and gold.
(1 Kings 10:14, 26, 28)

One of the most impressive things at Megiddo is the ruins of the stables that Solomon had there. And there are runs of his stables in several other areas(McGee)

What was happening here? Was his heart and mind being turned to material things instead of God? Seems that way. Gradually his hart turned way as he began to worship the idols of his foreign wives.
The worse part is that Solomon led the nation into idol worship, too.

Are we keeping our relationship with God as strong as ever? Beware, lest materialism and wealth creep in.  Just saying, prosperity often causes people to ride that horse farther and farther away.

LET IT GROW

Solomon's splendid empire:

• included land from the Euphrates River in the north to the land of the Philistines and the border of Egypt in the south, with his ruling over those kings;
• silver made as plentiful in Jerusalem as stone; (He collected taxes from the people and the 12 tribes of Israel.)
• valuable cedar timber was as common as sycamore-fig trees that grow in the foothills of Judah; (a reddish lumber that was fragrant)

Gold came to Solomon from tolls and tariffs from traders, revenues from loyal administrators, and taxes from Arabian kings ho used caravan routes un der his control.  (MacArthur)

Are we keeping our relationship with God alive and strong? Or have we allowed circumstances to cause our faith to waver.

LET IT GO

Give God the reigns in my life.

Keep materialism and wealth in its right place.

Breathless

O. T. #949  "Breathless"
March 24, 2017
2 Chronicles 9
Praise the LORD your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne as king to rule for Him.  2 Chronicles 9:8

LET IT GLOW

Have you seen or experienced anything which left you breathless? I stand in awe when I see God's creation, especially the beautiful trees and flowers this spring, deer jumping over fences, a cute little baby calf, and sweet children playing in their innocence.
Today we read of a queen who came to visit Solomon and was breathless at what she saw. Shall we find out what caused her to be breathless?

What a guest! The Queen of Sheba came to visit King Solomon of Israel. What do we know about her? David Guzik summarizes her visit, with added explanations of others:
1. She came with questions to learn. (Solomon's wisdom and fame had spread.)
2. She came from a distance. (The nation of Sheba was about 1,200 miles from Jerusalem in  
    southwestern Arabia, which is modern Yemen.)
3. She came with gifts to offer. (She gave him 9,000 pounds of gold, great quantities of fine spices,
    and precious jewels.)
4. She saw riches of the king. (She saw the elaborate palace, amazing food, organization of his
    official and their splendid clothing, the cup-bearers and their robes, and the burnt offerings
    Solomon made at the Temple of the Lord.)
5. She stayed for an extended time.
6. She came telling all that was in her heart. (She talked about everything that was on her mind.
    Solomon had answers for her questions; nothing was too hard for him to explain to her, for he had
    God's wisdom.)

One reaction of the Queen of Sheba is described as breathless. Can you imagine all the splendor Solomon had?
What about people impresses you? Is it their character, their riches, their wisdom?


LET IT GROW

The Queen of Sheba paid Solomon several compliments:

• Everything she heard in her country about his achievements and wisdom was true!
• She didn't believe it until she saw it with her own eyes.
• She had not heard half of his wisdom. It was far beyond what she was told!
• How happy his people must have been.
• What a privilege for his officials to hear Solomon's wisdom.
• Because God loved Israel and desire His kingdom to last forever, He made Solomon king over them so He could rule with Justice and righteousness.

Just as the Queen diligently sought Solomon, his splendor, and wisdom, how much more should
we seek King Jesus'.
Do we bring our hard questions to Christ; He is wiser than Solomon. (Meyer)

Jesus mentioned the Queen of Sheba in Matthew 12:42, where He tells the Scribes and Pharisees, "...behold, a greater than Solomon is here."
Jesus was speaking of Himself, the Messiah, the Savior. Yet those religious men did not believe Him.


God wanted to reach the nations through the obedience and blessings of Israel, but they disobeyed God, and He spoke through their discipline.

As we read of the splendor of Solomon and his great achievements do we realize that they were gifts given by Almighty God? Do we marvel at His wonderful deeds?

LET IT GO

Tell the Lord how beautiful His creation is, naming them one by one.

Thank Jesus for His blessings upon my family.

Praise Him for eyes to see and ears to hear His marvelous creation.

Where Is Your Road Leading Today?

