God's Acceptance of the Temple. II Chronicles 7

 

II Chronicles 7 – God’s Acceptance of the Temple

 

When fire from heaven consumes the sacrifice, God accepts the temple that Solomon had built.  This means that the judgment of God has fallen upon sin.

The basis of His acceptance is the fact that it is pointing to Christ. It is His sacrifice that makes this acceptable to God. The glory of the Lord filled the temple.

“The Lord is good; His mercy endures forever.” Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.

There must have been literally thousands of lambs that were slain that night. It symbolizes the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Although the burnt offerings were totally consumed by fire, other offerings, such as the peace offering, were eaten. This dedication of the temple was a time of great feasting and great celebrating.

“If my people who were called by my name…” That is Israel.. These if’s were conditions that God put down especially for Israel.

In our day, the people of Israel have been scattered throughout the world. They cannot have peace in that land because they have not met those conditions.

“My people”, the body of Christ, those who have accepted the Savior, “Who gave Himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14.

Many times in the Bible we are admonished to pray. “Set your affections on things above, not on things of the earth.” Col. 3:1-2. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9. “And will heal their land in Israel.

Nowhere we are promised a land or healing in our land. Although, it is good to pray for healing, It was only promised to Israel back in the day of Solomon.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.

 

 

Come to God. II Chronicles 6

 

II Chronicles 6 – Come to God                                                                                                                                                                   

In God’s sovereign will He chose Jerusalem to be the center and capital of this earth. It will be that someday. He chose Jerusalem for the place the temple would stand. He chose David to be the king, and now one in David’s line. The is the absolute will of God in making this choice.

God has His will for you and me. His will involves everything in your life. The great problem for you and me is to get in the will of God.

Solomon begins with thanking God because He is the Creator and because of His mercy and His faithfulness. In His grace He had moved into the heart of David, into the nation, and into the heart and life of Solomon.

The temple was to become the very center of the life of the nation Israel. When they had sinned, they were to come back to the temple. When there is a draught in the land, they were to come back to God in prayer. Whatever calamity might come to them, they were to return to the temple and pray to God. God knows us, that is the reason we need to be doing business with Him.

The temple was not only for Israel, but the whole world was also to come there. If a stranger or foreigner would come from a far country, from the end of the earth, he could meet God at the temple.

You and I are to pray because Christ shed His blood. He made peace for us by the blood of His cross, and God is prepared to extend mercy to us.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

God's Viewpoint of the Completed Temple. II Chronicles 5

 

II Chronicles 5 – God’s Viewpoint of the Completed Temple

 

After the temple was completed, the ark was brought into the temple. The staves were drawn out and the ark was not to be moved again.

The males of the children of Israel were to appear at the tabernacle at three feasts of the year: Passover, Pentecost, and the feast of the tabernacles. They will come to Jerusalem on those feast days and appear at the temple where the ark rests.

 

The ark speaks of Jesus Christ. Above the ark was the mercy seat which speaks of His work of redemption, His shedding of His blood.

It is permanent, it is basic, it is established.

 

 (a pot of manna was preserved in the ark as a memorial. Now it is gone. The manna was a symbol of Christ as the Bread of Life, who feeds those who are His own. Aaron’s rod that budded is a symbol of Christ’s resurrection. It has been actualized to us by the fact that Jesus died, was buried, then rose again the third day. This revealed His deity).

 

The singers were there, and the orchestra with cymbals and psalteries and harps, and 120 trumpet players.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

Construction of the Temple. God's Viewpoint. II Chronicles 2

 

II Chronicles 2 Construction of the Temple

 

It was by a sacrifice that they approached God. And the only way you and I can come to God is through the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. The important thing to note here is that Solomon had no misgivings as to who God was, or whether God would occupy and live in that house.

They were much farther advanced than a great many people are today, even in our churches. Many people call the church “God’s house”. God doesn’t occupy a house. He never did. The temple was a place to make sacrifices. It was a place of approach to God. And it had to be worthy of Him. It was highly ornate, very beautiful. It was not very large compared to the other buildings of that day. But it made up for its small size in its wealth – the tremendous amount of silver and gold that went into it.

They had to get the skilled workmen from the outside, because the Israelites were an agricultural people, as God intended them to be.

In Solomon’s day the nation Israel did not have artisans, and they had to call upon Hiram for those. Solomon’s men would learn from them. The cedar trees are the famous cedars of Lebanon.

