Don't worry, God hears you (2 Chronicles 7:12)

2 Chronicles 7:12

The Message (MSG)

 

 

¹² God appeared to Solomon that very night and said, “I accept your prayer; yes, I have chosen this place as a temple for sacrifice, a house of worship.


Months, perhaps years, had passed since Solomon's prayer of dedication. Several other building projects had been completed after the temple. Then after all this time, God told Solomon that he had heard Solomon's prayer. How often do we look for immediate answers to our prayers and, when nothing happens, wonder if God had heard us. God does hear, and He will provide for us. We must trust that God will answer at the proper time.



 
Joe





















 

God is waiting (2 Chronicles 6:30)

2 Chronicles 6:30

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 

³⁰ then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know the human heart).




Have you ever felt far from God, separated by feelings of failure and personal problems? In his prayer, Solomon underscored the fact that God stands ready to hear his people, to forgive their sins, and to restore their relationship with Him. God is waiting and listening for our confession of guilt and our recommitment to obey Him. He hears us when we pour out our needs and problems to Him and is ready to forgive us and restore us to fellowship with Him. Don't wait to experience His loving forgiveness.




Joe


















 

Want to be rich? Put God first. (2 Chronicles 1:11-12)

2 Chronicles 1:11-12

New Living Translation (NLT)


 

¹¹ God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people— ¹² I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!”



 
Solomon could of had anything, but he asked for wisdom to rule the nation. Because God approved of the way Solomon ordered his priorities, He gave Solomon wealth, riches and honor as well. Jesus also spoke about priorities. He said that when we put God first, everything we really need will be given to us as well (see Matthew 6:33 below). This will not guarantee that we will be wealthy and famous like Solomon, but it means that when we put God first, the wisdom He gives will enable us to have richly rewarding lives. When we have a purpose for living and learn to be content with what we have, we will have greater wealth than we could ever accumulate.


 

Matthew 6:33

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

³³ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.



 
Joe

















 

Spiritual Inheritance (1 Chronicles 29:25)

1 Chronicles 29:25

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

²⁵ And the Lord exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel, and he gave Solomon greater royal splendor than any king in Israel before him.




Solomon surpassed his father's wealth and splendor. David's legacy resulted from his vital relationship with the Lord, and he passed his spiritual values on to Solomon. Any money or power we leave to our children are far less valuable than the spiritual legacy we pass on. What spiritual inheritance will your children receive?





Joe


















 

Praise God with whatever you have (1 Chronicles 15:29)

1 Chronicles 15:29

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

 

²⁹ As the ark of the covenant of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.



David was willing to look foolish in the eyes of some people in order to express his thankfulness to God fully and honestly. In contrast, Michal was so disgusted by his "undignified" actions that she could not rejoice in the ark's return to Jerusalem. Worship had so deteriorated under her father Saul's reign that it had become stilted and ritualistic. Michal could accept David as military conqueror and as king, but she could not accept his free and spontaneous expression of praise to God. Some devoted people may look foolish to us in their heartfelt expressions of worship, but we must accept them. In the same way, we should not be afraid to worship God with whatever expressions seem appropriate.




Joe


















 

Burn your idols (1 Chronicles 14:12)

1 Chronicles 14:12

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

¹² The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, so David gave orders to burn them.



Often the soldiers wanted to keep souvenirs from the battle, but David ordered them to burn the idols. The only proper response to sin is to get rid of it completely. You cannot be a follower of God while continuing to hold on to parts of your past life that push God out of the center of your thoughts and actions. Eliminate whatever takes God's rightful place in your life, and follow Him with complete devotion.




Joe
















 

Go to God First (1 Chronicles 14:10)

1 Chronicles 14:10

New International Version (NIV)


 

¹⁰ so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”
The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”



Before David went to battle, he inquired of God first, asking for His presence and guidance. Too often we wait until we are in trouble before turning to God. By then the consequences of our actions are already unfolding. Do you ask for God's help only as a desperate last resort? Instead, go to Him first! Like David, you may receive incredible help and avoid serious trouble.


 
Joe