"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Monday, June 14, 2010

Interesting reading...

2 Samuel 22:17 "He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters.

David takes a census...against God's authority. He has 1,300,000 fighting men. Then David's conscience begins to bother him. David was given 3 choices for payment of his sin. He chose the one that would cause less deaths, but still 70,000 people died. God instructed David to build an altar...a man offered his own oxen, but David said "I will not present burnt offerings to the Lord that have cost me nothing." David charges his son Solomon with building the temple of God. The Levites are divided by clans. David gives his son Solomon the Kingdom.

Gatekeepers and leaders were chosen. Solomon is charged by David to obey...to rule with integrity. David turned the plans over to Solomon as how the temple should be built. David prays a beautiful prayer of dedication to the building of the temple.

Adonijah, a son of David never disciplined decided he wanted to be king. David gives final instructions to Solomon, and dies.

Psalms of David
Ps. 22 "Though I feel abandoned by you, You are holy, my ancestors trusted in you.
Ps. 25 "For the honor of your name O Lord, forgive my many sins.

"If I had not confessed the sin in my heart the Lord would not have listened."

Psalm 108...I will wake the dawn with my song.
Psalm 141:3 Take control of what I say O Lord and guard my lips.

Psalms of David's minstrels:
"Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God and keep the vows you made to the most high.
Psalm 73:26-26 "Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth., My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart, He is mine forever."

Solomon asks for nothing but wisdom. God gives him everything plus wisdom.
The temple begins construction 480 years after the Israelites left Egypt. It took 7 years to build. It took Solomon 13 years to build himself a palace...then the temple of the Lord was built.

The ark is brought to the temple. "The priests could not continue their service because the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the temple." NOW THAT'S REVIVAL!

2 Chronicles 6:32 In the future foreigners who do not belong to your people Israel will hear you. They will come from distant lands when they hear of your great name and strong hand and your powerful arm.

Praise the Lord who has given rest to His people, just as he promised.

Solomon's reign was peaceful and full of wisdom.

1 Kings 4:20 The people of Judah and Israel were an numerous as the sands on the seashore.

Psalm 72...written by Solomon..."Give your love for justice to the king, O God."

Getting wisdom is the best thing you can do and whatever else you do develop good judgment.
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. If you search for good you will find favor, but if you search for evil, it will find you.

Those who fear the Lord are secure. He will be a refuge for their children. If you listen to constructive criticism you will be at home with the wise.