II Chronicles 3. We are seeing the temple from God’s viewpoint. It is the beauty of the veil which speaks of the humanity of Christ. When Christ was crucified, the veil of the temple was torn in two. The rending of the signified that a “new and living way” was opened for all believers into the very presence of God with no other sacrifice than Christ’s.

The pillars speak of strength and beauty. We boast of our strength; yet we are powerless to maintain law and order.

The chains speak of the unity of the nation. The unity of the nation’s constitutes the tribes, and the tribes in turn make up the nation.

II Chronicles 4 Pomegranates speak of faithfulness.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

God's Viewpoint. II Chronicles 1

 

II Chronicles 1 – God’s Viewpoint of Solomon

 

Solomon was God’s choice. He is going to bless Solomon. “Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, And the Lord his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly.”

Solomon took the leaders and went to Gibeon where the tabernacle and the brazen altar was.

 

The way to God is through the brazen altar. They couldn’t go to Him through the Ark. We don’t come immediately to God. The way of the cross leads home. There is no other way.

 

David had told Solomon, “The Lord give you wisdom and understanding.” So, when the Lord asked, “What do you want, Solomon?” he said, “I need wisdom and understanding.” God gave him credit for it. He grants his request and gives him other blessings beside. Solomon did not ask for spiritual discernment. Although he was given divine wisdom to rule, he did not seem to have wisdom to order his personal life.

 

God had told him “not to multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away; neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.” Solomon did multiply horses and he became personally wealthy.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

David's Final Message. I Chronicles 27-29

 

I Chronicles 27-29 David’s Final Message.

 

Twelve captains were appointed, each man serving one month of the year. One man from each of the twelve tribes so that there were twelve princes of the Tribes of Israel.

David did not take a census this time. He rested upon God’s promise. This chapter concludes with a list of officers which are in charge of King David’s personal properties.

 Chapter 28 -David calls together all the leaders in Israel. It is a great meeting, and it will be one of his last because he has come to the end of his life.  These are the men who are responsible for the leadership of this nation.

David gave the reason why God did not allow him to build the temple. He was a bloody man.  He made it clear that God had chosen and commissioned Solomon. He turned over all the responsibility for Solomon to God. David then gave the blueprint to Solomon. The temple was to be a meeting place. God met with man there. And the temple was for the glory and honor of God.

God gave the blueprint, the pattern; God selected the site – the threshing floor of Ornan. God inspired and encouraged David but would not allow him to do the actual building.

David had everyone in the kingdom, the priests, the workmen, the princes, the Levites, all stimulated and stirred up to do this. All Solomon had to do was to carry out his orders and follow the plans.

The people gave generously and gave with joy.

“Give till it hurts” is not God’s motto, if it hurts to give, don’t give! God wants you to give when it brings joy to your heart and life.

You can’t give God everything because it belongs to Him already. But He can bless you when you give. And He will bless you. God can only bless us when we open our hearts to Him.

You and I can’t build Him a temple, but we can offer the temple of our bodies to Him. What joy it is to be committed to Him!

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Divisions I Chronicles 24-26

 

I Chronicles 24 – Division

 

Aaron’s sons were priests, and they were divided into 24 groups. One group would come and do their work under the direction of one of the sons, then another group under the direction of another son would come and replace them.

When the Levites changed shifts for the temple service it was done with precision and order.

From the time of Moses to the time of David, the Levites had increased from about 8,000 to 38,000. For this reason, David divided them into groups.

The sons of Kohath were divided, and following them, the sons of Merari were divided. David planned that each family would carry on the service of the temple.

 

I Chronicles 25

David organized the singers the same way. They were divided by lot into twenty-four groups. This would mean that twice each month there would be a change in the service.  Each of these would serve only two weeks out of the year.

 

I Chronicles 26

The division of the porters were divided in the same way. There were guards placed to watch the gates and were on duty 24 hours a day.

Every gate was covered by guards.

The treasurers were responsible for the vast store of dedicated things which had been accumulating.

The Levites were to be judges getting direction from God. This changed because of the failure of the Levites. So, God raised up judges. Then we saw the failure of the judges, so the people demanded for a king. David soon became king.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

 

Levites are Organized. I Chronicles 23

 

I Chronicles 23 – Levites are Organized

 

Do you really put God first in your life? Is He a thrill to you? Do you rejoice in that relationship? Do you want to do something for God? Does He give direction and purpose to your life? Is it the desire of your heart to know Him and to serve Him?

