LivethruJesus

To remain faithful to God, we must commit ourselves to Him fully with humble and sensitive hearts. When Jeroboam (northern king) was confronted with his sin, he was totally unrepentant and God didn’t show him any mercy. On the other hand, when Rehoboam (southern king) and the leaders of Judah were confronted with their sin, they humbled themselves, admitted that they had done wrong, and submitted themselves to God’s righteous judgment. So, God showed them mercy but He also reminded them why they should serve Him faithfully. Unfortunately, Rehoboam didn’t remain faithful because He hadn’t prepared his heart to follow the Lord continuously.

We can only follow God if we listen to what He has to say. He speaks to us through the Bible, which is His inspired word to us, and through the Holy Spirit, which is His Spirit talking to ours. We must guard against deception by knowing HIs Word and testing every other word and internal voice against it. When the Bible is unclear to us or doesn't speak directly into our situation, then we pray and ask God to teach and guide us through His Spirit.

This is the story of how the nation of Israel got divided into the the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, which was all part of God’s perfect plan. In it we discuss what it means for God to fulfill His plans on this earth and how that practically plays out in people's lives. How do we reconcile the tension between God's sovereignty and our freewill.

Everything we possess—wisdom, opportunity, influence, and understanding—comes from God. We can bring our hardest questions and deepest confusions to God, because He knows and understands everything. God gave Solomon wisdom and wealth and used it to reveal His character to the nations. He wants to do the same with us today. When we draw near to Him, adopt His ways, and let His wisdom shape our decisions, we reflect Him to the world. Let Him shine through you today.

Solomon was the king of Israel, yet he humbled himself publicly and offered himself as a living sacrifice to the Lord. Jesus is the King of all Heaven and earth, yet He humbled Himself publicly and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us. They both praised God, gave Him glory, and prayed for themselves and their people. So, if the King of Israel, and more significantly the King of Heaven and earth, are not too important to humble themselves and offer their lives to God, we have no excuse. So, follow their example. Humble yourself and dedicate your life to the Lord. Kneel before Him and pray. Lift your hands in praise. Remind yourself of God’s holiness, faithfulness, and kindness so you will have hope and faith for the future

God is our provider. He can meet our every need. Whether it be material, tangible, or practical, or it be a talent, skill, or character trait, God can give us what we need, when we need it. We just need to learn to rely on Him. When you recognize a need, let Him be the first one you ask. Don’t try to figure it out on your own. Rely on Him to meet your needs.

When the laws are clearly spelled out and everyone knows there will be consequences for breaking them, mercy is optional, but justice is to be expected. No one should complain about getting what they deserve. The guilt is on them, not on the one who handed down the sentence. There is no reason for the judge, jury, or officer to feel guilty for the consequence they must impose because of another person’s crime and there is no reason for the guilty person to be angry about a punishment they know they deserve.

Sometimes we may wish that God had chosen us for something bigger, more important, more public, or more lasting. We may even feel more qualified or like we deserve it more than the person serving in the role you want. But it is not for us to question the Lord’s choice for us or for others. He knows the plans He has for each one of us, and He has His reasons. Instead of wishing we had a different role to play, we should give our all to the purpose He has for us.