1 Chron. 17-19

When we see this phrase we immediately think of the Hallelujah Chorus. This was the promise gave to King David when he wanted to build the Lord a house to live in. God said He had lived in tents so long and He projected to the above prophecy about Christ Jesus, our Messiah. Stated was that God would live IN the hearts of men rather than a bricks and mortar (or canvas) building. That was is true and ultimate intent. From then on, the city of David became a name for the future Church. Zion is the true City of God and it’s in the hearts of His people.

This (Zion) is my resting place forever, for I have desired it (for a long time). [Ps. 132:14]

1 Chron. 15, 16

Because David failed to follow the process God had prescribed … the Levites carrying the Ark … Uzza lost his life. He in fact WAS a Levite but was of the wrong order to touch the Ark. God was leaving a message – when you come close to Me, do it the way I want.

Today, we don’t necessarily have shofars and Levitical vestments, nor are we required to. God DOES want us to come before Him with thanksgiving and singing. A grateful heart is critical. Instead of a heart focused on what we WANT, we should be focused on all that God has already provided.

1 Chron. 12-14

Newly anointed as King of Israel, David began amassing a significant army of warriors. These were the fiercest and most capable men in Israel, many of whom had served under King Saul. Whenever a band of soldiers would approach David to join him. he would demand that they pledge complete and undivided loyalty to him. He could not have men with mixed motives standing behind him. This led to a time in Israel where there was great joy and unity of purpose.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. [Ps. 133]

1 Chron. 10, 11

Saul made some grave errors in the last days of his reign. He consulted the evil witch of Endor instead of the Lord when facing the Philistines in battle at Mt. Gilboa. Sadly, he and his sons lost their lives on that mountain. His body was shamed and his head and armor were displayed as trophies. This was the sad ending for a young man to whom God had given a marvelous opportunity to lead.

When healthy habits of devotion to the Lord are established in a young person’s life, they have a better chance of surviving the challenges of our society. Parents and youth leaders are wise to cultivate regular habits of Bible reading, study, and prayer that will give lifelong spiritual sustenance.

Man cannot live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God. [Matt. 4:4]

1 Chron. 7-9

Today, a departure from the above text … it’s nothing but names and names and names.

A Prince is the son of a monarch. Jesus is often referred to as the “Prince of Peace.” He rules over its domain. True peace ONLY comes from Him.

Children have peace when they know their parents are near. The frightened look my granddaughter gets on her face when she can’t find her mother tells the whole story. When she finally finds her, she buries her face in her mother’s shoulder and displays a warm grin when she comes up for air. God wants to give us this reassurance at all times … knowing He is near to protect, guide, encourage, and inspire. This is peace.

Another Biblical concept of peace is “Shalom.” When your bills are paid, you have shalom. When you owe, you don’t have it. Peace means “everything is made right.” That’s what Christ did for us on the tree. He took away the reason for our unrest when paid the penalty for our sin.

Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace.

1 Chron. 6

Upon hearing the account of how cities were allotted for the Kohathite music leaders in the worship system of Judah, I think back of God’s faithfulness to me and my family.

As a young worshiper employed by the church to serve in music, I figured I would never be a wealthy man. That was entirely OK. Looking back, I can gratefully say God has ALWAYS provided a suitable living and gracious places to live, just as He did for the Old Testament Levites who also served in music.

One memory is of our first staff apartment when we were with CFNI in Dallas. Across the street from us was an apartment complex that had frequent visits from the police. Our neighbor had his kitchen door penetrated with bullets. Yet, all of us slept in bedrooms facing the street with our heads near the windows. We never had a scratch.

Yes, we’ve moved more than our share of times, but we always had a nice place to live. Early on, God told me He’d give me a place to live if I gave HIM a place to live … in my heart and life.

You are holy; You make Your home on the praises of Israel. [Ps. 22:3 The VOICE]

1 Chron. 4, 5

Tucked into the genealogy of the Jews is a request that one man made of God: “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my borders! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from evil, so that I will not experience pain!” God granted him what he prayed for.

This passage was the key subject text of Bruce Wilkinson’s 2000 book, an international best-seller with over 9 million copies circulated. The passage reveals a boldness God rewards when asking for a life of impact.

What is your prayer concerning the impact your life will have. You can copy Jabez’s prayer, or let God’s Spirit lead you into a prayer pattern that will fit your life pursuit into His design for you.

Yet, my brothers, I do not consider myself to have “arrived”, spiritually, nor do I consider myself already perfect. But I keep going on, grasping ever more firmly that purpose for which Christ grasped me. My brothers, I do not consider myself to have fully grasped it even now. But I do concentrate on this: I leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead I go straight for the goal—my reward the honor of being called by God in Christ. [Phil. 3:13,14 J.B.Phillips]

1 Chronicles 1-3

Chronicles accurately lists the names of the forefathers of Israel. They all obviously had significance enough to have their name mentioned for us to read thousands of years later. If a similar account was being held today, your name would appear.

You have significance. The life you live determines the character associated with your name. All our deeds are recorded and will be revealed at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Thankfully, our sins will have been erased by the blood of Christ’s sacrifice. We have precious few days to establish a record that will exist for eternity.

Everyone who has been wise will shine as bright as the sky above, and everyone who has led others to please God will shine like the stars. [Daniel 12:3 CEV]

2 Kings 24, 25

Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, conquered Jerusalem and looted everything of value. He even led off its army of fighting men. From this period of disgrace and contradiction we gain the writings of Daniel and other significant prophets. Yes, although the national complexion was vastly different, God was not hindered in relaying His message and accomplishing His eternal goals.

With every regime change there is apprehension in the hearts of many. Nevertheless, GOD IS NOT HINDERED. No vote can deter His purposes and plans. The wisest posture is one of prayer. Many times, prayer is the ONLY thing we can do, and it is often the BEST thing we can do.

The battle is not ours, it’s the Lord’s. [2 Chron. 20:15]

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. [Jer. 29:7]

2 Kings 22, 23

Josiah was a standout king. He found God’s law and followed it implicitly. Because of his obedience, he held off God’s judgements which were due to Judah because of the grave sins of his predecessors. God allowed him to have peace until his death.

God keeps book on our lives. When unforgiven sin accumulates, there must be a payday. If there isn’t, God owes an apology to all who were condemned and lost their lives.

Through the blood of Christ Jesus, we have a new and living way to reap God’s mercy and blessing. The sting of death has been removed. We are promised an eternal life with Christ in Heaven where we will enjoy pleasures untold. Those who reject Christ to enjoy the pleasures(?) of this life are foolish.

I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, [Phil. 3:8]