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Following the Path to Victory

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Mark Shields

Reading in 2 Chronicles 24, a major project is carried out during the reign of Joash to glorify the Lord. The king decided to restore the temple and the project was to be financed by a tax. This strategy did not work at first because of the lack of trust in leaders. It was known that the sons of Athaliah were breaking into the temple of the Lord and taking the sacred objects for use in the worship of their false gods. Remember, Athaliah was the evil wife of a previous king and daughter of the king of Aham. She had assumed power with intent to destroy the whole royal family until she was overthrown and put to death.

When the idea of making a chest was carried out and put outside the temple for everyone to put their tax, there was a good response from the people. Large sums of money were collected and with this money work could begin to restore the temple. This was a huge success but then policy changes took place after the death of Jehoiada, they abandoned God and started worshiping false gods. The king and the other leaders around him wouldn’t listen to those who warned against abandoning God. Within the year, God’s judgment was executed on Judah resulting in tremendous hardship, losses, and even a conspiracy that led to the death of Joash.

Photo Credit – https://www.facebook.com/LifeNCanvas

In today’s passage is a lesson on following the path. This day with God can be amazing if we ask questions and seek answers to the path of victory. It can be amazing if we discover the right path through lessons found in the Bible and from others that have found the clear path God has set.

Walking in His Ways (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Chronicles 20-24 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Athaliah, Books of Chronicles, God, Jehoash of Judah, Jehoiada, Joash, Judah, King, Lord | Leave a comment

Help Build Up a Strong Faith

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Mark Shields

In reading 1 Chronicles 23, I noticed that a coalition worked for a common purpose. The plan was to get a new king so the continuance of the line of David would be assured. It took planning, organization and teamwork.

In yesterday’s post, I wrote about how a common objective creates synergy. Like the nails that hold a house together, every person with the common purpose of holding together the things of God is important because they equally build up a strong faith that helps everyone achieve greater heights with extra power.

We serve a big and powerful God. There is a video that inspires this same thought: How Great is Our God – Chris Tomlin. May it continue to inspire you as you go through this day with God! 🙂

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. – Romans 12:5

Awe (thebonfireblog.com)
The Reasonable, Evidential Nature of Christian Faith (str.typepad.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Books of Chronicles, Chris Tomlin, Christ, Christianity, David, Epistle to the Romans, God, How Great Is Our God (song) | 2 Comments

Common Objective Creates Synergy

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Mark Shields

There was so much disruption in the line of David during the time in history of today’s passage. King Ahaziah had been killed and his mother named Athaliah who was the daughter of the king of Aham who did evil in the eyes of the Lord assumed power and she started to destroy the whole royal family.

The line of David was saved only because Jehosheba who was the daughter of king Jehoram protected the only remaining person in line to be king. Young Joash was hidden at the temple of God for six years until he was ready to assume power. Reading in 2 Chronicles 23, there is an alliance between the leaders of the religious community and the leaders of the military to make sure Joash would become king and continue the line of David.

Jehoiada who was a priest and the Son In-Law of the previous king named Jehoram was instrumental in making the alliance happen. There were precautions taken since Athaliah had assumed power and had started to kill the members of the royal family. Nonetheless, the forceful overthrow of the government took place and Joash became king.

The underlying principle for the reign of Joash was to destroy the idols and build up the things of God. Nothing is more important to God than His people. Remember His Son died for all.

Photo credit – http://www.green-ism.com/

This day with God, let us exercise this same principle to build up societies in a good way. Like the nails that hold a house together, every single Godly act is important because together they build up a strong faith that can endure the storms. Working together towards a common objective creates synergy and each member has a role to play towards victory.

God Prevails (iasb31.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Chronicles 20-24 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Athaliah, Books of Chronicles, David, God, Jehoiada, Jehosheba, Joash, king Jehoram, Lord, royal family, Young Joash | 7 Comments

Worship Service Update 10-27-2013

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Mark Shields

Today, we start a new sermon series called “First” at the church where I worship. First is based on a simple belief: that we put God before everything else in our lives – possessions, gadgets, houses, cars, careers, busy schedules, even before family and friends – and that when we do, we joyfully work, produce and contribute to God’s kingdom. The first message is titled “First, Name Your Idols.”. If you are not able to attend your local church service today (traveling, health condition, etc), I invite you to this link of the podcast.

The main thought I noted from last week’s message is that the world has it wrong. There is pressure to do more than we could possibly do; to carry loads we can’t carry alone. Christ makes our burdens light. If we spend more of our time on developing our soul, we will be prepared for everything right now and for all eternity.

The poem below was inspired from last week’s message.

Made by Him, For Him, and Needing Him
Spiritual leaders tell us what to do;
Watching over our heart;
Making us smart;
Pushing us to start.
The Bible also tells us what to do;
It nourishes the soul;
Putting us in control
Of the will, mind, body, and soul.
Needing some perks,
We are fed with good food
Viewed in the good works
We all can exude.
The unexamined soul grows weary
But here is a good theory:
We can handle a wrong world
By building up a soul that can trust;
Making the load light is a must;
And helps to readjust;
Then the Lord can restore;
And open a new door.

Enjoy this video It is Well with My Soul – Hillsong.

Have a blessed week with God!

Together – Five Minute Friday (thehopejourney.wordpress.com)
Worship Bites- “Christ is the Cornerstone” (gracestartshere.wordpress.com)
How to Get Something Out of Worship (jarrettbanks.wordpress.com)
Hillsong: The Stand (inspirationalchristiansfortoday.com)

Posted in Thoughts From Sermon | Tagged Bible, Christ, Christianity, Church service, God, Hillsong Music Australia, local church service, Lord, Religion and Spirituality | Leave a comment

Desire to Live the Right Way

Posted on October 26, 2013 by Mark Shields

In reading 2 Chronicles 21-22 and sharing some thoughts in yesterday’ post, it was concluded that the next two kings of Jerusalem had no desire to live the right way and be on the right side of history. This has supplemented the thought that there are consequences for not walking in the ways of God.

The lesson is that we need to picture in our mind finishing the race strong by building momentum throughout life and going the distance running the right way. We need to strive to lead big lives by cherishing our visions, having big dreams, and fighting for them in a big way.

We also need to invest in others by helping them know that the things of God are worth more than any treasure. Let us all desire to hear these words at the finish line: “Well done my faithful servant”. A song that gives a lift is One Desire – Hillsong.