 

David was on the move for God, and he is urging his son Solomon to get on the move and build this great temple. David then made Solomon King in his place.

 

David gathered the materials for the construction of the temple, he also organized the Levites to serve in the temple. Four thousand praised the Lord with music!

 

Now that the ark has been placed on the threshing floor, the staves are removed, and it will not be moved again.

 

In the temple there was a great deal for the Levites to do; So, David organized them into shifts, selected by lot. They served for a period, then they retired and had time off.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

David Prepares for the Temple. I Chronicles 22

 

I Chronicles 22 – David Prepares for the Temple

 

David is determined that the temple is to be built there on the threshing floor of Ornan.

Hiram, King of Tyre and Sidon, was the one who provided the stone and timber for the construction of the temple. David commanded the leaders of Israel to become involved in this project also.

David made abundant preparation for the temple. He knew that Solomon was young and inexperienced, and the temple of God must be exceedingly magnificent.

God would not allow David to build the temple because he was a man of war.

God said that Solomon would be a man of peace and rest because He would give peace to Israel in his days.

David did not get by with sin. He was not able to do the thing he wanted to do above everything else on this earth, which was build a temple for God. There is many a man whom God has not permitted to reach the goal he wanted to reach, because of sin in his life. Sin drags us all down. It dragged David down.

Solomon entered the labors of another, and that was his father David. David knew that Solomon would get discouraged. He knew Solomon was a weakling. He tells him to be a man, be strong and be courageous. You have a worthy goal, build God a house.  God had seen what was in the heart of David. That is why David is called a man after God’s own heart.

Jesus Christ has promised us that He shall be with us forever. Since He is God, His way is going to prevail, not ours. He has something glorious in view.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

David Took a Census. I Chronicles 21

 

I Chronicles 21 – David took a Census

 

“And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.”

This throws light upon David’s great sin. Joab opposed getting these statistics because he felt pride was involved in this.

God was not pleased when David took a census because David was not delighting in the Lord; he was delighting in his own might. So, the thing that motivated him to number the people was the awful sin of unbelief. David was trusting numbers instead of trusting God. David insisted on a census.

God is telling us here that He considers unbelief the most serious matter. Satan is always behind unbelief. He puts unbelief into our hearts and minds so that we will not trust God. He is always urging us to put our trust in men, in armies, in money, in anything but God. That is the sin of statistics.

David learned his lesson. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.  “For whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Rom. 14:23.

The Lord put before David a choice of punishment.

David knows his God. He says to Gad, “Don’t let me fall into the hand of man. I want to fall into the hands of God.” David has learned that God is merciful. He is merciful in salvation.

All you must do if you want to be saved is to go into court with God, plead guilty, and then ask for mercy. He has plenty of mercy.

David takes full responsibility for his sin.

The Lord commanded Gad to tell David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the Lord in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

This man Ornan was very generous. This man offered the whole thing to David. David refused to offer to God that which cost him nothing. David paid the full price for the threshing floor. He makes a sacrifice to God. The fire from heaven indicated that God had accepted David’s offering.

Sin must be dealt with, God is also righteous, and He cannot save us simply by His mercy, or by His love. We are saved by grace through faith. Someone had to pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus Christ came to pay our penalty, He is the propitiation, He is the mercy seat for you and me.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. J. Vernon McGee Commentary and NKJ Bible and Nelson’s Quick Reference.

 

 

War with the Ammonites and Philistines. I Chronicles 20

 

I Chronicles 20 – War with Ammonites and Philistines

 

The constant, persistent, enemies of Israel were the Ammonites and the Philistines. There was not such thing as compromise between Israel and those enemies.

 

If you are walking with evil, it is because you compromised with it, you have agreed with the evil. Evil must be opposed. Lawlessness must be opposed. Right and wrong are in opposition. There cannot be an agreement between the two.

 

The Philistines were the unrelenting enemy of Israel all during the life of David.

 

If you are a child of God, you are also a soldier of God. That is the reason we are told to put on the whole armor of God. Eph. 6:11. If you stand for the things of God, you are in a battle.

 

There will be war as long as there is evil in the world. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in that evil day, and having done all to stand,: Eph. 6:13

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. J. Vernon McGee Thru the Bible

 

War with Ammon and Syria. I Chronicles 19

I Chronicles 19 – War with Ammon and Syria

 

Ammon was an enemy of Israel. David didn’t want to make war.