O. T. #948 "Where Is Your Road Leading Today?"
March 23, 2017
2 Chronicles 8
Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.  Matthew 7:13-14 

LET IT GLOW

Where is this country road leading me today, Lord Jesus? This morning it lead me to town, as I took Rose's daughter to work, while she is in the hospital recovering room surgery. Later, it will lead me to a bookstore so I can pick up VBS shirts for teachers. And, I hope to minister to people along the way. Lead me, to where You want me to go for Your kingdom work, Jesus. Direct my steps and words today. Where is your road leading you today?
Solomon had built roads in his kingdom. Let's see where they lead.

Solomon accomplished much in his 24 year reign as king over Israel. He spent 20 of those years building the Temple (7) and his palace (13). He had other building projects-cities, highways, houses.
In 1 Kings , we read of Solomon selling 20 cities in Galilee to Hiram in exchange for gold (about 4.5 ton. Later, Hiram gave the towns back to Solomon because the cities did not meet his approval (verse 2 in chapter 8):

• Megiddo was a city guarding a crucial pass in the Carmel mountains, linking the valley of Jezereel and the international coastal highway to Egypt.
• Gezer, located about 20 west of Jerusalem, lay in the coastal plain at the intersection of the coastal highway and the main road to Jerusalem.
• Lower Beth Horon, about 20 miles northwest of Jerusalem, along a road connecting Gibeon with western lowlands and providing a western approach to Jerusalem.
• There were storage cities for storing food; cities for the king's chariots. They were probably located along key roads throughout the nation. (The MacArthur Bible Commentary)

Are we going down the right road which God has purposed for us today? Or are we going on our own roads, leading who knows were? Are we helping others stay on the straight and narrow right road?.


LET IT GROW

Solomon had a house built for his wife, the Pharaoh's daughter. Their marriage secured a good relationship with Egypt. He knew it was not right for her to live in the house that David had lived, nor be close to the Temple and Ark of Covenant. See, she was a pagan who worshiped idols. To beat all, Solomon knew his pagan marriage did not please God. All those foreign wives he had were contrary to God's laws (Deut. 7:3-4). Eventually, they caused Solomon's down fall-idol worship replaced worship of God.

We need to be careful in that one area of our life not surrendered to God, for it can led to our down fall into sin. Are we guarding our relationships? Don't let sin have a foothold. Always be on the guard even against the appearance of evil.

LET IT GO

                                ...of my will for today, and follow God's will.
                                ...and protect myself from any appearance of evil.
                                ... and stay on the straight and narrow road.
                             

Astonishment

O. T. #947  "Astonishment"
March 22, 2017
2 Chronicles 7-Part 4
And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to everyone that passeth by; so that they say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house? 2 Chronicles 7:21


LET IT GLOW

Does anything astonish you or amaze you? With the way our society is now, it shouldn't, but some things I see still do. Israel was headed down that road.

Ezra is telling his people of Israel their history as they return from captivity of 70 years to rebuild the Temple, cities, and government. Their hearts had turned back to the Lord. In this chapter, we read of the sacrifices Solomon and others had made unto the Lord after his dedication of the new Temple, which he had built. Then God appeared to Solomon a second time giving him conditions of blessings and consequences of disobedience. If the nation obeyed God, then David's kingdom would be established and his descendants would rule it.That is where we pick up the story.

What would bring on the lack of rain, crop eating locusts, and diseases upon the people of Israel?

• turning away from God (verse 19),
• forsaking God's statutes and commandments, 
• going and serving other gods,
• worshiping other gods,

There it is, spelled out to Solomon and Israel, as well as written in black and white for us.
Do we know folks who have turned from following after God's commands?
Are they not worshiping God, instead self, pleasures, or materialism, which is things?
Can we help them turn back and repent?

LET IT GROW

Then Israel would be plucked up by their roots out of their land, which God gave to them, and out of the place God had sanctified in His name (Temple), and cast out of His sight, made a proverb and byword among the nations.

People who passed by the place where the Temple had been after its destruction would be an astonishment to them.
Astonishment, in the Hebrew language, is the word shaaph (shah'-af), which means fluctuation; Webster's Dictionary clarifies it as meaning amazed.

So when people passed by the spot where such a magnificent Temple once stood, they would be astonished, amazed, appalled that it was gone.

God would  it would be an object of mockery an ridicule among the nations.

In verses 21-22, they would ask, "Why did the LORD do such terrible things to this land and to this Temple?"
The answer would be: They abandoned God, worshiped other gods, bowed down to them, That is why He brought all those disasters upon them.

