II Chronicles 21:20

"Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of DAvid, but not in the sepulchres of the kings."

this is the son of Jehoshaphat, the great king, who feared the Lord. This son was not like his father in any way. He completely turned away from the Lord and followed after sin. This great evil did not just affect him, but his children and the children of Judah. Great was his sin in making the people of Judah to sin. He was 32 when he began to reign and reigned 8 years in Jerusalem - he only lived 40 years, and reigned 8, a short term compared to some of the others; But we recognize that his 8 years was too long, for all the evil that he practiced. And now we come to one of the worst epitah's ever: And departed without being desired - not one person to care that his life ended; How horrible to take the preciousness of life and lose the value of it. Not one person to lament or sorrow that he had left this world. Oh, brethern, what shall be said of you and I when we leave? Will there be any sorrow and tears? Have we made a difference in this world for our Lord? And if nobody desired him here on this earth, what did he meet with when he appeared before the Lord? He was rejected again and cast into hell. How awful to consider the only ones that want you would be the demons from hell. What did he do to make men loathe him so? His father, Jehoshaphat, had been loved, feared and respected for the Lord was with him. But he turned the people away from following the Lord and made them to sin, v. 13. He was aligned to the house of Ahab, for his wife was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. He slew all his brethern, inocent lives wasted for his own selfishness. The prophet spoke against him and his family was slain in front of him. His possessions were taken away and he was reduced to nothing. And lastly, sickness devoured him until his bowels fell out. A continuance of evil that went from bad to worse. Look upon the lives of those around, are they not plummeting? Are they not going from bad to worse? A little sin, then a moderate sin and now pure evil. This generation is found as such. What is it that makes men live such? Consumed in sin and for sin; the absence of God from their lives altogether. You see, it is not possible for men to live such without perverting and destroying themsevles and all around them with this evil life. Only God can spare, enrich, bless and preserve. But not in the sepulchres of the kings - his last resting place was a statement of his whole life; He was buried in the city of Jerusalem but he was not buried with the other kings. The people had the last say. Was he buried with the poor, the rejected, the lepers or profane? They all have to be buried was he thrown down with them of no account? Who knows, but he certainly was not laid down with the nobility. Death speaks as much about life for us to learn and observe. What will your death say about your life?

II Chronicles 20:12

"O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee."

the armies of Moab, Ammon, and others had gathered themselves together against Jehoshaphat and Judah. This was a huge army and Judah was not able to go in their own strength. Here is where faith sets up and acts. Jehoshaphat, immediately prepares himself and the people to seek the Lord. Found throughout verses 5 -12 is the prayer offered up. and directly following the prayer, the Lord answers. In this verse is one portion of the prayer of Jehoshaphat. O our God - a personal pronoun used to describe the relationship; If you listen to the way people pray, you can tell how personal God is to them. But it is the declaration of beginning the prayer that should draw attention. 'O', is a heart cry, a bellowing out from the soul. Look how many times David used it. Jehoshaphat is not praying individually, but corporately, and thus, the use of 'our' insteadof 'my'. Wilt thou no judge them? questions of the Bible; Who is the judge of all the earth? the Lord God Almighty is the judge. Everything shall be called in to give an account of itself before the Lord. Every thought, every gesture, every word, every attitude, every work done under the sun shall answer. But the enemies of our Lord and His people, what refuge will they have? How dreadful the day when the Lord shall judge? Who shall stand before Him, except those that have been covered in the blood of Christ. Not of any man's works except by the grace of God's mercy and Divine love. The prayer is offered to these nations, the descendants of Lot, who had been a thorn for so long in the side of Israel and Judah. Their actions were evil, their intentions were vile and withou merit. There was no cause in this and Jehoshaphat offered rightly for the Lord to do His work. For we have no might against this great company that cometh against us - word study, to come; the honesty of the situation, 'They are too strong for us'. 'A great company', and know that there is a great company against us even now. WE are the minority in this world; surrounded by false religions, the base religionists and pagans. We have no might against such forces as this. And for decades we have labored in our own strength and accomplished nothing. And they are always pursuing, always attacking, there is no rest. And there will be no rest until we go to the place Job described, 'where the weary are at rest'. Neither know we what to do - word study, to know; The honesty continues, not only a massive army and stronger, but, 'we know not what to do about it'. The best devices of men avail little if God is not in it. the man made machines are of no purpose when the absence of God is noted. Our ignorance of such things should be declared. LEt us listen for Him to instruct us and give us clarity about our actions. We are too often ready to spring to action and take matters into our own hands. WE leave the Lord out of it, and failure is certain. " I don't know what to do Lord, help me", is about as honest as we can get. But our eyes are upon Thee - 'looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith'; It is nto the word study of 'to look', but the meaning is here. What are your eyes on? What are you viewing for help and answers? Is it on man or yourself? Have we learned to look at Christ and wait patiently for His answer? Too often the sin we should confess is that our eyes have been on the wrong thing. 'Keep my eyes', O Lord. He that made your eyes is able to keep them on the right thing. Lift up your eyes, even now, and cast themupon the glorified Christ, the Holy Throne and gaze upon Him Who is worthy. Isaiah - 'In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord'. Stephen - 'I see the Son of God standing at the right hand of the Father'. Paul - "I knew a man caught up to the third heaven who saw . . ." what are you looking at? Who do you see? "I will lift up my eyes unto Thee O Lord, maker of heaven and earth'.

II Chronicles 19:9

"And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord faithfully, and with a perfect heart."

Two messages ring out in this chapter: 1. 'take heed'; and 2. 'fear the Lord'. Jehoshaphat had been rebuked for aligning with Ahab and the evil house of Israel. But he sought after the Lord and made the way of righteousness to be established among Judah. In verse 6 adn 7 he deals with the judges. And in verses 8 -10, he deals with the priests and Levites. And he charged them - a directive for their responbility; A charge is almost laughed at today. There is a charge issued in the marriage vows, yet over half of all marriages divorce. There is a charge issued to being a citizen, yet the vast majority dismiss it. We should understand that this charge to the priests was needful for continuance in the Lord beign among them. This was not a vain charge left up to the people to decide if they wanted to listen or not. He was the king and his word had power and authority. But no greater power is when the Lord charges His people. When you read Revelation 2 -3, Christ is speaking to the church, and He issues charges of blessing and cursing. Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord faithfully - their position was to go forth in fear of God; We have already seen that the nations around Judah had the fear of the Lord upon them and they left Judah alone. But that fear of the Lord must be applied in the midst of the Lord's own people first. The term used here, faithfully, is not out of hit and miss duties. It is to be adhered to daily, hourly and moment upon moment. The soul that has the fear of God directing Him is walking in obedience. The soul that walks away from the fear of the Lord is in folly and the wrath of God abides upon them. It is not just to fear the Lord because you are scared or uncertain, as the chidlren of Israel did when God spoke to them off of Mt. Sinai. It is to fear the Lord for He is worthy of such honor, and praise. 'I the Lord kill and I am alive; I wound and I heal, I am the Lord.' Is the Lord God not ot be feared? yet, in this society they give little regard to Him. could it not be that the priests, the Lord's own people, do not fear Him? "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Yet, the church can sin and frolic in this world and not fear of the resutls. We must be faithful in great and small things and let the fear of God abide within us and guide us. And with a perfect heart - word study, perfect; This word, perfect, is abhorred by the Lord's own people. Yet, the heart of the believer is charged on many counts of being perfect, wholehearted, of one heart. Check your heart, the message of introspection of our own souls and beings is found throughout all of Scripture. Yet, so ver few regard it as their duty. This is why the way of perfection is not adhered to nor thought upon except, in scorn. But the command is clear and precise, 'Be ye perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.' I don't know how people explain it away or water that down, but the truth is found throughout the Word. God is consistent in His Word to His people. Let your hearts be perfect. Untouched by the world, sanctified in His Word and Presence, fleeing from sin and constantly examining the heart to make sure nothing imperfect is found there. I don't care what the preachers say, I don't care what the theologians say, I don't care what the leaders say; Thus saith the Lord, 'with a perfect heart'.

II Chronicles 18:31

"And it came to pass, when the captians of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefroe they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him."

