GOD'S WORD
▬ Character is the Tool that Builds Success ▬
December 28, 2023
Reverend Danny Rhoades
Good afternoon Brothers and Sisters! As we come together today, I want to share with you a story that reminds us of a significant moment in biblical history.
I was reminded of a time when I was a child. My father had an old box of tools that he kept in the garage. It was filled with wrenches, hammers, and screwdrivers that he had used for decades. I remember one day he took out one of the tools and said to me, “This is a special tool. I want you to remember that it is important to use the right tool for the right job.”
Today, I want to talk about the reign of Jehoshaphat, the thirteenth king of Israel who reigned for sixteen years (2 Chr 25:21) reads: "So Joash the king of Israel went up; and they saw one another in the face, both he and Amaziah king of Judah, at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah." This reign was marked by accession and character. And while the reign of any king in the Bible is significant, there are some important lessons we can take from this particular example.
First, we learn that accession isn't enough. It's not enough for a king to simply ascend to power; they must also be prepared to lead with character and integrity. Jehoshaphat is a great example of a leader who was both strong and wise. He maintained justice throughout his kingdom and was careful to follow the laws of God. He didn't let power corrupt him, and instead chose to lead his people with honor and humility.
Second, we learn that character matters more than success. Jehoshaphat wasn't an especially successful king in terms of material wealth or conquest, but his reign was still one of the most significant in biblical history because of his character. He chose to be a faithful servant to God, and that set an example for generations to come.
Finally, we learn that faith and obedience are essential for success. Jehoshaphat remained faithful to God and obeyed His commands despite the difficult circumstances. He trusted in the Lord's plan, even when it seemed uncertain or unclear. In doing so, he showed us that faith and obedience are essential for success in any endeavor.
My friends, today let us remember the lesson of Jehoshaphat: accession is not enough; character matters more than success; and faith and obedience are essential for success. Let us use the right tool for the right job, as my father once taught me. The right tool is faith, obedience, and character, and they will lead us into a successful and faithful future.
Today, let us remember: Character is the tool that builds success!
Dear God, I pray You would help us to be watchful in prayer so that we are always aware of what we are supposed to be doing, as well as clearly understanding what we are not supposed to be doing. Help us to pray without ceasing so that we can stand guard against every plan of the enemy against us.
God I also pray for myself this morning. I pray that You would help me to grow in my faith and love for You. I pray that You would help me to be a good witness for You in the world. I pray that You would use me to make a difference in the world. This I pray in the name of our Lord and Savor Jesus Christ, Amen
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