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Today is Friday May 21, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, chapters 1-3. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-may-21

Title: Bible Study: The Best Things in Life
The book of II Chronicles is the fourteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains thirty-six chapters. The author of the book is the prophet Ezra and the book was written to the Israelites that were in captivity in Babylon for seventy years. The purpose of the book was to record the religious history of Judah. What we are to learn from the book is that the blessings that God give to us comes through our humbling ourselves and seeking Him in all that we do.

It is natural to want the best things in life, to desire things that we could only dream of having, and to even work at getting them. However, for some, sooner or later, the best is not enough once they get it, they lose interest and are once again in search for something better. What the world does not realize, and even us Christians sometimes forget this, is that the best things in life can not be bought. No possession or position can replace the one person everyone needs, God. God is the best thing in life and as long as we remember that, He will give us new desires and we will receive them. People make the mistake of thinking that living for God means that all you can do is sit in a corner and read the Bible. While that is a good thing art times, God knows nothing would get accomplished if we just sat there. We are to go out and enjoy life and enjoying life is not about getting high and drunk and seeing how many notches you can add to your belt. It's about making a difference in yours and someone else's life and doing it morally. Sooner or later everyone gets tired of playing their part in trying to fit in with the world. There is always a way out and God is always right there waiting to give you the best things life has to offer.

Solomon was now king of Israel, he began his reign in submission to God and because of that he prospered quickly. “And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers...In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.” - II Chronicles 1:1,2,7-12. God spoke to Solomon in a dream, it was His intention to get Solomon to see that what was more important than riches and fame was to be obedient to the Word of God. When we live in submission to God we become more obedient to the Word of God as we learn it. The key is learning it, we can not know the best things that God has in store for us unless we learn what He has to say.

Solomon is credited with offering the largest sacrifices, building the most famous Temple, and becoming the most famous king, but he quickly lost sight of God the more He took his eyes off Him and on the riches of the world. Immediately following the offerings made at Gibeon, Solomon began purchasing chariots and horses, and silver and gold for his own needs. “And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, which he placed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. And the king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance. And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price. And they fetched up, and brought forth out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver, and an horse for an hundred and fifty: and so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their means.” - II Chronicles 1:14-17. Doing this was a direct violation of the Word of God who commanded that a king not multiply himself possessions, wives, or riches (See I Kings 4). Solomon defiantly broke all three commandments, including taking several heathen women as wives. It may appear strange for one to possess such wealth and wisdom and not desire to please the Lord as David did, but possessions give a false sense of security and self-sufficiency which often robs many of what the best things in life truly are. Before Solomon died, he realized this, in fact, the book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon having realized that all he ever had was vanity, losing sight of the one person he truly needed and that was God.

The Scriptures teach us that the Word of God is the source of true wisdom for daily direction. As we read the Bible with a sincere desire to do His will, the Holy Spirit, the Living Word, the Spirit of Jesus Christ Himself, guides our thoughts and actions to know what the best things in life truly are. We can enjoy life to the fullest and even receive the desires of our heart, but if we are not in submission to the will of God, we will never see the potential of what God can truly bless us with. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” - John 14:12-16. The Holy Spirit is our guide and He lives in all who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. He gives us the wisdom and knowledge we need to understand God's Word. When we let the Holy Spirit Guide us He will show us the true desires of our heart and what are truly the best things in life. Are you ready for the best things in life? Put your faith and trust in Jesus and He will show you what they are and how you can obtain them. It takes work to get the things we desire and as long as we live in submission to God and His Word we will receive them. Praise God for His faithfulness and love for all of us. I have had a taste of what the world has to offer, I desired those things and I got them, but it was not long before I was bored and in search for something more fulfilling, all the world got me was in one mess after the other and it was not until I went to God and dedicated my life to Jesus that I got out of them. God will forgive and receive anyone who calls on Him, even those who walked away from Him. Praise God!

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and your weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina