Danger....don't be half hearted!!!

In 2 Chronicles 10-12, we see the torch of leadership pass to Solomon's son Rehoboam. With Solomon's life as an example (Rehoboam was 40 when Solomon died), you would think the next in line would be wise. Not so when pride and arrogance take over. That is a major sin in our culture, pride! It causes us to become cold in our love for God. Or worse, indifferent. Life can move pretty fast and we can easily get caught up in the excitement and activity. Careful with halfhearted lip service in worship though. This is when we use God as a spiritual Santa Claus, crutch, or 2nd string QB. Rehoboam rejected the advice of elder mentors and listen instead to pride filled advisors with a lust for power. Check other's motives, and check your own.

The Lord giveth....

2 Chronicles6-9 talks about the splendor and wisdom of Solomon. God definitely blessed him. The Queen of Sheba found this out first hand. With everything going their way, what could possibly happen to Israel? There was peace, prosperity and joy in the land. Did the things become more than things? Doesn't discuss that here, but Israel soon fell. During our times of peace, we need to be sure to remember who provided the peace for us. During those times, it is important not to forget about God! Praise is key, it is really the only thing that we can give God.

Ask, seek and knock

We begin 2 Chronicles v 1-5 looking at the beginning of Solomon's reign as king. Solomon was put in charge of building a temple to God by his father, David. Solomon carried through with this charge diligently. Before construction began, God sought out Solomon (ch 1 v 7) and asked him"What do you want"? Let that sink in a moment. How would you answer? How did Solomon answer? He asked for wisdom to lead God's people. What an incredible desire. Of course we'd like to think we'd do likewise, but do we? How often do we request wisdom? Seems like we usually ask for action, healing, help, etc...when we pray. Did not Jesus tell us in Matt 7 v 7-13, ask and it will be given? So what will you ask for? And how will you prepare yourself to receive it? Think about the 2 who prayed for rain...only 1 had an umbrella...

What is a temple!

As we close out 1 Chron ch 28-29, we see the ending of David's reign and the beginning of Solomon's. The torch is passed. See how it is passed, with great honor and celebration. David's lifelong dream to build a great temple to God is undone, work his son must complete. But David has gathered the materials and laid out the plans. Seems like God has possibly done that for us as well, see the Bible. So how does a temple work into God's plan for reconciliation and salvation? Glad you asked. How awesome is it that God desires to dwell among His people. God, though, did not need a building. We'll end today and 1Chron with a question, how is a temple, so elaborately decorated, not a form of idol worship?

Would we listen?

1 Chronicles 17-21 covers David's kingdom, from his desire to build a temple, to his evil (yes, evil) plan to take a census. Some of this we have recently covered in 1 Samuel. However, some is worth repeating. 1 Chron ch 17 v 16 talks about God blessing David and his descendants. "Who am I, O Lord, that you have brought me this far"? We have a God who cares and is involved in our lives. He will not force himself on us.
God demonstrates His righteousness in ch 21, where he punishes Israel for David's census. Even Joab, the king's military commander, warned David not to do it. Who has God put in your life today to warn you of the dangers you will face? How will you know to listen to them? Are you prepared?

Building others...

Me to Aimme and Donn Riggs: Making preparations, getting ready. After all, you plan out things to pack for a trip, why not plan out a significant building project? In 1 Chronicles 22-27, we read about King David's planning out of the temple project, including who will serve, how they will serve, when and for how long they will serve. To a casual reader, these chapters might be easy to gloss over, but God felt it was important enough to include in scripture for over 2,000 years! A key to David's planning was to make not only the project successful, but the one leading it, his son Solomon! Think about how you are making those around you successful. Even John the Baptist realized his role and said that he must diminish and Christ increase. Great lesson of humility and sacrifice (living) to be learned here...

Would we listen?

1 Chronicles 17-21 covers David's kingdom, from his desire to build a temple, to his evil (yes, evil) plan to take a census. Some of this we have recently covered in 1 Samuel. However, some is worth repeating. 1 Chron ch 17 v 16 talks about God blessing David and his descendants. "Who am I, O Lord, that you have brought me this far"? We have a God who cares and is involved in our lives. He will not force himself on us.
God demonstrates His righteousness in ch 21, where he punishes Israel for David's census. Even Joab, the king's military commander, warned David not to do it. Who has God put in your life today to warn you of the dangers you will face? How will you know to listen to them? Are you prepared?