https://renewalchristiancenter.org Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/21/the-god-of-judgment-and-compassion Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/21/the-god-of-judgment-and-compassion

By the word of the LORD a man of God came from Judah to Bethel, as Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make an offering. By the word of the LORD he cried out against the altar: "Altar, altar! This is what the LORD says, 'A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David. On you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who make offerings here, and human bones will be burned on you.' "
That same day the man of God gave a sign:  "This is the sign the LORD has declared: The altar will be split apart and the ashes on it will be poured out."
When King Jeroboam heard what the man of God cried out against the altar at Bethel, he stretched out his hand from the altar and said, "Seize him!" But the hand he stretched out toward the man shriveled up, so that he could not put it back. Also, the altar was split apart and its ashes poured out according to the sign given by the man of God by the word of the LORD.
Then the king said to the man of God, "Intercede with the LORD your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored." So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king's hand was restored and became as it was before. 
The king said to the man of God, "Come home with me for a meal, and I will give you a gift." But the man of God answered the king, "Even if you were to give me half your possessions, I would not go with you . .  . For I was commanded by the word of the LORD:  'You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came,' "  So he took another road and did not return by the way he had come to Bethel.
I Kings 13:1-10

The compassion of God is often juxtaposed against His judgment in ways that are rather humbling and incomprehensible. Truly, God desires that no one should perish. His greatest desire is to see repentance and contrition. He would rather forgive and restore than punish and destroy. That is evident in the situation with King Jeroboam.

Here is a man who was uniquely favored by God and given ten tribes of the nation of Israel to rule over. God made it clear that He had chosen him to be king because Solomon had been unfaithful and turned to other gods. God promised him that if he kept His commands and followed Him diligently, He would build a dynasty for him like the one He built for David.

But for political expediency, King Rehoboam established shrines of worship at places of his choosing and appointed his own priests all in a bid to prevent the people of Israel from going to Jerusalem to worship. His rationale was that preventing them from going to the temple of God would prevent any possibility of the Israelites switching allegiance from him to the King of Judah in Jerusalem. He depended on lesser gods to keep him in power.

God sent a prophet to pronounce judgment on him. He hated the judgment and stretched forth his hand authorizing the seizure and possible death of God's servant. The hand shriveled up and he begged the man of God to intercede to God for the restoration of his hand. The man of God prayed and the king's hand was restored. 

How in the world would a man who had shown such contempt for the Almighty God receive such compassion from Him? The answer is simple: Our God is both a God of judgment and compassion. He would rather restore than destroy.

As children of this compassionate God, let's learn from our Father. In the face of attacks, and even great harm from others, let's show the same compassion our heavenly Father shows us. 

PRAYER:
Father, it is because of your mercies that I am not consumed in spite of my numerous shortcomings. Please help me to live out the same compassion as I relate to others. Amen

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/20/a-tree-by-the-river Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/20/a-tree-by-the-river

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
Or stand around with sinners, Or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit in season.
Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. 
                                                                                   Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT)

God puts a priceless premium on His word. He told Joshua that meditating and living by the word would lead to success and prosperity. The Bible says God has magnified His word above His Name. He also promises in Deuteronomy 28 that all kinds of blessings will come upon us and overtake us if we obey His word. The heart of God is inexplicably moved by obedience to His word. God blesses the obedient.

The Holy Spirit is reminding us in this Psalm that shunning sin and wickedness and delighting in God's word would cause our lives to be fruitful. Our lives would be like trees planted by streams of water (the banks of a river). Our leaves would never dry out and there would always be fruit from us. Everything we do would prosper!
The idea is that the power and blessings inherent in God's word would be continually released to uphold, nourish, and flourish our lives.

As you begin today, would you take this challenge of meditating and delighting in God's word? God's word is like a river. If you plant your life by the word of God, you will be like a tree planted by the river. Take God at His word. He is a Promise Keeper.

PRAYER:
Holy Spirit, please give me the grace to live obediently to my Father's word.
Help me to delight and meditate in it day and night. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/19/believe-and-be-blessed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/19/believe-and-be-blessed

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."  A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
John 20:24-29

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance of the tomb and The Lord was not there. She told two of the disciples who also went to see the empty tomb. Jesus appeared to Mary and later to the disciples but Thomas was not with them. When the disciples told Thomas that Jesus was risen and that they had seen him, he said to them "Unless I see the nails . . . I will not believe."
Thomas' statement is followed by a very important response from Jesus. "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 
There is a blessing for those who have not seen The Lord with their own eyes and yet believe. Those who have placed their faith in Him and believe in what The Lord says, although we may not have seen the whole picture yet. In fact, this response from Jesus places believers, those who put their faith in Him, in a special position and makes them "blessed."

God calls us to a life of faith, to believe and trust Him totally even when we haven't seen everything. " . . . But my righteous one will live by faith." Hebrews 10:38. 
A life of faith will place you in the path of blessedness and as Jesus said in Mark 9:23, "Everything is possible for one who believes."
Abraham believed the word spoken to him by God and was truly blessed.
 "And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend." James 2:23

If Jesus says you are blessed, you will be blessed. Have faith and believe Him. God will always fulfill His Word. 
You will never be disappointed if you place your trust, faith, and belief in God, even when you are not seeing what God's up to.

For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."  1 Peter 2:6

PRAYER:
Lord, I do believe; help me to overcome my disbelief, so that all the blessings you have for my life will be mine. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/17/follow-the-example-of-jesus Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:14:48 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/17/follow-the-example-of-jesus

"My food . . . is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work." John 4:34

One of the reasons why Jesus was such a successful leader was because He was the greatest of all visionaries. His goal was to win the world for God and He focused on that vision passionately.

To Jesus, accomplishing His purpose on earth was the very food which energized Him. Jesus took twelve uneducated people and trained them to carry out His vision, and 2000 years later the Church of Jesus Christ is still strong. That is the power of vision.

Read this quote about Jesus and ponder it:
"His life was ordered by His objective . . . everything He did and said was part of the whole pattern. It had significance because it contributed to the ultimate purpose of His life in redeeming the world for God. This was the motivating vision governing His behavior. His steps were ordered by it. Mark it well, not for one moment did Jesus lose sight of His goal . . . there was nothing haphazard about His life -- no wasted energy, no idle word . . . He lived, died and rose again according to schedule. Like a general plotting His course of battle, He calculated to win."

