Who Can Overcome God?

If only we believed God was on our side. Or better yet, we are on God’s side. We might say we are, but our actions show otherwise, don’t they? One thing I need to pray for is consistency. I mean consistency in what I say I believe and what my actions really demonstrate. We either believe God, or we don’t. If we do, we need to do a better job living it out. In good times as well as bad times too. Consistency in our faith is key. It takes hard work, not to earn it, but just to stay sane in tumultuous times, when our feelings want to take over and override what we know to be true. It’s the human condition to do this, but it’s the power of God to overcome. He specializes in that business. We need to specialize in training ourselves to see spiritually, and to go to Him in times of conflicting feelings. When we start to focus on ourselves, we need a dose of humility, for it is what’s needed to refocus and sets straight what we made crooked. Overcoming fear with faith is exactly how God created us. Trusting Him with all things not only honors Him, but also fulfills our destiny. Our significance comes from God, and no where else. This should help us get our priorities straight. The important things need attention, all of our attention, not just some of it. Seeking God with all of our heart is essential to living. Hezekiah is living proof. God is in control, and we are on His side. Who can overcome God?

Then Hezekiah encouraged them by saying: 7 “Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! 8 He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people. 2 Chronicles 32:6c-8

Outside The Parameters Of The Law….

One thing I hear people say about the OT is that God seems harsher, more “dictator-esque”. The reason why these people see Him this way is because they don’t read the OT consistently. Here is an example of God’s grace plainly seen. You don’t need a translator, or interpreter to clearly see this undeserved favor bestowed upon those loyal to Him here in this passage. Read it and ask yourself, “do you see Jesus in this passage?” Do you see God allowing sinners to honor Him outside of the parameters of the law? That’s what grace is, and it’s clearly seen through the OT. You just have to see it with spiritual eyes and an open, honest, humble heart.

17 Since many of the people had not purified themselves, the Levites had to slaughter their Passover lamb for them, to set them apart for the Lord. 18 Most of those who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not purified themselves. But King Hezekiah prayed for them, and they were allowed to eat the Passover meal anyway, even though this was contrary to the requirements of the Law. For Hezekiah said, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon those 19 who decide to follow the Lord, the God of their ancestors, even though they are not properly cleansed for the ceremony.” 20 And the Lord listened to Hezekiah’s prayer and healed the people. 2 Chronicles 30:17-20

Opposition Will Occur….

One thing those that honor the name of Jesus must accept well in advance is the fact that opposition will occur in your witnessing. Mockers will abound in your life. You will be made fun of. Once you accept this guarantee, your faithfulness in your witness will be prepared to be steadfast as you press on to win those destined to hear and respond to truth. Jesus talked about weighing the cost of being a disciple. He even gave detailed analogies about a builder accessing the cost before building, and a king accessing his troops before going into battle. You will be persecuted for being a follower of Jesus. That’s a guarantee. Once you accept this truth, you’ll be better prepared to handle it when it happens. When it does, ask God for His power to overcome, and the reason you’re witnessing in the first place. The reason why you do it is because you love God, you want to help hurting, desperate souls, and want the ones destined to experience God’s love to know how to gain eternal life.

10 The runners went from town to town throughout Ephraim and Manasseh and as far as the territory of Zebulun. But most of the people just laughed at the runners and made fun of them. 11 However, some people from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem.12 At the same time, God’s hand was on the people in the land of Judah, giving them all one heart to obey the orders of the king and his officials, who were following the word of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 30:10-12

Hard Work….

When will people get over believing their are always shortcuts to success? There is one method that always works, that when put into practice, it delivers the goods. It’s called hard work.

5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. Proverbs 21:5

Pride Never Humbles Itself….

Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Pride never humbles itself. Power only breeds arrogance, self-sufficiency, and selfishness. The best thing a man can do is cling to God. He can also form an accountability group. Power never delivers what you think it will. In the end, it only destroys those who pursue it. Uzzah is one example of this.