Jehoshaphat had put himself in a bad way here. He had joined with Ahab to go to this war and jeporadized his own life. And had not it been for the mercy of the Lord great harm would have fallen upon him. And it came to pass - word study, to come; the events that happened before now lead to this moment. when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat - word study, to see; They had been given a directive to engage the battle with King Ahab alone. They were not to deal with anyone else. They saw Jehoshaphat and saw that there was something different about him. He may have had banners or extra troops around him to protect him. they saw something that told them he was a king. I wonder what the world sees about us? Do they see us to be kings and priests unto the Lord? Is there something distinct and different about us that sets us apart from the world? Brethern, note if there be any difference in you. It is the king of Isrsael. therefore they compassed about him to fight - they thought they had found him; They made a bold statement that proved to be false. He looked like the king, acted like a king but was not actually the king of Israel, he was the king of Judah. But they cared not for the king of Judah, they were given insturctions about the king of Israel. How close and yet how fat apart was the king of Israel and Judah? One feared the Lord, the other antagonized Him; one walked in His ways and the other walked for himself. The difference between religion and Christianity is the same mold. They look similar but the differences are distinct and true. They will bring the fight to defeat. The world and all its ways of hell will compass us to fight with us. LEt them come forth and let us rest and trust in Him, Who is able to do all things. But Jehoshaphat cried out , and the Lord helped him - word study, help; He was a servant of the Lord and he immediately went to his refuge and strength. He cried out to the Lord. In times of trouble who do you cry out to? Who will help you? Grap hold of this beautiful portion of Scripture, the Lord will help. My strength will fail, my hope is shattered, only the Lord can help. He is able and willing to help His own. He receives glory and honor for helping His people. When he cried out, the Lord helped him. I wonder if he had not cried out, if the Lord would have helped him? What think you? The Lord stands ready, but to often His own children do not lift up their cry unto Him. They seek help from others, rather than from their own heavenly Father. And God moved them to depart from him - how did He help? He moved them away from him. How much more is He willing and able to do for each of us? He took His hand and moved the enemy away to protect and deliver. He is able to do such things. Do you believe? Do not offend Him by not trusting in what He is willing to do? How much more will He intervene for us? He is able to move His hand around us to delvier and set us apart from those that seek our demise. Set yourself before Him, cry out for His mercy and stand still to see His great deliverance. WE would see greater things like this for His own, if they put their confidence in Him as Jehoshaphat did. Ahab died in this battle but the servant of the Lord was delivered. And so shall it be at the end, the wicked shall perish, but the righteous unto life eternal.

II Chronicles 17:10

"And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat."

Asa began well in the fear fo the Lord but at the end died foolishly. His son, Jehoshaphat, comes along and we read in the earlier verses of this chapter how he walked rightly with the Lord. this walking rightly in the sight of the Lord, is the direct result of this verse. and the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands - Jehoshaphat's right service to the Lord brought forth this fear among the nations; The same is true of the opposite, if a leader or people will not walk rightly, then the fear of the Lord falls upon them. 'It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands fo the mgihty God'. Many have said that the one thing missing today among all our sorrows and sin, is the absence of the fear of the Lord. Could that be because there is no Jehoshaphat among us? Bring up a man of God that walks rightly and the fear will be restored. When Elisha the prophet was going up out of the city, 42 children were killed because of the absence of the fear of the Lord. Cruel? Mean? Not right? Careful, with your thoughts; the ways of the Lord are right; and what this generation has forgotten is that the Lord Who holds our breath is not happy with us. We have provoked Him to pour out wrath on us. And is there anyone interceding for His mercy? the nations of the world do not fear the Lord, because we which have been so blest by Him have refused Him. there must be a turning back to Him. The fear of the Lord msut be established again. 'What more great shaking in all the earth'. The Lord will put His fear before us and upon us. You cannot sin and lie in it without His response. It is Divine protection that all the nations stayed clear of Judah. They, as heathens, could recognize the Lord's mighty hand of protection. And what now of us? Has the hand of the Lord not been removed to some decree? Has the fear of the Lord not been showed among us? The bow low before Him with confession, contrition and agony over what we have done and allowed in our time. So that they made no war against Jehoshaphat - word study, made; You can study this throughout the Old Testament, that when God was active among the people and they was in right relationship His fear kept many at bay from war. but the hand of the Lord works against them that have risen up against the Lord. WE see the fear of the Lord did not bother Pharoah but that God worked through Moses to show His glory. Against the enemies of the Lord did Joshua labor in the promsied land. The fear of the Lord was on Jericho, but there destruction was determined,e xcept for Rahab the harlot. It is the Lords ways; and His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. 'Consider your ways.' do you fear the ways of the Lord? Is His fear upon the nations of the world? Does the false religions fear anything of the God of our Christianity? they will and He will have His glory manifested to the nations of the world. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. They may sneer at the Lord but His fear will grip them at some point. Some to eternal life, some to eternal damnation.

II Chronicles 16:9

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolsihly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars."

Such a diverse verse. So often I quote the first part to encourage and give hope in faith to many a wearied beleiver. But Asa had taken his eyes off the Lord and put them upon man. In doing this, he lost the favor of the Lord. for the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth - He sees all the world, in past, present and future; There is nothing beyond His vision of seeing and knowing what is going on. This is His creation and He has made it all for His glory. The Lord God Almighty is not distant away from us nor unconcerned about the affairs of man. He is near, observing, fulfilliing and directing the affairs of this life. It is referenced in REvelations 5, the 'seven eyes of the Lord' or the seven spirits that go out before Him to watch, report and know what is happening. And with 7 billion people upon the world, do you not think that there is much to consider and observe. WE can look around us in our small setting and understand that all the people are busy, active and constant in life. God is observing all this. To shew himself strong in the behalf of them - the Lord God is mighty in power and ability; Is anything too hard for the Lord? God created man for His glory, man ruined that glory and brought sin into the world. Thus, marring His perfect creation. God's desire is to restore that marred creation back to its perfect state. He knows we cannot do it by ourselves, He must be the Author and Finisher of our faith. He is able to do great and mighty things for us and through us. But He allows for man to chose Him, to walk in obedience with Him. The waywardness of man keeps God for showing us His mighty deeds and hand. Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light and be found in Him. Any great saint that testifies to the wonders of God, has yielded to Him and given themselves over to His mercy and grace. God takes that willing vessel and guides them and uses them in great fashion. A collection of such people is found in Hebrews 11, the chapter of the faithful. It is His desire to manifest Himself to the sons of men. He works andesires to do these things in favor of us. Oh, what great and mighty things would we see this day if given unto Him. Whose heart is perfect toward him - word study, perfect; And here we find the condition of His desired end, a perfect heart. REad throughout the Scirputres and see how many had a perfect heart. REad of Enoch, Noah, Abraham, David, Josiah and see in their lives the fulfillment of this verse. Read the accoutns of how God performed for the their beneift because they made an active choice to walk perfect in Him. Too much today takes away from this perfection in Christ. That is all you hear, 'It is impossible to be perfect'. Thus, they make no effort to make their heart perfect toward Him. They chose sin, becauswe it is our nature and easy to chose. But the choice of a perfect heart toward Him is where God works His best works. Herein thou hast done foolishly - Asa had set his strength on the hands of men and reject the power of God; God had worked wondrously before, but for whatever reason, Asa did not maintain a perfect heart. His wisdom to chose the Lord to save Judah, was given up. and if wisdom be found rejected, then foolishiness remains. "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." It is counted wisdom to accept Christ, and be granted eternal life in heaven. It is counted foolishness to reject Christ, and be granted eternal life in hell. Do not be a fool! Therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars - the Word of the Lord will be fulfilled in all things; Asa had rejected the Lord and was given punishment for his actions. We cannot expect to affront the Lord and not pay the price. He is able to deliver and bless, the same as He is able to curse and pour out wrath. DAvid received like punishment for his sin, that his house would rise up against him. But David accepted the punishment of the Lord and sought the Lord's mercy for Absalom. But Asa hardens himself against the Lord and goes from bad to worse. If you affront the Lord, there is a price to pay. Own up to your foolishness, declare your sin, repent of it and cling to His mercy and grace. You will find His ways right. What a verse of hope and promise; but also of punishment for the foolish.

II Chronicles 15:7

"Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded."

As Asa had finished his prayer for help and deliverance from the hand of this huge army, God spoke to him. He sent Oded the prophet unto him, with a word of hope and encouragement. This verse is the last of his prophecy. Be ye strong therefore - Asa prayed for power and strength; The word of God to him was to be strong, yet this really has nothing to do with the strength of physical ability. The battle was hand, there was no time to train, exercise or make program of readiness. 'Be strong in the Lord', let your faith rise up to meet this challenge. He had prayed to rest in the Lord, help from the Lord and strength from the Lord. And in this one phrase, 'be strong', it was to be found. Are you? Are you able to bear the testimony that you are strong in the Lord? Paul wrote, "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might". Jesus said to the disciples, "This kind can come forth but nothing but by prayer and fasting". Be strong in the spiritual disciplines that are appointed unto the church. We walk with a holy boldness, not self-righteousenss; humility in the ways of the Lord's power, "He is able to do all things well", not in arrogance. Strong in the Spirit that fills us and commands us. Strong in the Word of God that has power and is able to execute the will of the Lord in His will. Strong in prayers, with 'great tears and crying' for the conditions of this world to overturn the ways of hell. Satan fears a praying man because they are strong in the Lord. 'Be strong', don't think about it, don't hope so or want to be, but actually 'be strong'. It is not hoping it takes place, but it is taking place. I am resolved to be strong in Him. And let not your hands be weak - if you are not strong, then you are weak; Weakness is fear and doubt. Found among so many in the church today, is the weakness of faith. They do not believe in that which the Lord has promised. Weakness comes from sin. We allow to much of the world into our life and we fall short of His glory. And as we fall away from Him, we give place for the devil to do his best work in our life. When looking upon the people today, there ismuch weakness. You cannot find the hands of one that is strong. And yuet the Lord offers hope to His people in Him. For your work shall be rewarded - the Lord honors those that are faithful and true; Not only rewards here on this side, but in the eternal place of heaven will rewards be granted and given. The labors of our Lord are not in vain, but will reap the fruit of it. Many a child may be weak and frail for they have not seen the fruits yet. Wait upon the Lord for He shall reward in His due season. And there shall be more to the child of God, than just hearing the words, "WEll done"; we all desire that, but the Lord is faithful to reward those that served andloved with all their heart. He is not miserly but generous to reward and bestow upon us as we seek and find Him. Labor not for the things of this world but for the things of the next for they are eternal.

