Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 25 & 26
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
King David continued his end-of-life directions. He gave more assignments for worship and leadership. Some were assigned to prophesy. This is usually understood to mean that they used their voices to give God glory as they served Him. As they sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit they would sing and play music to worship the Lord. Music was an important part of their worship.
David also organized many parts of the function of the city and nation. He made assignments for the gatekeepers. He also assigned those who would look after the treasures of God’s house. Finally, here, he gave assignments to officers and judges. As he was coming to the end of his life, King David was striving to have everything in order in the nation.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I’m thinking about the assignment of those who would use their musical talent as part of the worship in the temple. Music is an amazing gift God has given to people. It is a powerful and moving force. When I think of it, God could have created the world and make all sounds similar and monotone. He could have given no voice to birds who sing and chirp and add much to life. He could have not created instruments with beautiful sounds. We could be missing the amazing combination of instruments that we hear in orchestras and bands. He could have not given people the ability to sing. But, how much would be lost without music. This is a wonderful gift from God. We are privileged to use music as a part of our worship to God. The Psalms are filled with songs of praise to God. What a great gift God has given us.
3. How can I help someone?
Seek God and find your place of service. We all don’t do the same things, but we all can do something for God. Whatever you do, do your best for God.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 23 & 24
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
As King David came to the end of his life, he appointed his son, Solomon, to be the king to succeed him. He also did something very important, he gave direction to the Levites to oversee the worship of the Lord. He established the foundation for the spiritual leadership of the nation. They were to lead the nation in worshiping God. David helped establish the organization of the priests and their responsibilities. While this may seem routine and even slightly boring to read through (I know many have had that thought) these chapters show an important foundation for the nation. As long as they really submitted and served the Lord they received God’s blessings and protection.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God has a plan for people to worship Him. The prophets pointed forward to the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled those prophecies. We have the privilege of serving and worshiping Him. God is looking for faithfulness in those who call on His name. Just as King David gave directions for leading the worship, the Bible gives us guidance for our worship today. We must all seek to follow that and live a life that is close to Jesus.
3. How can I help someone?
How close can you get to Jesus? Do your best to keep getting closer and living in obedience to Him. You will never regret it.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 21 & 22
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
When things start to go really well, be on guard. King David was having many successes as the leader of the nation. That is when the enemy came in and began a battle in his mind. Satan is the enemy and accuser and must always be rejected. David was caught up in pride at all that was done in the progress of the nation. He was caught up with how important he was as the king. David lost his focus on what was really important and on fully trusting God. He was being drawn into self-sufficiency and believing he was superior to all the rest.
When David finally realized his sin, he did repent. We see an important principle here as David refused to make a sacrifice to God that cost him nothing. Sin always extracts a cost. It is not sacrifice if it doesn’t cost something. David admitted his sin and repented.
We also see that David’s heart to build a beautiful place of worship was still strong. While God prevented him from building it, he was gathering the materials so his son, Solomon, could complete the project.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
While I must never elevate myself in my mind to a high position and be drawn to the place of pride that was David’s downfall here, I must also never go the other direction. I must not think too little of myself and believe that nothing good will happen. God took David from the back field and made him the king. David became a mighty warrior and leader. God can do anything through anyone. God has no limitations.
One passage stood out as I was reading these chapters. One translation says that David, in collecting building materials for the temple, gathered nearly 4,000 tons of gold, 40,000 tons of silver, and so much iron and bronze that it cannot be weighed. That is hard to comprehend. This says that God has no problem providing for what He has planned. I need to always fully trust God.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people keep their focus on God, on who He is, and what He will do and provide. Refuse to let pride take over. Refuse to listen to the tempter. Be fully open to all God has. Let God take you to the place where you will be successful, as God defines success.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 19 & 20
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
A battle developed that didn’t need to be. It came because there were people who didn’t think it was possible for the king of one nation to have kind feelings towards the king of another nation. They didn’t think King David of Israel could care about the death of King Nahash. When David sent messengers of condolence to Hanun, Hahash’s son, the Ammonite princes convinced Hanun to treat the representatives of Israel in a shameful way. We see the hearts of the Ammonite princes. They were filled with self and didn’t understand the love of God. They were thinking of what they would do if the roles were reversed. Their selfish hearts would not have cared about King David’s death. This set up a battle where thousands were killed. It all could have been avoided.