16 But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall. He sinned against the Lord his God by entering the sanctuary of the Lord’s Temple and personally burning incense on the incense altar. 17 Azariah the high priest went in after him with eighty other priests of the Lord, all brave men. 18 They confronted King Uzziah and said, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is the work of the priests alone, the descendants of Aaron who are set apart for this work. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have sinned. The Lord God will not honor you for this!”19 Uzziah, who was holding an incense burner, became furious. But as he was standing there raging at the priests before the incense altar in the Lord’s Temple, leprosy suddenly broke out on his forehead. 20 When Azariah the high priest and all the other priests saw the leprosy, they rushed him out. And the king himself was eager to get out because the Lord had struck him. 21 So King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in isolation in a separate house, for he was excluded from the Temple of the Lord. His son Jotham was put in charge of the royal palace, and he governed the people of the land.22 The rest of the events of Uzziah’s reign, from beginning to end, are recorded by the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. 23 When Uzziah died, he was buried with his ancestors; his grave was in a nearby burial field belonging to the kings, for the people said, “He had leprosy.” And his son Jotham became the next king. 2 Chronicles 26:16-23

If We Are In His Will…..

How long does it take for us to learn this very important lesson? As long as we seek guidance from the Lord, our paths will not trip us up and we will succeed in His will. God chooses people in order to accomplish His will. If we are in His will, success will follow.

3 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother was Jecoliah from Jerusalem. 4 He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, just as his father, Amaziah, had done. 5 Uzziah sought God during the days of Zechariah, who taught him to fear God. And as long as the king sought guidance from the Lord, God gave him success. 2 Chronicles 26:3-5

Our Little gods….

Here’s a deep thought about idols; what we make out to be our little gods. Why do we turn to things that cannot save the people who worship them? Pretty simple, if you think about it. Yet we still do it. Just goes to show we are all fickle. There’s just no other way around it.

14 When King Amaziah returned from slaughtering the Edomites, he brought with him idols taken from the people of Seir. He set them up as his own gods, bowed down in front of them, and offered sacrifices to them! 15 This made the Lord very angry, and He sent a prophet to ask, “Why do you turn to gods who could not even save their own people from you?”16 But the king interrupted him and said, “Since when have I made you the king’s counselor? Be quiet now before I have you killed!”So the prophet stopped with this warning: “I know that God has determined to destroy you because you have done this and have refused to accept my counsel.” 2 Chronicles 25:14-16

When You Side With The Lord….

Never forget it is God Who has the power to help you or to trip you up. When you side with the Lord, you’ve already won.

7 But a man of God came to him and said, “Your Majesty, do not hire troops from Israel, for the Lord is not with Israel. He will not help those people of Ephraim! 8 If you let them go with your troops into battle, you will be defeated by the enemy no matter how well you fight. God will overthrow you, for He has the power to help you or to trip you up.” 2 Chronicles 25:7-8

Each Of Us Are Responsible….

When it’s all said and done, all human beings will stand before God to give an account of their life. Some will be condemned, while others will be welcomed into Heaven. I’m so thankful that Jesus made this a welcoming for me. I can’t do it on my own. Yes, there are people who helped me on my journey, but no one is responsible for my salvation, but Jesus (and me for accepting His gift of grace). The point is each of us are responsible for our own actions. We cannot blame others for our miscues. We can rational our vices because of something that happened to us as children, not even our parents. When it comes to God, He weighs all the data, all the mistreatments, and all the acts we’ve done (good or bad). No one is responsible for the sins of others, but the one who committed them. We are all accountable for our own. Never forget this.

When Amaziah was well established as king, he executed the officials who had assassinated his father. 4 However, he did not kill the children of the assassins, for he obeyed the command of the Lord as written by Moses in the Book of the Law: “Parents must not be put to death for the sins of their children, nor children for the sins of their parents. Those deserving to die must be put to death for their own crimes.” 2 Chronicles 25:3-4a

The Way In Which We Behave….

The way in which we behave is more important to God than being religious. What goes in and comes out of our hearts is what really matters. It reveals who we truly are.

2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. 3 The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer Him sacrifices. Proverbs 21:2-3

The Sole Purpose Of Man….

The sole purpose of man is to seek God. It’s why we were created. Paul’s words here are the perfect dialogue for witnessing to unbelievers. It’s something we should study and memorize, because it addresses the heart of man’s desire.

