Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read I Chronicles 27 – 29
Highlights:

Solomon encouraged to build the Temple; David’s gifts for the Temple; his thanks and prayer; Solomon made king; David’s death
Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance (I Chr. 29:2).

David had a desire in his heart to build a Temple for the Lord. Because he was a man of war, he was not allowed to do this. His son, Solomon, was to one day take his place as king. When that happened, Solomon would be allowed to build this Temple for God.

Though David would not be allowed to build the Temple of God, this did not mean he could not help prepare the way. He knew Solomon was young and he would have many responsibilities as king. Therefore, David would ensure that everything Solomon would need would be at his disposal.

It would be easy to argue that David had just as important a role in the construction of the Temple as Solomon did. David had no concern about what part he might be credited with. He simply wanted to make sure that the Temple was built. It was the passion of his heart to see it done. So, he did all he could to prepare for it.

Just as with David and the Temple, the things we want to do for God may not always be the things He calls us to do. For instance, you might have an individual that wants to preach or teach or sing for the Lord. However, God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? (I Cor. 12:28-29). God may have completely different plans for that person. If they continue doing something God has not called them to do, this in the end will not be good for the person or the Kingdom of God.

We need to handle this situation as David handled it. The role we desire to play in the work of the Lord may not be intended for us. This part may be given to someone else. What will our reaction be? Will we rebel against what God has for us? Or will we accept the part God gives us and rejoice for being included? It is important to go the direction God calls you to go and support others as they do the same. This will allow us to effectively use the gifts God has given us.

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will (Heb. 2:4).

Thought for Today:

Anyone can praise God under good circumstances, but the true test comes in praising Him in the hard times.
Christ Revealed:

Through the gold offered for the Temple by David from his personal wealth (I Chr. 29:3-5). Gold is the purest metal (Rev. 21:21) and represents the preciousness and great worth of Christ. He is pure (undefiled) (I John 3:3).
Word Studies:

27:2course, division; 28:19works, details; 29:1 tender, inexperienced; 29:3proper good, personal treasure; 29:15 none abiding, soon gone; 29:19 palace, Temple
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Internet Radio sponsored by Lt. Col. Walter and Penny Swanson • Staff: Ben Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Wally Herger (CA), Rep. John C. Carney, Jr. (DE), Sen. Mike Crapo (ID) and Rep. Nick J. Rahall II (WV) • Country:Egypt (66 million) in northeastern Africa • Major languages: Arabic and English • Christians are not permitted to evangelize Muslims • 87.5% Muslim; 12% Christian; .5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede for others (Ex. 32:31-32).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:41

 

[Judy Harder]

Read II Chronicles 1 – 3
Highlights:

Solomon’s sacrifices; his dream; his accumulation of chariots and horsemen; Solomon builds the Temple
Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to Him, and to burn before Him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel (II Chr. 2:4).

There is much in this month's readings about the construction of the Temple of the Lord. There is everything from what led to the building, to how it would be built, to the materials to be used in it. There are even scriptures following the construction which concern matters that speak of the worship there.

We have already discussed many of these details this month. We have discussed David's preparation by gathering materials. We have discussed Solomon being the one to build the Temple.

Upon examining II Chr. 2:4, it reveals itself to be very life applicable. There is an understanding that this verse is speaking of the actual physical Temple of God. The relationship that God has with His people today is very different than in those times. The Spirit of God dwells in a different Temple today. Jesus was telling this to those who were listening.Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up (John 2:19). Of course, Jesus was speaking of Himself.

In a different set of scripture, the Word of God would reveal that the Spirit of God would come to live in the individual believer. What? Know ye not that your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (I Cor. 6:19). We, ourselves, are now the Temple of the Holy Ghost. Our interaction with God is no longer external since God the Holy Spirit dwells internally.

This verse contains elements that can still pertain to the Temple today. That temple being us. Our lives should be built for the name of the Lord. They are to honor Him. Furthermore, we should be dedicated to God and to the task He calls us to do. Our very existence should be as a sweet smell to God as we give our lives as an offering for Him. This is His covenant with us forever. As you can see, from these verses the Lord intends for us to not only apply His Words in a verbal manner but also in a spiritual context to our individual lives.

Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual (I Cor. 15:46).

