May 1, 2006 - I Kings 10-11 and Luke 21:20-38
How many times have we seen that the rich and famous people are not the happiest people? How many times have we been surprised to see a couple or an individual who had everything this world could afford, but they fell into all kinds of trouble? Why is this the case? God is trying to show everyone that the eternal things are the most important things in life. This passage from I Kings and from Luke can teach us a lot about this. I pray that you will read it slowly and think about your own life. I know God will help you to focus on the most important things for you.
Chapter 10 tells us about the visit of the Queen of Sheba, as she came to test Solomon's wisdom and to see his wealth. He passed the test and more. God had definitely made him the wisest and the richest person in the world. He used gold for everything and silver was too common to have any worth. What prosperity! However, did you notice that he did not talk to the queen about spiritual things. It was all about money and fame. She went home in awe, but she was not any closer to God when she departed. What do people see when they meet you? Do they see the earthly things, or do they see Jesus?
Chapter 11 tells us about the downfall of Solomon's kingdom. It came because of his disobedience to God's law. (v.2) Solomon knowingly built places of worship for idols, and he participated in this worship. How could this happen? He was drawn by sexual lust to have many wives. He was caught up in money and fame. He forgot the things of the Lord. Is that a picture of life in America today or what? Satan knows how to direct us away from God. I pray that you will not fall for his lies and deception. Believe me, all of those things will end, and you will be left empty and hopeless for eternity. Let God give you the true riches through Christ today.
Luke 20 concludes the discourse on the second coming of Christ. There will be a time of tribulation that is directed against all people who do not know the Lord. This time will show the Jews that Jesus is Lord, and they will turn to Him for salvation. However, most people will be caught up in the worldly pleasures, and they will miss what is happening. (v.34) Jesus will return, and it will be too late for them to put their faith in Him. What a sad thought! Jesus does not want that to happen, but we all have a choice. I urge you to choose Jesus today. Don't let Satan use the desires of the flesh and the things of this world to blind you to the eternal things of God.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 12-13 and Luke 22:1-20.
Chapter 10 tells us about the visit of the Queen of Sheba, as she came to test Solomon's wisdom and to see his wealth. He passed the test and more. God had definitely made him the wisest and the richest person in the world. He used gold for everything and silver was too common to have any worth. What prosperity! However, did you notice that he did not talk to the queen about spiritual things. It was all about money and fame. She went home in awe, but she was not any closer to God when she departed. What do people see when they meet you? Do they see the earthly things, or do they see Jesus?
Chapter 11 tells us about the downfall of Solomon's kingdom. It came because of his disobedience to God's law. (v.2) Solomon knowingly built places of worship for idols, and he participated in this worship. How could this happen? He was drawn by sexual lust to have many wives. He was caught up in money and fame. He forgot the things of the Lord. Is that a picture of life in America today or what? Satan knows how to direct us away from God. I pray that you will not fall for his lies and deception. Believe me, all of those things will end, and you will be left empty and hopeless for eternity. Let God give you the true riches through Christ today.
Luke 20 concludes the discourse on the second coming of Christ. There will be a time of tribulation that is directed against all people who do not know the Lord. This time will show the Jews that Jesus is Lord, and they will turn to Him for salvation. However, most people will be caught up in the worldly pleasures, and they will miss what is happening. (v.34) Jesus will return, and it will be too late for them to put their faith in Him. What a sad thought! Jesus does not want that to happen, but we all have a choice. I urge you to choose Jesus today. Don't let Satan use the desires of the flesh and the things of this world to blind you to the eternal things of God.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 12-13 and Luke 22:1-20.