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Ingredients in Building Up Body of Christ (Insights in Psalms)

3/12/2013

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The ingredients in building up the body of Christ include purity (confession of  sin), unity (worship and fellowship), service (seeking and obeying God), prayer (victory), humility (restoration and deliverance), study (full counsel of God) and obedience (light burden).

Purify Body of Christ By Confessing Sin
Hezekiah repaired the temple doors, told the Levites to consecrate themselves and removed defilement from the temple. The unfaithfulness to God and not burning incense or presenting offerings made them an object of scorn causing their families to be in captivity. The Levites served, ministered and burned incense to purify the entire temple with its altar of burnt offering, table and all its articles as they followed God's word for 16 days. Hezekiah gathered the city officials and went to the temple. He commanded the priests to offer seven each of bulls, rams, male lambs and male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, sanctuary and Judah. They sprinkled their blood on the altar to atone for all Israel. He stationed Levites in the temple with cymbals, harps and lyres in the way prescribed by David. They praised the Lord with gladness and thank offerings. The service of the temple was reestablished with 600 bulls and 3000 sheep and goats sacrificed (2 Chron. 29:1-36). Purify the body of Christ as each member confesses sin. 

Spend Time in Unity for Worship and Fellowship
Hezekiah invited Israel, Judah, Ephraim and Manasseh to celebrate the Passover in large numbers with letters sent by couriers. People returned to the God of Abraham by submitting to Him and coming back to the land because of His compassion. Many people scorned and ridiculed the couriers but some men of Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem. In Judah, God's hand gave them unity of mind to obey what the king and his officials ordered in following God's word. Hekekiah prayed that God would pardon those who did not purify themselves but set their heart on seeking Him. He heard Hezekiah and healed the people. The Israelites celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days while the Levites sang with instruments of praise and fellowship offerings. The whole assemble agreed to celebrate the festival seven more days while Hezekiah and the officials provided a 2000 bulls and 17000 sheep and goats. Their prayer reached heaven, His holy dwelling place (2 Chron. 30:1-27).  Spend time in unity for worship and fellowship as the body of Christ. 

Serve Body of Christ By Seeking and Obeying God 
When the festival ended, the Israelites smashed the sacred stones, cut down the Asherah poles and destroyed the high places and altars in cities of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh. Hezekiah assigned the priests and Levites to divisions according to their duties to offer burnt and fellowship offerings, minister and sing praises at the gates of the Lord's dwelling. The king contributed and ordered people living in Jerusalem to give the portion due the priests and Levites so they could devote themselves to the Law of the Lord. The Israelites, including Israel and Judah, generously gave the firstfruits what their fields produced. The tithe of their herds and flocks was dedicated to the Lord and piled in heaps. The surplus was put in storerooms and  distributed to fellow priests including the little ones, wives, sons and daughters of the whole community. In everything Hezekiah undertook in serving God's temple by obeying His commands, he sought God, worked wholeheartedly and prospered (2 Chron. 31:1-21). Serve body of Christ by seeking God, obeying His commands and working wholeheartedly.

Cry to God to Defeat Your Spiritual Enemies
Sennacherib king of Assyria laid siege to Judah's fortified cities to conquer them for himself. Hezekiah consulted with his officials and blocked water from the springs outside the city. They repaired, built a new one and reinforced the broken sections of the wall and Jerusalem's supporting terraces. They made large numbers of weapons and shields. Hezekiah appointed military officers over the people and encouraged them to be strong, courageous and not fear because of God's greater power to fight their battles compared to Assyria's arm of flesh. The people gained confidence from what Hezekiah said. Sennacherib asked what they were basing their confidence upon since Hezekiah's misleading statements would result in death from hunger and thirst since other nations' gods failed to deliver. Hezekiah and Isaiah cried out in prayer to heaven and the Lord sent an angel who annihilated Sennacherib's army before his own sons killed him. Hezekiah became highly regarded by all nations. His heart became proud and did not respond to kindness after an illness nearly killed him. Hezekiah repented of his pride along with the people so God's wrath did not come during his days (2 Chron. 32:1-33). Cry to God confidently trusting Him to defeat your spiritual enemies.