Jesus was very focused on His vision and purpose in life.
If God has given you a vision, you must focus on it; work hard and accomplish it. If you don't focus and work hard, that vision will never be accomplished. God will do His part but you must also play your role. God will not do for you what you have to do for yourself.
Let Jesus be your example.

PRAYER:
Prayer: Father, I thank you for the vision you have for me. Please help me to follow the example of Jesus so that I can work hard and accomplish it. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/16/are-you-making-the-most-of-your-time Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:15:52 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/16/are-you-making-the-most-of-your-time

Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.  . . . Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.    Psalm 90:10-12

God created you for a purpose. You can only live a meaningful and fulfilling life if you discover that purpose. Outside of that purpose, life will be nothing but a chore regardless of how much money, education or influence you attain. We must always ask ourselves: What is this wonderful education I have meant to accomplish besides making a living?  What is all my money meant to do?  How about my time?  How about my skills and talents? All these blessings must be tied into God's purpose and vision for our lives. That is how we can make the most of our time on earth. 

The Psalmist reminds us that our days on earth are limited. Seventy years or eighty if our strength endures. Of course, God can give us more beyond that if He so chooses. The question is: What will we do with many more years of life?  What will we pour ourselves into?

The Psalmist is saying:
Lord, I do not want to waste my life by living a visionless life so teach me to number my days so that I will live in wisdom and make every day count toward the vision you have given for my life. So, don't just pray for long life; pray for a long life that is filled with vision. You will be remembered more for your vision than the length of your life.

The Apostle Paul said, " . . . I do not run like someone running aimless; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air."  (I Cor. 9:26).

Living your life without vision is like a person who is running aimlessly: Nice running shoes, nice sweat suit, but no clear starting point or finish line to cross. He is just running endlessly.

PRAYER:
Father, please help me to number my days on earth so that I may continue to live with purpose and understanding. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/16/is-your-soul-worth-losing Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/16/is-your-soul-worth-losing

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?  Matthew 16:24-26

Watching events unfold around the world makes the truth of God's word more and more relevant to our time. Christianity is more than an intellectual understanding of a set of doctrines or teachings. True Christianity is a relationship between a person and Jesus Christ. True Christianity involves following Jesus and applying His word to every aspect of our lives.

True Christianity does not mean we are perfect in all we do. It simply means that God is able to help us, in spite of our imperfections, to live our lives in a way that pleases Him. He forgives us when we sin against Him and He helps us to learn from our mistakes so we can continually improve on our imperfections.

For this to happen, Jesus says we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This in essence means we must not give in to the cravings and many temptations of life but must be willing to put them to death on the cross! When we are unwilling to put to death the things that pull us away from God and satisfy our selfish appetites, we head down a path of "soul destruction." In other words, we put ourselves in grave danger to destroy our very lives.

So what are you willing to give in exchange for your soul? More money? Another house? A massive promotion up the corporate ladder? More fancy cars? Exotic vacations? More men or women? More power and influence? And what are you willing to sacrifice to attain these things?
The truth is: there is nothing wrong with having all these wonderful blessings if they are placed in the confines of godliness. The problem is when we strive for those things outside of divine guidance and parameters.

The news is filled with many once powerful and respected people who have exchanged material things for their souls. The end is never pleasant. So what will you give in exchange for your soul? Take up your cross and crucify every ungodly craving before you lose your very soul.

PRAYER:
Lord, you have called me to be your disciple. Please help me to stay on the straight and narrow way so that I will not bring your Name into disrepute and wreck my life in the process. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/15/thank-you-for-giving-to-the-lord Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/15/thank-you-for-giving-to-the-lord

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field."    Matthew 9:35-38

God is on a mission. His mission is to reconcile humanity to Himself and give us eternal life. God sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to die and establish His Church, and He tasked us with the completion of this mission. This involves the use of our Time, Talents and Treasures.

Jesus set the example of how to accomplish this divine assignment by the way He lived and worked. In three short years of ministry, Jesus travelled through towns, cities and villages healing sicknesses and diseases and sharing the good news that salvation was available for all.

Jesus left us with an assignment to continue and finish the task. The Bible tells us that the Gospel of Jesus will be preached throughout the earth and then the end of the ages will come. Our Lord will return to take His own with Him. Jesus has commanded us to go out and make disciples of all nations and bring them into the family of God.This is a rather daunting task. Humanity is harassed and helpless. We are like sheep without a shepherd. 

As our Savior went about working hard to bring people into God's Kingdom, He was deeply moved with compassion at the enormous sea of humanity that needed to be reached with the love of God. So, He remarked:"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field."  You and I are the workers God has called into His harvest field. God is depending on us and we must not let Him down. The harvest is truly plentiful but the laborers are few. Those of us who understand are committed to the task with our Time, Talents and Treasures. 

Thank you for giving your Time, Talents and Treasures to the cause of God's kingdom agenda. Thank you for ensuring that the Gospel is preached. Thank you for the many lives that are being changed because of your generosity. Thank you for giving to the Lord.

PRAYER:
Father, I thank you for the privilege you have given me to be a part of your labor force. Please continue to bless me with the Time, Talents and Treasures I need to further the cause of the Gospel. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/14/depending-on-the-power-of-lesser-gods Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/14/depending-on-the-power-of-lesser-gods

Then Jeroboam fortified Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there.  
. . . Jeroboam thought to himself, "The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David. If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam, king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam."
After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." One he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan.
And this thing became a sin; the people came to worship the one at Bethel and went as far as Dan to worship the other.  Jeroboam built shrines on high places and appointed priests from all sorts of people, even though they were not Levites.  
. . . On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, he offered sacrifices on the altar he had built at Bethel. So he instituted the festival for the Israelites and went up to the altar to make offerings.  I Kings 12:25-33

The intrigue of man and the lengths to which he would go to secure his own selfish interests and agenda is mind-boggling. As to why humans would reject the God who made heaven and earth and place their trust in lesser gods is beyond understanding. But in a sense, it shows how the powers of darkness are constantly blinding the eyes of humanity to the reality of our merciful and loving God in a bid to turn humans against the only true God. This is in spite of all that God promises and does for us.