Wanting to repay an old kindness, David sent a message of comfort to Hanun upon the death of his father.

There were some young men who spoke to the children of Ammon and said “David is not your friend. He wasn’t a friend of your father’s. These men he has sent are spies!” So, they shaved David’s ambassadors. And cut off their uniforms. These men were greatly embarrassed. Of course, it was an insult that could not be ignored, and David was a hotheaded fellow. David told them to stay in retirement until their beards were grown out again. And they would be given new uniforms.

This new king wanted to demonstrate That he could overthrow David. So, he hires an army from Syria to help him overcome David. The Syrians had the best army, so Joab chose the best of his forces to put them over against the Syrians. The Syrians were coming from the north and the Ammonites was coming from the South.

Joab and his brother were going to concentrate their forces at the place of the heaviest attack. Joab was a real army man, a real soldier. After the war, Joab came back to Jerusalem to report and send for reinforcements.

David did not want to go into battle. He wanted peace with the Ammonites. The enemy, however, went out to get reinforcements, and with allies on their side they again gathered against Israel. This time David himself went out to lead the battle. When David went into battle, he went in to win!

We are not to fight wars, just to fight wars.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible. Nelsons Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

 

 

  

David The Servant, David's Wars, I Chronicles 17 & 18

 

I Chronicles 17- David the Servant.

 

Ten times in this chapter David is called “servant” the servant does not command the master; the master commands the servant. And what a wonderful master the Lord is!

Whether we look at the past, or the future we see the grace and goodness of the Lord. How David was humbled by the grace of the Lord!

It is one thing to know God's promises and quite something else to claim them by faith. Faith turns God’s promises into reality, but before praying, take time to praise Him.

 

I Chronicles 18 – David’s Wars

 

The background of war is the sinful heart of man. It is very easy to protest wars, but we will never get rid of wars by protesting. Protesting may bring a single war to an end but another one is sure to start, because the basic problem is in the sinful heart of man.

The Prince of Peace is the only One who will bring peace to this earth.

There are going to be wars until sin is removed from this earth, until wickedness is removed. Wars are the symptom. The disease is sin.

Now let’s look at David’s wars. The nations mentioned here were the perpetual enemies of Israel and always attacked when the nation was weak. David is given the victory over all these old enemies of Israel. To become King over that land, there were enemies to be driven out.

Our enemy doesn’t have to be a flesh and blood enemy. Eph. 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.” Our enemy is a spiritual enemy. As Christians, we need to stand for what is right. A Georgian preacher once said, “A lot of people, instead of standing on the promises, are sitting on the premises.”

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

 

 

 

The Ark Settles. I Chronicles 16

 

I Chronicles 16- The Ark Settles

 

The burnt sacrifices they offered typified what God sees in Christ. The offering ascended to the presence of God. Also, they offered “peace offerings” which speak of the fact that Christ made peace by the blood of His cross. Everything is right between God and us when we come God’s way through Christ.

God has been moving in the past, and He is still moving today.

Singing is an important way in which to praise God. James 4:8 tells us, “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.”

God does things in such a magnificent way. He had plenty of light, a great big sun, a lot of sky, and big mountains. He let the sun go down and put a lot of color in it. Just so we could enjoy it.

God made judgments in all the earth at that time. He is still making judgments today. God is going to close in on Satan and all his works because He is the God of judgment.

Just as God made a covenant with Abraham and with his offspring, So God has also made covenants with us. He has promised us all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.

Today all creation is groaning in pain waiting for the redemption of the sons of God. There is a day coming when all creation will be released. Then, we shall hear music the like of which we have never heard before.

The trees are going to sing. It will all be to praise God.

God is not short on mercy. Mercy is what we all need. “His mercy endures forever.”

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible. Nelsons Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

 

David Gathered all the Levites. I Chronicles 15

 

I Chronicles 15 – David Gathered all the Levites

 

You will recall that David blamed God when Uzza was struck down for reaching out to stable the ark. Then David realized he himself was the one that was in the wrong, and he confessed that.

 

After he gathered the Levites to carry the ark, being the musician that he was, he wanted music with all of this. He wanted the brass band, the orchestra and all the choirs. It was to be a great day when the ark of God was brought to Jerusalem. This was the high point of David’s coming to Jerusalem. Then they offered seven bullocks and seven rams. All these sacrifices pointed to Christ.