Thought for Today:

The desire for material gain always pulls us away from God’s will for our lives. Many gifted people forsake the Lord to satisfy their own greed.
Christ Revealed:

By the thousand burnt offerings of Solomon (II Chr. 1:6). We can be thankful that the one perfect offering of Christ on the cross did away with the need for many and continual individual offerings. He died unto sin once (for all) (Rom. 6:10; Heb. 10:10-12,14).
Word Studies:

2:2 told out, assigned; 2:7 cunning, skilled; can skill to grave, has skill to engrave; 2:14 find out every device, execute any design; 2:16 floats, rafts; 3:1 affinity, alliance by marriage to Pharaoh's daughter; 3:5 cieled, paneled; 3:10 of image work, fashioned by carving; 3:16 oracle, Holy of Holies.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Official: Sen. Al Franken (MN) • Country:El Salvador (5.9 million) in Central America • Major language: Spanish • Some intolerance of Protestants by government officials • 75% Catholic; 20% Protestant; .5% Baha'i; 2.5% Other; 2% None • Prayer Suggestion: Ask God to show you His ways (Ex. 33:13).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 8

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:41

 

[Judy Harder]

Read II Chronicles 4 – 6
Highlights:

Temple furnishings; Ark brought into the Temple; cloud of the Lord’s presence fills the Temple; Solomon’s prayer of dedication
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord, saying, For He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord (II Chr. 5:13).

This looks to have been an exciting praise and worship service to the Lord. There was much reason to celebrate. Their enemies were all but gone. The Temple was complete. The Ark was being brought up to be placed in the Temple. It would seem all of Israel had come out for this celebration. There were plenty of reasons for this to happen. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in His Tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord (Ps. 27:6).

We see in this verse the results of this tremendous session of praise. A great cloud came in and filled the Temple. The priests themselves became overwhelmed. This cloud was the glory of the Lord. But Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel (Ps. 22:3).

This scripture shows us very clearly that when we surrender ourselves in praise to God, He will show up. The nation of Israel put aside all their differences and came together for one purpose; to offer praise, worship and thanksgiving to God. Their praises brought the Spirit of God to the scene.

The same thing can and will happen today. You might say that you have been in some pretty good church services and you never saw a cloud fill the place up. That is probably true for most of us. That does not mean that we have not been in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

There may not have been a cloud, but most believers have seen the Holy Spirit at work. We have seen the hearts of the lost touched, who then surrendered to Jesus. We have seen the Lord come into a family and heal a broken relationship. We have felt that same Holy Spirit touch our own hearts and draw us to make Jesus the Lord and Savior of our lives. These situations and many others like them definitely reveal the Spirit of the Lord as did the cloud of glory of old. Yes, God is still on the throne; Jesus still saves (Luke 19:10). The Holy Spirit still reveals the Truth of Salvation. Now is the time to tell others the good news of Jesus while there is still time

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise (Eph. 1:13).

Thought for Today:

We have a great privilege to live under the grace of God, but grace does not mean we have a license to sin.
Christ Revealed:

Through Solomon’s prayer to God (II Chr. 6:14). Jesus is God: I and My Father are One (John 10:30; 17:22; 1:1; I John 5:7-8).
Word Studies:

4:2: molten sea, large metal, round basin; 4:22 censers, incense burners; 6:10 room, throne of Israel; 6:24 be put to the worse, are defeated; 6:28 dearth, famine; blasting, blight; sore, plague; 6:40 attent, attentive.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Clarence Rathbone •Internet Radio in honor of Bruce Rutherford's birthday • Government Officials: Sen. Lisa Murkowski (AK), Rep. John P. Sarbanes (MD) and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA) • Country: Equatorial Guinea (466,000) in western Africa • Major language: Spanish •Freedom for churches at this time •71% Roman Catholic; 19% ancestral spirit worship and medicine men; 6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Bow before the Lord in a godly reverence as you pray and worship (Ex. 34:.
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 9

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:41

 

[Judy Harder]

Read II Chronicles 7 – 9
Highlights:

Solomon’s sacrifices; glory of the Lord; God appears to Solomon; Queen of Sheba visits Solomon; his riches and fame; his death
If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (II Chr. 7:14).

For any person that has spent much time in church, this verse is probably fairly well known to them. If that same person has been to very many revivals, they have most likely heard this verse used in preaching. This verse is sometimes even called the revival verse. Of course, this is rightfully so.

There is no doubt, if the directions of this verse are followed, they can bring about great change. There is little doubt revival could be brought to a family, a church, a town or even a nation. The greatest need is that someone has to begin. And it can only begin with one's self. Once we do as the verse says, change will come in ourselves, our house, our community and country.

Many times in examining this verse, we simply discuss the results of following it. We might speak of the change revival brings. However, personal revival can only begin as we take the actions in this verse. Let us examine our part and how God will respond.