Their disobedience was legendary and so was the destruction of their kingdom and their dispersion. When Israel is saved, then their King Messiah will set up His glorious kingdom. (Rev.20:1)
(MacArthur)

Soon after Solomon's reign, the Temple was ransacked (12:9). It is difficult for us to imagine that such a great and wise king could become corrupted by idols-symbols of power, prosperity, and sexuality. But even today these idols lure us into their traps. When we allow any desire to rival God's proper place, we have taken the first step toward moral and spiritual decay. (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GO

Stay close to God, His commands, and worship Him only.

Do not allow things to become more important than God.

*It is an astonishment as to all the great things God has brought Rose through-heart valve and artery replacement, tracheotomy, ablation on her heart. We keep praying for her getting off of nitric oxide, which helps her lung pressure remain normal. When it is removed, her oxygen level goes down.

If and Then

O. T. #946 "If and Then"
March 20, 2017
2 Chronicles 7-Part 3
If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  (2 Chronicles 7:14)

LET IT GLOW

God gave Solomon some conditions for Israel to meet when they had sinned and in order to return to Him. If they would do certain things, then God would do certain things. Let's find out what the if's and then's are.

MacArthur suggests that years may have passes since the Temple had been dedicated in chapter 6 and God's appearing to Solomon a second time.

McGee says verse 14, "The interpretation of a verse of Scripture will teach us what it means in its setting and context. It may not be written to us at all. We can think of many commands I the Old Testament which are not commands given to us. However, the application of all Scripture is for us. Israel cannot have peace in that land because they have not met those conditions."
In his opinion, this verse is taken out of context and used for profit of people, but was God's word to Solomon.

Well, anyway, we have had this verse quoted to us before revival services. It seems to get us in the right frame of mind and relationship with God so we can pray for others.

In chapter 6, Solomon asked God to make provisions for Israel when they sinned. God answered in four conditions for forgiveness:

1. Humble yourself by admitting your sins.
2. Pray to God, asking for forgiveness.
3. Seek God continually.
4. Turn from sinful behavior.

If Solomon wanted to continue, he had to meet God's conditions for it to happen. We know about Israel's sin of worshiping idols, later on. They had a few kings who brought them back to God (8/40), but they split into two nations and strayed for God, overall. He used pagan people to conquer them and bring them back to Himself in repentance and obedience. Now is that mercy?



LET IT GROW

Can this verse apply to us Christian today? I think so and so does McGee. He gives us New Testament verses for us (which seems so contradictory).

1. The church, body of Christ, believers that are saved, according Titus 2:14.
2. Humility-with lowliness meekness, longsuffering, forebear one another in love (Gal. 5:22-23).
3. Pray-many times Jesus instructed His disciples to pray
4. Seek God's face-set your affection on things above, not n things on the earth (Col. 3:1-2).
5. Turn from their wicked ways-repentance (Rev. 3:19).

How about God's part?

1. God promised He would hear-do things pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:22).
2. He promised to forgive-1 John 1:9
3. He said that He would heal their land-Israel's people would be healed of their sins.

We are blessed with spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. Heaven is our home and the New Jerusalem is our home.( McGee)

In verse 15, "this place" is the Temple site in Jerusalem. Today it is not there as a sacred spot. The Mosque of Omar, which was established in 1193 by a conqueror named Omar, some 924 years ago, is an Islamic temple. How sad!
This spot is very dear to Jesus, and one day He will return to earth and establish His kingdom and Temple there.
Even though America is not the Promised Land as Israel, can we not repent and turn from our wicked ways as a nation, back to God and receive blessings?

LET IT GO

Be humble, pray, seek, and turn.

March 18, 2017

Update on my Sister In Law Rose: She has been moved from Pulmonary ICU to a regular ICU, where they are familiar with her disease, Pulmonary Hypertension. Today the doctors plan to remove this gas once again from her lungs. It has been tried twice before, without success. So would you pray for her once again, that her lungs would adjust properly. She had a tracheotomy done Friday so the big tube was removed.
We are trusting Jesus for the best out come according to His will. We appreciate all your prayers.

In Christ's Love,
Linda

Listening

O. T. #945  "Listening"
March 7, 2017
2 Chronicles 7-Part 2
If I shut up heaven that there is no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people...  2 Chronicles 7 :13

LET IT GLOW

King Solomon built a magnificent Temple as the house of the Lord, for he longed for God's presence to be obvious there. Solomon spared no expense or effort. However, he recognized that it was no guarantee that God would choose to inhabit this place when the spectacular building was completed. The priestly choir sang and played instruments in reverent praise to God. They offered animal sacrifices upon the altar, so many that they were uncountable. Fire came down from heaven and consumed the offerings. Then the glory of the Lord filled the Temple! When we choose to reveal His presence in our lives, it is no doubt that it is God!  (Backaby)

Then the Lord made a second appearance to Solomon by night. The first time was in the first chapter when He told Solomon to ask what he desired. Wisdom was chosen by Solomon and it was granted. Now in verse 12, the Lord assures Solomon that He heard his prayer and chose the Temple for His dwelling place on earth.

