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Today is Wednesday May 05, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 11-13. 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-5

Title: Bible Study: The True King and Ruler of All
Wicked people have one thing and only one thing on their mind, control. They want control of everything, they want things their way and will stop at nothing to get it, no matter how many people they hurt or even kill to get it. Why do you think that there are so many religions out there? It's all about being in control, it's an attitude that says, “I am God, I can do what I want, believe what I want, have what I want, and I will take down anyone that gets in my way.” This is the very reason why we have Satan in the world, he thought he could be God, but in reality he and every other person who thinks they are in control are spineless cowards who use lost and desperate people to do their dirty work for them, even Christians. As Christians, we may suffer persecution and heartache, but God always takes care of His people and if anyone hurts anyone of us you can be sure that He will seek vengeance in His own way and in His time. The truth is, God is always in control and no one or thing can change that, no matter how many people try to be God, there is only One God and One Savior, Jesus Christ, and He is the True King and Ruler of all.

When Jehu had all the house of Ahab killed as well as Jezebel he did not execute the wicked Athaliah, who was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel and mother of King Ahaziah (Northern Kingdom). After Athaliah, received word that King Ahaziah (her husband) and Ahaziah (her son), was dead, she seized control of the Southern Kingdom and had the entire house of David killed. “And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land. And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son....And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king. ” - II Kings 11:1-4,12. To make sure she had no competition, Athaliah ruthlessly murdered her own grandsons, thinking she had killed all of David's descendants, she reigned for six years. Little did she know that God was in control and Ahaziah's son, the only seed that would preserve the empire of David and lineage of Jesus Christ, was hidden safely for six years.

Joash (Jehoash) was seven years old when he was make King of Judah, “And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings. And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house. Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign.” - II Kings 11:19-21. Not only did this wicked queen get executed, Joash began to reign at the age of seven. Never underestimate the power of God to protect His children, even when they appear to be victims of evil circumstances beyond their control.

The first thing Joash was given as king was a copy of the Bible (testimony) and he did which was right in the Lord and ruled for forty years. “In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD, Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.” - II Kings 12:1-5. Sadly, the Temple was in great need of repair and because of that the people still sacrificed in high places. It was not until Joash's twenty-third year in reign that he began to see assistance in repairing the Temple. It is a great honor and mercy to young people, especially to all young men of rank, to have godly men about them who will instruct them to do what is right in the sight of the Lord. They do wisely and well for themselves when willing to be counseled and ruled, even though they are rulers. We must be willing to be taught in order to lead.

God is always in control, people may try to change their destiny, but God will always intervene and get you right back where He wants you to be. I remember a time in my life when I was so far away from God that I did not even know He was around. It was only my His mercy and grace that He placed me in a situation where I knew I needed Him, but as I look back over the years I thought He was not around I realize He in fact was around and protecting me. I remember the first day I picked up the Bible and began reading it, after years of ignoring it. I was in a hotel room, contemplating the mess that I had gotten myself into, thinking about God. Little did I know that the circumstances I faced were all needed to get me to see that life is not about the people you know, the things you have, or the job you have, it's about letting go and giving everything to God. He is always in control, so, we might as well just go with it the right way instead of going against Him and face unnecessary consequences for trying to go against His will. Regardless of what we get ourselves caught up in, God is faithful and just to forgive us and get us all back on track. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - I Corinthians 6:9-11. We are forgiven and cleansed of all our sins by our faith and trust in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Coming to Him is the only way to be forgiven, but praise God, we have a way to be cleansed and justified. God is always in control. Praise God!

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