II Chronicles 14:11

"And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power; help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God; let not man prevail agianst thee."

The battle was at Mareshah. The host of the enemy was great, the army of Judah small in comparison. Asa learned the lesson and knew the truth of relying on the Lord. His prayer here is relying on what the Lord has already said about Himself and what He is able to do. Let us go through this prayer and apply it to our situation today. And Asa cried unto the Lord his God - a personal wor, 'his'; This is where it begins by crying out to the Lord. A prayer, a petition is lifted up; but a heart felt cry is voiced outward. Lord, it is nothing with thee to help - word study, to help; 'Is there anything too hard for the Lord?' Whatever the army here that Asa had to fight, it is nothing to the Lord. Whatever plight, sickness, difficulty or trouble that you face, it is nothing to the Lord to help. He is unchangeable, and His desire has always been to thelp His children. And if it did in the past, is He not willing even now? Let us understand that it is more His desire to work and help us, than our desire to call upon Him. Whether with many, or with them that have no power - word study, power; The numerical aspect has nothing to do with the Lord's willinness and ability to help. There was 8 that was delivered and repopulated the world; there was 70 that went down into Egypt and became a nation; there was 120 in the upper room and 'turned the world upside down'. It is matters not about their strength (power). Samson was one man, yet God empowered Him; Peter was one man yet endued with power from on high and 3000 were saved. We might be the weakest vessel or empowered, it is the Lord Who works wondrously. Help us, O Lord our God - word study, to help; The shortest most compact prayer, 'Help'. There is a need, there is a care and no one else can fix it or make it right except the Lord. It was of the most impacting cries for mercy, 'help'. It is not the personal prayer, 'Help, me'; but the people of God are in trouble, "help, us". Look around at the church and the nation, "Help us, O Lord our God". And as despserate as the Lord's help was needed for Asa and Judah, so we are in a desperate plight even now. The use of 'O Lord our God' is three times used in this one verse. It is to emphasize the emphatic need for Him. There is something to this saying out the fullness of His Name. And the other note of this, is the personal pronoun, "our God". For we rest on thee - yielded content in the ways of the Lord; We are at the mercy of the Lord and His desired end. Faith must swell here and be what the Lord would desire. Rest not in your own ways, your own abilities. Rest not in family, friends or others. But rest in the Lord and find perfect peace and strength. They that rest in the Lord shall renew their strength. check yourself, who do you rest in? Who do you put your confidence in? In Thy Name we go against this multitude - word study, to go; Note the cause is not of his own making. They are going forth against this huge army, not in their own name but in the Name of the Lord. It is His banner that covers us and shields us. go forth in your own name is vanity and self; going forth in His Name is honor and glory and praise to Him Who is worthy. 'Not by power, nor by might, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord' And how shall we prevail if we go in our own name? Let us not be conceeded, our name is nothing, His Name is everything. Go in the Name of the Lord and fight His battles. O Lord, thou art our God - third time of reference to the relationship; The personal pronoun of ownership, 'our'. And the declarative statement of possession, 'He is mine and I am His'. It is bearing the witness that the Lord has us in the palm of His hand. He abides within us, He lives within. There is no other god, He alone is God and He is mine. Let not man prevail against thee - the conclusion of one of the most empassioned, personal and powerful prayers in the Bible; And he uses the words of the Lord to make his plea. 'Shall the creation say to its Creator?' 'Is there anything able ot thwart God?' There is nothing in this world able to overcome the power of God. Asa uses this faith and belief in the power of God to say that man cannot prevail against You. This is the Lord's battle, these are the Lord's people and we go in His Name. And for this army to win would mean that man can prevail against the God. And prays, "Let not this happen, O Lord our God. Prove unto them that you are God and there is no other." The ways of man are finite, and the ways of God are infinite. Now as we view the world and the condition of the church. The ways of man has damaged, given an occasion against the Lord and failed the Lord. Yet, if we, His people, would trust in Him, the evil of man could not prevail against His kingdom. 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against My church'. If there was more prayer like that of Asa we would see great victory in the lives of Christians, in churches and in the nations. But so long as self continues to rule and reign, the help of the Lord is limited and restriced. Humble yourselfs in the sight of the Lord and pray as Asa did. And by the way, who won this battle?

II Chronicles 13:18

"thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers."

there is much instruction to be found in the story of the kings. That which was good and that which was evil. If we could just learn from their mistakes and benefit from their godliness we would alleviate much of the chaos of today. Oh, for wisdom of discernment in this. Now Israael has forsaken the Lord completely because of Jeroboam, who made Israel to sin. Judah, even though they are not perfect in all their ways, still Abijah the king now, has made an attempt to walk rightyly. This verse declares the truths of that attempt. the children of Israel were brought under at that time - they had sinned against the Lord, and He Who has power is able to humble; Every kingdom, nation, people, or person that exalts themselves to walk contrary unto the Lord is humbled. Why is it necessary for man to be so foolish? They had prevailed against Rehoboam, because of his sin and the work of evil from Solomon. But even if a victory is gained one day, know in the latter end evil will fall. Mark it, anywhere in the Bible and history, that when people vaunt themselves up against the Lord, they are brought down. The Lord, He is God and there is none else, worhsip Him with all your heart. And the children of Judah prevailed - they prevailed because earlier in this chapter they humbled themselves; Pride goes before the fall; humility goes before the victory. When a child of God rests confident in the hand of the Lord and not in their own hand, God exalts. When a child of God raises self, the Lord brings down. Prevailing is a set mark given by God. Prevailing in this victory was because they submitted unto Him. Prevailing prayer, is the work of faith,breathed into the soul by God. Prevailing over souls is the great work of God in redemption that none should persih. Because they relied upon the Lord - the key answer here, Who do you rely on? The story of Asa replicates this same message, it is all on Who or who you rely on. The children of Judah and Abijah relied on the Lord and was given the victory. But if you rely on self or on man made ways, no good shall come of it. Teach, learn and practice relying on the Lord. We have been groomed all our life to rely on self and others. It is not an easy thing to learn. Discipline to teach and instruct in questioning where and why you are doing what you are doing will reveal who you are relying on. God of their fathers - it has a beginning from somewhere before our time; We are not original in our ways, but designede after the mold of those that have gone before us. Our fathers have already tread this mystery of life and either prevailed at it or flubbed it. God has been instrumental in the ways of our fathers to keep us and preserve His ways. Again, it is not about us; it is about Him. And even if you say that your father did not know God nor serve Him, it is does not change that God has gone before us to make a way for us. We are here today because of many generations of fathers that have gone before us. Many evil but some good, God has always been present to bring us to such a time as this. dMake sure that you are preparing for the next generation that God is your Heavenly Father. Set now the standard that He is everything and we are nothing.

II Chronicles 12:14

"And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord."

And he did evil - what a horrible saying to be said of man's life; the day that Adam and Eve ate of the fruit and disobeyed the word of the Lord, evil entered into the world. Into our flesh enter the evil that condemns and destorys a soul. Look around the world and view the ways of man, evil is present. Listen to the conversations and hear their choice words and vocabulary, they are evil. Look upon families and see the children in neglect, spoiled, allowed to raise themselves and see evil. 'the heart is desperately wicked who can know it'. We are found in an evil world all around us, what are you? Are we able to stand against the grain of the whole earth and say, " I am not evil but found righteous in His sight." Are we able to say, "I have put off the works of evil to be a vessel of good". How corrupt has this generation gone? they do not even know the difference between good and evil. 'They call evil good and good evil.' Why is there such evil before us and around us? Because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord - word study, to seek; Found in this phrase is the remedy and the cause of evil, it is in the heart preparation. It is in the seeking the Lord with a whole heart and not a half heart. How do you prepare the heart? You must search it to know what is in it first. Introspection is required here to know your own heart. What seeds of evil are found? What evil is laid beneath the layers of good works and self righteousness? 'Break up your fallowed ground'. Examine your motives for from the heart comes all evil emotions, intents and acts. Our flesh is a pawn of an evil heart. the transformation from a vessel of evil to a vessel of good, is only complete when the heart has been delivered from its deep rooted fleshly desires and lusts. When a child of God becomes a complete vessel of honor, it is because the heart has been transformed from darkness into light and the works of evil have been vanquished by a determined will to cast off any thing of offence before the Lord. NO lying, no lusts, no pride, no envy, no anger all is put away and the person bears a resemblance to Christ. But allow any of these things to remain, it takes root and is embedded within the will and the flesh will manifest it in trying circumstances. How do I do this? It is found within a choice of obedience. An obedience which only comes from the Lord honor a cry from a soul to ask of Him for His mercy and grace. He bestows and the person is delivered and kept in the willingness of the Father. It is obedience in great and small things. Seeking the Lord is this pursuit of obedience.

