II KINGS & I CHRONICLES

It is Saturday, and this morning, I will meet with some men who desire to be used of God.  We meet with about 25 to 30 men on Saturdays for a Bible study, prayer, and a great breakfast.  It is a great time.  We don't advertise it very much, but we have had it for about 15 years.  My how God has used that time together to grow us.  Here are some thoughts from the Bible this morning: 1) AMAZING- In II Kings 17:27, we see something amazing!  The King of Assyria, who had taken Israel and Judah captive, brings a priest to teach the Israelites about their God.  He says that the nations problems are that "they know not the manner of the God of the land." (vs. 26).  Amazing... a heathen king has to start teaching God's people about God!  Normally, I wouldn't trust anything the government has to do with teaching the Bible, but in this case, he picked out priest to teach the law of God to the Israelites.  We need more preachers who will preach and teach God's Holy Word, and more people who have a hunger to learn. 2) YOUNG AND EVIL. - IN Chapter 21:1 it says that "Manasseh was twelve years old, when he began to reign....(vs.2) And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD,"  Twelve and evil!  What are we raising our children and grand children to become?  Not evil I hope, but godly children."  We need to realize that children make their choices at a young age.  Praise God for Sunday School, VBS, Patch the Pirate on Wednesdays, Little Bear Bible Club on Sunday Nights, and especially the Bus Ministry! 3) DAVID, THE SEVENTH - I Chron. 2:15, David was the seventh son of Jesse.  God loves seven!  Created everything in seven days.  Elijah had his servant look for rain clouds seven times.  Joshua walked seven times around Jericho. Naaman dipped seven times.  The child brought back to life sneezed seven times, and then was alive.  Seven spirits around the throne. God uses seven throughout Scripture... what does it mean?  Who knows?  We just know God likes seven. 4) DAVID GROWS!  In I Chron. 11:9 it reads: "So David waxed greater and greater; for the LORD of hosts was with him."  Any leader must grow.  To stop growing means your leadership and influence stop as well.  The next verse reads: (vs.10) "These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom." We grow together! Gotta go!  Pastor Mike Mutchler