Here is a man, Jeroboam, who was blessed and elevated by God to rule over the bulk of the nation of Israel. God took ten tribes and their vast territory away from Solomon and promised Jeroboam that He would give it to him. God specifically said to Jeroboam that the reason why He was taking the kingdom away from Solomon was because he had turned away from Him to worship other gods. God fulfilled His promise and elevated Jeroboam to the throne.

God's words to Jeroboam were: "If you do whatever I command you and walk in obedience to me and do what is right in my eyes by obeying my decrees and commands, as David my servant did, I will be with you. I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for a David and will give Israel to you."

But what happened when Jeroboam ascended to the throne? He quickly turned his back on God and set up places of idol worship for the people of Israel. He subverted the national worship instituted by God and replaced it with something of his own instituting. Was God unable to sustain Jeroboam after He had elevated him? So, why would he not trust and worship God? Why turn to lesser gods?

The God who placed you where you are today is perfectly capable of protecting and sustaining the blessings He has bestowed on you. He who began this good work in you will be faithful to complete it. Be steadfast in your commitment to the Lord. Do not lean to your own understanding and strength after God has elevated you. Do not turn away from the Almighty and depend on lesser gods. Don't replace God with anything else in this world. It only leads to a downward spiral.

PRAYER:
Lord, you are the author and finisher of my faith. You are my Elevator and Sustainer. Please help me to hold fast to you and never lean on anything other than you. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/13/the-consequences-of-rejecting-sound-advice Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:04:27 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/13/the-consequences-of-rejecting-sound-advice

Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.  . . . And Rehoboam his son succeeded him as king.
Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard this (he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), he returned from Egypt. So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel went to Rehoboam and said to him: "Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you."
Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime.
. . . They replied, "If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants."
But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. He asked them, "What is your advice? . . . The young men who had grown up with him replied, "These people have said to you, 'Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.' Now tell them, 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.'"
. . . When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king: "What share do we have in David . . . ?  Look after your own house, David!"
So the Israelites went home.  . . . When all the Israelites heard that Jeroboam had returned, they sent and . . . made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah remained loyal to the house of David.     I Kings 11:42-43 and 12:1-20.

King Solomon was a builder. He built a massive temple for God which took seven years to complete. His own palace took thirteen years to build. He constructed terraces and finished the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem. All these massive projects were undertaken by thousands of people entailing very hard labor.

When Rehoboam succeeded Solomon on the throne, they appealed to him to lighten the load on their shoulders but Rehoboam refused. He rejected the sound advice of the elders who had served his father and were still serving him. Instead, he took the insolent response of the young men who were serving him and replied, "My father laid a heavy yoke on you; I will make it even heavier." This insulting response led to the Israelites rejecting Rehoboam as king and appointing Jeroboam to rule over them as their new king. 

From that point on, the nation became divided and Rehoboam was left with only the tribe of Judah to rule over. That insolent response destroyed his kingship and the unity of the nation.
The Bible declares that the tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21)

Embracing sound advice from our elders is equivalent to receiving life into our situation. Rejecting sound advice is tantamount to embracing death. Choose life by embracing sound advice, and reject death by turning a deaf ear to insolent and ungodly advice.

PRAYER:
Father, I confess that there are many voices competing for my attention on a daily basis. Please give me discernment to distinguish between sound advice and destructive ones because it makes all the difference between life and death. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/12/god-s-word-will-always-be-fulfilled Sun, 12 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/12/god-s-word-will-always-be-fulfilled

Also, Jeroboam, son of Nebat rebelled against the king. He was one of Solomon's officials. . . .  
Here is the account of how he rebelled against the king:
Now Jeroboam was a man of standing, and when Solomon saw how well the young man did his work, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the tribes of Joseph.
About that time Jeroboam was going out of Jerusalem, and Ahijah the prophet of Shiloh met him on the way, wearing a new cloak.  . . . and Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces.  Then he said to Jeroboam, "Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel says: 'See, I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon's hand and give you ten tribes. But for the sake of my servant David and the city of Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, he will have one tribe. I will do this because they have forsaken me and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Molek, the god of the Ammonites, and have not walked in obedience to me, nor done what is right in my eyes, nor kept my decrees and laws as David, Solomon's father did.            I Kings 11: 26-33

God always watches over His word to perform it. He reminds us that His word never returns void to Him but always goes out to achieve the purpose for which He sent it. (Isaiah 55:11).

When God realized that Solomon was not willing to change his attitude of disobedience, He said to him: "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees. . .  I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. Yet, I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen." (I Kings 11:11-13).

God's word was fulfilled. Solomon heard that Jeroboam was designated to take the greater part of the kingdom and he tried to kill Jeroboam, "but Jeroboam fled to Egypt, to Shishak the king, and stayed there until Solomon's death."  God's promise to David that he will always be linked with the throne of Israel was fulfilled. His word to Solomon that Israel would experience His wrath if they turned away from Him in disobedience also came to pass. Jeroboam was about to take the kingdom. Solomon's actions were affecting the future.

God's word will always be fulfilled no matter what. We must always remember that our actions against God carry great repercussions that can affect future generations because of divine wrath. To him, whom much is given by God, of him is much expected by God. 

God has given us much by way of the salvation we have through the sacrificial death of Christ. 
Let's walk with God in such a way that His promised blessings will be fulfilled in our lives and not His wrath associated with disobedience.

PRAYER:
Lord, I confess that there are many ways in which I am pulled to be disobedient to you. Please help me to live in a way that will cause your promised blessings and not the consequences of sin to be fulfilled in my life. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/10/an-entry-point-for-adversaries Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:15:25 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/10/an-entry-point-for-adversaries

Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom. Earlier when David was fighting with Edom, Joab the commander of the army . . . had struck down all the men in Edom. Joab and all the Israelites stayed there . . . until they had destroyed all the men in Edom. But Hadad, still only a boy, fled to Egypt with some Edomite officials who had served his father.
. . . Then taking people from Paran with them, they went to Egypt, to Pharaoh King of Egypt, who gave Hadad a house and land and provided him with food.
Pharaoh was so pleased with Hadad that he gave him a sister of his own wife, Queen Tahpenes, in marriage.
. . . While in Egypt, Hadad heard that David rested with his ancestors and that Joab the commander of the army was also dead. Then Hadad said to Pharaoh, "Let me go, that I may return to my own country."
. . . And God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer King of Zobah.  . . . Rezon was Israel's adversary as long as Solomon lived, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad.  I Kings 11:14-25

God is our Elevator, Provider, Protector and Sustainer. It is purely because of His great love and mercies that we are not consumed. His greatest desire is that we will freely love and obey Him. He wants our love for Him to be uncompelled and genuine. We don't force God to love us, neither should He force us to love Him. In fact, given the amazing love He has for us, we should never love Him out of compulsion. He cherishes a cheerful lover and a cheerful giver. That is the nature of true love. Such love results in a tremendous outpouring of favor from God.
Solomon was dearly loved and favored by God from birth because of the great love which his father David had for God.

