Do You Need Gods Grace?

Are You In Need of God's Grace?

Insight Into Scripture 2 Kings 4-5

In today's reading we observe where Elijah left his ministry, Elisha continues. Elisha performs some miracles including raising a dead Shunammite's son 2 Kings 4:18-37. We then read the story of Naaman, God's grace and Naaman leprosy in 2 Kings 5.

Leprosy, much like AIDS today, was one of the most feared diseases in ancient times. It was very contagious and in many cases was incurable. In severe cases it lead to death, this is why many lepers were forced out of the cities into camps.When Naaman had been healed in chapter 5, Gehazi selfishly returned to trick Naaman into giving him money. Gehazi was asking for 300 hundred years wages; roughly 10 millions dollars today. Gehazi was setting himself up for LIFE.

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This is a picture of the Jordan River. It is a small, winding, dirty stream that makes its way to the Dead Sea. This may have been what the river looked like when Elisha told Naaman to dip seven times in it, so he would be clean. The river winds so much on its journey from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, that the entire course runs about 130 miles, instead of the 60 miles it would take if it ran straight. These pictures are taken from Bibleplace.com

Scripture Reading

So Naaman went in and told his lord, "Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel." And the king of Syria said, "Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.

"So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothes. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, "When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.

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"And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean." But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, "Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?" So he turned and went away in a rage. But his servants came near and said to him, "My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. - 2 Kings 5:5-6, 10-14

Think n Grow

In my life I have done some pretty bad things, very sinful things that I am very ashamed of. Even though I know that it is only through GOD's grace (Something given to you that you do not deserve) it is still hard for me to believe that ALL I have to do, is ask to be forgiven. It just seems like I should be doing more for God's grace. I have known this truth for sometime in my life, I can imagine how a new believer would have a hard time accepting, "That is all I have to do??"

The story of Naaman is a wonderful example of God's grace. Naaman had leprosy (Sin) and he had heard that a prophet could cure him. So Naaman tried to buy his cure of this disease. He set off with 700 lbs of silver and 150 lbs of gold or $750,000 in today's money.

Naaman's money was rejected and he was told to bathe in the dirty Jordan River (Forgiveness of sins). Naaman was indignant. He was wanting this big production, and why the little dirty river? Why not a big, beautiful river like the Damascus? In fact Naaman almost missed being healed due to his lack of faith and God's grace. He was coaxed into dipping seven times in the Jordan, and his skin was healed like that of a young boy.

Just like Naaman, alot of us think there has to be more to this salvation, forgiveness of sins, and God's grace. It seems too simple or maybe too little faith, that it will work.... there has to be more. For us that believe, let us never forget the HUGE sacrifice one Man made for ours to be so simple. Thank You God for your grace! Shop books on God's Grace.

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Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus

Yes thank You Jesus for making that trip to the cross that I will never understand totally what You did, just for me, thank You. I pray that I remember that everyday, that I remember the pain it took for that to happen, the love it took just for me to be able to live with You forever. Thank You. I pray for my forgiveness Father, I pray and I am sorry for my sins.

I love You, In Jesus name, Amen.

What God Views As Evil

A Look At Evil Man:Ahab

Insight Into Scripture: 2 Kings 1-3

Today we start 2 Kings. Kings was written as one book, so second Kings starts right where first Kings left off. God called Elijah for one more prophetic task, then he is taken into heaven by a whirlwind (2:11ff). Elisha continues the work of Elijah as he receives a double portion of his spirit. (2:9-10) Then in chapter 3 we read about the fall of Moab through the prophetic words of Elisha (3:15-18).

Elisha asked for a harpist (3:15). Harps were used to induce a trancelike state to receive a divine message.

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Moab is situated on an isolated hilltop, with a view in all directions. This made Moab one of the strongest fortresses in the Middle East. After seeing a picture of this city I could see how the king could sacrifice his firstborn, it has a "Cold" look to it. These pictures are taken from Bibleplace.com

Scripture Reading - 1 Kings 16:30-33

Think n Grow

As I have said before, I love character studies. It shows me that these great biblical figures were just as human as you and I. Along with studying great biblical figures I believe that we can also learn from not so great..... maybe even evil biblical figures. Ahab was just one of these people.