22 So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, 23 for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the One I’m telling you about.24 “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since He is Lord of heaven and earth, He doesn’t live in man-made temples, 25 and human hands can’t serve His needs–for He has no needs. He Himself gives life and breath to everything, and He satisfies every need. 26 From one man He created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and He determined their boundaries.27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him–though He is not far from any one of us. 28 For in Him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ 29 And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone.30 “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now He commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to Him. 31 For He has set a day for judging the world with justice by the Man He has appointed, and He proved to everyone who this is by raising Him from the dead.”32 When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” 33 That ended Paul’s discussion with them, 34 but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. Acts 17:22-34

When No One Is Sad….

One of the saddest things known to man is when he dies and no one is sad. King Jehoram did not take after his father or grandfather. He was as evil as the kings of Israel (the Northern tribe). When he died, no one was sorry. He wasn’t even buried in the royal cemetery. I know when I die, there may not be many at my funeral, but I do know there will be a celebration in Heaven. How about you? How you live and how you treat people matters. It’s the staple of God’s design.

20 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. No one was sorry when he died. They buried him in the City of David, but not in the royal cemetery. 2 Chronicles 21:20

Not Wanting To Hear Truth….

When people say “don’t judge”, what exactly do they mean? I would suggest (99% of the time) they are not wanting to hear truth so that whatever it is they did or are doing, they won’t “feel” guilty. We have distorted this concept. Here in 2 Chronicles 19, we get the proper perspective on judging. In order to judge correctly, first and foremost, we must use the correct standard. God’s word is the only correct standard. Remembering it’s God Who we are pleasing, and not people is the key. Feelings will always be upset when we present truth, it’s inevitable. Stopping presenting the truth because of someone’s feelings is wrong. Perverting justice, being partial, and taking bribes is all about “feelings”, i.e. your own feelings. Preserving your own feelings when it comes to proper assessment of a situation will lead to your own demise. Look what it’s done to our current society? Do I need to say more? Integrity has no holiday.

6 and he said to them, “Always think carefully before pronouncing judgment. Remember that you do not judge to please people but to please the Lord. He will be with you when you render the verdict in each case. 7 Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.”8 In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites and priests and clan leaders in Israel to serve as judges for cases involving the Lord’s regulations and for civil disputes. 9 These were his instructions to them: “You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart. 10 Whenever a case comes to you from fellow citizens in an outlying town, whether a murder case or some other violation of God’s laws, commands, decrees, or regulations, you must warn them not to sin against the Lord, so that He will not be angry with you and them. Do this and you will not be guilty.11 “Amariah the high priest will have final say in all cases involving the Lord. Zebadiah son of Ishmael, a leader from the tribe of Judah, will have final say in all civil cases. The Levites will assist you in making sure that justice is served. Take courage as you fulfill your duties, and may the Lord be with those who do what is right.” 2 Chronicles 19:6-11

Being Okay Wth Not Knowing….

Trusting God is sometimes being okay with not knowing the “why”. Trusting God is resting in Him. Trusting God is taking one more step in the direction He has given you without being told to take it. Trusting God is being secure in knowing He is guiding your path. And trusting God is holding on tightly to the hand that leads the way. You may never get the answers to some of your questions or fears, but you trust Him anyway. He knows best, trust Him for that very reason. Instead of beating yourself up over trying to figure it all out, run towards Him, for His presence supersedes any fear, insecurity, or bothersome questions you will ever have.

24 The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? Proverbs 20:24

The Eyes Of The Lord Search….

Pride, guilt, and shame all play a role in our downfall. When we make irresponsible decisions, and the outcome isn’t favorable, we tend to act in ways unbecoming of being a believer. Asa did this here in 2 Chronicles 16. This section of scripture contains one of my favorite verses in all of scripture (v9), however Asa shows us what happens when we are on the opposite side of “being fully committed” to the Lord. Asa’s pride kept him in a place where he didn’t seek the Lord. His “hiring out protection” from the king of Aram was a mistake. When he was confronted with this error, instead of repenting and restoring his relationship with God (exactly what He expects us to do), he chose to act on his own in foolishness. It caused the prophet Hanai to be imprisoned, which was pure evidence of Asa’s pride. How often do we allow our pride to take over? How often do we allow guilt and shame to keep us from doing what God wants us to do? How often do we run from God (proving our sinful behavior), instead of acting with a heart of contrition and running to the Only One that can make things right? God wants us to be faithful to Him. And we do it by trusting Him in all circumstances, not just the ones that we pick and choose. God is constantly looking to strengthen the hearts of those fully dedicated to Him. What will He find with you today?

