2 Chronicles 17, 2 Chronicles 18, 2 Corinthians 6

Jehoshaphat…sought God…and walked in His commandments. Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. 2 Chronicles 18:4-5

 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:15

 “Come out from among them …And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

 Read at – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Chron17,18;%202Cor6&version=NKJV

2 Chronicles 17        Jehoshaphat…strengthened himself against Israel…he did not seek the Baals, but sought the God…and walked in His commandments and not according to the acts of Israel.

            At this time Israel was not following the Lord God but worshipping false gods.

            Talk about taking a stand! Jehoshaphat didn’t ignore Israel, give platitudes, agreements, or compromises saying ‘your truth works for you, my truth works for me’. – No, Jehoshaphat “strengthened himself against Israel”! Boldly Not being ‘politically correct’!  

            Jehoshaphat was a man of conviction and action! Not only was Jehoshaphat against Israel, but he was against the false gods in his own land AND he taught everyone about the Lord God!! “moreover he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah. So they…had the Book of the Law of the Lord with them; they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people.”

             Why would Jehoshaphat do this? Because “his heart took delight in the ways of the Lord”. Jehoshaphat’s heart couldn’t be happier because he ‘heard’ the Lord and walked in His Ways. He didn’t need any one else’s approval or relationship. Jehoshaphat’s HEART DELIGHTED in the LORD. The center of Jehoshaphat’s core had delight, joy, peace and the Presence of the Lord God! It is what motivated him to do all he did! 1 

             Aren’t I supposed to be this way too? Of course! Especially since I have tangible blessings from the Lord God: The full Bible. The knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ by His Word. The God’s promises for the end of His story. The revelation of  Who my Atonement is. The indwelling 24/7/365 Presence of the Holy Spirit within me.  Yet I rejoice in Jehoshaphat! What a man for God! May I be at least as much as he is!!  2 

             And what was God’s response?

Faithfulness, loyalty and fruitfulness to Jehoshaphat and his realm of influence.

The Lord established the kingdom in his hand

The Book of the Law of the Lord was taught to all the people.

The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.

Some kingdoms brought Jehoshaphat presents, tribute, and more

Jehoshaphat became increasingly powerful,

Jehoshaphat had much property and mighty men of valor

2 Chronicles 18                   By marriage Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahab.  After some years he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria;  

             What happened to this valiant man of God? God’s Word tells us, “Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance.” Trading righteousness for pleasure and pride, Jehoshaphat unwittingly subverted his own resolve against Israel “by marriage he allied himself with Ahab”, the king of Israel.

             The effect is heard: Jehoshaphat answered Ahab, “I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will be with you in the war.”  What? How did this happen? Some years before Jehoshaphat was delighting in God and independent of the powers around him, standing valiant against sin patterns. Now Jehoshaphat has fallen so far that he views himself and his people as being like Israel! 3

             The Lord’s gifts became the source of Jehoshaphat’s joy instead of his heart continually delighting in the Lord God. When I let my physical senses distract me from Fear of the Lord, it causes spiritual blindness, misplaced trust and unholy alliances. 4

2 Corinthians 6            Lord God Almighty, may I never misconstrue blessings to be for my own gratification. You alone are my very Great Reward. You command me: I am blessed to be a blessing. I am to work together with Jesus Christ to plead for others “not to receive the grace of God in vain. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” I will accomplish this through many types of pain, discomfort, by God’s truth, power and more, and within every possible circumstance. 5

            Lord Jesus, You have shown me the deep pain of eternal souls who live for Very temporary pleasures. Hell is for real, just as Heaven is. I take Your advice to heart: You are restricted by your own affections…Do not be unequally yoked…For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. 

