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“May you and I strive to stay far from sin.” <>< Dona 06/08/20
Please read II Chronicles 8 through 12. If you don’t have a Bible handy just click here -> Biblegateway.com. The Biblegateway website should open for you to use. Type in the chapters you want to read and select the translation you want to read them from. Click search and the chapters should appear. Once you read the suggested chapters close the screen and you should return here.
In II Chronicles 8 Solomon married Pharaoh’s daughter to secure a military alliance with Egypt. Solomon married many other foreign women which was contrary to God’s law (Deuteronomy 7:3-4).
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, these foreign women worshiped false gods.
Something to think about
These women contaminated Israel with their beliefs and practices. Eventually Solomon’s pagan wives caused his downfall (I King 11:1-11).
Something to experience
No matter how good or spiritual we are in most areas of our life, our downfall can begin with just one unsurrendered area of our life. Don’t give sin any foothold.
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In II Chronicles 9 The Queen of Sheba came to Jerusalem to test Solomon with hard questions. She was overwhelmed by his wisdom.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, the Queen of Sheba was greatly impressed by Solomon.
Something to think about
King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the others kings. They sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.
Something to experience
When people get to know you and ask questions, will your responses reflect God? Our life can be a powerful witness; let others see God at work in us. How we face both the good times and the bad will demonstrate our love and faithfulness to God. And help others to see God.
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In II Chronicles 10 Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, became king after his father’s death.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, Rehoboam didn’t seek God’s wisdom in determining what he should do.
Something to think about
Rehoboam didn’t accept the advice from those who knew better than him.
Something to experience
It’s important for us to listen to those who have more experience than we do. Many times they can see the bigger picture.
(F.Y.I. This was the beginning of the divided kingdom. Ten of the tribes followed Jeroboam and called their nation Israel or the northern kingdom; the other two tribes, Judah and Benjamin, accepted Rehoboam’s rule and they became the nation of Judah or the southern kingdom.)
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In II Chronicles 11 At first Rehobaom, planned, by force, to regain and reunite the northern kingdom with the southern kingdom. But then he decided to obey the Word of God that told him to go home.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, true unity cannot be forced.
Something to think about
Only willing hearts can truly unite.
Something to experience
To unite with others we must win their respect through love not force. God desires unity but while we should always work toward reconciliation we must recognize that only God knows the future. He may allow a division in order to fulfill His greater purposes.
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In II Chronicles 12 during Rehoboam’s first three years on the throne, he made an attempt to obey God.
Response
Oh! Wow! Lord, then Rehoboam abandoned You.
Something to think about
God allowed Judah to be conquered by Egypt. Then God eased his judgment when the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves before Him.
Something to experience
It is never too late to repent, even in the midst of punishment. Regardless of what we have done, God is willing to receive us back into fellowship. Has sin broken your fellowship with God? Then confess and humble yourself to receive God’s mercy.
Prayer