What a humble and sincere hearted man, like his father, huh? To have God appear to him twice was evidence.

God is good and His mercy endureth forever. Have you been experiencing God's mercy and goodness? Are you obeying His Word by faith? Are we walking by faith?


LET IT GROW

In verses 12-22, we read of some "if's" , conditions, that He gives Solomon:

• If no rain falls,
• if locusts come to devour your land/crops,
• or if pestilence/plagues come upon the people, it is because of your sin.

Can't get much plainer than that-God reveals the problem if those things occurred. I wonder if cancers and diseases are so rampid in America is due to our sins of abortion and homosexuality. Something to consider.

Next, God gives the solution to those problems. We will rad about it in the rest of the chapter.

LET IT GO

Listen to what the Lord tells me and obey.

Glad and Merry Heart

O. T. #944  "Glad and Merry Heart
March 17, 2017
2 Chronicles 7


LET IT GLOW

So what does it take for us to have a glad and merry heart? Israel had it. Shall we see what caused it?

Solomon ended his prayer of dedication of the Temple.
What happened next?

• Fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices.
• The glory of the LORD filled the Temple.
• The priests could not enter the Temple because of it.
• When the children of Israel saw this, they bowed their faces to the ground, and worshiped and praised God.
• Israelites said, For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. (verse 3)
• Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices.

Evidence of God's acceptance of sacrifices was evident by consuming fire three other times:

1. Lev. 9:24-inaugural sacrifice at the Mosiac Tabernacle
2. 1 Chron. 21:26-David's sacrifice on Mt. Moriah
3. 1 Kings 1:38-Elijah's prayer in the contest on Mt. Carmel.  (Falwell)

Just got word that Rose made it through a tracheotomy. She has had a rough road to travel so far.
God is good! His mercy endureth forever!

LET IT GROW

At the end of the 8th day, Feast of the Tabernacle, Solomon sent home the people. What was their attitude? Verse 10 says they were glad and merry in their heart for the goodness that the LORD had shown unto David, Solomon, and to Israel His people. They had seen the evidence of God with them and was pleased with them.

Praise to the Lord! This tube is only temporary for Rose.  They think she had fluid on her lungs and gave her a medicine to get rid of it. Her healing is a slow process, for her Pulmonary Hypertension is hard to treat.

Is your heart merry and glad today? Are you sharing the goodness of Jesus?

LET IT GO

Proclaim the goodness and mercy of Jesus with a glad and merry heart.

Maintain Their Cause

O.T. #943  "Maintain Their Cause"
March15, 2017
2 Chronicles 6-Part 3
Then hear Thou from the heavens, even from Thy dwelling place, their prayers and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive Thy people which have sinned against Thee.  2 Chronicles 6:39, 35

LET IT GLOW

King Solomon is saying a dedication prayer on his knees at the new Temple. Verse 34, he states, If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way Thou shalt send them, ...

This can be applied today to my brother in law and his wife, Rose, who have gone to Nashville to war, to fight for her health and life. God has sent them there for her surgery and healing.

Verses 35 and 39 quote Solomon asking God to hear their prayers from heaven, His dwelling place, their supplication, and maintain their cause.

Can we ask God to hear our prayers of helping Rose's lungs to maintain oxygen without the nitric oxide (used during surgery)?
Can we ask God to maintain their cause-to come out of the hospital victoriously alive and giving Him the glory and praise for the successful surgery and battle?

LET IT GROW

Solomon goes on to ask God to open His eyes and ears attentive to the prayers, in verse 40.

He continues in the next verse, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let Thy saints rejoice in goodness.

Oh how He loves us, friends! Let us rejoice in the goodness of our God. Whatever happens in our life today, God loves us. Even if it is not what we would choose.
In the flood or the fire, He is with us and won't let go. (Words from a song I heard on the radio.)



LET IT GO

Trust God to hear my prayers and supplications or others.

Let Him maintain my cause-sharing the love of Jesus and His salvation with others; praying for Rose's healing and holding them up to The Healer, God.