            Lord Jesus thank You for calling me to grow more intimate with You daily and go far away from surface pleasure and pride. I desire to Live, exist and have my being in Your Word and Holy Spirit, abiding in Your Love. Lord, have my eyes open to the walking dead around me, my ears attentive to Your Voice of Truth and wisdom, and my heart submitted to Your compassion so You will move through me for Your great work to be done, now and always for Your delight and glory! Amen 6

Dear Reader, God pleads with you and me today:

“Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”“I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” 

1-  Psalm 37:4, 2 Chronicles 17:4, Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 1, Psalm 119:16

2-  Romans 3:21-26; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:1-2; 1 John 4:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Isaiah 6:8

3 – 1 Kings 18

4- Romans 1; Revelation 2:4; Genesis 15:1; Psalm 37:4; Philippians 2:12

5- 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; Genesis 15:1; Genesis 12:2; Romans 1:16

6-   1 Peter 2:9; Acts 17:28; John 15:1-17

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

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2 Samuel 10, 2 Samuel 11, 2 Samuel 12, John 3:1-15

“The thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” 2 Samuel 11:27

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

Please Read at: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Sam10,11,12;%20John%203:1-15&version=NKJV 

2 Samuel 10    Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.” v.12

                  “David said, ‘I will show kindness’”, but he was distrusted so Israel was challenged with war. The Lord did what was “good in His sight.” Thus the people of Ammon were defeated and the Syrians made peace with Israel and served them.

“Righteousness exalts a nation,…” Proverbs 14:34

2 Samuel 11             David remained…arose from his bed and walked…saw a woman bathing…very beautiful to behold…sent and inquired…took her…lay with her…and the woman conceived.

             But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. James 1:14-16

               Righteous Uriah (Matthew 1:6) rejected David’s enticements: “As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.” So King David ordered murder: “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die.” 

“…But sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

2 Samuel 12             The Lord sent Nathan to David…“You are the man!…Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight?…Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me…For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.”…So David said…“I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have…    David therefore pleaded with God, fasted…the child died. …So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.…Now the Lord loved him, and He sent word by the hand of Nathan the prophet.

            God Convicts me of sin. I agree with God and Confess my sin. I hate my sin and turn away from it in Repentance. With Joy of God’s cleansing, I Worship the Lord God Almighty whole heartedly. Out of the fullness of my heart, my mouth testifies to what the Lord God has done. I “bear fruits worthy of repentance.” Matthew 3:8   –  A repeated cycle of sanctification for holiness by delighting in the LORD.

John 3:1-15              Jesus answered…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. …‘You must be born again.’…born of the Spirit.…the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 

            King David was a man after God’s own heart. Like me, David was not perfect. David lived at a greater disadvantage by not having all the spiritual tools I have available today. King David did not have: the full completed Bible, the knowledge of God in flesh, the Lord Jesus Christ, the satisfaction of the fulfilled Atonement, nor the Wisdom and Power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. All of this is available for us today.

             By testifying of His sacrificial offer, Jesus’ Words invite you and me to come to Him so that we “should not perish but have eternal life.”

What is your choice? Eternal perishing or eternal Life? Literally hell or heaven? Despising “the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight?” Or confessing, repenting and worshipping? “I have sinned against the Lord…and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.” 

What is my choice? Lord God Almighty, I am sorry for my sins against You. Once again, I resubmit my will to You, living God. I reject my sins of today, yesterday, and my wrong thoughts for tomorrow. Please forgive me by the Blood of Jesus Christ. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I would live under and for You today and allways, by Your Power and Word of God Wisdom. Teach me, Show me, Guide me and Grow me that I would know You more intimately and live more submitted to You for Your Purpose and Glory all the days of my life. Lord Jesus Christ, I praise You that You are God and are Holy. Please enable and empower me to help others to know You so that they will worship You as You desire, in Spirit and in Truth. “To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:25

Helpful Notes –         God writes His Law on the hearts of those who are New Creatures in Christ Jesus because of Jesus’ atoning death and resurrection.    John 1:1-3; John 1:12-14; John 1:29; John 14:6; Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 4:23-24; Psalm 37:4; Romans 3:21-26; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22; Hebrews 10:16; Jeremiah 17:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34; Ezekiel 36:25-29; James 1:21-22; John 16:13; John 14:15-17; Hebrews 11:6

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

1 Samuel 27, 1 Corinthians 8, Ezekiel 6, Psalm 44

for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6

 Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when their slain are among their idols all around their altars, … wherever they offered sweet incense to all their idols. Ezekiel 6:13

 Read at: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Sam.%2027;%201%20Cor.%208;%20Ezek.%206;%20Ps.44&version=NKJV

1 Samuel 27             And David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. … So I shall escape out of his hand.” …So David dwelt with Achish at Gath, … Then David said to Achish, “If I have now found favor in your eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there.” … one full year and four months. 