II Chronicles 11:14

"For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the Lord."

This chapter is describing the reign of Rehoboam. Solomon had sinned and the ten tribes had been stripped from the king. Jeroboam had been ordained to rule over Israel. And even though, Rehoboam did not serve the Lord whole heartedly, we read of Jeroboam's evil reign. Here is one verse that descirbes his actions. For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession - they were the anointed of the Lord to offer up sacrifices and teach the people; Here is the question, if the priests are removed from the land, how long before it falls into moral decay? If there is no teaching, no instruction, and no direction to the ways of holiness how can it exist? this land was given unto them by Joshua and the rulers of Israel and they had cities and were dispersed throughout the tribes of Israel to teach the people and keep them in a right relationship. But now because of Jeroboam, they have left the their inheritance. What will become of the land? And came to Judah and Jerusalem - word study, to come; a migration to the temple of the Lord; It would seem that Judah and Rehoboam should prevail with the servants of the Lord gathered in one place. Yet, we read that Rehoboam did not fear the Lord very long in his reign until he also turned away. oh, how evil are our hearts. How easily given to sin and rebellion. For Jeroboam and his sons - it was not just the man, Jeroboam; AS the father is, so goes his children. that should literally terrify many a man, who take their actions so lightly. His sons were following after him and helping him to do his evil work. And know that Jeroboam occassioned the destruction of his own family, because he turned away from the Lord. Cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the Lord - limited and expelled them from their work unto the Lord; Now let us examine this again: how long before a nation falls when the servants of the Lord are cast out from serving unto the Lord? Our nation continues a spiral downward becasue of their desire to limit, hand cuff and cast out the True Gospel message. I am not referring to the church's own desire ot limit themselves in speaking, living and practising the truth. I am talking about the government, the world, and the other religions that limit the Gospel message going forth because it is offensive unto them. Muslim nations that enforce the strict code of the Koran, to kill and to destory Christians messengers. The persecuted church in over 60 nations around the world hazarding their lives because they have been cast out from presenting hte Gospel message. I tell you that we read that Israel was destoryed quickly after they cast out the Levites. And any people, nation or group shall quickly perish when there is the absence of the Lord's Word being proclaimed, taught and practised. So let the government take it out of the institutionsof this society; take it out of the schools; take it out of society (separation of church/state); and now look at our nation. School killings, evil and perverse practices, drugs/alcohol addictions, abuse rampant, crime swelling and corruption in government, corporate and every other establishment, reap what you sow. Is there any soul that can see this and cry out for the Lord to restalibsh His ways on our land before it is too late? Is there any others that see this? Come back Levites before His hand of wrath drops on us in judgment as it did upon Israel.

II Chronicles 10:15

"So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the Lord might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat."

This was of the Lord's design. Now Jeroboam had not yet sinned against the Lord. Nor had he made the children of Israel to sin against the Lord. The prophet had came to Jeroboam and foretold him that he would have 10 tribes of Israel, but that He would leave Judah unto David as He had promised. so it is, as foolish as Rehoboam was, him not hearkening unto the people was the Lords desired will. For the cause was of God - God directs the affairs of this world; This is His creation and we are His creation. God has His sovereign will and it is interesting to see how that meshes with the choices of man. As in this case, Solomon had been warned not to forget the Lord. Solomon was led astray and forsook the Lord, this is what prompted the Lord to strip the house of David of ruling over all Israel. Solomon's choice to sin, wrecked the desire of God for David's house to rule and reign. All this was because of Solomon who was already dead and gone. How often we see this unfold in the Scriptures and history. The next generation reaps what they have sown from the genreation before. Should we not tremble and fear and the causes of God in answer to our sinfulness? WE should make sure that our life is hid in Christ and walk uprightly with Him. Let us not be so callous and unmoved simply because it may happen in the next generation. We answer for our actions and deeds, and the weight of it that transcends our lifetime. How weighty was this when weighed in the balances and found wanting? That the Lord might perforem His word - shall not the word of the Lord be established and performed in all things; He speaks, commands, ordains and establishes and it is done. There is none to thwart the word of God. Learn this and adhere to the word of the Lord to live by faith in His word. 'Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.' 'Thy Word was found and I did eat it. And it was sweetness to my taste.' His Word will be fulfilled in all things both great and small. 'The grass withereth and the flower fadeth, but the Word of the Lord shall last forever.' How precious is the Word of God to you? What are you doing to glean of it and from it?

II Chronicles 9:6

"Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not otld me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard."

Howbeit I believed not their words - unbelief, the great sin of the church; Nobdy uses, "howbeit" any more, it is was one of those great KJV word. simply means, 'regardless', 'nevertheless'. She did not believe and she admits it. She had heard of great things, great testimonies and accounts of Solomon's wisdom and his kingdom. But she did not believe. The Gospel goes out with a wonderful message of hope, power and Divine love, and yet many that hear it are of the same phrase, 'I believed not their words'. They excuse away the wonders of eternity, the power of God and lay in dust and ashes of this world. 'The Gospel has appeared to every man', they have heard of it. They are left with a choice of whetehr to believe or not. But this unbelief also goes into the church. That even though, they have believed in the greatness of Christ, they have His powerful word to them. Promises over and over in the Scriptures given to the peopel of God and they cannot believe. what shall we do with a people that has the great tool of faith and prayer and does not exercise it? We become a powerless, unfaithful, meager people. This gives a great occassion against the Lord in the eyes of the world. For they hear us sing, "How Great Thou Art"; or 'Great is our God' and yet we have nothing ot prove because of our unbelief. Many a child of God in trouble, in need of God to hear and answer prayer, testifies, "I just can't believe". This sin of unbelief and mistrust unto our heavnenly Father and Savior must be put away so that He may work in and through us. Until I came - word study, to come; It is the factor of moment. A moment in time is what defines many a life or takes away from life. Choices made in a moment determine the future. The moment you had your first child, the moment you proposed to you wife or accept a proposal, all these things changed your life. These moments are defined with 'until'. Something is happening and then 'until' and everything changes after that moment. 'I was on my way to hell, until, I met Jesus'. 'I could not believe, until, God gave me this promise'. The queen of Sheba says she could not believe, until, she came. The souls of this world have heard the riches in heaven, they have heard but until they come to the throne of God for judgement they will not believe. and then it will be too late for them. Every tongue will confess and every knee will bow unto Jesus that He is Lord of all. they will come and bow down, even though who say they do not believe in God. It matters not they will all come unto Him, some for wrath and some for receiving His favor. And mine eyes had seen it - word study, to see; 'Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. She did not believe because her eyes had not beheld it. the eye that cannot see will not believe in the rewards of those that hear tthe Gospel message. There is no faith; 'for this a forward generation, children in whom is no faith'. Dear child of God, must you see it to believe it? Cast off your doubts and fears and believe the word of God, for it is Truth. Make it your prayer, 'Lord increase our faith'. The one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me - the queen of Sheba could not believe in greatness of Solomon's; We are told a small array of what awaits us in heaven. We are also told of a small amount of the horrors of hell. Eternity will reveal the other half that has not been told us. We will see and understand then of how great heaven is and fearful hell is. Your choices today at this moment decide your until.

II Chronicles 8:1

"And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built the house of the Lord, and his own house"



And it came to pass - word study, to come; We find the major task of the temple and Solonmon's own house has been finished. Time has gone by, at the end of twenty years. David had reigned 40 years, and we know Solomon's reign would be the same. But no man knows how long he has. We see Solomon's reign divided into these two twenty year parts. The first 20 he built his own house and the temple. the last 20 he sinned and fell away provoking the Lord to anger. Which would you rather, the first 20 or the second 20? Having begun so well that the Lord appeared to him twice and then to throw it all away at the end of his life. Paul feared the same thing, that after having preached the Gospel, he should become a castaway. Yet, Paul at the end of his way was able to say, "I fought a good fight, I kept the faith". I believe as I ponder Solomon that the first 20 years he had purpose, he had a task to do. This kept him grounded and in constant need of the Lord's leading and help. But when the task were done, he was left to his own desires, which became sinful with so many wives. So I would ask of you, what is your task at hand? What is your task for all your days? I know many a man that will work 40 years at a job, and then say, "I have worked hard for all these years, now this money and time in retirement is mine." And then they don't even live 6 months. How foolish. We know not how long we have, and every day is to be the Lord's and the fullness of that day. But we here in America have been rooted in living for the dollar, living for self, 'eat, drink and be merry'. But this is folly and sin. This is throwing away a lifetime of opportunity in the Lord's work. No wonder His kingdom is hindered here. Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us ask of the Lord for our purpsoe, our task at hand and let us labor all our days to fulfill His desired will. LEt us learn from Solomon that if left to our own hearts desires, 'for the heart is desparately wicked', we will end up like solomon. Let us labor to keep ourselves fit so that we might hear from the Lord at the end, "Well done". Will the Lord say, 'Well done', to those that started good but fell away at the end? Whereever you might be right now in your life resolved to live for Jesus. If you are young, set your heart to Him to keep you in all your ways before Him. Pray and labor to not fall away like Solomon. If you are middle age, and your life is found right with Him, know that Satan will come to you and whisper, 'Take it easy, you have labored hard for Him. You deserve a little rest." Our rest will come with Him in eternity not here on this earth. Guard yourself against the sin of ease and sloth. But if you say that your younger years were in sin and rebellion and you just recently came to the Lord, then resolve to finish well. He has pardoned your past, but make sure your past does not become your future. Live, breath, think and serve Him all the rest of your days. Finish well. And if your say, that you are in your last years, being so close will you not finish well? Someone asked Vance Havner in last years, "Mr. Havner, would you like to go back and live life again?" He quickly replied, 'No, I'm to close home now.' Be faithful unto the very end and labor nor for the things that perish, but walk in His glory. Many a soul has thrown away all their labors for a few brief moments of sensual sin. You are running the race to finish and to finish well, not limping across the finisehd line.

II Chronicles 7:14

"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."

One of the most quoted verses of our day. And yet, one of the most neglected and unfilled verses in our midst. There are many in the church today that can quote this verse, it has been preached, taught, examined, prayed and however else it can be used. But still, there is no revival in our midst. Why? If my people, which are called by my name - this is the church, the people of God; Here Solomon had prayed his prayer, and the Lord answered and was speaking of the chldren of Israel in regards to the temple. He was not referring to the wicked nations, but His own people. They had entered into a covenant with the Lord through Abraham, right on down to David. A thousand years of history had unfolded, and still the Lord called them His own. Despite their disobedience, their selfishness, their unbelief and other evils, He called them His own. But now, we are in the age of grace, the church age. Those that are born again believers are named by Him. They are called Christians. Those that are under His blood and near His Presence. Shall humble themselves - the first mark of Christianity, humility; Pride must go. Why has revival not come? Humility has not happened. I know many a speaker that finds fault with the end of the verse, God's response, and other explanations. But let us see the truth, pride still rules and reigns, self is the god of this age. Humility is not for the church, they cast it off. And Pray - the calling upon the Lord and hearing from Him; The most neglected practice in the church today, prayer. We won't humble ourselves, and we won't pray, we make it impossible for the Lord to respond when we blatantly disobey and refuse His commands. If we could only see the meager, weak prayers that are offered up we would be ashamed at the work of prayer. And seek my face - gazing and looking upon His face and knowing His ways; Utter abandonment of knowing how to do this and wanting to do this is the trade mark of Christians today. Tell me the last Christian that you came across and you knew they was earnestly and honestly seeking His face. We have departed from the 'old paths' of knowing what it is to seek the Lord and be still before Him. And turn from their wicked ways - repentance, walk of holiness; It is supposed to be that a person that is saved, 'old ways are passed away and all things become new'. However, today, we see that supposed Christians can be saved and still continue in their old ways. Man has adulterated the Gospel message of good news. No longer is there sorrow over sin, no longer is there shame, no longer is there wholeheartedness to be found. People in the church are worse than the people out of the church. More evil happnes to those that sit in the pews simply because of this one principle, they will not repent. Now we must understand that salvation is to save people from their sins; what sins? they need ot examine and see what sins are to be found in their life and remove them (turn away from their wicked ways). there is no separation found among the church today. Partly because preaching and teaching has not communciated nor enforeced 'turning away from wicked ways'. Partly because people want to keep their old ways and think they are still saved. When the revival comes, it will shatter this false way and when the Spirit of God descends on the church, they will forsake their wicked ways. Read the accounts of actual revival in days gone by, how they labored in tears all night over their sins. Duncan Campbell, "We know nothing of backsliding". They turned away, sought His face, prayed, and humbled themselves and God honored it. That is what instills real revival. All that follows in this verse is God's faithfulness to respond when His people do what they are supposed to do. But we have not done our part, therefore He cannot do His. Seek these four things honestly and see if God does not respond.

II Chronicles 6:1

"Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness."

The Lord has just filled the house with His glory. What a sight to behold! He hath accepted the sacrifices, He hath sanctified the place. and now with Solomon seeing all this, he begins to pray. It is understandable that upon seeing the Lord accepting the offerings and filling the temple, He is here, to begin to worship. At other times in the Bible the presence of the Lord made men fear and depart away, but Solomon moves forward and offers up a prayer. What does the presence of theLord do to you? At night, the light draws the moth, in the day, honey draws the bee, but what of you? What draws you close to it? Is it the Lord? or the things of this life? The Lord's presence is hard to put to words, for who hath seen such sights at this? We give account of the men fo the Bible that saw it: Moses, Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah and Solomon. Each saw the fullness of His presence. He would dwell in the thick darkness - it is this phrase that describes the presence of the Lord; For how can the Lord, Who is light, dwell in the thick darkness? Is it possible for light and darkness to dwell in the same place? Our minds cannot comprehend such things. Yet, in the beginning there was darkness upon the deep and the Spirit of God moved upon it, yet He is light. Moses, was called into the thick darkness upon the mount, yet the children of Israel saw as fire, lighting and the cloud. Jesus, upon the mount of transfiguration, abided in the cloud, that limited Peter, James and John of their sight to see and heard the voice of the Father, 'This is My Beloved Son'. the thick darkness abides to shield the fullness of His glory. The cloudy pillar appeared and filled the house, and yet in the midst of it, the Lord was there. In a soul, who is in utter darkness, lost and hopeless, the Light doth so shine among men and turns their darkness into light. What can we say to this? Has the light of the world came into your soul? Are you children of the Light or children of darkness? Enter into the thick darkness for beyond the outer wall of the cloud of darkness on the outside, within He is there. Go into the inner sanctuary and behold His face, for it doth shine magnificently, seven times greater than anything we know of light in this world. And look back over your shoulder out of His presence and see the cloud of darkness. Just as you stand under a street light and peer out into the country away from the light, and there is darkness, yet you abide under the light of the streetlight. Enter in, for Your Lord awaits and beckons to us. But how few know of this place. They are content to abide outside, fear, dread, remorse, sin keeps them at bay. Lose your pride and humble yourself in the sight of the Lord. Play the man and bolster your faith in Him, He calls you to enter in. Will you draw close to Him? So many quote that verse in James, 'Draw night to Me and I will draw nigh to you'. But how few have done it. they abide apart for great season, they hunger not for His nearness. The old hymn, "Draw me nearer, nearer, to Thy blessed Lord, to Thy place.' Let us understand to much of the church is distant from Him that wishes us come near. And the farther we are away from Him, the closer we are to Satan, who as a roaring lion seeketh to destroy. We know the verse, 'To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.' In death, we exit this world of light, into the thick darkness of the valley of the shadow of death and the darkness of death and just beyond it, is the manifest Presence of theLord, High and lifted up. Do you see the Light? Do you know what lies beyond the thick darkness, then go to it. Put away the fear, the doubts, the closeness of this life and abide in the marvellous light of the Lord Jesus Christ. And His light eminating from us, shall show forth to this world of darkness that Light has come. but the sad truth, 'His light shines, but men loved darkness rather than the Light'. In hell, there is no light, for He does not abide there.

II Chronicles 5:10

"There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt."

There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Mosses put therein at Horeb - a special place was Horeb when the ten commandments was given; there the children of Israel met with God and heard His voice and saw the dramatic picture on the mount of His glory. There Moses went up and received the commandments and statues. There was the burning bush that called Moses out of his seclusion to go to Egypt. Much happened at Horeb. But the ark had only the two tables from Horeb in it. there were other things placed within it. What happened to the staff of Aaron? What happened to the pot of manna? these things had been placed in the ark as well. And now through the years, and the capture by the Philistines, something happned to them. What happened to the ark today? In Rev. 11, we see the vision of John as he sees into the temple in heaven and there he sees the ark of the testament. Time changes things, but the place of Horeb holds a significance for us. Where was your Horeb? What happened there to you? Did God speak? Did God thunder and lightings or was it the still small voice? when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel - word study, made; It is at such places that God established the relationship, 'walk before me and be thou perfect'. 'Obey Me and I will bless thee and keep thee.' 'Disobey Me and know the curses of Egypt.' God keeps His word, He cannot lie. But the covenant is established between two parties, Him and us. He is willing and able to fulfill, what of your part? Are you obeying? Are you walking with Him? Has sin hindered you and kept you from keeping your part of the agreement? Let us cast aside all sin, worldliness and let us labor for Him with our whole heart. Look to Him and not to the worldly things that deceive. Bless the Lord for He is able to keep us and abide in us. When they came out of Egypt - word study, to come; AFter 400 years in bondage, God brought them out. He brought them out, to bring them in. It is the same for us, He brings us out of sin and darkness to allow us to enter into light and holiness. You claim you have left Egypt behind, then do not be as the chidlren of Israel who remembered what once was and kept looking back. 'Any man having put his hand to the plow and looketh back is not fit for the kingdom of heaven.' Look ahead and rejoice in what He has done, what He is doing and able to do.

II Chronicles 4:1

"Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length therof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof."