Humble Yourself to Experience Restoration
Manasseh followed the evil practices of the nations, rebuild the high places his father Hezekiah demolished, sacrificed his sons in the fire, practiced sorcery and consulted mediums. He led Judah and Jerusalem astray so they did more evil than the nations the Lord destroyed before the Israelites. After Assyria took Manasseh prisoner, he sought God's favor and humbled himself greatly so He brought him back to Jerusalem. He rebuild the outer wall of Jerusalem making it higher and  stationed military commanders in all the fortified cities in Judah. He removed the foreign gods, image and altars from the temple. He restored the altar of the Lord and sacrificed fellowship and thanking offerings on it. Manasseh's son, Amon, did not humble himself before the Lord but increased his guilt. His officials conspired and assassinated him in his palace (2 Chron. 33:1-25). Humble yourself in the midst of sin to experience God's grace, restoration and deliverance.

Study Full Counsel of God
Josiah sought God, tore down the altars of Baal and crushed the idols while repairing and restoring the temple. They gave money to the carpenters and builders to purchase dressed stone, timber for joists and beams for the buildings that Judah's kings allowed to fall in ruin. The men worked faithfully and the Levites skilled in playing musical instruments supervised all the workers from job to job with some as secretaries, scribes and doorkeepers. Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law given through Moses. When Josiah heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes and called together all Judah's and Jerusalem's elders. Every person from the least to the greatest heard all the words of the Book of the Covenant. Josiah and the people renewed the covenant to obey all God's commands with all their heart and soul. He removed all the evil idols belonging to the Israelites so they could serve and follow the Lord (2 Chron. 34:1-33). Study the full counsel of God with all your heart and soul to serve and follow the Lord. 

Obey God's Word Completely 
Josiah celebrated the Passover and encouraged priests to serve the Lord's temple. He told the Levites who instructed Israel not to carry the ark on their shoulders but serve the Lord by standing in the holy place doing what the Lord commanded through Moses for their fellow countrymen. Josiah provided from his own possessions 30000 sheep and goats and 3000 cattle for the Passover offerings to support the lay people. They set aside the burnt offerings as written in the Book of Moses. The musicians, descendants of Asaph, were in the places prescribed by David. The gatekeepers did not leave their posts because fellow Levites made preparations for them. The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since Samuel. Later Jerusalem fell when the Babylonian king spared no one. They set fire to God's temple, broke down Jerusalem's wall and burned the palaces. Nebuchadnezzar carried the remnant into exile to Babylon until Persia came to power. The land enjoyed Sabbath rests until 70 years were completed in fulfillment of  God's word through Jeremiah. Cyrus king of Persia made a proclamation saying God gave him all the kingdoms of the earth and appointed him to build a temple at Jerusalem (2 Chron. 35:1-36:23). Obey God's word completely so your yoke is easy and burden light.

Study and pray through Eph. 4:1-13.






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Deploy Mentors to Rebuild Body of Christ According to God's Design (Insights in Psalms)

3/11/2013

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Deploy mentors to rebuild the body of Christ according to God's design by taking the following steps:

1. Appoint mentors who counsel and lead people to Christ
2. Trust God for power and direction to fight the spiritual battle
3. Show strength by tearing down idols
4. Obey God wholeheartedly and employ people and resources He provides
5. Prepare mentors who humbly use appropriate technology platforms
6. Stop envying, worshiping and promoting false gods

Appoint Mentors Who Counsel and Lead People to Christ
Jehoshaphat with great wealth and honor allied himself with Ahab king of Israel by marriage. He told Ahab to seek God's counsel before deciding whether to attack Ramoth Gilead. The prophets said their attack would be victorious and urged agreement from Micaiah. He said Israel was scattered like sheep without a shepherd and should go home in peace. Micaiah said the Lord put a lying spirit in the prophets to lure Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead so he would be killed. After disguising himself, a random arrow hit Ahab between the sections of armor and killed him. The Lord protected Jehoshaphat. He turned the people from Beersheba to Ephraim back to Him and appointed judges in the fortified cities of Judah. In Jerusalem, he appointed some Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families who administered the law of the Lord, settled disputes and warned them not to sin (2 Chron. 18:1-19:11). Appoint mentors who counsel and lead people to Christ so they do not sin. 