                 David believed his own fears, a Lie. David believed he’d perish by the hand of Saul. David distrusted God’s anointing by Samuel. (1 Samuel 16:13) Desperation moving us away from God’s Promises is a recipe for disaster. (Proverbs 3:1-8, Proverbs 29:25, Job 28:28) Pursuing the favor of an ungodly king and choosing to dwell with men who do not fear God is in direct opposition to God’s Word. Psalm 1, Genesis 6:8, Ephesians 6:6, Proverbs 12:2, Luke 12:5

                 How often can I be like this? By living, thinking, moving and emoting out of fear plays me right into the hand of my soul’s enemy. I become pained and confused, further losing my trust in the Lord, until I repent and turn back to the Lord Jesus Christ. Not so when I quickly “spot” the lie, hear the “trumpet of warning” in my head and cease and desist from advancing into the enemy’s plans. (Genesis 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:8; John 8:44)

               Lord God Almighty, may I live consciously of Your plans, fixing the eyes of my heart on Your Word and promises when I “see” no way out and “feel” alone and abandoned. When it seems like I am heading right into the dark alley, may I remember Your Name, Your Character, and trust that You cannot abandon me because Your Spirit lives within me. (Ephesians 4:30; Galatians 5:25; Romans 8:5; Hebrews 12:2)

1 Corinthians 8                    Now concerning things offered to idols: … we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.

                Idolatry breaks the first two commandments (Exodus 20:2-6). Offering anything to any one or thing while focusing on pleasing it more than pleasing God is idolatry! The world has many religions offering sacrifices to statues and ideologies. (Jeremiah 7:16-19; Matthew 6:5-15; Isaiah 40:18-26; Isaiah 44:6-23; Jeremiah 10:1-16; Hosea 4:12; Revelation 9:20)

              Jesus says to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:36-37  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17, Romans 12:1-2; John 4:21-26; John 15:5-11

                        7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; … and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. …  beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.

              While I may know something, I must purposefully serve others to not cause my weaker siblings in Christ to sin against their defiled consciences. May I continue to inform my conscience of God’s Word so that it is strong and not weak, wise and not just knowledgeable. I am always amazingly blessed when others’ love (Acts 10:9-16, Col 3:23-24) edifies me, for I see our Lord Jesus Christ magnified and glorified by them!

Ezekiel 6                   The word of the Lord GOD! …  your idols may be broken and made to cease, your incense altars may be cut down, and your works may be abolished. The slain shall fall in your midst, … So I will stretch out My hand against … they shall know that I am the LORD.

              For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but …” Exodus 20:5-6

             The Lord God Almighty will not share the affections He is due with another. No matter what the culture or religion, may I be conscious not to offer incense or flowers to any one or thing, not got bow before statues, or pay homage to an entity other than the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the Lord God Almighty? I must Be Aware of God’s fierce wrath!

                 Years ago you warned me and showed me my Father! (Jeremiah 7:16-19; Matthew 6:5-15; Isaiah 40:18-26; Isaiah 44:6-23; Jeremiah 10:1-16; Hosea 4:12; Revelation 9:20)  Thank you for correcting me to not bow before any, even in my mind. You freed me from being drawn to depression because of waiting around for a powerless entity to accomplish what only You can do!! Your relationship has transformed me by Your Holy Spirit and your Word has given clarity of mind. Please renew others, too! Thank you!  Genesis 1:2, John 3:5

Psalm 44                   If we had forgotten the name of our God, Or stretched out our hands to a foreign god, Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart.

                Lord God, please keep me close to You, may I not bow my mind or heart to any image, music, or pleasurable delight to titillate me away from Who You are, what You do, or my being faithful to who You have made and are making me to be. You are the Author and Finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2).

                 Please search my heart and remove whatever is blocking me from full surrender to You. Magnify Yourself in my heart and mind that I would love You more fully by Your Holy Spirit and be changed by Your Word. “26 Arise for our help, And redeem us for Your mercies’ sake.”

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)