Ahab was said to be the most evil king of Israel (1 Kings 16:30-33) so I thought it might be worth a look to see what made him so evil. Other than the fact that he promoted idol worship, the one thing that I believe angers God the most.

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Two traits stand out in Ahab:

~ Selfishness that is left uncontrolled will lead to great evil. In the story of Naboth's Vineyard in 1 Kings 21 other than Ahab acting like a total child, his greed and selfishness consumed him. Ahab wanted this vineyard so badly he laid on his bed sullen and refused to eat. I am sure that with him being a king he had other vineyards, but he HAD to have Naboth's.

Our world is FILLED with toys that you may never obtain, how do you handle the desire? Do you find yourself thinking about it so much that it just makes you totally unhappy? Or is your desire something you can control? If you are having trouble with your desires you need to slowly empty the "Evil" desires and replace it with CHRIST!

~ Your choice of a mate in life will have a HUGE effect on your life. Ahab married Jezebel. She was as evil if not more, than Ahab. When Ahab was struggling with his selfishness Jezebel was there to help his evil way. She set up the murder of Naboth, (1 Kings 21:7-16) and from what it sounds like had a big influence in Ahab's evilness.If you are unmarried, dating, and making a choice for your spouse, GOD needs to be apart of your decision. It is a HUGE decision and in today's world I am afraid the odds are against you. You need a Godly spouse by your side.

If you married right now and your relationship is not the best. You need to gather in unity and put GOD first, after this is done everything else falls into place. Sometimes counseling is needed, but it is worth it. There is nothing as unstoppable as a good team!

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Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus

Father thank You for the partner You have put into my life. We are definitely unstoppable with You at the lead. Father I pray deeply for those that do not have that unity and struggle everyday just to be a part of something they are so sad or hurt by. Father I pray that they will let You step in and take over, that is all that can help. 

I love You and I pray in Jesus Name,  Amen.

Have You Ever Felt Unpopular?

Have You Ever Felt Unpopular?

Insight Into Scripture 

We are introduced to one amazing prophet; Elijah. And two very evil people; King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. Ahab and Jezebel were bad news for GOD's prophets. Jezebel enjoyed killing GOD's prophets, not good news for Elijiah! But, God called Elijiah to confront the evil duo. It really is an interesting story that ends up with Ahab being killed by an arrow that just happens to land between the sections of his armor.

This is a picture of Mount Carmel. If tradition is correct this would be the best view of the "Contest" between Elijah and Ahab's prophets. (18:16ff) Look at this picture and imagine 2 altars, one altar with a lone man; Elijiah, who was sitting or maybe praying to YAHWEH. The other altar had 850 screaming, bleeding, dancing men. Now, paint the hillside with hundreds, maybe thousands of Israelites that came out to see which god would be victorious. These pictures are taken from Bibleplace.com

Scripture Reading -1 Kings 18:16-19, 25-39

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Have you ever felt unpopular? Or maybe the decision to follow Christ has not

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put you on societies A list? Maybe you have even lost some of your friends because of your choice? I bet if you were to ask Elijiah those questions, he would answers YES!

Being a prophet was not a popular line of work these days. Jezebel was killing The LORD's prophets (18:4) Elijiah was the cause of a 3 year drought (18:1) and now God wanted Elijiah to confront the man who most likely hated him the most, as you can tell by Ahab's greeting in verse 18:17.

But, Elijiah being a faithful servant did what YAHWEH instructed. Can you imagine what Elijiah must of felt like, being out numbered 850 to 2? But, Elijiah knew something that the others did not, he had The Living GOD on his side. He had faith that his ONE would defeat ANY number, nothing was larger than his GOD. Don't you love how Elijiah taunted the other 850 so called prophets? "Shout louder, maybe his is on vacation." Heh Heh Heh

We read these stories and think to ourselves, "This happened so long ago, I mean it was the OLD testament." WRONG! The same GOD that was there with Elijiah is here right now with you. GOD does not change (Heb. 13:7-8) So next time you are feeling all alone, or like an outcast for something you believe in, remember that YOUR GOD is ALWAYS with you, and YOUR GOD is bigger than any number or situation. Find your peace and rest in HIM!