Trust God for Power and Direction to Fight the Spiritual Battle
When Moabites and Ammonites made war, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast so Judah could seek help from God. He prayed to the Ruler over all nations whose power and might drove out inhabitants of the land. He gave it forever to Abraham's descendants His friend. Jehoshaphat asked God to judge Ammon and Moab since Judah had no power. They did not know what to do but their eyes were upon Him. His Spirit told Jehoshaphat not to be fear or be discouraged because the battle was not his but God's. He told him to march the next day and not fight the battle but take up their positions, stand firm and see God's deliverance. Jehoshaphat told Judah and Jerusalem to have faith in God and His prophets to be successful. After men sang and praised the splendor of His holiness and enduring love, the Lord set ambushes against Ammon and Moab to defeat them. The fear of the Lord came upon all countries when they heard how God fought against Israel's enemies (2 Chron. 20:1-37). Trust God for power and direction to fight the spiritual battle by standing firm and seeing His deliverance. 

Show Strength By Tearing Down Idols
Jehoram king of Judah did evil marrying Ahab's daughter but God's covenant prevented Him from destroying the house of David. Edom and Libnah rebelled against Judah because Jehoram forsook the Lord and led them astray. Elijah sent a letter saying Jehoram did not walk like Jehoshaphat or Asa as he murdered his own brothers. God carried away his family and afflicted him with an incurable bowel disease. Jehoram's son, Ahaziah, followed evil counsel to his undoing leading to death. The priest Jehoiada showed his strength by making a covenant with him, the people and the king as the Lord's people. They tore down the temple of Baal, smashed the altars and idols and killed Mattan the priest of Baal. Jehoiada gave Levites oversight of the temple to present burnt offerings. He stationed doorkeepers at the gates of the temple so no unclean person could enter (2 Chron. 21:1-23:21). Show strength by tearing down idols and pursuing purity. 

Deploy Mentors to Rebuild Body of Christ
Joash did right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest. Later, Joash decided to repair the temple by calling priests and Levites to collect money due annually from towns in Judah. The king asked the chief priest why he did not require the Levites to collect as they delayed. The wicked woman Athaliah broke into the temple and used its sacred objects for the Baals. The men in charge of the masons and carpenters restoring the Lord's temple were diligent. The repairs reinforced the temple in iron and bronze according to its original design. Burnt offerings were presented continually in the temple while Jehoiada lived. After Jehoiada died, Judah officials abandoned the temple, worshiped idols and ignored God's word. Forsaking the Lord prevented prosperity and led to judgment and death (2 Chron. 24:1-27). Deploy mentors to rebuild the body of Christ immediately according to God's design.

Obey God Wholeheartedly and Employ People and Resources He Provides
Amaziah did what was right in God's eyes but not wholeheartedly. He did not put sons to death according to the Law that each was to die for their own sins. He assigned Judah's families according to commanders of thousands and hundreds. He mustered 300,000 men for military service who could handle the spear and shield. He hired 100,000 from Israel for 100 talents of silver. A man of God said to not hire Israelite troops because he would be defeated and given more than the 100 talents. Amaziah sent these troops home and killed 20,000 men of Seir. After burning sacrifices to Seir's gods, God sent a prophet saying he would be destroyed by not listening to His counsel. Jehoash king of Israel said Amaziah was proud and should stay home instead of fighting and causing his downfall. Amaziah did not listen so God handed them over to Jehoash because he sought Edom's gods. Jehoash routed Judah; captured Amaziah; broke down Jerusalem's walls; took gold, silver and articles in the temple; took palace treasures and hostages (2 Chron. 25:1-28). Obey God wholeheartedly and employ people and resources He provides with proper administration. 