King David continued to have military success and superiority. Yes, we know that David had many failures. The author of this book is pointing out the good things that happened when David was living in obedience to God.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
When a person is living with God in their heart, when they are in submission to God’s ways, they have a heart to do kind things for others. A person may have differences with another, but they can also give help and compassion in spite of the differences. The Ammonites didn’t understand King David’s compassion. I want to be a person of compassion to others.
3. How can I help someone?
Look for the hurts of others. Understand that you can help. When you need help, receive it from those who have a genuine heart of compassion. A ministry of helps brings many people together and can set up a relationship of peace for the future.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 17 & 18
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
King David was known as a man after God’s own heart. One day he was thinking that he was living in luxury and that there was not a special place prepared for worshiping God. After talking with Nathan the prophet, David began making plans for building a house of worship. God told Nathan to tell David that he was not to do it. David’s son would build the temple at a future time. David prayed a prayer of praise and thanks to God. And, he obeyed the command to not build a house of worship.
We see here many of King David’s military conquests. He was very successful in defeating many enemies and establishing his kingship. He conquered many kings and took prisoners.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
It is always best to serve and obey God. We see here that David did this. Two times in chapter 18 we see the statement “So the LORD preserved David wherever he went”. Because David was being faithful and obedient he had God’s help. The other nations saw God’s power on display. It is important to learn from illustrations such as this to be faithful and obedient to God. These stories of godliness are encouraging. We hear so many negative illustrations that I appreciate the positive.
3. How can I help someone?
Can you see what David did here? Can you see that he cared about God and wanted to do what would honor God? Can you see his obedience? Can you see his victories? Then recognize how he had them. He was obeying God. Follow this example.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 15 & 16
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
King David prepared a place in Jerusalem for the Ark of God. This ark represented the presence of God. In this ark they saw God’s power and mercy and the fact that God had provided for them. David longed for the nation to return to placing God first in their lives and for the nation to return to the relationship with God they once had. Bringing the ark to Jerusalem showed this. David was aware of the previous mistakes in transporting the ark back and so this time he made sure they did it the right way.
This returning of the ark was a major celebration of victory and giving God the worship He deserves. David told the Levites to sanctify themselves so they could bring the ark back. They needed to be sure they were separated from anything evil, from anything that offended God. God’s desire is that all believers live a life separated from active participation in sin.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Giving God the worship He deserves is very important. We see that David understood this. The act of returning the ark was not simply a time to move the ark to a new location. It was a time of worship. It was a powerful worship service as they sacrificed to the Lord. They gathered all the best musicians and used this music to honor God. It was a time of great rejoicing. They worshiped the Lord in the beauty of holiness. From their hearts that they had sanctified they worshiped the Lord.
I find the last verse of chapter 17 a powerful illustration of what happens when we really worship the Lord. David went home to bless his house. Spending time in God’s presence changes a person for the better and they have a positive impact on those around them. I wonder what would happen if everyone spent time often really giving God the worship He deserves. I wonder the changes that would result in the homes where people live. It would change the world.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people, especially those who are believers in Jesus, to see what worship is. While worship is a popular topic, I sense that many don’t really understand what it is. It is not just singing some choruses. It is focusing on God and bring all the honor and glory to Him. It is expressing God’s great worth.
1 Chronicles 16:24-25 NKJV 24 Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. 25 For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is also to be feared above all gods.
Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 13 & 14
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Under King Saul’s reign, the Ark of the Covenant had basically been neglected. It represented the presence of God. Neglecting God and His presence is always a bad sign. King David consulted with his leaders and they decided to bring it back to Jerusalem. This was a time of great celebration and rejoicing. They were celebrating with all their might. It was a great worship service to honor God. For some reason they didn’t transport it the way God had instructed. They put it on a cart. When one of the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the ark and, because this was against what they were to do, God struck him dead right there. There was an extreme change in everyone there and David got angry at God. They left the Ark at the home of Obed-edom for three months.
In chapter 14 we see a contradiction in David’s life. On the negative side, David took several wives. This was against the commands for the kings. This eventually brought him many problems. On the positive side, when the Philistines attacked, David sought the Lord for direction what to do. God gave them victory when David obeyed.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Even when we don’t fully understand, it is important to do things God’s way. They should have transported the Ark by carrying it, not on the cart. David should have not had multiple wives, even though it was a cultural thing among the nations of the area. When David asked God’s directions regarding the Philistines, things worked out well. Ask God.
3. How can I help someone?
Keep on asking God for direction and help. Keep on trusting that God will show you His way for your decisions. Don’t assume you know what God will say.