Rejoice in God's goodness, no matter the outcome.

Praying Earnestly and Humbly

O. T. #942  "Praying Earnestly and Humbly"
March 14, 2017
2 Chronicles 6-Part 2


LET IT GLOW


When we have a loved one that stops breathing and heart almost stops beating, that is when we pray earnestly and humbly. Solomon was not in that situation, however he did pray earnestly and humbly to God.

This chapter is about the dedication prayer of King Solomon. He tells that God had fulfilled His promises of choosing Jerusalem as His city and David chosen to reign over Israel. Also, Solomon would build the house of God, a new Temple of worship.
Solomon declared that there is now God like Him in heaven and earth. He keeps His covenant and shows unfailing love.

An additional promise included: If David's descendants obeyed God's laws then one would always sit upon the throne of Israel.
What else did Solomon pray God?

• Will God live on earth among people? Not even the heavens can contain You.
• Listen to my prayer and plea, O LORD my God.
• Hear the cry and prayer of Your servant  is making to You.
• May You watch over this Temple day and night, this place where You sad You would put Your name.
• May You hear the humble and earnest requests from me and Your people Israel when we pray toward this place.
• Hear us from heaven where You live, and when You hear, forgive.

When we make prayer requests unto God, do we acknowledge who He is?
Do we humbly and earnestly make our requests?
Do we ask God to forgive us of our sins?
Remember, Solomon was on his knees before God, praying aloud in front of the priests of Israel.

LET IT GROW

The MacArthur Bible Commentary summarizes Solomon's prayer:
As Solomon led his people in prayer, he asked God to help them in many situations:

1. crime (verses 22-23)
2. enemy attacks (verses 24-25)
3. drought (verses 26-27)
4. famine (verses 28-31)
5. foreigners (verses 32-33)
6. war (verses 34-35)
7. sin (verses 36-39).

God is concerned with whatever we face, even the difficult consequences we bring upon ourselves. He wants s to turn to Him in prayer. Remember that God hears our prayers .Let's  not let the extremity of our situation cause us to doubt His care for us.
God is ready to forgive us of our sins and restore our relationship with Him. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

LET IT GO

Praise my Sovereign God that reigns over all.

Humbly and earnestly make my requests unto God.

*Although Rose is not completely out of the woods, she is stable. God has brought her thus far. We thank Him for bringing her back to u. Please continue to pray for the doctors to have wisdom as they try various techniques t get her off the lung medicine. Thanks ya'll.

Rejoice With Me

O. T. #941  "Rejoice With Me"
March 13, 2017
2 Chronicles 6
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my hear greatly rejoiceth: and with my song will I praise Him. Psalm 28:9

LET IT GLOW

What a time it has been for my family. We are rejoicing, although Rose is not out of the woods yet. We appreciate all your prayers for her. Wednesday my husband and I drove to Nashville (10 hrs.) for his brother's wife having surgery. She had a heart valve replaced on Thursday, which went fine. Complications set in with her lungs, though. She is now off the ventilator, which is good. The medical team has been wonderful throughout this time. She stopped breathing and they revived her once when a special medication, in form of a gas, was taken off her completely. Now they have had to ween her lungs off of it gradually. That has been the problem and was a long process. Lung pressure goes up when it is stopped. Doctors, who are specialists in this field, are trying other options, so please continue to pray for Rose, my sister in law this week.

We left Nashville on Friday, only got 4 hours away when we returned after she crashed. We spent two more nights and got home last night. It is a day by day situation. We are trusting God and giving Him the glory for her progress.

On the cardiac ICU section of the hospital, they perform heart transplants often. Saturday, 5 were done We met a couple from our state who were there waiting for their daughter to have her second heart transplant. Holly is her name. It was successful. We prayed with them beforehand and developed a relationship. They have no other family living in their state, nor close to Nashville. Other kids are living in other states. They needed someone to talk to and feel support. So far, Holly's body is accepting her new heart. We pray for those 6 families who lost their loved one and donated a heart for the transplants.

God is good, all the time. So that is why I paused from our Bible study. Thank you dear friends, for your patience. Maybe we can pick up where we left off.

God's presence was so strong in the new Temple that the priests could not perform heir duties. How wonderful!
Solomon gave a brief testimony of God's previous faithfulness to Israel:

• God fulfilled His promises which He made to David.
• God chose Jerusalem as His special city and David's family to rule over Israel, His chosen people and nation.
• It was in David's heart to build a new Temple for God to dwell in and sacrifices and worship. Yet, God would not allow it due to David's being a warrior and shed blood.
• God chose Solomon to build the Temple, instead.