7 At that time Hanani the seer came to King Asa and told him, “Because you have put your trust in the king of Aram instead of in the Lord your God, you missed your chance to destroy the army of the king of Aram. 8 Don’t you remember what happened to the Ethiopians and Libyans and their vast army, with all of their chariots and charioteers? At that time you relied on the Lord, and He handed them over to you. 9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.”10 Asa became so angry with Hanani for saying this that he threw him into prison and put him in stocks. At that time Asa also began to oppress some of his people. 2 Chronicles 16:7-10

You Will Find God When…..

This truth more than any other truth is found consistently throughout scripture. It seems a little more insensitive in the OT rather than the NT, but it’s still the same truth. You will find God when you seek Him with your whole heart. He will walk along side you when you want Him in your life. And if you don’t want Him in your life, He will allow you to walk alone. All of life’s joys and sorrows play a role in this one truth. What’s the state of your heart?

1 Then the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded, 2 and he went out to meet King Asa as he was returning from the battle. “Listen to me, Asa!” he shouted. “Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin! The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with Him! Whenever you seek Him, you will find Him. But if you abandon Him, He will abandon you. 3 For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them, and without the Law to instruct them. 4 But whenever they were in trouble and turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought Him out, they found Him. 2 Chronicles 15:1-4

15 All in Judah were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into it with all their heart. They earnestly sought after God, and they found Him. And the Lord gave them rest from their enemies on every side. 2 Chronicles 15:15

All Sinners Are Saved The Same Way….

Never allow yourself to forget all sinners are saved the same way, by undeserved grace. Once you forget this truth, you’ll start treating others differently. Once you remember it, you’ll treat all people the same, with love, mercy, and respect.

8 God knows people’s hearts, and He confirmed that He accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts through faith. 10 So why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear? 11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 15:8-11

Man’s Standards….

The reason America is in the dilemma it’s in is because we have collectively abandoned God. When this happens, people have to replace His standards with their own. Without God, man’s standards always morph into hypocritical ones. It always turns into selfish motives. Double standards are always opposed by God, because God’s justice and fairness isn’t in them.

23 The Lord detests double standards; He is not pleased by dishonest scales. Proverbs 20:23

When We Feel Unjustly Treated…

The very best thing we can do when we “feel” unjustly treated, is pray about it. First, pray that we will not take revenge into our own hands. Then for our attitudes to change. It’s only possible when we trust God with our situation. By giving it to Him, trusting Him to work it out, we guarantee ourselves grace. For it is grace that sets us free, gives us hope, and grants us peace. It the only right response when people treat us with contempt. And it’s God’s desire for us to pursue it.

22 Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.”Wait for the Lord to handle the matter. Proverbs 20:22

The Common Thread Among Men….

The common thread among the men close to God throughout scripture is humility. This one attribute is seen in every single person pursuing God since the beginning of time. It’s the key ingredient in dying to self. In order to be dependent upon God, you have to have the right view of Him and of yourself. Knowing your place is how to recognize if this attribute is dwelling inside you. The opposite can be said of those seeking power for themselves. Look at History and you will find many leaders rising to power, only to fall because of their lack of humility. Humility, more than any other character quality, is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. Do you see it in your own life? If not, why not?

9 Once an Ethiopian named Zerah attacked Judah with an army of 1,000,000 men and 300  chariots. They advanced to the town of Mareshah, 10 so Asa deployed his armies for battle in the valley north of Mareshah. 11 Then Asa cried out to the Lord his God, “O Lord, no one but You can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You alone. It is in Your name that we have come against this vast horde. O Lord, You are our God; do not let mere men prevail against You!” 2 Chronicles 14:9-11

Only One Way To Worship….

There is only one way to worship and serve God. It’s with all of our hearts. It’s the only acceptable way to worship. Any other way is pretentious, which God calls evil.

14 But he (Rehoboam) was an evil king, for he did not seek the Lord with all his heart. 2 Chronicles 12:14

Who Do You Choose To Serve?