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Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus

Father thank You for the Sabbath and time of rest with You. Father I pray for Your guidance in my daily life. Please help me to know Your plan and help me to be obedient. I pray Father that I will always know that You are always bigger than the world that surrounds me and I am safe in You.

I love You and I pray in Your great Name, Amen

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Which One Of Your gods Are You Spending Time With?

Which One Of Your gods Are You Spending Time With?

Which god Are You Worshipping?

Insight Into Scripture - 1 King 14-15

Right after King Solomon's death Israel is stuck in a constant cycle of sin. The chapters today are no exception, the cycle keeps on going around. Asherah was a goddess. It is sad, but if you do a search for Asherah Poles on google, our culture still worships her (14:23). (Do not search if you are not firmly planted in Christ) Wiping out a predecessor's family seems extremely harsh, and it is. It was a way of eliminating all future claimants to the throne. (15:29)

This picture is the Elah Valley. This strategic city was wisely fortified by Rehoboam who we are reading about (14:21). This valley was famous for another battle; David and Goliath. This is the brook that David took the stones from that ended Goliath's life. I would LOVE to visit that brook and take home a couple of stones! The picture is from Bibleplaces.com

Scripture Reading

But you have done evil above all who were before you and have gone and made for yourself other gods and metal images, provoking me to anger, and have cast me behind your back.

And Judah did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins that they committed, more than all that their fathers had done. And he walked in all the sins that his father did before him, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.

Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and he reigned over Israel two years. He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin which he made Israel to sin. - 1 Kings 14:9, 22, 15:3, 25-26 ESV

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Think n Grow

Sin is evil and contagious. Once you accept that little sin it is much easier to accept a larger one, then a larger one, then a larger one, the cycle keeps going on and on, till you are DEEP into sin. I am sure that if someone had told King David that he would commit adultery and murder, he might tell you that you were crazy. King David's sin started with just a little look, the look turned into lust, the lust gave birth to action. King David was so stuck in sin it took his friend Nathan to show him what he was doing. Sin has almost a numbing effect on us.

As followers of Christ, we must stay close to Jesus. We need to watch how we are spending our time. In ancient times they did not have TV's, cell phones, or internet, there is so much that consumes our time these days. In ancient times they made their gods, we already have them made for us. As you are reading these chapters, nothing angers GOD more than having a "god" before Him that we worship.

To stay clear of sin and live a life that pleases GOD we have to spend time with HIM. If you are not putting down that other god and giving the Living GOD priority of your time, sin is lurking around the corner to pounce on you. Which one of your gods have you spent the most time with this week?

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Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus

Thank You Father for Your daily teachings. I pray that I will continue to read, Your word and that You will help me to see the words pop out at me and teach me to be like You. Father I know this is a HUGE stretch, but I want to try everyday to be less like me, and only with Your help can I do that.

I love You and I pray in Your Name, Amen.

Do You Listen To God or Google?

Do You Listen To God or Google?

God or Google?

Insight Into Scripture - 1 Kings 12-13

Right after Solomon's death the curse of God is taking effect. The new King; Jeroboam does not even seek God. He builds a shrine for his golden calves. Jeroboam did not follow God's rule and appoints just about anyone a priest.

The sharing of a meal was often used in a treaty or covenant making process. This is why God instructed the prophet not to partake in a meal. (13:7-9)

This picture is believed to be the podium that Jeroboam constructed to house the golden calf at Dan (12:25ff). Archaeologists now think the platform was roofed. As the story goes: when "A Man of GOD" came to challenge Jeroboam, Jeroboam was angered, stretched out his hand, and it shriveled up! (13:4) This picture is from Bibleplaces.com

Scripture Reading

And he said to him, "I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, 'Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.'" But he lied to him. So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water.