I have tried to point out the importance of the altar throughout the Scriptures. From early on in Genesis, we find the altar being built to offer unto the Lord. Now here in the midst of the temple of the Lord being made we have the altar constructed. The altar - the place where sacrifice and offerings are made unto the Lord; the place where one approaches God; Note, false gods also have altars that they worship out, but this folly. The true altar is the one that leads to God Almighty. He made an altar of brass - word study, made; He made it. It has to be constructed and fashioned. A place where one might approach unto God. Churches have lost the place of the altar and lost their ability to approach unto God. I often wonder if that is why the rule of thumbe is that people sit in the back of the church, to be further away from the front. Let us draw nigh unto Him. The old invitiations that compelled souls to come to the front where the altar was and to bow down at it and make peace with the Lord. Many a tear, many a cry, many a confession of wrongs being made right. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.' And at the altar the Lord deals with souls. Hannah bowed at the altar and wept and cried and God heard her. Abraham offered his only son on the altar in obedience unto the Lord and God spared his son and granted the great blessing on him. Noah came off the ark and built and altar and offered burnt offering as sweet savor in the nostrils of the Lord. And there in the throne room of God the altar has the censers offering up the prayers of the saints. Do you not see the consistency of the altar and what has meant? What it does mean? and what is can mean? Then why has the church shut down the altar? Is it not to remove us away from His presence. Have an altar in your home, a place where you bow and meet the Lord daily. Have a place in the church to bow down and offer up prayers and supplications. Make an altar for it is a desired end to meet with God. To not have one, is to say you are not going ot make the effort nor time to meet with God. Give me a name of a true saint in the church's history and I will show you they made an altar, whether traveling or at home. Brass - a durable metal, through weather and longevity; Brass has qualities that differ from gold and silver. there is significance to it, as everything of the Lord has purpose and meaning. You could not make it of woord for you woudl not be able to burn offering on it. Gold could not contain the heat as well. Note as well, the specific dimensions to accomplsih a specific purpose. A small, minial altar could not hold nor contain the offerings and give place to the people. Length, depth are needed for specific purpose.

II Chronicles 3:10

"And in the most holy house he made two cherubims of image work, and overlaid them with gold."

Here is the overview of the temple and how it was done. The rooms, the layering of gold upon everything, the exactness that Solomon set forth to complete it. This is a short chapter and not much lies here for us, but this verse adds an element of my own desire. And in the most holy house - the place of holiness where the inner sanctuary was; There was the outside place of the Gentiles; there was the court of the priests; there was the holy place and then there was the most holy place. That is the outlay of the temple, but what of our house? Are we able to look around and see if our home is most holy unto the Lord? Look on the shelves; look at the movies; look at the fixtures; look at the people. Let us not forget, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, are we most holy? Are our hands clean and our hearts pure? For these are the only ones that shall ascend the hill of the Lord. Brethern, cast out the sin and clean the house from any filthiness and let it be most holy unto the Lord. is it not noticeable when the holiness has abated the house of the Lord? The atomsphere is different, the sons are different, and something is not right. Can you notice the Ichabods' when you enter in? They have defiled the most holy place and the Spirit of the Lord has departed. Revere the most holy place, for as the children of Israel defiled the land, their names, their families and the temple, God removed them. We take too much upon us as we leave holiness as something for the mystics and not for the people of God. We are to be holy, as He is holy. Make the place holy, make your bodies holy. Leave nothing for Satan to work with. He made two cherubims of image work, and overlaid them with gold - word study, made; two angels watching over the holy place; Again, the reference to these things being covered with gold. They were spetacular to begin with, but to cover everything with gold, set it apart from everything else on the earth. Note, as wonderful as it is, it still will not touch the wonders of heaven. The angels were made, image work, and fashioned in the likeness of what they knew to be angels. Which of them had seen an angel to fashion it? The significance was that they were outstretched over this place so as to guard and watch over the place. Let us know the message is the same for us, the Lord gives His angels charge over us to keep us. They report to Him of our wanderings and deeds. The Lord has them active in regards to us. WE know little of this spiritual world but it is there. And even though these were just statutes, angels are in action after this manner. We have the accountof Daniel, and how his angel came to him. We have John in the vision of the Revelation and how Christ appeared unto him and then an angel directed the vision that followed. 'What? Do you not know that you have entertained angels unaware'. Look upon man and see the image of God and know that the Lord has favored us. The angels have been keepers of the work of heaven and view usas the Lord so directs. The differences are to be noted, think upon the difference of man and angels and see what you can come up with? there used to be a song I listened to growing up, 'Angels watching over me'. the image of that is represented here and even now I gaze around that the Lord might take the scales from my eyes to see angels outstretched over me.

II Chronicles 2:6

"But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? Who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?"

But who is able to build him an house - no one is able to build Him an house; He had not commanded this, David gave place to this in his heart. He Who fills the universe cannot be contained in a house. When we mention the fullness of God, it the entirety of the universe and of all substance of living. He limits Himself to abide in us and in the houses of the Lord. We often pray, 'Lord, fill this house'. What we fail to remember quite often is that when God filled the temple, the priests were drove out becasue of His glory. Is that what we really want? SEeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? word study, to see; great questions of the Bible; Let us see what the truth is. He fills and has more to fill of what is known in this universe. Two distinct places are mentioned here: heaven, the outer part of this world called in Genesis, the heavens; heaven of heavens, the holy abiding throne room of God that is described in Revelation; If these two physical places are not suffecientl, then what is? He abides in all things, He fills all things. This is infiniteness, and our finite minds cannot grasp this. We fill a space, no more and no less. He has no limit in it to fill. Who am I then - the same question David asked when he was given the promise of his line always ruling and reigning; the same question we ask when we consider His mercy and grace for our salvation. We are nothing, yet He has made us all things. Who am I? I am not my own, but His. His workmanship, created and grafted for His Divine purpose. Whose are you? That I should build him an house - it was Solomon's appointed task; David could not build the house, for the blood on his hands, his son was to build it. Solomon was ordained that he should build the house. Who are we? We are ordained for a purpose and path that the Lord has established. It is His Divine purpose for our being. Let us fulfill that which He desires in us and through us. SAve only to burn sacrifice before him? great questions of the Bible; the place where the people could come and meet with the Lord. Where their prayers could be offered up. Their sacrifices made for remission of sins. The houses of the Lord today are for much the same purpose. The Lord abides in us, not in the buildings. But when His people gather together it is to sacrifice before Him. Laying our all on the altar for Him. Laying our cares before Him. Giving our whole heart to be offered up for His purpose. Let us see the real reason of the temple that Solomon was to build. What, know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost? Let us see our being as His abiding place. Let us see the house of the Lord for what it is to be for His sacrifice.

II Chronicles 1:10

"Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?"

As Solomon begins to reign he begins it with the Lord. Heartbreaking that he does not end like he began, may it not be said of me or you. But after David has blest him and strengthed his hands to be king, Solomon begins now to reign with a sacrifice of 1000 burnt offerings. And that night the Lord comes to him and lays out before him a request to ask anything that he wanted. 'Ask what I shall give thee', is this not an open promise from the Lord for all His children? But how little we ask, or ask amiss. Solomon's reply is unique from what most selfish people would ask for. Left to themselves people of the Lord ask for money, fame, health, and self-preservation. How few ask for His glory to manifested. Give me now wisdom and knowledge - word study, to give; Let us compare this to Daniel 2:20, 'the Lord Who gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those that understand'. 'He that winneth souls is wise'. 'If any of you lack wisdoom let him ask of the Lord, Who giveth to all men liberally and it shall be given you.' WE are before the Lord as His children, and we are spoken to, to ask and He shall give. His power, riches, grace, blessings know no end. WE are to approach that He can and will give unto us that which is right and good. We lack wisdom and knowledge in this day and it is time the church begins to ask for these two things again. We might have the most advanced generation for knowledge but what good has all the studies done, all the books, programs, etc. if there is no application. If the Lord is able to give these things, and He is, then let us ask and receive for His glory. That I may go out and come in before this people - word study, to go; word study, to come; WE are constant in this world before the eyes of men daily. They watch, listen and observe us. What is their opinion of us? What testimony do we bare? Wisdom and knowledge teaches us how to do this so that God is honored and glorified. If we give an occassion against the Lord we are foolish and knowledge fails. But if we walk in oneness with Him, then wisdom abounds. Who are brethern? ARe you the light that shines in this darkness? Let your light so shine among men that they may know Whose you are. WE are not our own, but bought with the price of His very blood. Go out and come in, in a way of order, honor and holiness. 'They took knowledge that they had been with Jesus'. For who can judge this thy people, that is so great? great questions of the Bible; Men are appointed to rule over the masses. Solomon realized teh enormous responsbility that lay on his shoulders. To do it right and to maintain honor is a hard task. Other great men of the world have attempted it and failed, becasue they did it without the Lord. Even Solomon, ruled in wisdom until he took his eyes off the Lord and gave his heart to his many wives and their false gods. then his wisdom turned to foolishness. And so shall it be for any, who does not understand that God appoints us a life. Parents to judge the children, family to judge one another, the body to judge their brethern. Not in condemmantion for self-exaltation but in fear of the Lord. The people of the Lord are great, and the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. Let us judge with humility for thebetterment of the kingdom. Isn't it amazing that most lost people in the world know the verse in Matt 7, 'Judge not. . .' They don't know where it is but they know that first part of that verse. They know because they don't want to be told the truth. They don't want the truth. But the people of God are to be judged, especially when sin reigns and rules. For the only thing that does is to provoke the Lord to anger. Is it not true, that if the priests and kings of Israel had judged the people and they had been judged, that the evil would have been stopped? But they would not, therefore the evil grew and destroyed. We, in this generation, are not far from that same place. And great will be the fall of this people.