The thing about being human is that God designed us, in our DNA, to serve. We will either serve Him, others, or ourselves. There are no other alternatives. Here in 2 Chronicles 12, God sends Shishak, king of Egypt, to dominate the Israelites in the Southern kingdom. God specifically told them this was being done to show them the difference in serving Him, and serving earthly rulers. Our nature is to want to serve ourselves first, then earthly rulers. What we don’t understand is serving God is so much more, than serving ourselves or earthly rulers. Earthly rulers abuse, have selfish motives, and take advantage of people. God’s ways are best, for He truly knows our hearts. Who do you choose to serve? What’s your reasoning behind it?

7 When the Lord saw their change of heart, he gave this message to Shemaiah: “Since the people have humbled themselves, I will not completely destroy them and will soon give them some relief. I will not use Shishak to pour out My anger on Jerusalem. 8 But they will become his subjects, so they will know the difference between serving Me and serving earthly rulers.” 2 Chronicles 12:7-8

Faith Requires Sacrifice…..

True faith requires sacrifice. I’m not talking about actual animal sacrifice, rather giving up in order to truly serve and honor God. When the nation of Israel split, the priests and Levite’s in the Northern kingdom left their homes and went to live in the Southern kingdom so they could worship God there. They sacrificed their comforts and familiarities of home in order to pursue God. Would you pack up and move in order to truly worship God? Do you make sacrifices in order to serve Him? Are you willing to die to self, take up your cross, and follow Him daily? If not, what’s standing in the way?

5 Rehoboam remained in Jerusalem and fortified various towns for the defense of Judah. 6 He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, 7 Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, 8 Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, 9 Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah, 10 Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron. These became the fortified towns of Judah and Benjamin. 11 Rehoboam strengthened their defenses and stationed commanders in them, and he stored supplies of food, olive oil, and wine. 12 He also put shields and spears in these towns as a further safety measure. So only Judah and Benjamin remained under his control.13 But all the priests and Levites living among the northern tribes of Israel sided with Rehoboam. 14 The Levites even abandoned their pasturelands and property and moved to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons would not allow them to serve the Lord as priests. 15 Jeroboam appointed his own priests to serve at the pagan shrines, where they worshiped the goat and calf idols he had made. 16 From all the tribes of Israel, those who sincerely wanted to worship the Lord, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem, where they could offer sacrifices to the Lord, the God of their ancestors. 17 This strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and for three years they supported Rehoboam son of Solomon, for during those years they faithfully followed in the footsteps of David and Solomon. 2 Chronicles 11:5-17

Being “In Tune” With God….

Being “in tune” with God helps us see things more clearly. When we look at things from an earthly sense, they don’t make clear sense, making us want to “fix it” our own way. When this happens, many times we end up outside of God’s will, fighting ourselves.

1 When Rehoboam arrived at Jerusalem, he mobilized the men of Judah and Benjamin–180 ,000 select troops–to fight against Israel and to restore the kingdom to himself.2 But the Lord said to Shemaiah, the man of God, 3 “Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the Israelites in Judah and Benjamin: 4 ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not fight against your relatives. Go back home, for what has happened is My doing!’ ” So they obeyed the message of the Lord and did not fight against Jeroboam. 2 Chronicles 11:1-4

God Allows People To Walk Away….

Here’s a truth that rarely gets any attention: God allows people to walk away from Him, but He never leaves them without excuse. He will always leave behind evidence of His existence and His goodness. Food, rain, and joyful hearts are evidence of this truth. If you are an unbeliever and you had a good day, it’s because of His goodness that you got to experience this blessing. Stand in front of the mirror and ask yourself this question: Why am I here? What’s my purpose in life? And if there is a God, ask Him to reveal Himself to you. When your heart is willing to accept the truth, you’ll find Him, and experience life from a whole new perspective.

16 In the past He permitted all the nations to go their own ways, 17 but He never left them without evidence of Himself and His goodness. For instance, He sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.” Acts 14:16-17

Every Single Time….