And as they sat at the table, the word of the LORD came to the prophet who had brought him back. And he cried to the man of God who came from Judah, "Thus says the LORD, 'Because you have disobeyed the word of the LORD and have not kept the command that the LORD your God commanded you, but have come back and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which he said to you, "Eat no bread and drink no water," your body shall not come to the tomb of your fathers.'" And after he had eaten bread and drunk, he saddled the donkey for the prophet whom he had brought back. And as he went away a lion met him on the road and killed him. And his body was thrown in the road, and the donkey stood beside it; the lion also stood beside the body. ~ 1 Kings 13:18-24 ESV

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Think n Grow

When our son was confronted with a problem, he would ask our opinion. Sometimes we would not give it to him an answer that he wanted or liked. So instead of listening to the wisdom that Kim and I have, he would go seeking the answer that he wanted. If he asked enough people he would get the answer that suited him, it most likely will not be the answer that is right, but he got what he wanted.

In your Christian walk there are going to be times where you are searching for answers. In our age of technology you can find answers anywhere at anytime. We need to be aware that there are alot of false prophets and teachers out there. Yes, not everyone on TBN is aligned with Christ. I have seen some programs that have just enraged me! This must be very confusing for "New Believers."

Just as the prophet from GOD fell into the trap of listening then believing the lying "Old Prophet" we need to question anything that goes against the Word of GOD. This prophet should have thought; GOD told me not to partake in a meal, so unless GOD tells me different, I will not listen or believe them. Today we still have GOD, HE speaks to us through HIS word. As you are listening, reading, or googling if something does not sound right, ask GOD!

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Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus, Father as I stare at the awe of Your nature scenes out my window, I can not help but to be overwhelmed with gratefulness, thank You for that. I pray that I can be a strong force for You everyday. That I will follow Your truths, hear those truths and be obedient. I pray Father that You will forgive me for those times that I am a sinner and I ask Your forgiveness, guidance and growth. Thank You for always being there,

I love You and I pray in Your Name, Amen

Would You Be Happy With 25 Tons of Gold?

Jesus Christ is the only one that can satisfy us and fill us up until we are overflowing.

Insight Into Scripture - 1 Kings 9-11

Yesterday we left off with King Solomon dedicating the Temple to God. In today's chapter God comes to King Solomon, tells him of the blessing that will come to him for keeping HIS commandment, and the curse for not keeping them. We are then told of King Solomon's amazing wealth, then sadly we are left off with King Solomon's disobedience and death to have his son; Rehoboam to succeed him as king.

King Solomon had 700 wives (11:3) the fact that he had so many wives was not looked down upon. Marriage was a tool of diplomacy throughout the ancient Near East. The fact that these women turned him away from The LORD is looked down upon.

Aqaba

This is a picture of modern day Aqaba. In biblical times, there were two cities in this area: Elath and Ezion Geber. King Solomon establishes a port in this area. (9:26-28) King Solomon had his ships sail to Ophir and return back with Gold. The picture was taken from Bibleplaces.com.

Scripture Reading

Solomon Turns from the LORD Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, "You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods." Solomon clung to these in love. He had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and did not wholly follow the LORD, as David his father had done. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods.

The LORD Raises Adversaries

And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the LORD commanded. Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. - I Kings 11:1-11 ESV

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Think n Grow

God had given Solomon amazing wealth during his reign. If you read today's chapters it points out some of King Solomon's possessions. In verse 10:14 it tells how Solomon received 666 Talents of Gold yearly. That equates to 25 TONS of gold a year! Silver was used so much it had no value (10:21) he had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses (10:26) The Bible tells us that King Solomon was greater in riches than all the other kings on earth. (10:23) He had women at his call, 700 wives and 300 concubines (11:3) Yes, King Solomon had it ALL!!

Here is the sad part, with all his riches, women, and fame that the LORD had given him, Solomon still wanted more. Even with ALL his wisdom, he disobeyed God and had his kingdom torn away from him. (11:11)

There is a Self Storage Association that monitors self storage units in the US. The self storage business is a 22.6 billion dollar business. As a country we own 1.9 billion sq. feet of storage space outside of our homes. There are 51,223 storage facilities in the US. 1 out of every 10 homes rents a storage unit. Now here is the interesting part, the average sq. footage of a home in 1973 was 1,400 sq. ft., in the year 2004 it was 2,400 sq. ft. So even with the increase in the size of our homes, we still can't fit all of our stuff into our homes.