The first three parts seem to fall right together. We are commanded to humble ourselves, pray and seek the face of God. We humble ourselves in prayer before God in order to seek His face. In humbling ourselves, praying and seeking God's face, we are turning our will over to Him in order to follow His will. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33).

Our second part in this transformation is turning away from our sin. The Lord is calling His people to repentance. This joins with the first part of having our will give way to God's will. Sin is selfish. When we act in God's will, sin will be limited. For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother (Mark 3:35).

If we sincerely follow through with these actions, God will react. We will get an answer from heaven. God will forgive our sin. He will bring healing to our families, churches, towns and nation. Let us utilize this scripture and the entire Word of God to change our lives and the world around us.

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him (Acts 10:38).

Thought for Today:

Although often well disguised by false religion, there is a true hunger in all mankind to know the One True God.
Christ Revealed:

Through the glory of Solomon's kingdom (II Chr. 9:1-28). Even though Solomon had a rich and glorious kingdom, it cannot begin to compare to Christ's coming Kingdom.The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it (Rev. 22:1-5).
Word Studies:

7:11 prosperously effected, successfully accomplished all that God had planned for him to do, 7:14 seek My Face, seek My will through My Word; 8:5 nether, lower; 8:16 perfected, completed; 9:1 prove, test; 9:14 chapmen, merchant traders; 9:15 targets, large shields; 9:18 stays, armrests; 9:24 harness, armor; 9:26 the river, the Euphrates River.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Pam Murton • Internet Radio sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Country: Eritrea (4 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Tigrinya Religious persecution • 51% Muslim; 40% Eritrean Orthodox; 4% Catholic; 1.5% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for the Lord's blessings and peace upon His children (Num. 6:24-27).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 10

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:41

 

[Judy Harder]

Read II Chronicles 10 – 13
Highlights:

Rehoboam succeeds Solomon; Jeroboam leads revolt of the 10 tribes; Rehoboam forsakes the Law of God; Shishak invades Judah
And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him (II Chr. 12:1).

The nation of Israel had become divided after the death of Solomon. They had broken off into two nations, Israel and Judah. The nations of Judah was mainly made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The nation of Israel was made up of the remaining tribes.

As it has been discussed before, there would be a long line of kings for both these nation over the course of hundreds of years. The kings of Israel were virtually all evil. Judah would have some kings that followed God and others that did not. Jeroboam the king, in a very brief time turned Israel to false gods.

After Solomon's death his son Rehoboam became King of the nation of Judah. It was his error in judgment and prophecy that brought about the division of the kingdom. The tribe of Benjamin remained with Judah as a nation. The other tribes felt oppression from the words of Rehoboam and left him to rule over Judah. All the priests of the Lord came to Judah and Jerusalem to be able to serve God. Therefore, the kingdom of Judah and Rehoboam were strengthened for following the Lord. The Lord had made an example of doing this to those that showed obedience like Joseph. And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house (Acts 7:10).

Sadly, just like many others, Rehoboam came to a point that he turned his back on God for a time. God then pronounced judgment over the nation for their sin against Him by allowing them to be overtaken by Egypt.

While they were being oppressed, the prophet of God came to Rehoboam and the other leaders to tell them of their sin. He, also explained that this was why they were being conquered by Egypt.

Rehoboam and the princes repented of their sin. The Lord heard their prayers and chose to spare them from being destroyed. They would, however, for a time have to serve Egypt. This would be the penalty for their sinsFor if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward (Heb.2:2).

Through this the Lord is teaching us that it is His perfect will that we live in obedience to God. However, If we do fall into sin, God wants to forgive us. We simply must turn our hearts towards Christ and repent.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent (Acts 17:30).

Thought for Today:

When our pride tries to lift us up above God, a fall is the next thing to come.
Christ Revealed:

Through the Golden Candlestick (Lampstand) (II Chr. 13:11). Jesus is the Light of the world (John 9:5).
Word Studies:

10:4 yoke grievous, heavy, severe burdens; 10:10 loins, waist; 11:12 every several, each separate.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Internet Radio sponsored by Leon and Ann Hathway • Government Officials: Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO), Rep. Charlie W. Dent (PA) and Rep. Steve Cohen (TN)• Country: Estonia (1.47 million) northeastern Europe • Major languages: Estonian and Russian Religious freedom •38.4% Protestant; 20.3% Orthodox; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim; .3% Jewish; 39% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for His mercy (Num. 12:11-14).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:41