Turning Mistakes into Breaks

Posted on September 28, 2013 by Mark Shields

In studying 2 Chronicles 12 and posting about my study yesterday, the lesson learned for me is to know history so we have a better understanding about which direction to take for the future. Rehoboam and his kingdom were at one point strong but he and all of Israel abandoned the law of the Lord

Our direction as we step ahead is to glorify God because even a mistake can turn into a break when we use them as lessons. Through accepting Jesus, the road to victory has been laid and we can trust in the Holy Spirit to be at work setting up success in everything we do. Take inspiration from this video today: Glorify You alone – Gateway Worship.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31

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Law of the Lord

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – sheddinglightonthepath.blogspot.com

Rehoboam and his kingdom were at one point strong but he and all of Israel abandoned the law of the Lord as recorded in 2 Chronicles 12. Keeping God out encourages the enemy and in this reading, we get a good picture of this occurring. Shishak king of Egypt saw Israel’s lack of faithfulness and was encouraged to attack Jerusalem in the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign.

Rehoboam responded with humility and God did not bring total destruction upon Israel but did make them subject to Shishak. The treasures of the temple and of the royal palace were carried off by Shishak (V. 9). Even the gold shields Solomon had made were taken and there was a general decline of the kingdom as evidenced in verses 10 and 11.

The chronicler’s general verdict concerning Rehoboam’s reign is that he started out demonstrating some good characteristics but did not make seeking God a priority. He then lost strength as a leader because he did not have God’s favor. The kingdom declined under Rehoboam but he did humble himself so God did not bring total destruction.

History has recorded that Rehoboam did not take advantage of God’s power and this resulted in weak leadership and a weakened kingdom. This day with God, let us learn from history and pray for goodness. Let us gain favor by setting our heart on seeking God. Let us remember that it is evil that takes treasure from our soul but being faithful to God, giving Him glory, and worshiping Him alone will build up treasures for the soul.

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Take the Upper Hand

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Mark Shields

Just like a country builds up defenses against their enemies, an individual must guard against evil. The Word of God gives us the upper hand. We can win spiritual battles and as citizens of God’s kingdom use the belt of truth, the armor of His righteousness, and the peace of the Good News to fortify. Praise God for victories when truth, reason, and common sense win the day!

The difference between being of this world and of faith is the perfectly disciplined will. This day with God, be lifted higher by taking inspiration from this video: Stronger – Hillsong.


For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. – Romans 6:14

 

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Fortified with His Word

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – wisconsingeologicalsurvey.org

This day with God will be amazing because He can bless us with more victories than all the grains of sand on earth if we are fortified with His Word. To learn more from His Word this day, we journey into 2 Chronicles 11. We learn that Rehoboam set out to make war against the northern tribes but the Lord advised otherwise so Rehoboam focused more attention on repairing and fortifying the southern cities of Judah.

In the northern territory, Jeroboam had rejected the priest and appointed their own priest to worship idols. Those who set their hearts on worshiping the Lord sided with Rehoboam and moved to Jerusalem to help; even abandoning their pasturelands and property (V. 14).

God’s faithful gave up their inheritance of land in order to fight for His interest. Let us also be willing to renounce our worldly interests in order to help the interest of Christ and the gospel. Pray to be fortified with God’s Word, shielded from temptation, and prepared for victory.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Chronicles 11-15

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Mark Shields

I’ve been reading and studying over the last few weeks in the Book of 2 Chronicles 6-10. The study has inspired the poems at the links below:

Walk with Integrity – 2 Chronicles 6
Amazed and Inspired – 2 Chronicles 7
Putting God First – 2 Chronicles 8
The Secret – 2 Chronicles 9-10

The next part of the travel will take me to 2 Chronicles 11-15. Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about the journey and will use the questions below to help focus on each passage.

Photo Credit – beamsoflights.wordpress.com

2 Chronicles 11
Passage Lookup
What action does Rehoboam decide to take against the rebellious northern tribes? What prevents him from doing so? What is your relationship of your patriotism or ethnic allegiance to your citizenship in God’s kingdom?
 
2 Chronicles 12
Passage Lookup
What do you think causes Rehoboam to forsake God? What is the result? What is the chronicler’s general verdict concerning Rehoboam’s reign?
 
2 Chronicles 13
Passage Lookup
Which side has the military advantage? Who are the victors, and what is the decisive factor?
 
2 Chronicles 14
Passage Lookup
Compare the size of Aza’s army and Zerah’s army. What statement does king Asa make in his prayer? How does victory come to Asa’s army even though the odds were against them?
 
2 Chronicles 15
Passage Lookup
What specific reforms does Asa undertake in the spiritual life of his kingdom? Think about your relationship to God. Are you seeking Him “with all your heart and with all your soul” (v. 12)?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.
 
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
 
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Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times

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