"Then was broke out between Abijah and Jeroboam." 2 Chronicles 13:2b
Quick summary and review of all the kings thus far.
[There is a lot happening in the two camps: Judah and Israel. This can be a confusing time trying to keep up with who is king of what territory and who succeeded whom. I encourage you to keep writing in your notebooks. Every time kingship changes I write it down along with the person he replaced and the territory. You can already see the division of the Northern and Southern parts. Remember Israel was given to Jeroboam (10 tribes) as part of Solomon's sin. Jeroboam is dead has been replaced now by Baasha. Judah (aka as Jerusalem) was the one tribe left to Rehoboam, because of God's covenant to David. And is now ruled buy Solomon's grandson-Abijah.]
2 Chronicles 13:1-22
Abijam (aka Abijah) did evil just as his father before him. (Rehobaom) War broke out between the two camps of Jeroboam (Israel) and Abijam (Judah). Israel's army outnumbered Judah's armies 2 to 1. The decked was stacked against them. I love what they did. They gave us an example we all can follow if we ever find the deck stacked against us.
- Remind the enemy who he is messing with. (V8)
- Remind yourself of God's promise not to abandon you. (V10)
- Remember to do all the Lord requires of you. (V10-11)
- Remind the enemy he will not succeed. (V12)
- Resound your cry to the Lord for help. (V14)
When the people of Judah, though they were living in sin and disodedience fought with truth, God defeated the enemy. He did it for them, he will do it for you and for me. That is our God. He hears and answers the cries of His children.
P.S. The deck was not stacked against me but my time was limited this weekend and you prayed, cried out to the Lord on my behalf. I can't tell you how humbled I am by your prayers for me. He heard and answered your prayers. I met every goal I set for myself and was he able to finish today's post so when I go home I can be with me family. I took my BFF with me for company and proofreading. She brought her computer and a load of work to do also. I thought I would share some pictures of us.
You guys are the greatest!!!
Focused on the Goal - No time for make-up and hair today.
Taking a moment to pose
There was a little time for goofing off. This is our smile without showing our teeth. I had big black something on my tooth from our yummy pizza and she had just eaten an Oreo. (And you know what an Oreo does to a girl's smile.)
I want to thank my friend David Drummond for allowing me to sneak away to his family's weekend hang-out. The log home is set on 200 acres and peace falls over you as you drive down the winding road to the house.
P.S. The deck was not stacked against me but my time was limited this weekend and you prayed, cried out to the Lord on my behalf. I can't tell you how humbled I am by your prayers for me. He heard and answered your prayers. I met every goal I set for myself and was he able to finish today's post so when I go home I can be with me family. I took my BFF with me for company and proofreading. She brought her computer and a load of work to do also. I thought I would share some pictures of us.
You guys are the greatest!!!
Focused on the Goal - No time for make-up and hair today.
Taking a moment to pose
There was a little time for goofing off. This is our smile without showing our teeth. I had big black something on my tooth from our yummy pizza and she had just eaten an Oreo. (And you know what an Oreo does to a girl's smile.)
I want to thank my friend David Drummond for allowing me to sneak away to his family's weekend hang-out. The log home is set on 200 acres and peace falls over you as you drive down the winding road to the house. 
4 Comments:
Oh yippee! Praise the Lord! So excited He allowed you to meet all of your goals. Love the pix! Thanks for sharing. Gotta love those BFFs in our lives! ;)
NIV Chrono has me in Ecc. right now, which I am loving.
Hugs,
Sharon
200 acres of peace and you were doing a post for us! Thank you so much for your serving hours you put in to allow us to grow closer to God each day! Loved seeing the pictures! Praise the Lord for the goals checked off! Can't wait for your new book to come out!