Prepare Mentors Who Humbly Use Appropriate Technology Platforms
Uzziah sought Him and Zechariah instructed him in the fear of God. By seeking Him, God gave him success. He went to war against the Philistines; broke down the walls of Gath  and rebuild towns near Ashdod among the Philistines. God helped him against the Philistines and Arabs. The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah and his fame spread all the way to Egypt. He dug many cisterns and worked people in his fields, vineyards and fertile lands. Uzziah had 307,500 well-trained fighting men ready separated by divisions and 2,600 family leaders over them for support against his enemies. He provided shields, spears, helmets, coats of armor, bows and sling stones for the entire army. In Jerusalem he made machines designed by skillful men for use on the towers and corner defenses to shoot arrows and hurl large stones. After becoming powerful, Uzziah's pride led to his downfall. When he entered the temple to burn incense, the priests confronted him since only Aaron's descendants were consecrated to burn incense. Uzziah raged at the priests before the incense altar and the Lord afflicted him with leprosy until he died (2 Chron. 26:1-23). Prepare mentors for spiritual warfare who humbly use appropriate technology platforms.  

Stop Envying, Worshiping and Promoting False Gods
Jothan did what was right in God's eyes while not entering the temple like Uzziah. The people continued their corrupt practices. Jothan rebuild the Upper Gate of the temple and worked extensively on the wall at the hill of Ophel. He conquered the Ammonites who paid him a 100 talents of silver and 10,000 cors each for wheat and barley including the same amount in the second and third years. He  grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord. Ahaz cast idols for worshiping the Baals, burned sacrifices and sacrificed his sons in the fire following the evil ways of the nations the Lord drove out before the Israelites. God handed him over to be defeated by the Arameans and king of Israel so many people became prisoners and killed. One day Pekah killed 120,000 soldiers in Judah because they forsook the Lord. The Israelites took captive 200,000 wives, sons and daughters. Oded the prophet told Israel they were also guilty of sins against God. When Ahaz asked the king of Assyria for help, the Edomites and Philistines carried away prisoners, raided towns, captured and occupied villages. The Lord humbled Judah because Ahaz promoted wickedness being unfaithful to God. He sacrificed to the gods of Aram thinking they would help him like their kings. He took away the temple furnishings, shut the temple doors and set up altars at every street corner in Jerusalem (2 Chron. 27:1-28:27). Stop envying, worshiping and promoting false gods that appear to help other people. 

Ask God to raise up mentors who will rebuild the body of Christ immediately according to His design.








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Recognize Benefits of Your Powerlessness and God's Power (Insights in Psalms)

3/8/2013

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The benefits of recognizing your powerlessness and God's power in city-wide kingdom ministry include:
1. Preserve unity of spirit by listening to counsel of older mentors
2. Resist subjection to unrighteous leaders by resisting over-confidence and pride
3. Defeat spiritual enemies by calling upon God as your leader
4. Prevent men from prevailing by recognizing His power
5. Be rewarded for your work being strong and not giving up
6. Be strengthened and delivered when fully committed to God
7. Produce fear of Lord and financial provision by mobilizing teaching ambassadors and spiritual warriors

Preserve Unity of Spirit by Listening to Counsel of Older Mentors
Israel asked Rehoboam to lighten the harsh labor and heavy yoke his father, Solomon, put on them. Rehobaum consulted the elders who served Solomon. They said to be kind and give them favorable answer so they would always serve him. He rejected that advice and listened to the young men he grew up who said to make their yoke heavier. Rehoboam did not listen to the people as these events were from God to fulfill God's word spoken to Jeroboam. They had no partnership with David and looked after their own house instead. So Israel was in rebellion against the house of the David to this day (2 Chron. 10:1-19). Preserve unity of the spirit by listening to counsel of older mentors so you can rule in your sphere of influence.

Prevent Subjection to Unrighteous Leaders by Resisting Over-Confidence and Pride
Rehoboam listened to God's word and did not war against Israel. He fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin, strengthened their defenses and put commanders in them supplying them with food, shields and spears. The priests, Levites and those who set their heart on seeking God came to Judah and Jerusalem. Jeroboam rejected the priests and appointed his own priests for the high places and made goat and calf idols. After Rehoboam became established as king, he and all Israel abandoned God's law. Their unfaithfulness led to Shishak king of Egypt attacking Jerusalem and capturing the fortified cities of Judah. When Israel's leaders and Rehoboam humbled themselves, God sent deliverance instead of pouring His wrath through Shishak. They became subject to him to learn the difference between serving God and the kings of other lands. Shishak carried off the treasures of the temple and royal palace including the gold shields. Rehoboam did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking God. There was continual warfare between Rehoboam and Jeroboam (2 Chron. 11:1-12:16). Prevent subjection to unrighteous leaders by resisting over-confidence and pride.  