 

The world in that day heard about David bringing up the ark to Jerusalem. Visitors from other countries probably said, “You should have been in Jerusalem with me. It was a great day!”

 

There is nothing in the newscasts, nothing on the front pages of the newspapers, which is spiritual, or which shows the joy of the Lord. Today that which is spiritual and joyful has disappeared from the life of America. That is when we as a nation have begun to die.

 

Then we see that not everyone was in accord with David in this celebration.

Michal was Saul’s daughter and the first wife of David. She looked at him showing his enthusiasm and joy in serving the Lord, and she thought in her heart, He is a religious fanatic.

 

We need the underlying river of joy flowing through the hearts and lives of God’s people.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible. Nelsons Quick Reference Commentary.

 

The Prosperity of King David. I Chronicles 14

 

1 Chronicles 14 – The Prosperity of King David

 

David and Hiram were great friends. Hiram wanted to help David build his house, his palace.

At one time during the time of David’s rejection, the Philistines thought he had become their man. Now that he has returned to his own people and has been crowned as their king, the Philistines are out to get him.

David had a great victory over the Philistines and once again they came back for more. David inquired of God, and He told David to retreat and to draw the Philistines to the mulberry trees.

 

The lesson here is to trust the Lord. We need to make sure we are getting directions from the Lord. Sometimes we are to go out and do battle, and sometimes we are to withdraw.

 

We need to be careful that what we call stepping out on faith isn’t simply a foolish move. Sometimes we are tempting God instead of trusting Him.

 

The important thing for you and for me is to have a place where we can receive mercy from God. All of us need God’s mercy. God is prepared today to extend mercy because He has a mercy seat for us.

It is delightful to know that one is doing His will out of love for Him, that always makes it a thrilling experience, but it does not make it easy. Those who get away from the Word of God, get away from living their life God’s

Way. Let us get the gospel out. Let us get the Word of God moving.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

 

 

 

David and the Ark. I Chronicles 13

 

I Chronicles 13 David and the Ark

                                  

Word is sent out throughout the entire land that David wants to bring up the ark. The decision is unanimous. They all want the ark brought to Jerusalem.

We know that God did not live in the ark, or between the Cherubim’s, but that is the place He designated as His meeting place with the people of Israel. His presence was there. It was right to bring the ark up to Jerusalem, but the method of doing it was wrong.

God had given explicit directions as to how the ark was to be carried. Other parts of the tabernacle could be transported on carts, but not the ark. It was never to be carried on a wagon. It was to be carried on the shoulders of the sons of Kohath. The ark speaks of Christ, and He is to be carried, even today, by individuals. In other words, all of us must put our shoulders to the wheel to get the Word of God out to a world that desperately needs it. The ark should not have been on that cart. And the ark did not need Uzza to steady it. In the case of the ark, the man who interfered was put out of the way.

How often we attempt to do things our own way, and then when we fail, we blame it on God! Do it God’s way. Turn it over to Him. That is what David finally had to do.

The ark wasn’t brought up to Jerusalem at this time. God blessed the family that held it in their home.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

 

 

In the Service of The Lord. I Chronicles 12

I Chronicles 12- In the Service of The Lord

 

 

There were some men of the tribe of Gad who came to David during the time of his rejection. They swam the Jordan River at flood time. They were just about to give up and David went down to meet them. He didn’t know whether they were friends or enemies and he told them in effect, “If you mean to harm me, I’ll destroy you.” They said, “No, David, we have come over to be on your side.” They wanted to live for David. They wanted to be on his side and in his service.

 

Too many Christians who want to be in the service of the Lord think that it is just a matter of being busy.

 

Christ has brought you over “Jordan” by His death and resurrection, and He has blessed you with all spiritual blessings. But you must return to the world to have the Christian life. We are to live the Christian life here and now. The only place you will have an opportunity to live the Christian life is right down here on this earth.

 

You will have to swim the water. It will cost you something. You will have to go to the One who is greater than David -to the Lord Jesus- and surrender to Him.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

Leaders - I Chronicles 11

 

I Chronicles 11-Leaders

 

Some people become leaders because God chooses them in a special way and anoints them for a special work. That is how David came to the throne. He was faithful to the Lord.

 

Joab became head of the army because he conquered a stronghold, and all of David’s “mighty men” won their way into their inner circle of heroes. David was a mighty leader, but he could not accomplish anything alone. We all need one another.