Can we all agree that God is faithful and keeps His promises? We have certainly experienced it this past week!

LET IT GROW


In verses 12-42, we read of Solomon's prayer of dedication of the Temple. He knelt down on his knees before the congregation of Israel and spread his hands toward heaven, saying:

• There is no God like our God in heaven or earth.
• You  keep Your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before You (mercy).
• You kept Your promise to Your servant David.
• You have made that promise with Your own mouth and fulfilled it with Your own hands.

Kneeling meant submitting to a higher power, which King Solomon showed as he knelt before God. the congregation was standing in reverence. God is the ultimate king and authority. Both showed that.

God has kept His promises to our family-calling upon Him and He would hear; ask and we would receive; trust in Him and He shall bring it to pass.
Are we demonstrating to those around us that God is our King and authority?
Who sits on the throne of our heart and life?
Do we kneel before Him with lifted hands in praise?
No one is mightier than our God, El Shaddiah.
Your name Jesus, is stronger than any other. Let the nations sing it louder-You Name, Jesus, Savior and Redeemer.

LET IT GO

Bow before my God, who is King of kings and Lord of lords.

Lift my hands in praise to His holy name-Jehovah.

Thank You Savior for all the blessings You give.

March 9,2017
Hey ya'll. I'm sitting in Vanderbilt Medical Center, which is a hospital in Nashville. Doctors have begun surgery on my sister in law Rose. It should take about 5 hours. We would appreciate all prayers today. She is having a heart valve replaced.
If she is doing ok, we will head back home Friday. So, let's pick up our study Monday. I'm sure you will understand.
May the Lord bless and keep you. May His face shine upon you.
In His Love,
Linda

Praise and Presence

O. T. #940  "Praise and Presence"
March 8
2 Chronicles 5-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

After Solomon had completed building the new Temple in Jerusalem, which took 7 1/2 years, he brought into it the furnishings that David had dedicated unto the Lord. Also, the Levites brought the Ark of the covenant and placed it in the Holy of Holies room. The elders and Levites assembled for the installation.

We pick up the story in verses 13-14, It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make the sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For He is good: for His mercy endureth forever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the  house of the LORD.
So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

How was the first service in the Temple held?

• The men were loudly praising and thanking God with their trumpet and voice.
• They were singing Psalm 107 proclaiming that God is good and His mercy endureth forever.
• The Temple was then filled with a cloud, symbolizing the presence of the LORD God.

Can you imagine how wonderful the all men choir sounded with the trumpets playing? They recognized that God had provided all things needed for the Temple and their hearts' desire was to thank Him and praise Him. Had they experienced God's mercy in delivering them from the 70 year captivity? These Israelites definitely had a reason to thank and praise their God.

Do we thank and praise our God during our worship times? He inhabits the praise of His people.
Do we acknowledge His presence and goodness?


LET IT GROW

What happened when the people praised the Lord?
A cloud filled the Temple.

In the Hebrew language the word cloud used in these verses is the word anan (aw-nawn') which refers to a cloud as covering the sky; the nimbus or thunder cloud.

God's glorious presence was so strong that the priests could not continue their service. What an experience! Previously this had happened on the Tabernacle, recorded in Exodus 40. Likewise He will do the same on the millennial Temple, according to Ezekiel 43.

His glory is representative of His person (Ex. 33), and entering the temple signified His presence. (MacArthur)

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.   (Ps. 95:2-3)

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him and, and bless His name. (Ps. 100:4)

How great, merciful, compassionate, and gracious is our God!

*Please pray for my sister in law Rose as she undergoes heart valve replacement on Thursday morning in Nashville.

LET IT GO

Give thanks and praise unto my God.

Sing praises unto my Savior Jesus.

Thank You Jesus for what You are going to do in Roses' body and life.

What Has Happened in the Last Seven and One Half Years?

O. T. #939  "What Has Happened in the Last Seven and One Half Years?"
March 7, 2017
2 Chronicles 5


LET IT GLOW

What has happened in your life in the last 7 1/2 years? That is quite a while ago. Let's see, that would be way back to the year 2010. Well, our last 2 grandchildren in our family wee born. I recall some people died. Our church was still in the old sanctuary, then broken ground on the new one. Those preschoolers I had in children's church last Sunday were born during that span of time. I took some foreign mission trips. Can't think of anything else, except hurts, pain, disappointments, discouragements. They keep trying to pop up in my mind every now and then. But the are forgiven and under the blood of Jesus.
Anything significant that happened in your life back then?

