David gave his son, Solomon, the plans, the materials, and the encouragement to build the Temple for the Lord.  Isn’t this an excellent example of what fathers can do for their sons.

When David passed, the Lord became the Heavenly Father to Solomon, supplying him with missing guidance element.

Fathers are to give their children a good example of their Heavenly Father.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, in the way You and our earthly fathers have given us a pattern for good fatherhood, so use us to do the same for our offspring.

DAILY READING:  1 Chron. 26-8

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”  God sets the standard of giving by becoming flesh and taking away our sin.  The relationship we have with God through His Son becomes the foundation of all the relationships we have.  That’s why Christmas can be so special.  Surrounded by those we love, Christ becomes the supernatural glue that takes our time together over the top.

It’s so much more than the gift … it’s the look in the eye of those we love as they respond to the love we express through a gift.  Take time to give a glance at your Heavenly Father today.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, thank You for a season of giving and enjoying the relationships You give us through family and church friends.

DAILY READING:  1 Chron. 23-5

To further amplify the fact that God prefers that His presence be with his people, it is noted that the ark lived in tents, which were nomadic in nature, always accompanying the Children of Israel.  We carry His presence in the tent of our flesh.  “This my rest forever, here will I dwell,” declares the Lord through the Psalmist.

In the words of the Christmas carol, “O Come to Us, Abide with Us, Our Lord, Emmanuel,”  we again see God’s desire to be in and with His people.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, we place You in the center of all our Christmas plans. Let Your abiding presence crown our family gatherings and activities.

DAILY READING:  1 Chron. 17-9.  [Sorry. I neglected to publish this yesterday.  I am adding today’s reading.] 1 Chron. 20-22

The Ark of the Covenant in the OT was God’s presence and abiding place before the people.  David designated only the Levitical priests to carry the ark.  It was their responsibility and their sole privilege.

Peter clarifies that NT Christians are also priests unto God … all of us.  Therefore, it is our responsibility and privilege to bring God’s presence to bear on every situation of life.  He lives in us and disperses His power and presence through us.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, Your presence is my greatest treasure.  Let Your Spirit have control today, and make me sensitive to Your wishes.

DAILY READING:  1 Chron. 15-6;  2 Thess. 3

2 Thessalonians 2 addresses the “Man of Lawlessness,” a leader doomed to destruction, but with the power of Satan.  He will be received by those who reject the truth to rather believe a lie and enjoy their wickedness.  He will oppose God and set himself up to be God.

We are encouraged to stand firm in our faith in Christ, and to continue to demonstrate our faith through our lives, keeping a tight grip on the Christian teachings and traditions.  Christ Jesus will ultimately overthrow this man with the breath of His mouth.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, I trust Your power and Spirit to lead me and keep me in days of attacks on Your Kingdom.  Show Your mighty power through my life.

DAILY READING:  1 Chron. 12-4;  2 Thess. 2

It seems as though the faith of the Christians at Thessalonica grew in proportion to the trials they experienced.  God gives strength to us when we need it.  He reveals more of His mighty power and wisdom to saints who are actively engaged in the struggles of life.  Withdrawal shuts off faith.  Trust merits more faith.

As we grow older, we must rely more completely on God’s strength and ability.  As we recede, His gracious provision becomes more essential.  Then, He gets more glory.  That’s good.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, even though experience life’s challenges and get discouraged, I will trust You and ask You for the help I need to face each hardship.  You are my hero, my supplier.

DAILY READING:  1 Chron. 9-11;  2 Thess. 1

Christians are comforted to know that when the Lord returns to wrap things up, we will be “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air.  We who are alive will actually meet those who have died “in the clouds” and forever after be with the Lord.  Encouraging words.

It’s so easy to get depressed when we see troubling circumstances around us.  In those moments, we are encouraged to look up, for our redemption is getting closer.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, we trust in Your plan to deliver us from all evil and the tragedy that awaits those who reject You.  Give us a heart of compassion to share the Gospel with unbelievers.

DAILY READING:  1 Chron. 7,8;  1 Thess. 4,5

God demonstrated His ability to provide for us by the way He arranged for the Levites to be given cities and lands.  They took care of Him and He took care of them.

He gave us His Holy Spirit as a down-payment on our eternal residence with Him.  As Christ was raised into Heavenly places with His Father, so we have been lifted to be with Him as co-inheritors. (Eph. 1,2)

Our job … keep serving and pleasing the Lord by being New Testament priests unto God.  In the way that the OT priests lived to bless and serve the Lord, so we as NT priests can do the same.  I’m sure we won’t be disappointed with our inheritance.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, it hasn’t even entered my heart what You have prepared for me in heaven.  Thank You.  I will serve You with my whole heart.

DAILY READING:  1 Chron. 5,6;  1 Thess. 3

1 Thessalonians 2 gives inspiring insight into Paul’s ministry conduct.  Clearly, he was dedicated to offering the gospel message with the utmost of integrity, with the deepest of loving care, and with the most financial efficiency possible.

His example of servant leadership sets a high standard for us.  God deserves our wholehearted devotion to His purposes in the earth, Caring for His children is near the top of His list.  Doing God’s work, God’s way will be rewarded.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, we are honored to serve in Your Kingdom.  Open our eyes today to opportunities to please You and care for Your children.

DAILY READING:  1 Chron. 3,4;  1 Thess. 2

In his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul addressed them by saying, “We thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.”  Paul gave great value to each specific member of the church and evidently mentioned their name in prayer.

Each Christian you know has significance.  Consider them, pray for them, give significance to them in how you communicate to them.  Above all, love them and look out for them.  God does, and as you do, you are the hand of God to them.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, thank You for each brother and sister I have in Christ.  Let Your love flow thru me today to them.

DAILY READING:  1 Chron. 1,2;  1 Thess. 1