Defeat Spiritual Enemies by Calling Upon God as Your Leader
Abijah king of Judah told Jeroboam he forsook God who was his leader. His priests with their trumpets sounded the battle cry against Israel. Abijah warned them not to fight against the Lord, the God of their fathers, since they would not succeed. When Judah cried out to the Lord after being attacked from the front and ambushed in the rear, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel. He delivered 500,000 dead among Israel's able men in Judah's hands. Jeroboam did not regain power during the time of Abijah (2 Chron. 13:1-22). Defeat spiritual enemies by calling upon God as your leader. 

Prevent Men from Prevailing by Recognizing Your Powerlessness and God's Power
Asa did what was good and right in God's eyes. He removed the foreign altars and high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord and obey His commands. The kingdom was at peace under him. He build up the fortified cities of Judah and put walls, towers, gates and bars around them. They sought the Lord, had rest and prospered. Asa called to the Lord to help the powerless against the mighty army of Zerah the Cushite with 300 chariots so man would not prevail against Him. They were crushed for the terror of the Lord fell upon them and plundered their villages (2 Chron. 14:1-15). Prevent men from prevailing by recognizing your powerlessness and God's power.

Be Rewarded for Your Work Being Strong and Not Giving Up

God was found by those who sought Him. He forsook those who forsook Him. Azariah reminded Asa that Israel was without the true God, priest to teach and the law but in their distress they turned and were found by Him. He told Asa to be strong and not give up since his work would be rewarded. Asa took courage, removed the detestable idols from Judah, Benjamin and towns captured in Ephraim. He repaired the altar in front of the Lord's temple. He assembled large numbers of people and they sacrificed 700 cattle, 7000 sheep and goats from the plunder they brought back. They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul. Asa deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother and burned the Asherah pole she made. He did not remove the high places, but his heart was fully committed to the Lord. He brought into the temple silver, gold and articles that he and his father dedicated (2 Chron. 15:1-19). Be rewarded for your work by being strong and not giving up.

Be Strengthened and Delivered When Fully Committed to God
Asa paid Ben-Hadad king of Aram to break his treaty with Baasha king of Israel so he would withdraw and stop building Ramah. Asa used those stones to build up Geba and Mizpah. Hanani the seer told Asa that he relied on the king of Aram and not the Lord. He reminded Asa that God delivered him from Cushites' and Libyans' mighty armies when he relied on the Lord. The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. Because Asa did a foolish thing, he had continual war. He became angry with the seer and brutally oppressed some of the people. Asa sought help only from the physicians and not the Lord when he had severe disease in his feet. He died two years later (2 Chron. 16:1-14). Be strengthened and delivered when you are fully committed to God.

Produce Fear of Lord and Financial Provision By Mobilizing Teaching Ambassadors and Spiritual Warriors
Jehoshaphat stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and put garrisons in Judah and Ephraim. He walked in the ways his father David followed and did not consult the Baals. He sought the Lord and followed His commands rather than the practices of Israel. The Lord established the kingdom under Jehoshaphat's control and Judah brought great gifts so he had wealth and honor. His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord and removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah. He sent officials, certain Levites and two priests to teach the people the Book of the Law of the Lord throughout Judah. The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah so they did not war against Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines brought him gifts and silver as tribute and Arabs brought 7700 rams and 7700 goats. Jehoshaphat became more powerful and built forts and store cities with large supplies. He kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem who served the king. Others were stationed in the fortified cities throughout Judah (2 Chron. 17:1-19). Produce the fear of the Lord and financial provision by mobilizing ambassadors to teach God's word and stationing spiritual warriors in every city.