Every single time any believer (of God) has been placed into a situation in which someone (or group) wanted to worship them, they reacted with humility, clearly displaying that only God Himself deserves our praise and devotion. Every time. This just goes to show us that fame can corrupt a man. Without God, fame will corrupt. It does this by deceiving one into believing he is more important than others. It gives us a false sense of significance. It leads us to believe we don’t need God or others. In essence, it makes us think we are God, or at least equal to Him. It’s a place you never want to go because it feeds our pride. Once that starts, it leads us away from God and away from Truth. We begin to rely only upon ourselves, and even start to trust those that cling to us in order to get something out of it. Fame rearranges our significance of caring what God thinks of us unto believing what others think of us. Fame is fleeting. It’ll never deliver what everyone pursuing it promises. The best way to combat this temptation is to never welcome it to begin with. See yourself as God sees you. Our dependence on Him will help keep you humble, and contribute to our continuous growth in our faith. That’s a truth you can count on.

When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, “These men are gods in human form!” 12 They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and that Paul was Hermes, since he was the chief speaker. 13 Now the temple of Zeus was located just outside the town. So the priest of the temple and the crowd brought bulls and wreaths of flowers to the town gates, and they prepared to offer sacrifices to the apostles.14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard what was happening, they tore their clothing in dismay and ran out among the people, shouting, 15 “Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings–just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. Acts 14:11-15

You Judge Yourself Unworthy….

When you reject the Gospel, you judge yourself unworthy of eternal life. There’s no one to blame but yourself.

46 Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. 47 For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made You a light to the Gentiles,to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’” 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. 49 So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region. Acts 13:46-49

When It’s All Said And Done….

When it’s all said and done, there’s only one thing that we can truly rely on: God’s Grace. It’s the only thing that will get us into Heaven, and it’s the only thing that will never disappoint us. Count on it, rely on it. I urge you. It’s the only thing that can save us.

43 Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God. Acts 13:43

Jesus Is The Only Way…..

These words still hold true to this very day. Jesus is the only way to be made right with God. For those who chose to honor His name, there is forgiveness of your sin. For everyone that doesn’t believe, and continues to mock those that proclaim this truth, death is waiting at your door. And the day it comes, you’ll will wish you had listened.

38 “Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this Man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. 39 Everyone who believes in Him is declared right with God–something the law of Moses could never do. 40 Be careful! Don’t let the prophets’ words apply to you. For they said, 41 ‘Look, you mockers, be amazed and die! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.’” Acts 13:38-41

Do We Abandon God For Other gods?

When I read (2 Chronicles 7) about Israel’s history, I can’t help but think about all nations and all people. Israel had the presence of God dwelling in their temple. He constantly showed up. He answered prayers. When Israel started to worship other gods, which came about because of the inter-marrying of the pagans they were supposed to destroy their pagan practices, but instead started to follow, God had enough. He sent them into exile. He specifically told Solomon that if they kept the decree and followed Him like his father David did, then He would kept a descendent on the throne (which God did even though Solomon didn’t keep his end of the agreement). Israel has suffered shame and ridicule ever since. As a matter of fact, they still suffer to this day. They are always on someone’s radar to be attacked. They are always hated by many people. Why? God answers this right here in chapter 7v22. The reason is because they abandoned God and worshipped other gods. In modern times, there is a mosque where the Temple was in Jerusalem. Does this sound like they are still doing what God told them not to? Now, taking this example and applying it to our own life, do we abandon God for other gods? Maybe not actual statue gods, but what about Modern day things we treat more important than God? Money? Fame? The perfect body? Beauty? Status? Relationships? A great job? A big house? The perfect family? Likes on social media? Have you abandoned God for these pursuits? I know America has. I know we have been given over to our own depraved minds. We have abandoned God and substituted other gods in His place. If America wants to fix this “me first” mentality, we have to humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways. Then, He will hear our prayers, forgive our sins, and restore our land. Israel hasn’t done this, but we can. God is faithful to His Word. Jesus is on the throne, a descendent of Solomon. If God keeps His promises, shouldn’t we at least be honest enough to honor His blessings by following Him? It’s a matter of life or death isn’t it? We all have a choice. In either case the consequences will follow. As for me, I choose Jesus, for He is the Way, and the Truth, and the Life.