 

DL Moody observed, “There are many of us that are willing to do great things for the Lord; but few of us are willing to do little things.” And only God can make the little things great!

 

Jesus chose fishermen, a tax collector, a doctor, and other apostles that seemed insignificant in man’s eyes, but God saw potential in them and each one of them did great things in their life. They Loved Jesus, followed Him and served Him in the greatest way.

 

We might be insignificant in man’s eyes, but God can use us in mighty ways.

 

Trust in Jesus, and watch what He can do with your life.

 

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

 

Saul's Reign. I Chronicles 10

 

I Chronicles 10 – Saul’s Reign.

 

In the Books of Samuel and Kings we learn about Saul’s life. In this lesson we find out who killed Saul and Why.

It says that “he inquired not of the Lord; therefore, He slew him.” The Lord is the One that took his life. God has taken many persons. That is the reason God says you and I are never to take a human life. The Lord gave and the Lord taketh away. Until you and I can give life, we have no business in taking life. Only God can give life; so, God can take away life, and for Him it is not murder.

Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the Word of the Lord, which he kept not, and for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit. Saul turned to Satan for advice. For these reasons God took his life.

God moves in the affairs of men.  We are accountable to Him. He is not accountable to us.

I once knew a mother who spent most of her life partying with her friends while her child grew up under the grandmother’s care. The Grandmother warned her one day that if she didn’t take care of the child God had blessed her with, He can certainly take back that blessing. When the child was three years old, he suffered from appendicitis in the back seat of the sitters car. Upon arrival, the child died. The Mother remembered the warning at the same time she found out she was pregnant with her second child. She then vowed that she would take care of this new child. She believed God was giving her a second chance and she proved to God that she would cherish all the blessings that God gave her from then on. Today her child is a grown woman and is blessed by God and her mother.

Everything we have belongs to God and we need to be good stewards of all our blessings.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.

 

 

Names. I Chronicles 1-9

I Chronicles 1-9      Names                                                                                                                                                                 

When first and second chronicles were first written they were written as one book. The author was supposed to have been Ezra but of this they were not certain. These books are primarily a repeat of first and second kings which begins with the genealogies from Adam to King David in the land of Judah.

 

These names belong to real people who once lived on this earth. Now most of them are forgotten, their names buried in an ancient list. One day you will be a name and a record filed somewhere. History may forget you, but heaven never will.

These names were written on earth because these people were born on earth. The most vital listing is in heaven. The name of those who have been born again through faith in Jesus Christ. Is your name written there?

These names belong to what we would call ordinary people they were not all great men of faith like Abraham and David, but they all played a part in the working out of God's plan in this world. You may not consider yourself of consequence, but you are. Every child of God has a place in God’s heart and in His plan. Make yourself available to him for the task he wants you to do, no matter how humble or unrecognized it may seem to you or to others. These names belong to Jews, one nation, called of God to witness for Him in a dark and wicked world. they were not always faithful, but through them, the world received witness of the one true and living God. They gave us the written word of God, and in due time, they gave us the Savior. If nothing else, pause to give thanks for Israel, and “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Psalm 122:6

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

The Siege. II Kings 25

 

 

II Kings 25- The Siege

 

Nebuchadnezzar made Zedekiah king of Judah. After a few years Zedekiah rebelled. They tell the exact date of when the siege began because it indicated the beginning of the end of Jerusalem.

The enemy broke into the city, and the king with his troops tried to escape. But they were captured. The prophet Jeremiah had predicted the fall of Jerusalem, and he was considered a traitor because he had told the people the truth.

They killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.

Because of the rebellion of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar burned and leveled it. The armies of Nebuchadnezzar had devastated the city. The false prophets had insisted that God would not let the city be destroyed. They were indeed false prophets. They left those who would be of no value to them. Also, they wanted the land to continue to produce so they could exact taxes from it.

The temple was cleaned out before it was destroyed with fire. All that wealth was carried into Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar appointed Gedaliah to govern the people who were left in the land. They should have listened to him and to the prophet Jeremiah who urged them to settle down and accept this form of government. Instead, they assassinated Gedaliah. They fled to Egypt and became colonists there. Jeremiah was forced to go with them.

