January 18th, 1958                                      "Who Are Your Companions?"                                     Late Mr. N. Daniel

2 Chronicles chapter 18

There are certain forces which misguide those that do not fully trust the Lord. We must be careful to see if we are really trusting in God and keeping the commandments. Without keeping the commandments of God we have no right to expect His guidance. Jehoshaphat sent out teachers to teach his people the Word of God. He was the cause of a revival in the land. But after that Jehoshaphat sought affinity with Ahab. It was a great mistake that he should have gone and enjoyed the hospitality of Ahab. Jesus told his disciples that if they stayed in any home they should breathe their peace on that house. If the house was not worthy, their peace would return to them. Every house has its degree of the presence of God or the absence of God. One must be very careful. A Christian should never have any desire for publicity. A certain young man who was soundly converted used to associate himself with people in high position. He would not heed my correction. Now I hear he has brought great shame upon God.

Jehoshaphat had a matrimonial association with Ahab. Ahab suggested going out to battle. Jehoshaphat sought the counsel of a prophet of God. Ahab hated the prophet of God because he always prophesied ill of him. How can a man of God prophesy a good future to an idol-worshipper? The prophets of God are always in a minority. In Israel with Ahab it was 400 to 1. But heaven is always on the side of true prophets of God. If a man of God does not prophesy the word of God, he will become a sinner. Micaiah was slapped. Ahab was glad about it. It was his last day on earth. Even on that day Ahab did not want the word of God. He wanted a comfortable and a favourable prophecy.

The safest thing for a Christian is to do that which pleases God. There are many things which are not in God’s will. I Corinthians 6:12, "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be bought under the power of any." I Corinthians 10:23, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not."

A Christian always seeks to increase his faith in all things he does. Once you have found the truth you must grow, grow in faith. Your faith must be robust. Many will be blessed by your faith. Ann Preston made a mistake towards the end of her life. She began to go down. You must know God’s will regarding the place of your residence and fellowship. Do not think that a person with a big name can help you. Jehoshaphat ruined his home. You must be careful when you associate yourself with those that are not on par with you in faith. The most important thing to grow in faith is to be in the will of God. You must study the Word. Jesus had such stability, because He knew the Father’s will. Your associations, friendships, relationships, reading and playing must all edify you. Don’t trust your own mind. 400 prophets brought about the death of Ahab very quickly.

Don’t be afraid of poverty. Luxury spoils us, but poverty does not. He that doeth the will of the Father will be a strong Christian.