12 Then one night the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. 13 At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. 14 Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 15 My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. 16 For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy–a place where My name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to My heart.17 “As for you, if you faithfully follow Me as David your father did, obeying all My commands, decrees, and regulations, 18 then I will establish the throne of your dynasty. For I made this covenant with your father, David, when I said, ‘One of your descendants will always rule over Israel.’19 “But if you or your descendants abandon Me and disobey the decrees and commands I have given you, and if you serve and worship other gods, 20 then I will uproot the people from this land that I have given them. I will reject this Temple that I have made holy to honor My name. I will make it an object of mockery and ridicule among the nations. 21 And though this Temple is impressive now, all who pass by will be appalled. They will ask, ‘Why did the Lord do such terrible things to this land and to this Temple?’22 “And the answer will be, ‘Because His people abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who brought them out of Egypt, and they worshiped other gods instead and bowed down to them. That is why He has brought all these disasters on them.’ ” 2 Chronicles 7:12-22

God’s One And Only Method Of Restoration….

Restoring one’s wholeness with God isn’t complicated. What is it He wants from us? In 2 Chronicles chapter 6 we read one of Solomon’s prayers. It’s his dedication prayer when the Temple was finished being built. The wisest man to ever to live (aside from Jesus) tells us that we are fallible. When consequences happen to us, due to our own volition, we are to turn back (repent), acknowledge Gods name, and pray. Following the right path is what life is all about. Getting off-track happens, but that’s when we have to get right back on it and continue to follow that path. Scripture has always been clear on what God wants from us. He wants our attention, our devotion, our longing for and dependence upon Him, in Him alone. We have to learn to be independently dependent upon Him. When we mess up, we must realize it (acknowledge it), repent (turn away from continuing that behavior), and get back on track with God. When we turn to God with our whole hearts, He hears our prayers, and upholds our cause. This is the well established pattern God has given us. It’s not so much about trying to live above making mistakes, rather it’s about knowing what to do when you make a mistake. As I’ve always said, “The only thing wrong with making a mistake, is not learning from it.” God has granted us grace, and it’s up to us to learn how to apply it to our lives. It always starts with God’s one and only method of restoring us back to Him: acknowledge your sin, repent, and seek Him with your whole heart. He will always respond to this behavior with pleasure because it brings Him great honor when we are obedient to His call. It’s really not complicated, yet it’s difficult to do when we have a “me first” attitude.

24 “If Your people Israel are defeated by their enemies because they have sinned against You, and if they turn back and acknowledge Your name and pray to You here in this Temple, 25 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel and return them to this land You gave to them and to their ancestors.26 “If the skies are shut up and there is no rain because Your people have sinned against You, and if they pray toward this Temple and acknowledge Your name and turn from their sins because You have punished them, 27 then hear from heaven and forgive the sins of Your servants, Your people Israel. Teach them to follow the right path, and send rain on Your land that You have given to Your people as their special possession.28 “If there is a famine in the land or a plague or crop disease or attacks of locusts or caterpillars, or if Your people’s enemies are in the land besieging their towns–whatever disaster or disease there is–29 and if Your people Israel pray about their troubles or sorrow, raising their hands toward this Temple, 30 then hear from heaven where You live, and forgive. Give Your people what their actions deserve, for You alone know each human heart. 31 Then they will fear You and walk in Your ways as long as they live in the land You gave to our ancestors.32 “In the future, foreigners who do not belong to Your people Israel will hear of You. They will come from distant lands when they hear of Your great name and Your strong hand and Your powerful arm. And when they pray toward this Temple, 33 then hear from heaven where You live, and grant what they ask of You. In this way, all the people of the earth will come to know and fear You, just as Your own people Israel do. They, too, will know that this Temple I have built honors Your name.34 “If Your people go out where You send them to fight their enemies, and if they pray to You by turning toward this city You have chosen and toward this Temple I have built to honor Your name, 35 then hear their prayers from heaven and uphold their cause.36 “If they sin against You–and who has never sinned?–You might become angry with them and let their enemies conquer them and take them captive to a foreign land far away or near. 37 But in that land of exile, they might turn to You in repentance and pray, ‘We have sinned, done evil, and acted wickedly.’ 38 If they turn to You with their whole heart and soul in the land of their captivity and pray toward the land You gave to their ancestors–toward this city You have chosen, and toward this Temple I have built to honor Your name–39 then hear their prayers and their petitions from heaven where You live, and uphold their cause. Forgive Your people who have sinned against You. 2 Chronicles 6:24-39