God specifically said to Solomon, "As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father… But if you or your descendants turn away from me . . . then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple. . .  (I Kings 9:4-7)

The amazing thing about humans is that we have an unbridled propensity to self-destruct. Success and prosperity have a rather strange way of making us act as if we can do without the very God who sustains us. Even Solomon, the man of unparallelled wisdom, fell prey to this inexplicable human weakness. Very few people understand, like David did, that without God, we are nothing. That understanding alone is what would compel you to plead with God not to cast you away from His Presence. Solomon became nonchalant and strayed from God after he had been so blessed. 

God promises that, "If you listen carefully . . . and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. (Exodus 23:22) 
Without the protective hand of God, Satan has an entry point into our lives with all our other adversaries. Straying from God invites and strengthens the hand of our adversaries.
That is what happened to Solomon in spite of all the warnings from God. May that not be our lot!

PRAYER:
Father, please help me to stay continually close to you by walking in accordance with your word. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/10/a-heart-after-women-and-other-gods Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/10/a-heart-after-women-and-other-gods

On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods.
The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although He had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD's command.
So the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.
Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen."   I Kings 11:7-13

As I reflected over this passage of Scripture, I came to one conclusion: David, Solomon's father, was a man after God's own heart, and David's son, Solomon, was a man after women and other gods. When God confronted David with his sins, he was repentant and remorseful and asked God not to cast him away from His presence. But when Solomon was confronted with his sin of holding fast to foreign wives and serving other gods, he was recalcitrant. He did not repent. He went on to build places of worship for the gods of his foreign wives and most likely participated in worshiping with them since his heart had turned away from God.

The lessons from Solomon's life are numerous:
First: David seemed to have no control over his sons. Both Absalom and Adonijah lived in rebellion and brought harm, confusion and disrespect into David's household. Similarly, Solomon had household issues because he seemed to have lost "control" over his many foreign wives who succeeded in turning his heart away from the very God who had blessed him with wealth, wisdom and honor. He honored his wives over the Almighty God.

A basic requirement for leading God's people is that we must direct our households well. Failure to do this diligently, affects God's Kingdom agenda very negatively. It gives room for the Enemy to attack and destroy.

Second: The most important thing we can give to God is not a "Temple of Gold" but a "Heart of Gold." God is not as impressed with "Golden Temples," as He is with "Golden Hearts" that live in obedience to Him. Never allow what you give to God materially to replace "what you are to God" by way of obedience. God looks at the heart, not at the outside.

Third: An attitude of repentance is a big thing with God. David had a heart of repentance, but Solomon had a heart of disobedience. David followed God wholeheartedly but Solomon's heart was eventually turned away from God and did not repent when God confronted him about it.
How we finish our Christian journey is determined to a large extent by how repentant we are when we sin. When we sin, we must own up and repent. A repentant person finishes well. A defiant person never finishes well. Solomon did not finish well. His unrepentant attitude eventually led to a divided and decimated nation. Unrepentance leads to a decimated life!

PRAYER:
Father, please help me to continually live in genuine repentance so that I will honor you and finish well. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/09/going-against-god-the-beginning-of-the-end Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/09/going-against-god-the-beginning-of-the-end

King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh's  daughter -- Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, "You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after other gods." Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.
As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites.
So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done.  I Kings 11:1-6.

Solomon was extremely wise and wealthy but there was one vital area in which he did not exercise wisdom: his pursuit of women! God enriched Solomon with wealth and wisdom; but Solomon decided to "enrich" himself with the one thing God had forbidden him from touching: foreign women. Solomon built a magnificent temple laden with golden decorations for God and sacrificed countless numbers of sheep and goats but in the end his heart was not fully devoted to God. That was the beginning of the end for him!

So how was this downward spiral started? It is as clear as day: "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women . . . They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, "You must not intermarry with them, because they will turn your hearts after other gods." Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray."

Think about this: The God who created you and me is passionately committed to our well-being. He blesses without adding sorrows. The blessings will only invite sorrows when we attach things forbidden by God to those blessings. This has been the tragedy of humans since creation. God blessed Adam and Eve with every conceivable blessing in the Garden of Eden. There was absolutely no sorrow attached. Sorrow and curses and death were invited when Adam and Eve decided to "enrich" themselves with the one thing God had forbidden them not to touch: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. That was the beginning of the end for all humanity.

It is interesting that Solomon's wives gained control over him and turned his heart away from God as he began to grow old. This means that his heart was devoted to God for a long time in spite of the possible efforts by his many wives to turn him away from God. But he finally lost.

You see: God's word is true. When we start dabbling in things forbidden by God, we might still stand for a while -- even years -- but it is only a matter of time before we fall completely away from God. Going against God's word is always the beginning of the end, no matter how strong we think we are. Scrupulous obedience to God provides a solid ground that guarantees our continuous standing. Nibbling away at God's word with various excuses undercuts the very foundation upon which we stand. 

Question: Is there anything that is potentially turning your heart away from God? Run away from it because it will definitely derail you and bring disaster. The evidence in Scripture and in life, to that effect, is simply overwhelming. 