We need to take a lesson from King Solomon, even if GOD gave you all the riches of Solomon, they would leave you wanting more and feeling empty. Jesus Christ is the only one that can satisfy us and fill us up until we are overflowing.

Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus

Father please fill me up today. Let me feel Your overflowing love fill the depths of my emptiness. Father I pray then that I will use that overflowing of peace, joy and happiness and love others around me and be happy with all the blessings You have given me. Father I pray that I can do a little house cleaning this week and clear out all of the junk I have stored, in my garage and in my heart.

I love You and I pray,

Amen.

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If God Said You Could Have Anything What Would it Be?

Can you imagine The GOD of the universe coming to you asking what you wanted?

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Insight Into Scripture

In today's reading Solomon brings the Ark into the Most Holy place, then he dedicates the temple to God, turns and prays for the people and blesses them.The temple was dedicated in the month of Ethanim (8:2) this corresponds to September - October.

Solomon & Temple

This is a picture of Solomon dedicating the temple to God. The dedication and celebration took 14 days. (8:65) Solomon offered 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats as a sacrifice before the LORD. (8:63) Can you even try to imagine that. WOW! It must has been an all day all night constant giving to the LORD.

Here is an interesting point..... with as much as that must have cost Israel to sacrifice all those animals, they were not worried about the cost, they were worried about God. Right now Israel is about to enter into a huge blessing period. They have peace in all the land, and they are going into the wealthiest period they have known. Do you see a connection between the two?

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Scripture Reading

At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." And Solomon said, "You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days." - 1 Kings 3:5-14

Think n Grow

I know that this passage of scripture is in the past, but I have not been able to get my mind off of it since I have read it. The answer that Solomon gave God just impresses me! I have spent the last couple of days thinking of how I would have answered. I have tried to be honest with myself and I am not sure that I would have answered as Solomon had. View Books On Solomon.

Can you imagine The GOD of the universe coming to you asking what you wanted. Then telling you that what you wanted, HE would provide.....ANYTHING. Without putting any thought into it, what would it be? What would be your reasoning for your answer? If you had some time to ponder the thought, would it change your mind? Search for Books on Bible Promises.

I would say that your first answer would be a good pulse where your heart is at. If your first response is not something that you like, what do you need to do to get your heart where you would be happy with your response? King Solomon made an amazing choice, he put GOD first and his task at hand first, which pleased GOD. So much that God gave Solomon what he asked for and MORE!. Shop Hebrew Rings.

Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus

Thank You Father for giving us choices and free will. I pray Father that I can continue to do more for You and less for my worldly needs. I pray Father that I can be a great light for You and that I will dress myself in You.

I love You and I pray in Your Name,

Amen

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How To Know Gods Plans For Your Life

Have you ever wondered how to know what plans God has for your life?

God Has A Plan For Your Life

Insight Into Scripture

Since yesterdays devotional we have started 1 Kings. King David passed away and Solomon was established as king after his father David. (2:10)

GOD came to Solomon in a dream and asked what Solomon desired. Solomon answered that he wished for wisdom; this impressed GOD, so GOD gave not only wisdom, but wealth and honor, and long life if Solomon obeyed His commands. (3:10ff) In chapter 5 we start with Solomon preparing to build the Temple.

Solomons Temple

The picture to the left is a drawing of how Solomon's Temple may have looked. Did you note how Solomon put God first? Solomon built the temple of the LORD, then he built his own palace.

Solomon was said to be the wisest man on earth, as we are reading 1 Kings see if you can pick up on some of his characteristics.

Scripture Reading

"You know that David my father could not build a house for the name of the LORD his God because of the warfare with which his enemies surrounded him, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet. But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side. There is neither adversary nor misfortune.  And so I intend to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD said to David my father, 'Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, shall build the house for my name.' 1 Kings 5:3-5 ESV Shop ESV Bibles

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Think n Grow

If you flip back to 2 Samuel 7, you might remember how David had the desire to build The LORD's Temple. But, God came to the prophet Nathan and told him to tell David that HE had other plans for David and not to worry about the Temple right now.