Seven and 1/2 years ago. King David had seen Solomon anointed as king, and then he died. Solomon began the building of the new Temple.
In this chapter we read of Solomon's dedication of the new Temple. It took 7 1/2 years to complete. He brought the vessels and holy furnishings, dedicated to the Lord by David, inside. The Ark of the Covenant was installed, which involved the Levites bringing it from Gibeon where it dwelt in the Tabernacle.

Who attended?

• Elders and heads of the tribes assembled in Jerusalem;
• the group of 24 priests;
• the 120 Levite priests who were singers and played instruments are mentioned.

Also King Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that assembled unto him before the Ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude. (verse 6)

There was no attempt to count them because they represent the sacrifice of Christ. That is something which cannot be counted or measured. (J. Vernon McGee)

Is a sacrifice too great when it is given unto the Lord Jesus? Should we be counting ours, braggingly? No it it the heart which God looks upon, not the monetary value.

Another thing, shouldn't we let the past be in the past? Learn from it, but let it go.

LET IT GROW

The Ark was to move no more. It had been constructed in the wilderness at Mount Sinai. As Israel wandered through the wilderness those 40 years, the Ark was always in front. In addition, it was before them as they crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land. It had been moved from place to place and captured by the Philistines, but sent back.

The Ark speaks of our Lord Jesus Christ, work of redemption, shedding of blood, and our propitiation because of our sins, that resulted in His death on the cross. Folks, He was a perfect person, sinless, which those animals sacrificed symbolized. such amazing love, that this King Jesus would die for us sinners! His sacrifice was once and for all.

Do we come before Jesus with songs of praise daily?

LET IT GO

Let go of the past and live in the present, looking to the future.

Learn from the past.

Hold fast to Jesus.

Changes

O. T. #938  "Changes"
March 6, 2017
2 Chronicles 4


LET IT GLOW

Like so any others, change is hard for me. What about you? There were some changes that Solomon had made to the Temple plans. Join me as we look at them.

Details of the furnishings of the new Temple are listed here. This was due to an increase of sacrifices in Jerusalem, with large crowds traveling there. Therefore, a new and larger altar was constructed:

• The Sea of cast bronze replaced the bronze basin.
• One lampstand used in the Tabernacle, yet the Temple contained 10.
• One table of showbread was replaced by 10 in the Temple.
• Bronze doors and large pillars with decorations were added.

As the returnees from exile faced a huge task of building another Temple, they had to consider how to adjust the plans while preserving worship that God had specified. Circumstances will always change, yet worship must remain.  (David Jeremiah)

Are we willing to change when the Lord requires it?

LET IT GROW

Why was there so much emphasis on the temple in the Old Testament?

Life Application Study Bible explains:

1. It was a symbol of religious authority. Beliefs were to be kept through generations.
2. It was a symbol of God's holiness. The Temple inspired respect and awe for God.
3. It was a symbol of God's covenant with Israel. It kept the people focused on God's law rather than on the kings' exploits.
4. It was a symbol of forgiveness. Sin's seriousness and penalty pointed them to a need for forgiveness.
5. It prepared the people for the Messiah. Christ came to fulfill the law, not destroy it.
6. It was a testimony to human effort and creativity. Inspired by the beauty of God's character, people devoted themselves to high achievements in engineering, science, and art in order to praise God.
7. It was a place of prayer.

Could there be a better explanation? Is our place of worship a symbol of such for us? Is it a place of payer? Is it preparing us for Christ's return?

LET IT GO

                      ... and change when God requires it of me.

Treasure of Our Heart

O.T. #937  "Treasure of Our Heart"
March 3, 2017
2 Chronicles 3
The building material of its wall was jasper, the city was pure gold like clear glass. 
 Revelation 21:18
The broad street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. Revelation 21:21

LET IT GLOW

Can you imagine walking on streets of gold? Living in a city made of gold and jasper? Ooohee! Brothers and sisters, let us hang on, for one day we will experience it! Our eyes have not seen such beauty,our ears have not heard such singing and praising of God, nor can we imagine what the Lord Jesus has prepared for His children. Where is the treasure of our heart? Is it here on earth or in heaven? Is Jesus the treasure of our heart?

