Date:
Friday,
May 15, 2015
Chapters: 2 Chronicles 30-33
Message Title: Judgment Of A Nation
Hello My Friend,
There was a study that can out this week that stated that the number of people claiming they are Christians in America has dropped down since the last time they did the count. While it is sad and quite heartbreaking to think that Christianity is declining, God knew it was going to happen, and it's probably much worse than that. Out of the seventy-eight percent of the population who claim to be Christians it is probable that the majority of them have no idea what it means to be a Christian. I will admit I was part of that crowd years ago, oh, I believed that Jesus died, but had no idea that it was me that He died for. We must know Christ personally as our Saviour to be considered a Christian, simply being good had nothing to do with being a Christian, it's who you know that makes you a Christian. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10.
It is a known fact that any nation that is ruled under the authority of God is a great nation, and very prosperous. It is also a known fact that any nation that forsakes God will also face judgment. Believe it or not, God actually chooses the nations in which He puts His name, and He will not hesitate to put them in their place should they turn from Him. Just like our own faith goes up and down toward God, so does our nations. When Hezekiah became king did not waste any time getting Jerusalem back to a godly nation. In fact, he did not just want people in Jerusalem to come to God, he wanted all of Israel, including the stranger to come to Him as well. He sent letters all over the country in hope that everyone would come to Jerusalem for the first true passover observance since Solomon was king.
“So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done it of a long time in such sort as it was written. So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see. Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.” - 2 Chronicles 30:5-9.
God truly is gracious and merciful toward us when we come to Him, it doesn't matter what we have done, He's always there waiting for us to return to Him. However, there does come a time when He says He has waited long enough and there is no hope that they will ever turn to Him. By the way, billions of people all over the world are given some form of information about Jesus Christ and how they can be saved, such as a knock on the door, a pamphlet, a letter, or even through the Internet, yet only a remnant will accept the invitation to come to the Passover Lamb. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” - Revelation 3:19-21.
After the passover there were so many people stirred up for God that they came together to rid their homes, business, and even the streets of the wickedness and corruption in Judah. Once they cleaned the cities they began serving God on His terms not theirs. “And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps. In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month. And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel. Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.” - 2 Chronicles 31:5-10.
Many people will get saved and go on living the lives they live unknowing that the Holy Spirit is working in them, they will face affliction and challenges to get them to go beyond receiving Christ as their Savior, but will never do anything more than get saved. However, those who take that extra step to let the Holy Spirit direct them will learn to be hears and doers of God's Word and will, day by day, eliminate the habits and the idols that corrupt them. God will use anyone who has a willing heart, He will soften the heart of any soul that decides it wants Christ in it's life. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” - 1 Peter 2:21-25.
Now, as you can imagine with a nation returning to God and it prospering from it that would not take long for their newly found faith to be tested. That is exactly what happened when the king of Assyria moved into Judah, he did everything to try and get the people to realize that God could not save them. However, Hezekiah was not about to let his nation fall into their hands for he knew that his God was the living and all powerful God who can save them.
“Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand? And his servants spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant Hezekiah. He wrote also letters to rail on the LORD God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand. And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side.” - 2 Chronicles 32:15-22.
God is always there to help us fight and win our battles when we put out faith and trust in Him. I know it can seem as though we lose when a person dies, gets sick, or persecuted even when they live by faith, but God is in every circumstance, every battle, and every trial. We just need to look beyond the surface of our emotions to see that the battle is already won. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” - 1 John 5:3-5.
Today's Prayer: (taken from Psalms 37 & 3)
God, The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. I will trust in You Lord and see Your blessings unfold as I remain faithful to You in everything that I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Chapters: 2 Chronicles 30-33
Message Title: Judgment Of A Nation
Hello My Friend,
There was a study that can out this week that stated that the number of people claiming they are Christians in America has dropped down since the last time they did the count. While it is sad and quite heartbreaking to think that Christianity is declining, God knew it was going to happen, and it's probably much worse than that. Out of the seventy-eight percent of the population who claim to be Christians it is probable that the majority of them have no idea what it means to be a Christian. I will admit I was part of that crowd years ago, oh, I believed that Jesus died, but had no idea that it was me that He died for. We must know Christ personally as our Saviour to be considered a Christian, simply being good had nothing to do with being a Christian, it's who you know that makes you a Christian. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10.
It is a known fact that any nation that is ruled under the authority of God is a great nation, and very prosperous. It is also a known fact that any nation that forsakes God will also face judgment. Believe it or not, God actually chooses the nations in which He puts His name, and He will not hesitate to put them in their place should they turn from Him. Just like our own faith goes up and down toward God, so does our nations. When Hezekiah became king did not waste any time getting Jerusalem back to a godly nation. In fact, he did not just want people in Jerusalem to come to God, he wanted all of Israel, including the stranger to come to Him as well. He sent letters all over the country in hope that everyone would come to Jerusalem for the first true passover observance since Solomon was king.
“So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done it of a long time in such sort as it was written. So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see. Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.” - 2 Chronicles 30:5-9.
God truly is gracious and merciful toward us when we come to Him, it doesn't matter what we have done, He's always there waiting for us to return to Him. However, there does come a time when He says He has waited long enough and there is no hope that they will ever turn to Him. By the way, billions of people all over the world are given some form of information about Jesus Christ and how they can be saved, such as a knock on the door, a pamphlet, a letter, or even through the Internet, yet only a remnant will accept the invitation to come to the Passover Lamb. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” - Revelation 3:19-21.
After the passover there were so many people stirred up for God that they came together to rid their homes, business, and even the streets of the wickedness and corruption in Judah. Once they cleaned the cities they began serving God on His terms not theirs. “And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps. In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month. And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel. Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store.” - 2 Chronicles 31:5-10.
Many people will get saved and go on living the lives they live unknowing that the Holy Spirit is working in them, they will face affliction and challenges to get them to go beyond receiving Christ as their Savior, but will never do anything more than get saved. However, those who take that extra step to let the Holy Spirit direct them will learn to be hears and doers of God's Word and will, day by day, eliminate the habits and the idols that corrupt them. God will use anyone who has a willing heart, He will soften the heart of any soul that decides it wants Christ in it's life. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” - 1 Peter 2:21-25.
Now, as you can imagine with a nation returning to God and it prospering from it that would not take long for their newly found faith to be tested. That is exactly what happened when the king of Assyria moved into Judah, he did everything to try and get the people to realize that God could not save them. However, Hezekiah was not about to let his nation fall into their hands for he knew that his God was the living and all powerful God who can save them.
“Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand? And his servants spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant Hezekiah. He wrote also letters to rail on the LORD God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand. And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side.” - 2 Chronicles 32:15-22.
God is always there to help us fight and win our battles when we put out faith and trust in Him. I know it can seem as though we lose when a person dies, gets sick, or persecuted even when they live by faith, but God is in every circumstance, every battle, and every trial. We just need to look beyond the surface of our emotions to see that the battle is already won. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” - 1 John 5:3-5.
Today's Prayer: (taken from Psalms 37 & 3)
God, The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. I will trust in You Lord and see Your blessings unfold as I remain faithful to You in everything that I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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