Recognize your powerlessness and God's power by praying what the Holy Spirit brings to your mind regarding kingdom ministry in your particular circumstances. 

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How to Do Kingdom Ministry in the City (Insights in Psalms)

3/7/2013

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To do kingdom work in the city, ask God for wisdom and understanding in establishing a supernatural foundation  to empower believers and churches through God's word and prayer so they become salt and light in the world. Pursue unity by praising God in music so the church is filled with God's glory. Seek God and confess sins during famine and disasters to experience forgiveness, salvation, goodness and healing until God's kingdom comes into the city.

Ask God for Wisdom to Build Multiplied Disciples
Solomon asked God to give him wisdom and knowledge in leading Israel in confirming His promise to David. Because Solomon did not ask for wealth, riches, honor or death of his enemies, God would give him both wisdom and knowledge plus wealth, riches and honor. Solomon gathered 1400 chariots, 12,000 horses and much silver, gold and cedar. He ordered the building of a temple for the Name of the Lord and royal palace for himself. He assigned 70,000 men as carriers, 80,000 stonecutters and 3600 foremen over them to build a temple for burning incense, setting out consecrated bread and making burnt offerings every morning and evening. The temple would be great because God was greater than all gods. Hiram king of Tyre sent Huram-Abi, a man of great skill trained to work in gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, wood, with yarn and fine linen experienced in all kinds of engraving to execute any design given to him and to work with Solomon's craftsmen. Solomon promised that he would give Hiram's servants wheat, barley, olive oil and wine. Hiram cut all the logs from Lebanon and floated them by sea down to Joppa (2 Chron. 1:1-2:18). Ask God for wisdom and understanding to build the temple so He provides the material and human resources to multiply disciples. 

Establish a Supernatural Foundation Through God's Word and Prayer
The foundation Solomon laid for building the temple of God was 60 cubits long and 20 cubits wide overlaid inside with pure gold and adorned with precious stones. He overlaid the ceiling beams, doorframes, walls and doors with gold and carved cherubim on the walls. Solomon built the Most Holy Place corresponding to the width of the temple and overlaid inside with 600 talents of fine gold. The Most Holy Place had a pair of sculptured cherubim overlaid with gold. The curtain of blue, purple and crimson yarn and fine linen had cherubim worked into it. The front of the temple had two pillars with interwoven chains named Jakin (He establishes) adn Boaz (In Him is strength) (2 Chron. 3:1-17). Establish a supernatural kingdom foundation through God's word and prayer. 

Empower Believers and Churches Through God's Word and Holy Spirit
Solomon made a bronze altar, Sea standing on 12 bulls holding 3,000 baths and ten basins for washing things used in the burnt offerings by the priests. He made ten gold lampstands, ten tables, 100 gold sprinkling bowls, pots and shovels. Huram finished the work of making polished bronze objects for the temple of the Lord. Solomon cast them in clay molds. He made all the furnishings: golden altar, tables with the bread of Presence, gold lampstands with their lamps burning in front of the inner sanctuary, gold floral work, lamps and solid gold tongs, gold wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, censers, gold doors and inner doors to the  Most Holy Place (2 Chron. 4:1-22). Empower believers and churches through God's word and the Holy Spirit to be salt and light in the world.

Pursue Unity By Praising God Through Music
Solomon dedicated the furnishings of God's temple, brought up the ark of the Lord's covenant and sacrificed many sheep and cattle. The priests placed the ark in the Most Holy Place and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim. The ark contained the two tablets that Moses received when God made a covenant with him after they came out of Egypt. The consecrated priests withdrew from the Holy Place. The Levites who were musicians stood on the east side of the altar dressed in fine linen playing cymbals, harps and lyres accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. The trumpeters and singers joined in unison with one voice to praise and thank the Lord for His goodness and enduring love. The glory of the Lord filled the temple so the priests could not perform their service (2 Chron. 5:1-14). Pursue unity by praising God in music so the church is filled with God's glory. 