PRAYER:
Prayer: Lord, please search my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me. Help me to quickly turn away from it so that I will stand and not fall. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/08/how-rich-was-solomon Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/08/how-rich-was-solomon

Each year Solomon received about 25 tons of gold. This did not include the additional revenue he received from merchants and traders, all the kings of Arabia, and the governors of the land.
King Solomon made 200 large shields of hammered gold, each weighing more than fifteen pounds. He also made 300 smaller shields of hammered gold, each weighing nearly four pounds. The king placed these shields in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.
Then the king made a huge throne, decorated with ivory and overlaid with fine gold.
. . . All of King Solomon's drinking cups were solid gold, as were all the utensils in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. They were not made of silver, for silver was considered worthless in Solomon's day!
The king had a fleet of trading ships . . . Once every three years the ships returned, loaded with gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
So King Solomon became richer and wiser than any other king on earth. People from every nation came to consult him and to hear the wisdom God had given him. Year after year everyone who visited brought him gifts of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses and mules.
. . . He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses.   . . . The king made silver as plentiful in Jerusalem as stone. And valuable cedar timber was as common as the sycamore-fig trees that grow in the foothills of Judah.     I Kings 10:14-27 (NLT)

This is opulence at the highest level! Opulence that was not the result of human efforts but the product of a divine promise given by God to Solomon. The palace Solomon lived in took thirteen years to construct! Of course, it was built of the highest quality imported materials.
Solomon ate from golden plates, drank from cups made of gold and used golden knives and forks! Silver was considered of little value and they were as common as stones in Jerusalem.
Solomon lived in opulence because God richly blessed him.

So how rich was Solomon? Consider this: A ton of gold is worth over $64 million today. So Solomon received over $1.6 billion in yearly revenue from gold alone in today's money, outside of his many other sources of income. Solomon was a consultant with clients from all over the world who rewarded him handsomely with expensive gifts. He also had a shipping and trading enterprise that brought in lots of returns every three years in gold, ivory, and exotic animals. 

But all this can never compare with his greatest wealth and asset -- the God who was the source of his wealth. In the eyes of Solomon, his greatest wealth was his relationship with God. So, he wrote in Ecclesiastes: "I amassed silver and gold for myself . . . I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me . . . I denied myself nothing my eyes desired . . . Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind . . . "
"Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments . . . For God will bring every deed into judgment!" (Ecclesiastes 2:8-11 and 12:13)
So how wealthy was King Solomon? Very wealthy. But his greatest wealth was his relationship with God -- fearing God and keeping His commandments. That concluded it all for him!

The source of your wealth is more important than what you have in the bank because without the source, your wealth will dry up! God is your source of wealth because it is He who gives you the breath and ability to obtain wealth. Let your life be consciously and continually informed by this truth relayed by the wisest and wealthiest man who ever lived. Life without God is hopeless.

PRAYER:
Father, I thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed on me. Please help me to remember that you are my greatest blessing because without you, I will have absolutely nothing. 

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/07/may-your-life-evoke-praises-for-god Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:04:55 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/07/may-your-life-evoke-praises-for-god

When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan -- with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones . . . Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to  explain to her.
When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was very overwhelmed.
She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard.
. . . Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel."   . . . And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones.  I Kings 10:1-10

God appeared to Solomon and asked him to name anything he wanted. Solomon asked God to give him wisdom to accomplish his purpose as ruler of God's people. God was so pleased with Solomon's request that He said to Solomon: "I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for -- both wealth and honor -- so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings." (1 Kings 3:12-13)

In fulfillment of His promise, God gave Solomon unparallelled wisdom, wealth, fame and honor. The whole world heard about Solomon. Israel was at total peace and the people were happy.
The Queen of Sheba heard about Solomon's wisdom and wealth and she decided to visit Solomon to ascertain the truth for herself. She was simply dumbfounded. The words that escaped from her lips were: "Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth, you have far exceeded the report I heard."

The Queen of Sheba was so awestruck that she burst out in praise of Jehovah saying, "Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel."  She gave Solomon large quantities of gold and spices but she praised the Living God. She acknowledged the wisdom and wealth of Solomon but she did not praise Solomon -- she praised the LORD, Solomon's God. She praised the God who was the source of Solomon's wisdom and wealth. She came not just to see the wealth but also Solomon's "relationship with the LORD."  She wanted to know how a mere mortal could have such a relationship with God.


I believe God is very pleased when He hears others praising Him for what He has done with our lives. When we use our blessings, gifts, and talents in a way that honors God, it will evoke praises from others to God, and not to us. Let's live our lives and use our gifts, blessings, and talents in a way that draws attention to God and not praises to ourselves. The blessings God bestows on us should always cause people to stand in awe of God not of us.

May God be so delighted in you that He will place you on a mountain-heap of blessings, wealth, favor, and prosperity. May the blessings of God overshadow and overtake you. May God cause your life to exceed your expectations as you take delight in Him and walk in faithfulness.

PRAYER:
Father, please help me to make my life about you and not about me. Help me to live out my blessings in such a way that people will praise you and not me. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/06/how-is-the-promise-fulfilled-and-maintained Mon, 06 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/06/how-is-the-promise-fulfilled-and-maintained

When Solomon had finished building the temple of the LORD . . . the LORD appeared to him a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon. The LORD said to him:
"I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.
"As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did . . . I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father . . . .
But if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and I will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. This temple will become a heap of rubble. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and say, 'Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?' People will answer, 'Because they have forsaken the LORD their God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt . . . that is why the LORD brought all this disaster on them.'"  I Kings 9:1-9

God first appeared to Solomon and promised to bless him with wisdom and wealth because he had put God's kingdom agenda before his own needs. God fulfilled His promise and Solomon became the richest and wisest of all kings. Solomon built a magnificent temple for God.

For the second time, God appeared to Solomon and promised that He had consecrated the temple and put His Name on it forever. He promised that His heart and eyes will always be on the temple. But God also reminded Solomon that the continued enjoyment of His promises were contingent upon Solomon and the Israelites playing their part as well. Their part was to obey.

God cautioned Solomon: "If you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and I will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. This temple will become a heap of rubble." Again, we see the heart of God and the things that are dearest to Him. Obedience is God's dearest thing.

God desires to bless His children in astonishing ways, but His greatest desire is to have a close relationship with us. When we walk closely and faithfully with God, we don't even have to worry about our needs being met or blessings being bestowed upon us. Our paramount concern should always be to give God first place in our lives and walk obediently with Him.
That is how the Promises of God are fulfilled and maintained in our lives.