This was confusing today for me, but I just kept plugging along and came away with something for us all to ponder. We see today the foolishness of not choosing godly advisors. King Jeroboam was influenced to accept the warm invitation from the deceitful old prophet-he did not obey God's will for him. It is easy for us to recognize obvious sins, (stealing and murder) and reject them. But, we need also to not get sidetracked from doing what God has given us to do... that we never loose our "first love" and grow indifferent. That we should beware of suggestions of friends that may pull us away from what God wants us to do...help us to always go back to the Truth. To study & meditate on The Word, daily...that one may never say about us, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God." Matthew 22:29.
Make Tuesday a joyful day sweet sisters! Lori - AZ
PS Wendy, I loved the list you gave us at the end! I'm writing that down!
Welcome back, Wendy! Wow, I love your commitment to us! Some days it's enough to do my reading and take in the other comments, yet you have faithfully encouraged my spiritual growth with your daily insights... even while writing a book! You truly are a blessing :)
What struck me was how innocently the man of God was lured into disobedience by the old prophet. Surely he felt he could trust another man of God? “After all, I’m hungry and didn’t eat with the enemy… surely a prophet wouldn’t tell a lie, would he?” In the midst of all the enemies this old prophet must have seemed like a heaven-sent angel to minister to the man of God.
How easy to be lured into disobedience by circumstances that seem innocent. How easy to stay in disobedience by justifying what God would want for us, based on what we think we need (even though He has clearly told us otherwise!)
This story left me saddened at what I considered a severe punishment. Did this man deserve to die because the prophet told a lie? Why not punish the liar? Can you imagine if those were Jesus’ words to the Father, “Why must I endure severe suffering and death? Why not punish the sinner?“ (An even sadder thought indeed.)
The following excerpt is from higherpraise.com concerning this situation:
LESSONS TO BE LEARNED:
1. Believing a thing to be true, does not make it true.
2. We must render full obedience to God.
3. We cannot judge a thing to be true by fellow man.
4. Believing a lie has terrible consequences.
WE MUST MAKE PERSONAL APPLICATION
1. We, too, can be deceived. Eph. 4:14; Rom. 16:17
2. Always test what is said. Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1; 1 Thess. 5:21
3. Read and study for yourself. 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:14
4. Never misuse or misapply the word. 2 Pet. 3:16; 2 Cor. 2:17
Sisters, never be satisfied with “milk” when we can be filled with the “meat” of His word and live a “full” life :)))
This story confirms our need to be in God’s word daily – ready to face whatever Satan puts in our path for the day!
“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I Pet 5:8.
"Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.” Rev 5:5
WOW...Wendy, Lori and December Rose what insight! Thank you!! I too was pondering similar thoughts and questions. Thanks for all your input.
Today I've thought about things I have done, "At the LORD's command..." 1 Kings 13:1
Times when God has spoken directly to me. God-stories of specific times when He has clearly given me guidance. Times when a still small voice, bible verse or messenger from the Lord has provided the exact word I needed to hear and I've had an "ah-ha" moment as I was overcome by the awesomeness of God to speak into my need.
Each one of the following statements has a precious story behind it. Each gives testimony to God hearing and answering prayer.
At the LORD's command we enrolled our son in the Public School system.
At the LORD's command we moved to a new church.
At the LORD's command I drove a couple of hours to serve at a Women of Grace event.
At the LORD's command I continue to lead Bible Study, even though I'm exhausted.
At the LORD's command I faced my fear and boarded a plane to attend "She Speaks" last year.
At the LORD's command I began praying for some dear friends regularly.
At the LORD's command I've been called to speak at ladies events.
At the LORD's command I now faithfully teach a 3-year old Sunday School class.
At the LORD's command I trusted when no evidence was apparent.
At the LORD's command I closed my eyes and slept through the storm.
At the LORD's command I wait for His will to be done.
What are you doing at the LORD's command?
Lord, give us ears to listen and hearts of discernment so that we are not fooled by false prophets.
Sweet blessings,
Joy
PS. Wendy, I love your pics!!! So thankful the Lord provided for you in so many ways. I too had a fabulous weekend away. I have come home so refreshed!
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