Seek God and Confess Sin During Famine and Disasters 
God chose Jerusalem for His name to dwell and David to rule His people Israel. David had a heart to build a temple but Solomon was called to construct it for His Name. He placed the ark that held the covenant of the Lord He made with Israel. Solomon prayed that God dwell on earth with men even though the heavens and temple could not contain Him. He asked that His eyes be open to hear Solomon's prayers by repaying the guilty and declaring the innocent not guilty. When Israel or immigrants prayed and turned from their sin after famine, plague, blight, being besieged by enemies, any disaster or disease, he asked God to forgive their sin and deal with them according to what they did knowing their hearts so they would fear and walk in His ways. Solomon asked that God uphold the cause of His people who prayed while at war against their enemies and those who confessed their sin after being taken captive. He asked that God come to His resting place and His priests be clothed with salvation and rejoice in His goodness (2 Chron. 6:1-42).  Seek God and confess sins during famine and disasters to experience forgiveness, salvation and His goodness.

Focus on God's Glory, Humble Self, Pray and Turn from Wicked Ways
When Solomon finished praying, fire consumed the burnt offering and God's glory filled the temple preventing the priests from entering it. The Israelites humbled themselves, worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord saying He was good and His love endured forever. When Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats, he and the people dedicated the temple of God. They celebrated the altar dedication seven days and the festival seven days more. When Solomon finished building the temple and royal palace, the Lord appeared to him. If God shut the heavens so no rain came, commanded locusts to devour the land or sent a plague among His people, they were to humble themselves, pray and seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways so He would hear, forgive their sin and heal their land. His eyes would be open and His ears attentive to their prayers. He chose and consecrated this temple so His name, eyes and heart would be there forever. Obedience to God established Solomon's and his descendants' royal throne. Serving and worshiping other gods would uproot Israel from His land and He to reject and make the temple an object of ridicule among all peoples (2 Chron. 7:1-22). Focus on God's glory, humble yourself, pray and seek His face, and turn from your wicked ways so God hears, forgives your sin and heals the land. 

Build Up Body of Christ Until God's Kingdom Comes Into City
After Solomon build the temple and his own palace, he rebuild the villages Hiram gave him and settled Israelites in them. He rebuild Upper Beth Horon and Lower Beth Horon as fortified cities with walls, gates and bars along with other cities throughout the territory he ruled. Israelite slaves were Solomon's fighting men, commanders, and 250 chief officials supervising them. He sacrificed burnt offerings on the altar of the Lord according to the daily requirement commanded by Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons and the three annual feasts. Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests and gatekeepers for their duties with the Levites leading praise according to each day's requirements as David ordered. All Solomon's work was carried out from laying the foundation of the temple until its completion (2 Chron. 8:1-18). Build up the body of Christ through prayer, surrender and praise until God's kingdom comes into the city. 


Share God's Wisdom and Riches with Ambassadors
After Solomon answered the queen of Sheba's hard questions, she gave him 120 talents of gold, spices and precious stones. She praised God who placed Solomon on his throne as king to rule and maintain justice and righteousness for Him. He used algumwood to make steps for the temple and royal palace along with harps and lyres for the musicians. Solomon gave the queen more than she brought to him. He received 666 talents of gold yearly not including revenues from merchants, traders, kings of Arabia and governors of the land. He made 200 large shields of hammered gold that he put in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. He made a great throne inlaid with ivory and overlaid with pure gold. A lion stood on both sides of the seat with 12 standing on the six steps. The Palace's  household articles were pure gold. Solomon had greater riches and wisdom than all other kings on earth. They sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God put in his heart (2 Chron. 9:1-31). Share God's wisdom and riches with ambassadors in your expanding networks. 

Pray Paul's prayer in Eph. 1:17-23 so that God gives you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know Him better so the eyes of your heart are enlightened to know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints and His incomparable great power for believers like Jesus rising from the dead and being seated at God's right hand in the heavenly realms far above all rule and authority.

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    Mark Pomeroy

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    My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God.
     

    Sync with God is a highly versatile web app that hosts on-demand, virtual small groups. Sync is designed to connect young seekers in the faith and scripturally-trained mentors, even globally. It offers a safe, engaging interface for Millennials/Gen. Z and is readily adaptable to technical advances well into the future.

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