PRAYER:
Father, I thank you for the many promises you have made to me and the many blessings you have in store for my life. Please help me to put you first in all things at all times. Help me never to reject you or your word but to always love and honor you. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/05/jesus-is-risen Sun, 05 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/05/jesus-is-risen

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put Him!"
So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen . . . 
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white . . . They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" . . .
At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus . . . 
Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means "Teacher") . . . 
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!"   John 20:1-18 

"They have taken the Lord out of the tomb and we don't know where they have put Him!"
This was the perplexing response of Mary Magdalene when she discovered that the tomb where Jesus was buried had been "tampered" with. Somebody had rolled away the heavy stone that had been used to seal the tomb! So what could this mean? Where had the body of Jesus been taken?

She ran to inform Peter and John who promptly went to ascertain things for themselves. The tomb was empty! The cloth and strips of linen in which the body of Jesus had been wrapped were all neatly folded and left in the grave. The tomb was empty! So what had happened to the body of Jesus? Did somebody move it to a different location?

Mary did not have to wonder for too long. Our Risen Saviour appeared to her! The tomb was empty because Jesus had risen from the dead just as He promised He would. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead changed everything. Jesus had proven that He was God. He had power over life and death.This is the most important tenet of our faith as Christians -- the death and resurrection of Jesus. We have hope beyond the grave because Jesus died and arose to give us eternal life with God. Rejoice because Jesus is risen from the dead!

PRAYER:
Father, I thank you that because Jesus is alive, I will also live. I have hope beyond the grave because Jesus has overcome death. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/04/dedicate-your-blessings-back-to-god Sat, 04 Apr 2026 01:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/04/dedicate-your-blessings-back-to-god

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven and said:
"LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below -- you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. You have kept your promise to your servant David my father: with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it -- as it is today.
Now LORD, the God of Israel . . . May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive."    I Kings 8:22-30

After seven years of cutting down trees from Lebanon to the Mediterranean Sea, and floating them by rafts to the specified place of work; after thirty thousand men had taken turns in shifts of ten thousand a month to live in Lebanon and work on the materials needed for the temple; after a labor force of seventy thousand carriers, eighty thousand stonecutters, and thirty-three hundred foremen had all done their work; after numerous skilled artisans had labored to build the magnificent temple, King Solomon dedicated the temple to God.

In his prayer of dedication, King Solomon made some remarks that are very instructive.
First, with hands spread to heaven, he praised God and reminded Him that the temple that was being dedicated was the direct fulfilment of the promise God made to Solomon's father, David.
He worshiped God for being a Promise-Keeper.

After we have been blessed by God, it is easy to forget that the blessings are the direct result of our gracious Promise-keeping God. Often times we rush off to use and enjoy the blessings without taking time to really bless and honor God, and dedicate it back to Him who provides and sustains. The Bible makes it clear that every good and perfect gift comes from the hand of the Almighty God. Take time to bless God and dedicate every gift back to Him, not just on a one time basis, but continually as an act of worship. Lift up your hands to heaven and continually turn your life, your car, your home, your marriage, your children, your ministry -- back to the God who gave them to you. Such continual dedication will keep you humble and grateful.

Second, Solomon prayed: "May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day…"
Always remember to pray for God to protect the blessings He has given you. Ask God to watch over you and all He has bestowed upon you. Without God's watchful eyes, who knows what the "Enemy" might do. Dedicate all your blessings to the Provider God and ask Him to watch over you and all that He has blessed you with.

PRAYER:
Lord, I thank you for the gift of life and all that you have blessed me with. I dedicate it all to you today. Please let your eyes go to and fro to show yourself strong on my behalf. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/03/may-you-be-filled-with-the-glory-of-god Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/03/may-you-be-filled-with-the-glory-of-god

Then King Solomon summoned into his presence at Jerusalem the elders of Israel . . . to bring up the ark of the LORD's covenant from Zion, the City of David . . .
and King Solomon and the entire assembly of Israel that had gathered about him were before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and cattle that they could not be recorded or counted. 
The priests then brought the ark of the LORD's covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the Cherubim.
. . . When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled His temple. 
Then Solomon said, ''The LORD has said that He will dwell in a dark cloud; I have indeed built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever."  I Kings 8:1-13

The magnificent temple of God had been built and Solomon was about to dedicate it. The priests placed the ark of the covenant in the Most Holy Place after sacrificing a countless number of sheep and cattle. The priests then readied themselves to perform their duties but they could not, "because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled His temple." The "cloud" represented the presence and glory of God. As worship and sacrifice went forth, God filled the temple with His Presence. The "Cloud of Glory" came down.

During the travels of Israel in the wilderness, God filled the tabernacle Moses built with His cloud. He also led the Israelites in a Pillar of Cloud by day and a Pillar of Fire by night. The Bible gives this account: "Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out -- until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.”  (Exodus 40:34-38).

Without the Presence and glory of God, signified by the cloud, the magnificent building erected for God by Solomon would have been an empty place of worship. Without the Pillar of Cloud leading them in the wilderness, the Israelites would never have gotten to their intended destination in the Promised Land. A temple without the "Cloud" is spiritually empty. A people without the "Cloud" will accomplish nothing that glorifies God.

God does not intend for us to enter our places of worship without His tangible Presence. He does not intend for us to live our lives without His tangible Presence. The "Cloud of Glory" is essential to everything we do as children of God. That is why Moses declared that he would not go without the Presence; and that is why David pleaded with God not to cast him away from His Presence. 

So, is the "Cloud" with us in our places of worship? Are our lives overshadowed by the "Cloud"? Are our homes overshadowed by the "Cloud"?  Do we invite the "Cloud" into our jobs?
May your life be filled with the "Cloud of Glory." May you crave and dwell continually under the "Cloud."  Without the "Cloud," you and I are nothing but empty shells. The "Cloud" makes all the difference in our lives. May the "Cloud of Glory" overshadow you continually.

PRAYER:
Lord, without your Presence, my life will amount to nothing. Please fill me continually with your "Cloud of Glory" so that I can live and fulfill your purposes under your directives. Amen

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/02/it-s-about-obedience-not-the-building Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/02/it-s-about-obedience-not-the-building

In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites came out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel . . . he began to build the temple of the LORD.
. . . The word of the LORD came to Solomon: "As for this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, observe my laws and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father. And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel."
So Solomon built the temple and completed it . . . The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar, no stone was to be seen . . .
Solomon covered the inside of the temple with pure gold . . . he overlaid the whole interior with pure gold.  He also overlaid with gold the altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary.
. . . On the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees and open flowers. He also covered the floors of both the inner and outer rooms of the temple with gold.
. . . In the eleventh year in the month of Bul, the eighth month, the temple was finished in all its details according to its specifications. He had spent seven years building it.     I Kings 6:1-38.

