I am posting this blog early. We are leaving for vacation, to the mountains of Tennessee. I will have no internet service – thus – I am unable to post this on Sunday!

LESSON FROM A KING

(Recipe: Hawaiian Chicken)

What difficulty are you facing this morning? What decision do you have to make? What battle are you fighting this week? In my quiet time this morning, I came across an amazing verse. In 2 Chronicles 20 we find King Jehoshaphat in a situation with his enemy. The armies of the Moabites, Ammonites and some Meunites have declared war on him. A messenger warns him they are on the march.

Jehoshaphat is terrified (well who wouldn’t be!). He begs the Lord for guidance. He ordered everyone to start fasting. He did all the right things in preparing for this battle. Standing before the people he prays, “O Lord….you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you……(he reminds God of all he has done, then says)….We can cry out to you to save us and you will hear us and rescue us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”

God’s Spirit came upon Jahaziel and these were the words God gave him to encourage the King with. “”Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.

But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you.!”

King Jehohaphat and all the people bow low with their face to the ground, worshiping the Lord.

The next day they go out into the wilderness. The King reminds them to “Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” As they marched, they sang. As they sang their enemy, having reached the wilderness, started fighting among themselves, and ALL were killed. “Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.”(vs. 24).

Their impossible battle had been won! God had given them victory! All that was required was – faith. Verse 28 says, “They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord."

I don’t know what your battle might be today, but one thing I am certain of. YOU do not need to fight it. Simply take up your position of prayer and faith. Stand still and watch what God will do for you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged. Face your battle squarely because “…..the Lord is with you.” Offer your praise to God as you watch and see what he will do for you today.

Hawaiian Chicken

10 skinned chicken pieces

1 18-oz. bottle of Russian Dressing

1 18-oz. jar of apricot jam

1 package of dry onion soup mix

Place chicken in casserole. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour dressing over chicken. Spread jam over next. Last, sprinkle with the soup mix. Bake in a slow oven (325) for one hour, or until appears done.