I Chronciles 29:5

"The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?"

David had set forth to provide for much of the work of the temple. He was not permitted to build it, but he was able to make plans for it. How different the attitude of some. For if they could not have the glory of it, they would not lift their hand to help or provide. And here is David making ready for his son when he begins the work of the temple. Gold for things of gold - there was much work in this for the things of gold; The walls and workmanship was all of gold. Silver for things of silver - the next treasure in worth from gold is silver; As we see in the vision of Nebuchadnezzar of the statue, the head of gold the body of silver, and so on down to clay and iron. The worth of the material was that the two most expensive treasures David had in abundance and was providing. For all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers - word study, made; There was need of designers that coudl craft the formations and labors. God gives and grants special talents to those that are able to do such work. These were specially bestowed with favor for they were to do the work fo the temple. It was a Divine place and was to be rightyly done with talent. And who then is willing to consecreate his service this day unto the Lord? - great questions of the Bible; I find this to strike right to the heart of His people today. Who is there willing? Have you stood up to give an account of Whose you are? Do we find them coming out in droves to preach, teach, evanglize, missionaries? Where are those that be willing to consecrate for service unto Him? I don't know the last person I met that was anointed of the Lord and you could tell it. I have seen many given to the minsitry for profit, for mommy and daddy, for themselves, or it seemed like a good thing to do. But oh, to hear the testimony of the Lord performing a calling like He did to Samuel. It is sure and without question. No doubt, God is able, and I do not all. But it is rare today to see those of the church consecrateing themselves for service. But let us go deeper on this matter of consecration, what of the heart? A consecreated vessel for service is the calling and anointing for Him; but every child of God is to consecrate the heart and life unto Him. A yielded vessel to die to self in order to live unto Him. Does He have everything of yours? Are you willing to lay it all down for His glory? Are you willing to give up your possessions? your health? your pride? are you willing to lay your paretns on the altar of sacrifice laid? Are you willing to die to your spouse? Look on the precious children, innocent, beatuiful, your joy, are you willing to lay them down? Answer it brethern, have you died to all; have you consecrated everything unto Him? Or have you withdrawn the Babylonish garment and some gold and hid it in your heart? We are not taught, nor is it explained what consecration is. It is hallowed, holy, dedicated unto His will. Is it so with you and all that is around you? We have too much of this world staining our relationship with the Lord Jesus, too much for self. They try to live the best of both worlds, and it can never be that way. Cut out the fat, the sin and lay it all down unto Him today. Let Him have full possession of you for His glory.

I Chronicles 28:10

"Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it."

Take heed now - word study, take heed; there are 65 times in the Scriptures, that this phrase is used. It is a challenge, it is a warning, spoken and declared for the children of God. We are so prone to wander, so prone to backslide, when in our flesh. We fail, we sin, we give an occassion against Him. Why? Becasue we do not 'take heed'. Understand Whose we are, we are called, ordained, chosen for the work, our ways are not to be of sin and darkness. But as children of the light we are to be above this evil world. Thoughts, actions, conversation, habits, hobbies and routines are to be guarded lest sin get in. Guarding agains these things is by 'taking heed.' Now note the added word here: now, take heed now. The urgency of the hour is here and there is no time for procrastination, we must be up and doing now. Don't waste time looking at yesterday; don't worry about tomorrow, take care of the 'now'. Far too often this is the foot hold Satan gains over the church and the lifes of Christians. We don't take care of the now. We leave it to chance or to Satan, and he takes full advantage of it. for the Lord hath chosen thee - know that the Lord knows you and has chosen you; Such a blest revelation about the hand of God's mercy. While we ws yet in sin, Christ loved us an died for us. Before the foundation of the world was set, He knew us and chose us. Why did He chose us? For He knows all things, He is past, present and future. He knows those that at their given moment of invitation will accept Him. He also knows those that will reject Him. The entire lot ofhumanity would be chosen, but the Lord knows that they would not chose Him. Now the context of this phrase is about Solomon being ordained to be king and build the temple. That was is calling, his task. Do we not yet understand that we are called and chosen for a task? We are not here for our own leisure, but to labor for His glory. Be strong, and do it - such words of encouragement and strength; I don't know whether Nike's ads stole this from the Scriptures or not, 'Just Do It'. But David said it to Solomon 3,000 years ago. And for us today, it is still the same. WE are weak, but He is strong; we are finite, He is inifinite; Be strong in the power of His might, nor our own. Not by(our) might, but by His Spirit let it be done. Do it - so many excuses, so many procastinators, and the work is left undone. Rise up and be doing for the Lord calls. The world is perishing because we have not done it in 2000 years of service. The kingdom of God to go forth to every tongue, to every nation and reach the masses before His return. Do it, for souls are in jeporady. Go in His power and trust in Him and let the work be done for His glory.

I Chronicles 27:1

"Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captians of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand."

word study, to come; word study, went; Here is the working manner of David's men. There was 24,000 given place to the service of duties in the kingdom. David, who had gone from hiding in the woods, to a small band of a few hundred, now commanded the thousands. The Lord is able to do much more abundantly. He raised David up for such a reason. He established a set order of workmen who were to take care fo the responsiblities of the kingdom. One man cannot do it all. It was a monthly cycle that these leaders were to have. They would work a month, and then exit back to their own lives and families. Then the next one would come in. The spiritual message here is for us as Christians that we are servants unto the Lord. We have appointed seasons and times of laboring under His Divine hand. There is much work to be done. The harvest is white but the Laborers are few, pray for laborers to be raised up. One man going forth to try to labor in his own strength will not accomplish much, except to wear out and pass away. But wisdom invokes, get leaders to come in and go out, laboring, assisting, guiding, helping and reaping. Let the body be put forth to do its work with all the members and the capacity that the Lord intended. WE are not of our own, but we are His, called into His service. It was a monthly service that they worked over, and so is ours. We labor night and day, and those days turn into weeks and the weeks into months. One of the best things to do, to see where you are at in your spiritual producitivity is to stop at the end of the month and take inventory. What are you doing? What have you accomplished? What has been neglected? At the close of the month are we able to hear Him say, 'Well done'? Lift up your eyes and see the reality of your life, for far too often we see lies and deception. We think we are okay but in acutality we have come short. Take heed to your ways, know your appointed task. The kingdoms' work is constant, with many going in and coming out. Each one is needed. Each one is blest. The work is for Him. Labor not for the meat that perishes but for the heavenly riches that brings honor and glory unto Him. Be constant coming in and going out of His Presence. Morning, noon and night will I lift up my prayer unto Thee. And when I say go out, it is not a reference to depart from His Presence, but to go forth to the task. The truth not to miss, which so many have is, 'Abide in Me , and I will abide in you." The old hymn said it, 'To the work, to the work'. Rise up and be doing brethern, the kingdom of God is at hand.

I Chronicles 26:4-5

"Moreover the sons of Obededom were. . .for God blessed him."

Here is a short recording of one man, who was faithful unto the Lord and received the blessing of the Lord. Obededom is not known to us apart that when Uzza put forth his hand to touch the ark and God smote him, that David feared the Lord. He decided then and there not to bring up the ark in to the city. they needed a place for the ark to be kept and Obededom's house was chosen. Truly an honor to house the ark of God. And here, in chronicles, we have the listingof the servants, priests and workers in the temple work. Obededom is listed under the porters. And found throughout these two verses his children are listed, with eight sons. His first born continues following in the verses that proceed this and they are are the grandchidlren of Obededom, 'they were mighty men of valour', 'able men for the strength for the service', 'strong men'. And so we see the blessing of the Lord upon this man and his household. What say we of our homes? ARe we blest? Do we have the obedience in our life that God would look upon us and say, 'Let them be blest'? For we know the truth, whom the Lord blesses He is blessed, and who the Lord curses, he is cursed. This is a testimony of the man in right relationship with God and God honoring that. But we see too much among us in the church and Christian homes today, the blessing of the Lord is not there. An evil disease has spread abroad that has defiled His Name and we are cursed rather than blest. It is directly related to the whole heart of believers. Too often Chrsitians today are trying to have the best of both worlds. They live for themselves, but they want the blessing of God. They are living half hearted, luke warm existences, which the Lord will not bless. It is to the family, to the soul that says, 'I give myself and all that I am unto the Lord.' Here is the person that will know the blessing of the Lord. It is a faitfhul testimony that God is able and will repeat blessings like we see here for Obededom for families today. Do we really want it? We must search and seek our patterns of life. How have we raised the children? How have we taught in our daily living? What Scriptures do we have for our leading? The sin of the home today is found that parents have left the world to raise the children an dSatan has taken full advantage of it. Such a false place to be in. And we must understand that because of the breakdown of the home, is one of the reasons of the vileness that is going on in our lives today. REstore the home, restore the structure of rightoeusness, let the Lord be ruler in the home and a society will be restored to its rightful place. We are like the kings in the old Testament, for they did constantly provoke the Lord to wrath. In order to be blest like Obededom, serve the Lord, lean not unto thy own understadning, but trust in the Lord iin all your ways.