The temple Solomon built for God was very opulent. The inside was panelled with very expensive wood and intricate decorative carvings all around. The inside of the temple was also covered in pure gold. Solomon also covered the floors of the temple with pure gold. It took him seven years to complete the temple. By all accounts, this was a very impressive building. The Creator of the universe, who had chosen Israel to receive His blessings and be called His people, deserved the very best temple on earth.

But, as impressive as the physical temple was, God made it clear to Solomon that what impresses Him most is not so much an opulent place of worship, but rather a yielded and obedient heart. So God said to Solomon: "As for this temple you are building, if you follow my decrees, observe my laws and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfill the promise I gave to David your father. And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel."

God's message to Solomon was clear: I am not as impressed with cedar and gold as I am with a heart that loves me enough to obey me. My promises will be fulfilled and my Presence will always be with my people if they love me enough to obey my word. Was God happy with the building? Yes, He was! But was the building an acceptable substitute to keeping the statutes of God? No, absolutely not! Obedience is always better than sacrifice!

It is easy to substitute obedience, which is the mark of true worship, with many external things that do not impress God whatsoever. We can give all kinds of material things to God but without living our daily lives to keep His word and do the things that bring true pleasure to His heart, all the things we do are meaningless. Our love for God is eloquently portrayed by our obedience.  

The word of God to Samuel, when He rejected the physically impressive Eliab from being anointed as king, was: "...The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b)

God will certainly call us to "build" things for Him. He certainly requires us to build for Him with our Time, Talents and Treasures. But beyond what we build for Him is how we live for Him. It's more about obedience rather than the Building.

PRAYER:
Father, thank you for the reminder that what impresses you most is the depth of my obedience to you. Please help me to worship you in Spirit and in truth by obeying your word. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/01/the-vision-will-be-fulfilled Wed, 01 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/04/01/the-vision-will-be-fulfilled

When Hiram King of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king to succeed his father David, he sent his envoys to Solomon, because he had always been on friendly terms with David. Solomon sent back this message to Hiram:
"You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD put his enemies under his feet. But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster.
I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the LORD my God, as the LORD told my father David, when He said, 'Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.'
So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians."
When Hiram heard Solomon's message, he was greatly pleased and said, "Praise be to the LORD today, for He has given David a wise son to rule over this great nation."
. . . The craftsmen of Solomon and Hiram and workers from Byblos cut and prepared the timber and stone for the building of the temple.    I Kings 5:1-18.

Building the temple to "host" the Presence of God was the most significant accomplishment of Solomon. It is interesting that Hiram, King of Tyre, remarked upon hearing of Solomon's desire to build the temple: "Praise be to the LORD today, for He has given Solomon a wise son to rule over this great nation." Hiram considered Solomon to be wise because he saw in him, a king who was seeking to "establish" a dwelling place for God amidst His people -- a place of worship.

Without hesitation, Hiram, extended help to Solomon by providing skilled workers to cut and prepare the timber and stone for that massive and impressive project that took several years to accomplish.

I find a rather interesting insight in Solomon's initial appeal to Hiram when he asked him for help. Solomon remarked that, "because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD put his enemies under his feet. But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster."

Many times, the vision we have from God can be delayed or even derailed because of distractions from the Enemy. Satan has numerous ways of waging war against us from all sides so that we are unable to focus on what God has placed in our hearts to do. But no matter how many attacks he, Satan, throws at us, God will ultimately give us rest on all sides so that His purpose for us will be fulfilled. God will ultimately put our enemies under our feet for His sake.

May God grant you peace and victory on all sides like He did for Solomon so that you can build what He has placed in your heart. May God bring you a Hiram who will supply all the timber and skilled workers you need to accomplish the vision He has given you.
Take heart, the vision will be fulfilled. Hiram and the resources are on the way.

PRAYER:
Father, I ask that you grant me the rest and the resources I need to accomplish the vision you have placed in my heart. Subdue every opposition so that I can have peace to pursue and accomplish that which you have called me to do. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/03/31/we-overcome-by-the-blood-of-jesus Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/03/31/we-overcome-by-the-blood-of-jesus

And there was war in Heaven:  Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.
The great dragon was hurled down -- that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 
“Now have come the salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night has been hurled down.
They overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;
They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short.”  Revelation 12:7-12 (KJV, NIV)

God gave the apostle John a privilege that is rarely granted to humans, and John was taken up into Heaven to see and witness very astonishing and even frightening things. John was given a picture of the spiritual warfare that took place in Heaven between God and Satan: “And there was war in Heaven, Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough and they lost their place in heaven.”

We see in this narrative, the reality of the “Spiritual Warfare” that exists between the forces of God and Satan -- the forces of good and evil. The powers of darkness are real and extremely destructive. They are bent on usurping the authority of God in every shape, form and fashion. They tried it in Heaven but they were defeated and cast down to the earth. The Bible says because he was defeated by God and cast down to the earth, “Woe to the earth . . . because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury because he knows his time is short.”

We can not close our eyes to the demonic activities that are so rampant around us now. Governments are killing their own citizens by the thousands to maintain power. Shootings are rampant in different parts of the world. Citizens go hungry while people in power and authority live in opulence and extravagance. There seems to be no compassion for the plight of the poor, needy and underprivileged. Even spiritual leaders take advantage of their flock. Jesus reminds us that Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. He is furiously doing that because his time is short.

So, how do we overcome the activities of Satan and his entourage? We overcome by the same means revealed to John: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb . . . “

Easter is a reminder that Jesus shed His blood to give us victory on earth over Satan just as the angels in heaven overcame him in heaven. Let’s stand strong and confident for we have been purchased and sprinkled with the precious Blood of Jesus.

May the powerful and unblemished Blood of Jesus speak and avail on your behalf. When the Enemy sees the Blood, He will pass over you and no harm will befall you. Walk in strength and confidence because you will overcome by the Blood of Jesus!

PRAYER:
Father, I thank you for the Blood of Jesus. I thank you for the victory I have through the Blood of Jesus. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/03/30/the-promise-fulfilled-wisdom-and-wealth-granted Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:02:40 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/03/30/the-promise-fulfilled-wisdom-and-wealth-granted

The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy. And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These countries brought tribute and were Solomon’s subjects all his life.
. . . During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in safety, everyone under their own vine and under their own fig tree. Solomon had four thousand stalls for chariot horses, and twelve thousand horses.  
. . . God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people in the East.  . . . He was wiser than anyone else . . .  And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five.
He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 
From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.  I Kings 4:20-34

How could one human exhibit such unparalleled wisdom and knowledge? Solomon’s breadth of wisdom and knowledge was simply astonishing: He spoke three thousand proverbs and wrote a thousand and five songs; he spoke about plant life, animals, reptiles and fish. Solomon was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge.

In addition to this astonishing knowledge, Solomon was also extremely wealthy and God granted the nation total peace. He also subdued the surrounding nations and they brought him tribute. So, how was all this possible? We find the answer in the biblical account itself: “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.”

You see: The Bible declares that “God is not human that He should lie; not a human being that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19). That is impossible. God will always do what He says if we follow what He commands us to do. God was pleased with Solomon and so He made a promise to bless him with wisdom and great wealth. And He did! 

As you walk faithfully with God, be assured that every promise you have received from Him will be fulfilled no matter how long it might take. The wait is never easy, but the promise is sure to be fulfilled at the appointed time.
Abraham waited for several years . . . but the Promise was fulfilled.
Joseph waited for several years . . . but the Promise was fulfilled.
David waited for several years . . . but the Promise was fulfilled.

Let me encourage you with these words of David: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait on the LORD.” (Psalm 27).
God fulfilled His promise to Solomon. God is not a man that He should lie. He will fulfill His promise to you. He will do more than you are imagining! Be strong and wait!

PRAYER:
LORD, Your Promises are “Yes” and “Amen.” Just as you fulfilled Your Promise to Solomon, I remain confident that You will fulfill Your word to me. Amen

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/03/29/wisdom-comes-from-god-ask-him-for-it Sun, 29 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/03/29/wisdom-comes-from-god-ask-him-for-it

Now two prostitutes came to the king . . . One of them said . . . "This woman and I live in the same house, and I had a baby while she was there with me. The third day after my child was born, this woman also had a baby.
. . . "During the night, this woman's son died because she lay on him. So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I your servant was asleep.  
. . . and put her dead son by my breast. The next morning, I got up to nurse my son -- and he was dead! But when I looked at him closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn't the son I had borne.”
The other woman said, "No! The living one is my son; the dead one is yours."
. . . Then the king said, "Bring me a sword." So they brought a sword for the king. He then gave an order; "Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other."
The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, "Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him." But the other said, "Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!"
Then the king gave this ruling: "Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother."  
When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.   I Kings 3:16-28.

God promised to give Solomon wisdom to rule His people and He did. Those were days when paternity and maternity could not be determined with a DNA test. So how in the world was the truth going to be determined in this very difficult case? It would take more than mere human reasoning. Divine insight and wisdom were needed.

Certain things are worth pondering over:
First, the heart of man can be desperately wicked. Out of jealousy, the prostitute whose child had died would rather watch her rival's child put to death than be given to the real mother. She was determined that her rival would not "prosper over her." She did not wish her well.

Question: Are you genuinely desirous to see your "rivals" blessed when things are not going well for you? Do you wish destruction upon their lives and their blessings?

Second: The profound ruling given by Solomon could only have happened because of the divine wisdom God gave him. The truth is we each need an infusion of divine wisdom in our daily lives. Wisdom is what enables us to make the right choices and decisions in this very sinful and complex world. Godly wisdom causes people to stand in awe of God and of us His children.

May your life be overshadowed by Divine Wisdom. May the complex be unraveled before you because of divine wisdom. May God grant you wisdom to guide your family, your ministry, your finances, and your business interests. May God grant you wisdom to deal with your enemies.
God promises to give us wisdom when we ask it of Him. (James 1:5).
Wisdom comes from God. You need it. Ask God for it.

PRAYER:
Lord, we live in an increasingly complex, sinful and litigious world. Please give me wisdom to live to please you in all I do and say. Amen.

]]> https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/03/28/when-you-put-god-first Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://renewalchristiancenter.org/blog/2026/03/28/when-you-put-god-first

Solomon showed his love for the LORD by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David . . .
The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices . . . and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon, the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart . . . Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.  . . . So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
The LORD was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice . . . I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for -- both wealth and honor -- so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience with me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life."   I Kings 3:3-14

Solomon started his kingship in the right direction: he showed his love for God by keeping the instructions given him by his father David. David had counseled him to walk faithfully with God so that the generational blessings promised by God to David would never cease in the family.
Solomon had seen David offer extravagant sacrifices to God and we see him as king following those footsteps. Solomon did not hold back from God. He put God first.

This is seen in the actions he took: He offered an extravagant worship of a thousand burnt offerings in one sitting on the altar. He did not hold back in giving to God. It was a spiritual statement to God that he was prepared to give the very best to God. His resources were to be put at the disposal of God. There is something rather deep and inexplicable about how the heart of God is touched when His children offer Him their very best. God was unquestionably touched by Solomon's sacrifice.

Almost as if to test how genuine Solomon's desire to put God first was, God appeared to him in a dream and asked him to petition Him for anything he wanted. Solomon responded by asking God for wisdom so that he could successfully govern the people of God. Solomon humbled himself and admitted that he felt very inadequate in the huge task of ruling God's people. God was so pleased with Solomon that He promised to give him both wisdom and wealth that would be unparalleled by any other king in his lifetime. Solomon put God's Kingdom Agenda first and God blessed him tremendously.

So, what do you ask for predominantly in your prayers? Money to pay your bills? Good health? A husband or wife? A good job? The defeat of your enemies? Do you ask God to use your time, talents and treasures to further His Kingdom? Do you ask God to use you sacrificially?

God has promised to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. There is nothing inherently wrong in asking God to meet our needs. But the words of Jesus must govern our lives: "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you as well." (Matthew 6:33).  Powerful food for thought. 

PRAYER:
Father, please help me to put you first in my Time, Talents and Treasures. Amen.

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