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Programs Initiated

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – http://www.allaboutgod.net

Jehoshaphat carries out specific programs as recounted in 2 Chronicles 17. He stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and the towns of Ephraim (v. 2). He also removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah (v. 6). Then he sent his officials, Levites, and priests to teach throughout Judah the Book of the Law of the Lord (v. 9).

His purpose for initiating these programs was to make Judah resolute for God and His ways. He believed there was power in godliness and he wanted each individual to be educated in the ways of the Lord. If each individual followed the Lord, he believed his kingdom would flourish.

The chronicler records in this passage that the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he consulted with Him rather than idols. All the kingdoms surrounding Judah were afraid of Judah under the reign of Jehoshaphat because they felt the Lord was with him so they did not make war. Instead they brought gifts and Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful. He built forts and had large supplies in the towns of Judah. He also kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem to protect the city (v. 13).

Reflecting on today’s passage, we can see how important it is to take the initiative in learning and teaching the ways of God. Each day, we can meet with God in prayer to plan out the day; gaining momentum and strength. Each day, we can set out to explore, dream, discover, and get away from the comfort zone in this adventure called life.

What do you do when you just don’t know what to do? (pastor-george.com)
A Dangerous Challenge – Sunday Thought For The Day (mychal-massie.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Book of the Law of the Lord, Ephraim, God, Jehoshaphat, Jerusalem, Judah, Lord | Leave a comment

Faith in the Rock of Ages

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Mark Shields

Reading in 2 Chronicles 16, we should learn to rely not so much on what men can do but on what the Rock of Ages has done and will continue to do. Be connected to the source of everything good; His love is certain, His guidance is trustworthy, and His Word is timeless. With faith in God, we can move mountains like this video explains: Only a Mountain – Jason Castro.

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. – 2 Chronicles 16:9

Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Chronicles 16-19 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
2 Chronicles 7:14 (lopeza22013.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged 2 chronicles, Christ, God, InterVarsity Press, Jason Castro, Lord, Reading, Rehoboam, Rock of Ages | 5 Comments

Pray For Help

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – firstbaptistglennsferry.com

Reading in 2 Chronicles 16, Baasha king of Israel became a new threat to Judah so Asa went to Ben-Hadad king of Aram for help. Asa’s actions differ from his previous policies because he had more faith in a person rather than in God. His misplaced confidence results in weakness and constant war. The right choice would have been to pray for God’s help.

Later in his reign, Asa demonstrates a lack of faith in God and never corrected course. He put his confidence in a man rather than the proven power and goodness of God. Also with health issues, his faith was with the physicians and not with God. A disease of his feet afflicted him at the end of his life but he never sought God’s help for healing.

The right choice is to always rely on God who strengthens those that have faith in Him. Remember the little train that said, “I think I can”. With faith we can say, “I know I can”. Many things in life are hard to understand but like turning on a light switch, know that faith just works so turn it on and it will light your way. Stay focused on the path and on God’s promises for everything to turn out all right.

This day with God, acquire faith with prayer and rely on His power to strengthen you. Pray for your walk and if there is a misstep, go to Him to make it right.

Man’s Reliance On God Is For God’s Glory, Part 1of2, Evans Olang (magnifyhisword.wordpress.com)
Find Victory in Your Life (prayercommunicationwithgod.wordpress.com)
The ONE Who Created Us Can Help Win Battles (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged Asa, Asa of Judah, Baasha of Israel, Faith, faith in God, God, God’s help, Israel, Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Chronicles 16-19

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Mark Shields

The recent study using questions for reflection of 2 Chronicles 11-15 was finished yesterday and this study has been the main inspiration for the following poems along the way:

Fortified with His Word
Be lifted to New Heights of Accomplishment

The next part of the travel will take me to 2 Chronicles 16-19. 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 – http://jenniferbridge.wordpress.com/

2 Chronicles 16
In what way do Asa’s actions in verses 2-3 differ from his policies in chapter 14 and 15? When was the last time you realized you had disobeyed God on some point? How long did it take you to make it right?

2 Chronicles 17
What specific programs does Jehoshaphat carry out as king? What is the chronicler’s evaluation of Jehoshaphat and his reign? What is the source of the prestige and power Judah develops among the surrounding lands?

2 Chronicles 18:1-22
Why would an alliance with Jehoshaphat be advantageous for Ahab at this point? Why do you think Jehoshaphat responds as he does to Ahab’s request? Why does Ahab maintain a corps of 400 prophets?

2 Chronicles 18:23-34
What seems to be Micaiah’s chief aim in life? Is he successful in achieving it? What is your chief aim in life?

2 Chronicles 19
What basic attitude does Jehoshaphat have which prompts the statement “some good is found in you” (v. 3)? What additional responsibility is given the judges in order to prevent the system from becoming sterile and legalistic (v. 10)? What is to be their attitude toward their job? What attitude do you have toward your work?

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

Seeking God Through Prayer (altruistico.wordpress.com)
Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Chronicles 11-15 (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)

Posted in 2 Chronicles | Tagged 2 chronicles, Ahab, Bible, Chapters and verses of the Bible, Christ, Jehoshaphat, Jesus | 2 Comments

The Bible Invites Victory

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Mark Shields

Photo Credit – http://www.vcop.ca/

Last weekend, we continued the sermon series “The Bible – A Story of God and All of Us” at the local church I attend. Here is a link to a poem that was inspired by last week’s message: The Bible Invites Victory.

Also, at this link: Pastor’s Podcast, you can see/listen to the messages of the series. The outlines/movies and other material can be used for Bible study or small group discussion.

Here is a link to a video from last week’s sermon: Daniel Interprets Dream. The outline of today’s message is at this link: The Bible Invites Relationship.