I Chronicles 25:5

"All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters."

We have the description of the singers and musticians here in the house of the Lord. DAvid was a lover of music and skilled in it. And becasue of this love he set forth the worship in a certain way that was to its best use. God gives talent, He instills within a soul the ability to rise above everyone else for service unto the Lord. All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God - here is the spiritual part of the worship; There are many that are skilled in music and blest with a talent to sin. But, the difference is found in the heart of those musicians for the glory of God and not for self exlatation. Here, all of Heman's family is involved in this work and the application of spiritual things was necessary for worship. The words of God are to be taught, meditated, and given forth to accomplish the Lord's purpose. And what shall we say, does not the Lord bless His own word when it is exclaimed through song? He was aspiritual man and applied his learning in the things of God to the things of his talent. He took that and added unto his family, thus enlarging the work of God. This is a wise man. WE would do well to learn the same in service to our Lord. Learn the word of God, then in whatever your talent might be, apply it. to lift up the horn - a vast array of instruments were incorporated; There are many religions and denominations that refuse to use instruments because they believe them to incorporate worldly items into holy practices. However, DAvid, the man after God's own heart used them and instructed the use of them for worship. Many of the instruments are referred to as stringed instruments, but here we have the mention of the horn. And since I used to play several intruments of like manner, I relate to this. And God gave to Heman 14 sons and 3 daughters - word study, to give; Why does God give some families big families? Why does He give others only one or barren? All things are of the Lord for His desired end. Here we learn the reason in the following verse, he had enough for a choir and a band. the use of the children was to accomplish in a multiplied way what only one was doing. the effect of multiplying is very important in the ways of the Lord. He multiplied the disciples; He multiplied churches; He multiplied abilities, He is the Lord and able to do such things for His glory. Do you see that your life is for a set reason in the ways of God? Do you not know that the Lord is able to do all things and He allows somethings to be for a reason? Accept the way of life that you are in and look for what the Lord has for you. See His hand involved in your life, He desires you to be His in all your ways. He is the giver of all such blessings in talents, families and life itself. He Who holds our breath in His hand is the keeper of it. Are you serving as He would have of you?

I Chronicles 24:19

"These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the Lord, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him."

These were the orderings of them in their service - the work of God is designed and directed by Him; We see His Divine hand in the calling of His saints to their paticular work. A calling is laid upon men for the preaching of the Gospel. Others are led by the Spirit to take their gifts and use them for His glory. And all the body is called into faithful service so that all the earth might know that He is the One True God. He has set order in this universe, in the family and in the church. He orders it to be His desired end. We are to obey that and not allow the chaos of the world to mar His bride's worship. 'Let everything be done decently and in order.' To come into the house of the Lord - word study, to come; How often to we read of the need to enter into His house? 'Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse'; 'Forsake not the assemlbying of the saints'; 'they gathered together on the first day of the week'. It is a repeated call from the Scriptures, setting the mandate that we are to gather together for worship. There is strength in this untiy fo the body. How unfaithful is the church to respond to this. Too many in the churches can go weeks without the fellowship. They have no desire to be in the house of the Lord. HEre we are directed to come into the house of the Lord. Is there obedience found within you? ARe you coming into His Presence? Are you laying yourself down at His altar? Far to often the altar is forsaken in the house of theLord today. There is no opportunity given to pray, cast our burdens nor an invitation to the body of Christ. Oh, how far we have fallen away from what once was. According to their manner - they had a designed way of entering; There is no other way to come but througth Christ. Many are trying other ways today, they are false and lead to hell. 'Seeker friendly church styles is not holiness unto the Lord. The manner of coming is only the way He said, 'Take up your cross and come follow me'. The manner of coming is His word and His directed path, let us not yield to any other way. As the Lord God of Israel had commanded him - the Lord spoke and it will be done; when they forsook the way fo the Lord, they lost His Divine Presence and Ichabod was upon them. We are to be chidlren of obedience not our own making. He has commanded, we are to hear and obey in all things great and small. What has the Lord commanded you? Are you obeying? Can you find the hand of God present with you or are you looking for it everywhere else but in the walk of obedience? Let us cast off the ways of darkness and put on the armour of light unto Him. In Him is life and life more abundant. He has guided, designed, led, directed and given us a clear command, let it all be in us as our testimony of life in Christ.

I Chronicles 23:30

"And to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at even;"

It is the measure of worship to be constant in it. Thanksgiving is to be offered unto the Lord for all that He has done. WE sing the old song, "Count your many blessings, name them one by one". We know, or should know, that the Lord has blest us beyond measure in this life. He is faithful and good in all His ways. And yet, there are those that struggle to see and know what they are to be thankful about. If they were left to give thanks and nothing else in prayer; they would struggle with praying for 5 minutes. They cannot see the blessings of the Lord. They do not realize how much the Lord ahs done for them. The church has lost its thankful heart. A lot of "I" and "me" goes in their life today. They look unto self, instead of unto the Lord. Has He not be faithful? provider? keeper? savior? giver? answers to prayer? leader? hope? righteousness? healer? peace? joy? power? divine love? All these things are from the Lord unto, Who are His children. And the blessings are also unto the wicked. The rain falls upon the just and the unjust. Thanks should be offered to this mercy as well. Family, friends, divine appointments, meet chance of opportunities with people are blessings incurred by His good hand, give thanks. Look upon all that you own and see the blessing fo the Lord, give thanks. Look at your health and abilities of mind, strength and talents, give thanks. Look at your lost condition and know you deserved everlasting hell and yet, He was merciful and gracious to redeem, give thank. Look at the sun rising and setting and see His creation, give thanks. Look upon the events of the day, the possiblities, give thanks. And at even, look upon that which has transpired by His Divine hand, give thanks. Now note, the consistency of the morning and the evening. There must be established the pattern of prayer. One aspect of prayer in worship is thanksgiving. Seeing the blessings of the Lord is encouragement to the soul as you worrship. The ungrateful, soul that does not see nor gives thanks, is left to despair, negative and sin. LEt the voice of God's people give thanks consistently morning and evening.

I Chronicles 22:16

"Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee."

Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number - the provisions of the Lord for the temple to be built is suffecient; David also wrote in the Psalms, that he had never seen the Lord's people beggin bread. The chidlren of Israel in the wilderness never lacked of anything for 40 years. Is not the provisions of the Lord sure? His hand is not waxed short. He is able to provide for the needs of the whole world, and especially, for His own children. The needs to build the temple would be vast and more than any thing previous. Yet, the Lord is able to do great and mighty things. The phrase at the end of this sentence should make our hearts to be filled with joy, 'there is no number'. His riches are beyond our comprehension. His ability to provide gold, silver and other precious metals is more than we can imagine. It is without nuimber for His glory. Then how much more will He not provide for you and me? Can we believe Him for this and hold fast that His resources are without number? Cast away your doubt and unbelief, for He is the Lord and His ways are right. Arise therefore and be doing - set forth to accomplish the task; Davd was imploring Solomon to rise to the task and do it. Can we not hear our Lord speaking to us, ARise and be doing My kingdom's work? It is laid upon us to hear and know that He is speaking. It is not the voice of man, but the voice of God charging us, to be busy in His work. The time is short and the day approaching to our end. How much have we gathered in? How much have we completed? The old song, poem, "Must I go empty handed? Not one soul in which to present Him.' What labors are you reaping? What task are you finishing? If your bounty is small, your work undone, then 'Arise, and be doing' for your Lord bids you. Is this not why the church is shrinking as the population grows? Fewer souls reached, the church downsizing, labors and prayer ceasing. It is high time to awak and be doing. The harvest is ripe but the labors are few. And what happens to crops that are ripe and ready if they are not gleaned and brought in for store? They spoil and perish. The billions on the this planet are perishing for one reason, the church will not arise and be doing. Always with an excuse, always with a problem, complaint or the worst reason - apathy. But our Lord is speaking as we read and consider this verse today. LEt the Spirit speak to you and let your soul be obedient. The Lord be with thee - do not go in your own strength; Solomon could not do this great task on his own. David is reminding and teaching him this truth, the Lord must be with you. 'Not by power, not by strength but by My Spirit saith the Lord.' oh, there has been much work done in man's own strength. The church has continued for 50 years on their own. We have built great church buildings. Huge programs and large works, but none of it is eternal. It is only temporal and eroding away as the years go by. But the work that is done with the Lord in it, it is eternal. It will last. Ask of yourself, who am I resting in? IF the Lord is not with you, stop and seek Him. 'If you seek for Me with all your heart, you will find Me.' So let it be done.