"And in those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for many disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands."

As we approach the celebration of the birth of the Christ, we can see many centuries ago the prophetic word of God in real time then, and today even more relevant, as we see all the chaos around the world. Israel battles Hamas, Russian and Ukraine, China stealthily advancing against its neighbors, the US, with at will invasion of its southern borders, the list goes on. Even our streets filled with gunfire and acts of violence. Never more have we needed the Saviour. Come worship and adore Him, each and every day.

Pastor Russell

"And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually."

Between these two leaders of Israel, sin had caused the split of the nation, and sin continued to cause strife between the two.  Both of these men had strayed far from the basic precepts of God, and they led their people away from the simple worship and devotion to the Lord. The grim results would urge us to pray sincerely for our leaders today, that their hearts would be open to the Lord's best. Please continue to pray for our federal, state and city and county officials, as well as the justices and judicial members.

Pastor Russell

"And Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord, and they provoked Him to jealousy more than all their fathers had done, with their sins which they had committed."

We were told in the previous verse, that Rehoboam was the son of Solomon, the wisest man in the world, yet he failed to live up the standard of his fathers life, as well as his grandfather David. The Lord, must have been brokenhearted over His Rehoboam's choices. As we study through God's word, we see a wide range of choices being made, some good , some not so good. We have, in retrospect, the whole counsel of God in His word the bible. All the advantages are at our beck and call, fellowship, study aids, KLTH radio and much more to keep us on the right track. Lets do our best to stay the course in Christ.

Pastor Russell

"in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

As we observe the Thanksgiving holiday this week, our situations, as quiet or filled with a lot of stuff, should always be as a reminder of the rich fulness we have in Christ. It's He who gives all things, but especially the blessing of forgiveness and life abundant. Don't forget, in all things we can give thanks to Him.

Pastor Russell

“O Israel, put your Hope in the Lord both now and forever more.”

The world wide sentient flips rapidly from one side to the other. From shock and horror, to the  atrocities of an unprovoked attack upon an unsuspecting people. Murder, mayhem, rape, the taking of hostages, the terrorists now use their own people as shields and subjects of propaganda, while world opinion softens rapidly towards the terror mongers, and begins to look upon the Jews as culprits. Child of God do pray for the peace of Jerusalem, look up, for our Redeemer draws near.

Pastor Russell

So the king consulted, and made two golden calves, and he said to them, "It is too much to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt."

A radical change in leadership brought dramatic change to worship in the land of Israel. This new leader devised in his heart to draw the people away from the worship of the True God. Idols have existed since the beginning, even today we may question ourselves, is it a relationship, substance abuse, or my hobbies or is it ease and leisure? Whatever turns us away, and focuses our attention elsewhere, may pose itself an idol and seek to turn us away.

Pastor Russell

"Then the Lord raised up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite".... "God raised up another adversary to him, Rezon the son of Eliada"..."Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes"....

The downward spiral of Solomon brought sad consequences. Battles from outward forces, were magnified by opposition from within. Solomon, once surrounded by peace and rest, now embroiled in a battle as he turned his attention away from the Lord. All the while, God in His great mercy, I believed waited for Solomon to come to Him with a repentant heart. So simple it seems, Father, forgive me, yet so hard as we may be trapped in pride and a hardened heart. If you find yourself in that same place, don't be shut off from the grace and mercy of God. Call out to Him.

Pastor Russell

"Now the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice."

Inundated with not only wisdom, but with power and wealth, more processions that one could ever use, Solomon was overwhelmed with distractions that stole his focus from the Lord. Like ourselves today, we may be enamored with things of finances, health, wealth, leisure, even things of the ministry, whatever redirects our focus from the Lord, and eventually erodes our attention for Him. Continual reminders we have in His word that we may stay on track with Him are for our wellbeing and continued longevity in our relationship with Christ.

Pastor Russell

“Give ears to my word O Lord, consider my meditation. Heed the voice of my cry for help, my king and my God, for to Thee do I pray.”

The psalmist expresses his heart felt feelings. Pursued and harangued for no good reason other than his destruction, he cries out to God for help. As we have seen the week unfold, we await the Lord’s plans and provisions for His people, as we stand by and pray, looking for His guidance and intervention within the hearts of all people. Please continue to pray.

Pastor Russell

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.”

For many centuries, the people of Israel has sought a peaceful existence within the scope of its borders. Yet time and time, many have come in and sought the bounty of the land and and its people. Now under attack again, a peaceful people fighting for survival against terror and savagery. God’s ultimate desire for His people will not be fulfilled until the coming of the Prince of Peace. Pray oh Lord come, but not until the last one is saved.

“and he stood on it, knelt on his knees in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven.”

We find Solomon praying over the dedication of the temple. Note he’s in a positive of humility and respectful reverence towards the Lord, hands raised in worship and adoration, surrender and the reality that we come without much to give to God except ourselves. Solomon's outward position speaks of how our own hearts should be in our relationship to Him.

Pastor Russell 

"and the pails and the shovels and the bowls; even all the utensils which Hiram made for King Solomon in the house of the Lord were of polished bronze."

As we looked at all the implements and furnishings used in the temple, we likened bronze having many similarities with the gold used in the Holy of Holies. Bright and shiny, bronze, almost having the appearance of gold, yet being an admixture of copper and tin, it was hard like man kinds heart, and at times throughout the bible, representative of judgement and warfare, yet when polished up in the love of Jesus, useful the Masters use. We become vessels fit for the Lord's use as we surrender to Him.

Pastor Russell