What was one of Solomon's great achievements? The construction of the Temple was. Chapters 2,3,and 4 describe it. Why is this repeated? Keep in mind that Ezra is writing this to inform the Jews who were about to rebuild the Temple which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. After 70 years of captivity, the Jews were allowed to return home to Jerusalem. (Original plans for the Tabernacle were actually given to Moses back in Exodus 35-31)

Where was the building site? The Temple was sit at Mount Moriah, a hill that was rich in Israel's history.
What was it's significance?

• First, it was the place where Abraham was told to offer his son Isaac to God.
• Second, it had been the site of a threshing floor that David purchased and to be used for the Temple.
• Third, it became the place where Solomon built the first Jewish Temple, which was meant to be the permanent dwelling of the stone tablets given to Moses inside the Ark of the Covenant, received at Mt. Moriah.
• Fourth, the Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, then later rebuilt by the returning Jews, beginning in 538 BC. It took 46 years to be completed.
• Notable is that this was the place of Calvary, where Jesus was crucified for sinners, as our perfect sacrifice.
• Then in 70AD, the Temple was looted and leveled by a Roman general and emperor.
• Currently, the contention between the Jew and Palestinians over the ownership of the Temple Mount. Two Muslin shrines stand on the Temple Mount.
• During the Millennium Christ will return to earth to rule over all the earth from Jerusalem.

Oh, Jerusalem, Jesus loves you. He loves you and me, too, folks.

LET IT GROW


The task of building the Temple required such a massive effort, taking 7 years to complete. The laborers of 30,000 cut the timbers and another 15,000 for other tasks. The Temple was built of stone, paneled with cedar, and overlaid with gold. We can estimate the value of the gold alone at almost 3 billion dollars, if it were $35 per ounce.

The Temple was twice the size of the Tabernacle-90' long and 30' wide. There were 2 courts called the outer and inner courts. Not only was the Holy of Holies in which the the Mercy seat was, but the furnishings for the preparations for sacrifices. Housed within this tremendous building were a hall of pillars and the judgment hall where Solomon judged the people. Here is where Israel would come to worship, thousands daily, Israel's true treasure, not the gold, but God.

Illustrated Bible Handbook by Lawrence O. Richards gives us a different perspective:
The OT Temple was not built to house God, but as a place of meeting between God and man. Here men could approach the Holy One of Israel through sacrifice. The Temple then was not for God, but for man-a marked pathway to salvation for the penitent sinner (1 Kings 8:27-30).

The promised Deliver, Messiah, Jesus Christ would one day teach inside a Temple built on that site. Now how cool is that! A simple chapel can be an adequate place to pray and meet with our God, as well as a beautiful building.
Wherever we meet with God can become our sanctuary. It becomes a place where we pour out our praise and worship, our needs, our heart, a place of healing.

LET IT GO

Faithfully meet with God in my private sanctuary daily.

Keep Him as the treasure of my heart.

When Plans Come Together

O. T. #936  "When Plans Come Together"
March 2, 2017
2 Chronicles 2-Part 3


LET IT GLOW

I love it when a plan comes together. One of the characters said that often on the TV show A Team many years ago. When God puts it together, the plan is a go. Everything falls into place. We just need to keep in mind that the project is for God's  glory, not ours. Solomon was preparing to build a new and fantastic Temple in Israel for worshiping God. Shall we see how it is going?

King Solomon sent a message to Hiram, the king of Tyre asking for skilled craftsmen, in addition to the cedar logs of Lebanon, to help build the Temple. Hiram agreed and as payment, Solomon paid in food.

Look what else Hiram's reply said in verses 11-12a:
It is because the LORD loves His people that He has made you their king!
Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who made the heavens and the earth!

Hiram was not an Israelite, yet he was willing to help their king build a Temple for their God. Can we say that this pagan king revered the LORD God of Israel? Was it partly due to Solomon's wisdom and example?

When others see our reverence for God, they may also come to revere Him as well. (David Jeremiah)

Others are watching us, so are we showing reverence for God in our daily living? So often the name our precious God is used irreverently.


LET IT GROW

Verse 17 tell us that Solomon numbered the strangers in the land of Israel. These were also called aliens and foreigners, the descendants of the pagan nations Israel had conquered. There were 153,600. Solomon assigned them tasks of common laborers, quarry workers, and foremen.

Sounds like a plan was coming together-materials and workers. When God directs a plan, He brings it to pass. Are we faithful to the plans God has for us? Do we trust in Him?

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  (Heb.11:6)

The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. 
(Ps. 37:23)

LET IT GO

Direct my steps today, Lord Jesus.

Lead me by faith and love to those who need encouragement.