Evil -Merodach extends amnesty as he comes to the throne of Babylon. Jehoichin is given a position of honor among the other kings in his court.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

 

 

The Kingdom of Judah Goes into Captivity. II Kings 24

 

II Kings 24 The Kingdom of Judah Goes into Captivity

 

When Nebuchadnezzar comes against Judah, Jehoiakim cooperates for three years, then rebels against him. Johoiakim then slept with his fathers, and his son, Jehoiachin reigns.

 

Babylon, instead of Israel is in control of this area now. This is because the Israelites continued in sin and in their rebellion against God. God had given them the occupancy of the land on one condition: their obedience. God had given them the land by an unconditional covenant. But their occupancy was conditional, and they failed to meet that condition.

 

The king and all the nobility were carried away in the first group that went into captivity.

 

Nebuchadnezzar then makes Zedekiah king over the remaining people. He did not improve the line of kings.

 

Once again, the false prophets said, “Look, God is on our side.” But God was not on Israel’s side because Israel was not on God’s side.

 

We should make sure not that God is on our side but that we are on His side.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

 

 

Josiah's Reformations. II Kings 23

 

II Kings 23 – Josiah’s Reformations.

 

Th people of Judah said that not only would they read the Word of God, but they would also walk. They would live in the manner that it prescribed.

First Josiah put idolatry out of the temple of God. All the things that pertain to the worship of false gods were burned in the fields of Kidron, outside of the city of Jerusalem. The ashes were then taken out of town so that the people could not even look to the ashes.

Then Josiah put away immorality. He had the courage to condemn the sodomites. He not only condemned their actions, but he also put them out of the kingdom. God has said that sodomy will bring down His wrath. It has in the past, and He has not changed. We have changed, but God has not changed.

Josiah also stopped the offering of human sacrifices, children, to Molech.

Josiah also broke down images, altars, high places, and groves that kings before him had brought into the land.

Then Josiah made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the Lord their God. “And all his days they departed not from following the Lord, the God of their fathers.”

Josiah reinstituted the Passover.

After all that he had done, he done something he shouldn’t have done. He got mixed up in a fight that wasn’t his. He should have stayed home, but he went anyway. There he was killed at Megiddo.

Josiah was a great man of God, but he was foolish. He entered a battle that was none of his concern.

Then his son, Jehoahaz reigned. He was an evil king and reigned only three months. His other son, Jehoiakim reigned for eleven years. He was also an evil king.

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

 

Josiah's Good Reign. II Kings 22

 

II Kings 22 – Josiah’s Good Reign

 

Josiah began to reign when he was eight years old and reigned for thirty-one years. He was one of the best kings who reigned after Solomon. He led a movement that resulted in the greatest revival these people ever had after David and Solomon. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. The revival began with him.

Josiah had the people repair the temple. In the temple they found the lost Bible. They found the Word of God and put it back in their lives. The Word of God is the only weapon we have against Satan. A return to the Bible must be the beginning of a revival.

When Josiah heard the Word of God for the first time, he tore his clothes as an expression of deep emotion. Without the Word of God, they did not realize how far they had strayed from God’s law. Josiah was frightened because he knew they deserved God’s judgment. Real revival does not come unless there is true repentance.

Through Huldah, the prophetess God reveals his grace to Josiah. He says, “I have heard thee. Therefore, I will gather you unto your fathers, and you shall be gathered into your grave in peace; and your eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place.”

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

 

Manasseh's Sins. II Kings 21

 

II Kings 21 – Manasseh’s Sins

 

Manasseh began his reign as a twelve-year old boy. He reigned for fifty-five years. He was as wicked as could be. The damage he did to his country was irreparable.

Hezekiah had destroyed the pagan places of worship, and a partial revival had taken place under his rule.  All his work was undone because Manasseh raised up altars for Baal, and he worshiped the sun, moon, and stars, and all the hosts of heaven.

Manasseh defied Almighty God. He put up pagan altars in the house of the Lord where God had said, “Here is where I will set My name.” He even made his own son pass through the fire. It was a horrible, sadistic, satanic form of idolatrous worship.

Just as God had judged Samaria and all Israel, God is now going to judge Jerusalem and all Judah. Jerusalem is God’s land, and He is going to wipe them out of it.

Not much more can be said about Manasseh other than he was evil and corrupt, and he died.

His son, Amon was also wicked and followed in his father’s footsteps. He forsook the Lord, Therefore, the Lord forsook him. Amon’s wickedness led to a revolution. 

The next lesson will be on Josiah who was a great king who had the greatest revival during the time of his reign.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.