Proverbs 1:17-19 NLT
If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.
We must learn to be content in life. It is okay to have healthy ambitions, and to desire financial freedom. However when we begin to love money and wish to attain it at all costs, in spite of whom we hurt, then we are entering a dangerous territory.
The love of money is the root of all evil. 1Timothy 6:10 The love of money sows the seed of greed into people. They can thereby become ruthless and callous, destroying others and themselves in the process.
Judah Iscariot is a clear example of this. For a few pieces of silver, he betrayed Jesus to be killed, and ended up committing suicide.
Learn to be content with what you have. Aspire healthily for greater heights, and do not push others down to get to the top. For the people you meet on your way up are the same people you meet on your way down.
WHAT IS NEXT?
5.11.14
The Valley of Blessing
Praises lead to the valley of blessing and deliverance. When we praise God, He steps in and delivers us. This puts more songs of praises on our lips. And as we continue to praise Him , He ushers us into blessings upon blessings. The cycle is unending!
2 Chronicles 20:22-27 NLT
At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other.
So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.
King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all!
On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the lord had given them victory over their enemies.
WHAT IS NEXT?
4.11.14
Praises is stillness before God
Jehoshaphat and all of Judah faced a mighty army coming up against them. They trembled at this, but sought refuge in God.
God heard them and answered through His servant Jahaziel, son of Zechariah, as follows:
2 Chronicles 20:17-19 ASV
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of Jehovah with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; fear not, nor be dismayed: tomorrow go out against them: for Jehovah is with you.
And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Jehovah, worshipping Jehovah. And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise Jehovah, the God of Israel, with an exceeding loud voice.
Jehoshaphat and all of Judah trusted in the promise of God to deliver them, and praised God in advance.
There are times that situations might overwhelm us. We may feel like we are drowning in fear, but we ought to always remind ourselves of the greatness of God, and praise Him at all times, especially in delirious times.
This is because praise ushers us into deliverance. Praise is being still, and acknowledging God in our circumstances.
Jehoshaphat and all of Judah were still before God, they simply praised Him, and He fought for them without having them raise a finger.
WHAT IS NEXT?
God heard them and answered through His servant Jahaziel, son of Zechariah, as follows:
2 Chronicles 20:17-19 ASV
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of Jehovah with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; fear not, nor be dismayed: tomorrow go out against them: for Jehovah is with you.
And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Jehovah, worshipping Jehovah. And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise Jehovah, the God of Israel, with an exceeding loud voice.
Jehoshaphat and all of Judah trusted in the promise of God to deliver them, and praised God in advance.
There are times that situations might overwhelm us. We may feel like we are drowning in fear, but we ought to always remind ourselves of the greatness of God, and praise Him at all times, especially in delirious times.
This is because praise ushers us into deliverance. Praise is being still, and acknowledging God in our circumstances.
Jehoshaphat and all of Judah were still before God, they simply praised Him, and He fought for them without having them raise a finger.
WHAT IS NEXT?
3.11.14
The Tragedy of Fighting from a Place of Sin
In the olden days, the Roman soldier went to war in an armour - a protective attire to shield them from being hit and killed by the weapons of their foes.
In modern days, we have witnessed more sophisticated weapons of warfare, as well as bullet proof apparels. These are meant to shield us from the enemy's weaponry onslaught.
Sin takes off our protective covering. Sin breaks down our walls and opens us up to attacks from the enemy. Ecclesiastes 10:8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
As a Christian, to fight this spiritual battle we are in from a place of sin, is to fight as a loser. In Joshua 7, because one man in Israel had defiled himself, Israel lost in battle.
We have to purge ourselves of sin. Through Christ Jesus, we have the grace to live without sin, as well as to be forgiven of our sins. Therefore we ought to make a conscious effort to enter battle daily protected and free from sin. If not, we will jeopardise our higher calling in Christ Jesus.
WHAT IS NEXT?
2.11.14
Fighting Battles God's Way
2 Chronicles 20:1, 3-4, 14-17 NLT
After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the lord ’s help.
The Spirit of the lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the lord ’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the lord is with you!”
We are to trust in God at all times, and not to lean on our own understanding. In all our ways, we have to acknowledge Him, and He shall direct our path.
This is exactly what Jehoshaphat and all of Judah did when faced with a great army. They sought God's face and when God spoke back to them, they heeded.
Many times as Christians, we seek God concerning an issue, for instance concerning our marriage, and yet when He guides us, we do not follow. We tend to want our way. When we act in this manner, we could be devoured by the enemy.
We are in a battle where we are oblivious of our enemy's tactics. But Omniscient God, knows all about our enemy's plans and how best we can defeat him. We ought to listen to our Commander in Chief, God while in battle, and follow His leading and commands. Then we can be assured of victory.
WHAT IS NEXT?
After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the lord ’s help.
The Spirit of the lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the lord ’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the lord is with you!”
We are to trust in God at all times, and not to lean on our own understanding. In all our ways, we have to acknowledge Him, and He shall direct our path.
This is exactly what Jehoshaphat and all of Judah did when faced with a great army. They sought God's face and when God spoke back to them, they heeded.
Many times as Christians, we seek God concerning an issue, for instance concerning our marriage, and yet when He guides us, we do not follow. We tend to want our way. When we act in this manner, we could be devoured by the enemy.
We are in a battle where we are oblivious of our enemy's tactics. But Omniscient God, knows all about our enemy's plans and how best we can defeat him. We ought to listen to our Commander in Chief, God while in battle, and follow His leading and commands. Then we can be assured of victory.
WHAT IS NEXT?
1.11.14
Seek God in Battle
2 Chronicles 20
We are daily in battle, so ought to seek God continually. When we seek God, we also have to listen to Him for guidance.
Jehoshaphat prayed for guidance. He poured out his fears and worries to God, and also worshipped God in songs. This should be our daily fare. We must cast our cares and worries upon the Lord in prayer, seek His protection and guidance and continually worship Him in songs and in prayer.
After we do this, we must listen for God's voice and obey His Word. When we do this, we will walk in victory, just as Judah did on that day.
WHAT IS NEXT?
We are daily in battle, so ought to seek God continually. When we seek God, we also have to listen to Him for guidance.
Jehoshaphat prayed for guidance. He poured out his fears and worries to God, and also worshipped God in songs. This should be our daily fare. We must cast our cares and worries upon the Lord in prayer, seek His protection and guidance and continually worship Him in songs and in prayer.
After we do this, we must listen for God's voice and obey His Word. When we do this, we will walk in victory, just as Judah did on that day.
WHAT IS NEXT?
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