Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday May 27, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Chronicles. Please read chapters 18-20 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Chronicles%2018-20&version=9

Today's Message: True Fellowship
A saved person should be kind to the lost, but we can have no true fellowship with nonbelievers for it will cause us only pain in the end.

Jehoshaphat was one of the most godly kings in the history of Judah. He took away all the groves and high places that were used for Baal worship out of Judah and appointed Levites throughout the country to read and instruct people in the Law of God. "Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people." (II Chronicles 17:5-9). It is important that we always have God's Word with us wherever we go. Even if all we do is memorize a Scripture for the day we are keeping His Word with us and that is the sword that protects us whle we are in battle with the world.

Jehoshaphat made a serious mistake when he became friends with Ahab, the Baal worshiping king of the northern kingdom. Their friendship led to the marriage of Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram to Ahab's daughter Athaliah. Then Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to join him in a battle with Syria to regain his border city of Ramothgilead. "Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead. And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war. And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day." (II Chronicles 18:1-4). Non-believer's are very good at munipulating Christian's into sin. The second we leave the door open for them to come in we can be sure that we will slowly lose sight of God and if we are not careful, fall away from Him all together.

Following Jehoshaphat's request for a word from God, a fearless prophet named Micaiah boldly foretold that Ahab would not return alive from that war. However, in disregard of the prophet's warning, Jehoshaphat still joined Ahab and almost lost his life. "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead. And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and I will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle. Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel. And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him." (18:28-31). If we are not careful, we too will face much suffering by associating with non-believers. However, God will protect us a long as we cry out to Him as Jehoshaphat did.

Christians are never justified in dating or having close relationships with an unsaved person, regardless of how good they may appear. All of our relationships should be guided by the Scriptures. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (II Corinthians 6:14-17).

Nothing has changed very much over the centuries, there is just as much manipulation in the world today as it was 3000 years ago. Families separated by divorce, addictions, money, power, and many times even by serving God. It all comes down to who we hang around and what we do with our time. We are Christians and are to love everyone, but that does not mean that we are to associate with them all, even family. I know it can be hard to live in a home filled with non-believers, but we must place God at the center of it all and let Him guide us and bring us out of the battle safely. Just keep praying, He is taking care of you.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
It’s interesting that we often plead for Your attention and certainly expect You to listen to our prayers, You assure us through Your Word that You hear us when we call on You. But for true fellowship to exist we too must listen to Your voice through Scripture, through fellow believers, through Your many works of creation, and through Your still small voice that beckons our attention. You have so much to tell us that will often encourage us, sometimes reprove us, but always spur us on to good works and needed spiritual perspective as we journey here below.  Help us to listen, to heed, and to be steadfast in our daily fellowship with You and with true believers. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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