Have you ever been in David's shoes? You had this idea or desire to do or start something for GOD, but, when you started that project it seemed like you encounter all kinds of resistance? In fact maybe the project never got off the ground and died, and you stepped back in confusion and wondered why? If it weren't for GOD, would not all be good?

I have experienced just that. I started a pastor training program at my church. Just when I started I was diagnosed with my disease and I had to stop. It was a very confusing time. I could not understand why GOD would not want me to become a pastor??? As I became better I started the program again for the second time, and again I became sick right away. It was like GOD was saying "I have other plans for you, but you are not listening!!" Finally I gave up the dream and started listening to GOD. Guess what, things started to move in my life. Shop Books on Pastor Training.

Are you at that point in your life where you are pushing and pushing to make something happen, and nothing is. Maybe you are like David; GOD has other plans for your life, but you are so busy pushing your way, you can't hear what GOD is trying to tell you. Stop, be still, and hear GOD, let Him move you in the path HE needs you. Shop Books on Gods Plans

Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus

Praise You Father for all the many blessings I experience everyday. Thank You for loving me so much that You forgive me for being so human. Father I pray today that You will help me to make sure I listen to You and I move where You want me to move, not where I think I should move. I pray that You will give me the discernment to know the difference.

I love You and I pray In Your Name,

Amen.

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Insight Into Scripture - 2 Samuel 23-24

The list of 30 men in chapter 23 were a special group that had attached themselves to David. They served as a "Special Forces" group.

Taking census was a practical measure utilized by governments. But these census were not appreciated by the people. It usually lead to tax levies as well as forced labor and military services. (24:1-7)

The angel afflicting the people (24:16) was the same terminology used for the destroying angel in the Passover.

A threshing floor (24:24) was a place where grain was threshed. Usually clay soil was packed to a hard smooth surface. Sheaves of grain were spread out on the floor then trampled by oxen. Fans or shovels were used to separate the chaff.

David Built An Altar To God

In verse 24:18 the Bible states how David built an altar to GOD and sacrificed oxen for his disobedience. GOD was pleased with David's sacrifice and stopped the plague on Israel.

Scripture Reading

Again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, "Go, number Israel and Judah." So the king said to Joab, the commander of the army, who was with him, "Go through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and number the people, that I may know the number of the people." But Joab said to the king, "May the LORD your God add to the people a hundred times as many as they are, while the eyes of my lord the king still see it, but why does my lord the king delight in this thing?" But the king's word prevailed against Joab and the commanders of the army. So Joab and the commanders of the army went out from the presence of the king to number the people of Israel.

But David's heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the LORD, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly." - 2 Samuel 24:1-4, 10 ESV

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Think n Grow

This story is a good example of pride, faith, God's mercy. See 1 Chronicles 21:1-17 for more insight to this story.

The story starts out by David being tempted by satan. Maybe satan played with David's pride, or maybe satan used fear to tempt David to take the census. Whatever it was David lost the connection with GOD and gave into the temptation. What do you do when you are tempted by satan? See Book on Temptation.

It was wrong for David to take the census. Israel was at peace so there was no need to enlist the troops. Joab knew this census was wrong. He even tried to call David on it, but David, being the anointed king, had the final say and Joab respected him. When you are struggling with a decision you must make, are you open to others opinions or are you closed minded? GOD may put someone in your life to be HIS voice, are you listening?

David, being true to his character felt guilty about his decision, desired to make peace with GOD, admitted his sin, and accepted GOD's judgement. When you have sinned, are you quick to ask forgiveness and humbly accept any consequences given?

In closing I saw one point that I thought I would share with you. GOD gave David his punishment after he had confessed his sin, not before. Maybe GOD wanted David to confess first, and see if David was truly sorry by his acceptance of the punishment. I hope this story of David helped you see events happening in your life. See Books on Overcoming Sin.

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Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus

Thank You Lord for this awesome moon and star that are glistening through my window, as if You are saying good night. Father thank You for the time we get to share together, I pray that I can use it wisely. Father I pray that You help me realize my sins, and confess them with an open heart. Thank You for loving me so much.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen.