GOD'S QUEEN, THE APPLE OF HIS EYE

 GOD’S QUEEN. THE APPLE OF HIS EYE

1 KINGS 10:1-11

1 Kings 10:1-5

10 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. 2 Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan — with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones — she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, 5 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 overwhelmed. 

Someone is always watching you. They tell what you do. They

form opinions and pass them on to others. The bad and the good can spread like wildfire. We should live our lives for God so at least something good is said about our character.  As the song said

“Let's Give Them Something to Talk About”.

 

Your testimony about Jesus has the power to change lives, provide

New directions and bring hope for tomorrow. 

The testimony about Solomon spread throughout Israel and outside

Israel to other nations and countries. The Queen of Sheba is an 

An excellent example of the effect of the power of a testimony.

The Queen of Sheba live in Ethiopia some 1600 miles from the

Promise land. When the Queen heard about Solomon’s relationship

with the Lord and his wisdom, she made the trip to come and check him out for herself. Not only did she come, but she brought a caravan of gold, precious stones, and spices for an offering.

The Queen probably understood the importance of a relationship with

The King of Israel his power and the fact that Jerusalem was near the

main trade route to the Mediterranean Sea.

THE POWER OF THE TESTIMONY

When she HEARD.  When you serve the Lord, your reputation

precedes you. The word traveled by mouth to other countries.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Even those

who don’t know the Lord are affected by the work of the Lord. Your 

Testimony has the power to get people moving in a different direction.

THE INTRIGUED OF THE TESTIMONY

We are naturally curious. When we hear about something unusual, we

are moved to find out more information. Israel had a long History

Of success in battle over their enemies due to their relationship with

Their Lord. Let me suggest that it was Solomon’s relationship with the Lord and his wisdom that intrigued the Queen the most.

THE TRAVEL OF THE TESTIMONY

Keep in mind that Ethiopia is 1600 miles from Jerusalem. By car at 60

Miles an hour is 27 hours. Assume 50 miles a day by camel is 32 days of travel. For a queen who was accustomed to luxury, this distance was quite a journey.  I suggest that her reason for the journey was more than information but developing a relationship with Israel and the Lord. The Word of God knows no boundaries. What distance would you travel to learn about Jesus?

THE DRAWING OF THE TESTIMONY

No one can come to Jesus unless he is drawn by the Lord (John 6:44). God has a reason why the Queen of Sheba was included in this passage.  He does not tell us here, but we can get some insight from

The New Testament. 

Luke 11:31

31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here. 

This is evidence that she accepted God’s commands and was obedient to them. She developed a heart for God.

The Queen of Sheba may represent the gaining of knowledge, wisdom, and salvation through the study of God’s Word. A characteristic every believer must have for a growing relationship

With the Lord. 

THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE TESTIMONY

Any man/woman in Christ is a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). I believe the transformation begins when God draws us to Jesus.  The journey for

The queen began when she started her trip to Jerusalem. Her interest was changed from an interest in the world to an interest in the Lord. It is in the text;

1 Kings 10:6-8

The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. 7 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. 

When we study God’s Word we find that His wisdom far exceeds any

Knowledge we have in the world. God gives us insight into what is and

What will be in the future. No one knows what tomorrow will bring but

Lord who holds the future in His hands.

THE CONVICTION OF THE TESTIMONY

It is the job of every believer to proclaim the Word of God to all we come in contact with. The Word ought to draw us into a deeper study. 

The Queen took time to meditate on what she heard and developed a

Number of significant questions that would guide her decision to 

Accept the Jewish God as hers. Some historians believe she spent six

Months with Solomon before returning to Ethiopia. 

As believers. We have to prepare ourselves for God’s service by

Digging deep into His Word.

2 Timothy 2:15

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Every believer ought to have some study time and study partners.

The Queen of Sheba came to study the Word of God with Solomon

1 Kings 10:1-2

10 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. 

The study of the Word of God ought to lead us into deeper discussions. It is my belief that no study of God’s Word is complete

Without more questions. In other words, you cannot get to an end

Of studying God’s Word. Take a lesson from the queen;

1 Kings 10:8-9

8 How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 9 Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel.

The study of God’s Word will enlighten the mind and lead to the 

Praise of the Lord. 

It ought to give us joy to uncover the hidden secrets of the Scripture.

Our mind is too finite to understand the width and depth of God’s Word. 

THE UNITY OF THE TESTIMONY

The Word of God ought to bring believers together. We should all be on the same page. The queen traveled 1600 miles to study with 

Solomon.

1 Kings 10:9

Because of the Lord's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness." 

The queen of Sheba understood love, justice, and righteousness. She

Was satisfied in the Lord.  No nonbeliever will never understand God’s eternal love. It is foolishness to the world (1 Cor 2:14).

THE GRATEFULNESS OF THE TESTIMONY

We should always bring a sacrifice to the house of the Lord

As a show of our gratitude to His goodness.

1 Kings 10:10-12

10 And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones. Never again were so many spices brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. 

11 (Hiram's ships brought gold from Ophir; and from there they brought great cargoes of almugwood and precious stones. 

NIV

The Queen of Sheba was grateful for the knowledge she gained

From Solomon and for what eyes had seen and ears had heard.

GIVE AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU

The Queen of Sheba received more than money could buy, She

Received her salvation.

1 Kings 10:13

13 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for, besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned with her retinue to her own country. 

GOD TREASURES YOUR OFFERING

You will never know how God will use your offering or how it will be used to bring Him glory. Your offering is evidence of your love for the Lord.

1 Kings 10:11-13

 (Hiram's ships brought gold from Ophir; and from there they brought great cargoes of almugwood and precious stones. 12 The king used the almugwood to make supports for the temple of the Lord and for the royal palace, and to make harps and lyres for the musicians. So much almugwood has never been imported or seen since that day.) 

WE ARE THE APPLE OF GOD’S EYE

We must know and understand that all believers are the apple of

God’s eye.

Zechariah 2:8-9

 For this is what the Lord Almighty says: "After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you — for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye —   9 I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me. 

YOU OUGHT TO SAY IT TO THE WORLD

DON’T MESS WITH ME, I AM THE APPLE OF GOD’S EYE

GOD LOVES WOMEN, Juudge 4, 5

 GOD LOVES WOMEN 

Judges 4

Throughout the Bible, Old, and New Testament women have played key roles in God's divine plan for mankind. Including Eve, the birth mother of mankind, Noah’s wife and daughters the mothers of mankind after the flood, Sarah the mother of Israel, Mary the birth mother of Jesus Christ, and women spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today in the home, schools, the cooperate world, and all levels of government women play increasing roles. 

Today let's look at Debroah a Jewish woman and Jael a non-Israelite woman. Deborah and Jael were used by God to bring victory over the Cannaite army. 

GOD CHOSE A WOMAN TO GOVERN ISREAL

Debrah was the fourth Judge of Israel after the death of Joshua. She 

Was a woman of God, a prophetess, and judge. Deborah was 

Anointed by God 200 years after Israel came into the promised land.

After Joshua died God anointed judges to rule Israel. The people 

Of Israel had a history of idol god worship. rejecting God’s rule over

them and disobedience to God’s commands.  While the Judge

Lived the Israelites followed God with their mouths, but not their hearts.

When the judge died, they worshiped idol gods and fell into the hands

Of enemies of Israel. 

DISOBEDIENCE IS THE CAUSE OF YOUR TROUBLES

Judges 4:1-3

After Ehud died, the Israelites once again did evil in the eyes of the Lord. 2 So the Lord sold them into the hands of Jabin, a king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth Haggoyim. 3 Because he had nine hundred iron chariots and had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years, they cried to the Lord for help.

Israel’s disobedience was the reason for their 20 years of bondage.

God has a way of getting our attention. His discipline may be harsh but is also just and merciful.

GOD WILL COME WHEN WE CALL FOR HELP

Judges 4:4-6

4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. 5 She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided. 

NIV

Our past disobedient behavior does not preclude us from calling

On God when we have a problem. When we recognize our sins,

Repent, He is ready to hear our prayers.

God works through leaders He put in place to answer our prayers 

When God gives instructions we must follow them as He directs.

Judges 4:4-7

THE RESUME OF DEBORAH 

4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. 5 She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided. 

Notice how pleased God was with Deborah. When God is your focus, He will recommend you to the world.

       SHE WAS A PROPHETESS

       SHE WAS A WIFE

       SHE WAS A JUDGE

       SHE HAD A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

       SHE WAS OBEDIENT TO GOD’S COMMANDS

       SHE WAS AN EFFECTIVE LEADER

       SHE HAD THE RESPECT OF THE NATION

       SHE HAD A REPUTATION FOR BEING JUST 

 

OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S COMMANDS IS KEY TO SUCCESS

6 She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, "The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: 'Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor. 7 I will lure Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.'" 

The word GO is in Matthew 28:19. When God calls, our job is to go.

Notice it was God who set the Canaanite Army up for defeat. It was God who gave Israel the victory.  When we follow God we will be led

To victory. We will face trials but they are put in place to strengthen

Us.  

Notice, Deborah was married, but God chose her to lead, not her

Husband.  Notice, God chose another man to go with Deborah in battle, not her husband. There is no mention that Deborah’s husband was included in the men selected for battle. God is no respecter of person. God chooses thoes He can rely on.

Women are just as qualified to do what men do.  In this case much

More qualified 

IF MEN DON’T STEP UP, GOD’S GOT WOMEN WHO WILL

Judges 4:8-9

8 Barak said to her, "If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go." 

9 "Very well," Deborah said, "I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will hand Sisera over to a woman."

Notice God called Barak to go into battle. Barak only needed to respond to God’s command, but he refused to go without Deborah.

I don’t know what Barak’s problem was. He was a warrior and leader of the Israelite army. Let me suggest He was not confident in God.      even though he had courage in battle. In my mind, Deborah had to hold Barak’s hand to go against the Canaanite army 

In other words, Barak did not MAN UP.

The name Deborah means bee.   The name Barak means flash of lightning. Deborah had the power of God.  Barak was just following

orders. 

.

THE LORD CAN CAUSE YOUR ENEMY TO RUN

Judges 4:15-16

At Barak's advance, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled on foot. 16 But Barak pursued the chariots and army as far as Harosheth Haggoyim. All the troops of Sisera fell by the sword; not a man was left. 

The word routed here means disturbed. The Lord can disturb your enemy Into defeat. Why would  the commander of the Canaanite army

Abandon his chariot pull by a well-trained strong horse? Why did He

Abandon his troops?   When God is at work for you. He can cause the enemy to destroy themselves.

Notice God used the weather flooding a dry river bed to immobilize

The Canaanite 900 iron chariots. The answer is found in Debroah’s

Song in chapter 5

Judges 5:20-23

20 They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.

21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.

22 Then were the horsehoofs broken by the means of the pransings, the pransings of their mighty ones.

With the chariots stuck in mud and and legs of the horses broken, the

Canaanite army fled on foot.

GOD USES PEOPLE YOU DON’T KNOW TO WORK FOR YOU

Judges 4:17-19

17 Sisera, however, fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there were friendly relations between Jabin king of Hazor and the clan of Heber the Kenite. 

When God is for you, He will cause your enemy to run into a place

Of destruction. Sisera, being confused left His troops and ran to a place to hide.

YOUR HOSPITALITY CAN GAIN THE CONFIDENCE OF THE ENEMY

18 Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, "Come, my lord, come right in. Don't be afraid." So he entered her tent, and she put a covering over him. 

Judges 4:21

21 But Jael, Heber's wife, picked up a tent peg and a hammer and went quietly to him while he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died. 

The name Jael means wild goat which indicates her temperament. 

She was sympathetic to the Israelites because of the harsh treatment

Of the Canaanite King. She may have known the God of Israel and

Knew what had to be done. There is no mention that she consulted 

With her God or her husband before killing Sisera

God blessed two women with insight and desire to please Him

to accomplish His plan for Israel. I guess you could say 

Deborah built the coffin and Jael put the nails in it 

God has a plan for your success. All you have to do is show up

For the battle that He will fight.

GOD WILL FIGHT YOUR BATTLES

The enemy may be more powerful, more well-trained and have more

Men, but they are no match for God, Our Job is to trust in His Word

and follow His directions. Deborah trusted the Lord. Being Judge she could have taken charge. But God told her to add Barak to the team

She had authority, prestige, and respect, but she realized that God was in charge. Each of us has a role in God’s plan. God has planned your success in the battle.  We don’t know how He will do it. We must trust that He will do it

God may use people who are not related to you and you may not

Know to bless you. Jael was not an Israelite. Her family was at peace with the Canaanites. Jael knew God and who the enemy of God was.

The only information we have that Jael was God directed is found in

Chapter 5

Judges 5:24-27

24 "Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite,

most blessed of tent-dwelling women. 

25 He asked for water, and she gave him milk; 

in a bowl fit for nobles she brought him curdled milk. 

26 Her hand reached for the tent peg, her right hand for the workman's hammer. She struck Sisera, she crushed his head, she shattered and pierced his temple. 27 At her feet he sank.

Deborah’s name means bee. Jael’s name means wild goat.

God used a bee and a will goat to bring victory.

GOD IS ALWAYS IN CONTROL.  OUR JOB IS TO TRUST HIS

WAY OF BRING US THE VICTORY

 

REJOICING IN THE LORD, THE CHRISTIAN GUARDRAIL Philippians 3:1, 8-9

 CHRISTIAN GUARDRAIL, REJOICING IN THE LORD

Philippians 3:1,8-9

 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 

Philippians 3:4-10

If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. 

7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ — the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 

Verse 1. Rejoice in the Lord for it is safe

The Greek word for safe is asphales which means firm, immovable. Cannot be thrown down, make secure against harm

In other words, Rejoicing in the Lord is a guardrail. 

Rejoicing in the Lord makes me unmoveable, firm.

I can’t lose when I rejoice in the Lord 

When I think of a guardrail, I think of the railing on the side of a bridge that is there to keep you from driving off into the water below.   

Rejoicing in the Lord is a guardrail that keeps you from falling into the rabbit hole of the devil. If I get angry with you, I am in the rabbit’ hole of the devil. If I am envious, jealous, or proud, I am in the rabbit hole

Rejoicing in the Lord is the guardrail that keeps me out of the

Rabbit. Hole,  If I am thankful and grateful, my mind is intertwined 

With the Lord. I don't allow myself to get caught up in everyday drama. 

Pride was the original sin in God’s creation. Satan, then called Lucifer, an arch angel decided he could be like or replace God 

(Ezekiel 28:12       Isaish 14-12-15) God allowed Satan, the father of

Lies to influence the world to a state of darkness,, so He could

Bring His chosen to light.

The apostle Paul is a perfect example of a person who grew up

In darkness, but was brought to the light of Jesus Christ. Paul was born to be proud. 

Starting in verse 5, Paul describes his old prideful self as rubbish, 

In comparison with the knowledge of Christ

Circumcised on the eighth day(Jewish law), the tribe of Benjamin,

Hebrew of Hebrews (a true Jew with no Gentiles in his heritage), and a Pharisee separated from the common people to teach the law.  You could conclude that Paul was born with a gold spoon in

His mouth.  As for zeal to persecute the Church, there was none like Paul.  He had position, power, and authority,

                                                     COMPARISON

OLD SELF                                                                 NEW SELF IN CHRIST

Dogs of the world                                                    Sons of God

Confidence in flesh                                                 Confidence in Christ 

Workers of evil                                                         Workers of good

Rejoice in self                                                            Rejoice in the Lord

Knowledge of the world                                         Knowledge of Christ

Eternal Hell                                                                Eternal life

The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the Lord 

In the flesh, we are nothing more than a dirty rag. 

THE CHRISTIAN GUARDRAIL

How can we get out and stay out of our sad situation? We need to

Rejoice in the Lord with a knowledge of Christ.

What is this knowledge of Christ? 

1. Personal Knowledge   JOHN 3:16

You can’t save me, I must know Christ for myself 

2.  Intelligent Knowledge   2 TIMONTY 2:15

        15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that  

         needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

There are some Bible deceivers in the world. They will take a verse out of its context and make it their Gospel all the while denying the truth

3. Know Him as the word reveals     Romans 16:25

25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings…

4. Must know his attributes  Galation 5:22

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24

5. His works              1 Corinthians 12:6-11

          There are different kinds of working, but the same God works      

           all of them in all men. 7 Now to each one the manifestation    

           of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is      

             given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another   

            the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to      

            another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing 

              by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to 

               another prophecy, to another distinguishing between 

               spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,  

               and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  11 All 

               these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he 

                gives them to each one, just as he determines. 

6.    His shame    Hebrews 12:2-3

2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 

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7. His glory

John 15:8

8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

John 17:4-5

4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. 

8. An Affectionate Knowledge John 3:16

9.  Satisfying Knowledge

Matthew 28:18-20

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

An Exciting Knowledge

1 John 5:20

20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true — even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 

Elevating Knowledge

2 Corinthians 11:7-8

7 Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? 

BOAST IN THE LORD 

Knowledge of Christ gives us reasons to boast as citizens of heaven. We gladly boast in the following:

       JESUS AS A FRIEND

       JESUS AS MY SAVIOR

        JESUS AS MY INTERCESSOR

        JESUS AS MY SOURCE OF HOPE

       JESUS AS MY SOURCE OF PEACE

       JESUS AS MY SOURCE OF JOY

       JESUS AS MY SOURCE OF WISDOM

       JESUS AS MY PROTECTOR

        JESUS AS MY PROVIDER

        JESUS AS MY COUNSELOR

        JESUS AS SUPREME LOVE

Compared to my Knowledge of Christ, my worldly accompaniments and possessions are just garbage

MAKING DAILY REJOICING IN THE LORD MY GUARDRAIL

1. REJOICING IN THE LORD ALL DAY LEAVES NO ROOM FOR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS

2. REJOICE WITH THE PURPOSE OF GLORIFYING THE LORD

3. REJOICE INTENTIONALLY TO KEEP ME  LIFTED IN THE SPIRIT

4. REJOICE WITH A THANKFUL, GRATEFUL ATTITUDE FOR THE GOOD AND THE BAD

5. TRUSTING JESUS IN ALL THINGS