2 Chronicles 19-23

In Chapter 19 we see the prophet Jehu speak truth to Jehoshaphat King of Judah. He was referring to helping the wicked and Loving those who hate the Lord. So He went throughout the country turning the Kingdom back to the Lord. He appointed judges and directed them to judge for the Lord - who has no injustice. He also left the priests instructions from the Lord.

In chapter 20 we see neighboring countries rising up against them in battle. King Jehoshaphat calls out to God for strength and encouragement. He appoints men to sing and praise God to go before them in battle. God then causes their enemies to attack each other. They collected the plunder and praised God for the victory. King Jehoshaphat followed the ways of his father King Asa and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He did partner with an ungodly King and the ships they were building were destroyed. We must be careful who we partner with. Even if we are doing what's right in God's eyes, he will not allow an ungodly partnership success.

In chapter 21 Jehoram succeeded his father as King of Judah. He did not follow the ways of His father and allowed Judah to stray from the Lord and worship other Gods. God aroused hostility of other nations to give him problems. Elijah then prophesied against him and God did cause Him to suffer for two years with a deadly, painful stomach disease.

In chapter 22 His son Ahaziah ruled Judah for one year. He was led astray by his mother. that led to his destruction and that of His family, but his Aunt hid Ahaziah's 1 year old son from His grandmother who had decided to kill the royal family and take the throne Herself. Sin will cause us to do the unthinkable.

In chapter 23 we see Athalia reigning for 6 years in Judah. The Lord gave Jehoiada the courage to overthrow the Queen and put Joash in His proper place as King of Judah. She was put to death and the people rejoiced. Proverbs tells us our way always lead to destruction. She had access to that same proverb and chose Her own way. The Lord has the best plan and as we seek Him, He will give us the formula for success.

Ecclesiastes 1-6

Today we see Solomon (the wisest man in the world) as He works the way through the meaning of life. We see there is a season to laugh, morn and dance. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot...a time for war and a time for peace. God has set everything in motion and he orders the seasons in our lives. We see He does give us all a lot in life. We are to enjoy the assignment and the privilege of being created to serve the master. He chose no one else to carry out this task. We see where we are to get satisfaction in a job well done. Are we content with the assignment, and with the process of carrying that out? Are we standing in the awe of God or has the pursuit of riches or anything else in life taken our focus off of him?

Proverbs 27-29

We see in proverbs 27 how diligence will pay rewards. Whether being a good friend and adding loving truth, or being faithful over what we have been charged with, we will be rewarded as we put these into practice. The gardener will enjoy the fruits of the garden. What have we been put in charge of? We will eat the fruits of our labor. Be sure we are working in the Lord's vineyard, and the fruits of our labor will be sweet and not bitter.

In chapter 28 we see how God makes us steadfast through His word. He has wisdom and strength that we all need during uncertain times. When we listen to the Lord our work will be blessed and our prayers pleasing to him. The faithful will not fall. We see where God views a rich man as one who has knowledge that brings wisdom and discernment. These keep us out of our own trap.

In chapter 29 we see how these things start at an early age. We can bring a child up in the way of the Lord and avoid much trouble and hardship. It is vital to see how hardheadedness will cause personal disaster. The Lord will keep us safe and secure as we walk in his ways. Do we seek his audience, or that of powerful men?

1st Kings 8 and 2nd Chronicles 5

Today we see King Solomon dedicating the temple. He first had the Arc of the Covenant brought into the temple. He had the priests accompanied by the tribe leaders and many others. The Lord honored the temple by filling it and dwelling there. Hid presence filled the temple. Solomon then prayed and dedicated the temple to the Lord while acknowledging that He was following God's instruction and that of His father. David instructed Solomon that the Lord had spoken to Him and He was to build the temple. Solomon was faithful to God and was honored when God said well done by dwelling there. He prayed that God would always forgive his people and restore them to that close relationship with Him. He said "The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!" Now He dwells in us. Do we want the presence of the Lord in our life? Remain in Him and He will remain in you (John 15:4). We will then have the blessing of a job done well.

1st Kings 7 and 2nd Chronicles 15

Today we see the details of completing God's assignment. It took Solomon 13 years to complete. He started with a solid foundation. The stones measured 15 feet and 12 feet. He sent for Huram, the best bronze craftsman in that He could find. We see Him completing all of His assignments well. A job fit for the King. Then we see the sea that held 11,500 gallons of water held up by 12 bulls. I thought that was interesting as bulls were used in sin sacrifice. Today Jesus, the true sacrifice washes away our sins and handles all of our cares.

Are we building on the solid rock of Jesus today? Do we cast our cares on Him and trust Him for completion? He says just trust me. Is our service truly fit for the King or are we letting the cares of this world steal the joy of completing the task that God has given us? Solomon and Huram both had other things going on in their lives. Huram's mother was a widow, and Solomon married Pharaoh's daughter and ruled Israel, yet they did not look to the left or right, they continued and finished the task at hand while doing all things well. Cast your cares on Jesus, remain in Him, meditate on His word and He will give you the the strength and joy of a job well done.