2 Chron. 1 [The Message]

My son-in-law took my place as the Head of Trinity Christian School. My prayer every day is, “God, give him wisdom to rule.” Wisdom has been defined as “Insight into the true nature of things.” His authority covers 160+ staff members, 1600+ students, and hundreds of families who send their children to Trinity Christian School.

Solomon asked for wisdom and God said, “Because you asked for wisdom, I will give you everything else as a bonus.”

Leaders make decisions that affect the lives of so many. It’s critical that they have God’s wisdom and insights on matters needing their attention.

We also should pray and ask God for wisdom for our elected officials. Whether they heed God or not, we should do our part and pray. It’s just about the only thing we can do and it’s the BEST thing we can do.

1 Chron. 29 [The Message]

As he described the process of accumulating the building materials for the new Temple, David expressed his gratitude to his subjects for their generosity in giving to the project. He made a profound statement when he said, “We are merely returning some to the One Who first gave to us.” When we put our wealth in perspective, what do we have that we didn’t first receive. As freely as we have received, we should give. There’s great joy in giving!

Happy Easter to everyone! Christ is the first-fruits of resurrection life. Because HE LIVIES, we too can LIVE.

1 Chron. 29. [The Message]

Our church meets in a gym. I recently spoke to a misguided man who felt that a nice sanctuary would please the Lord more. I had the chance to tell him that WE are the tabernacle of God. It’s not a bricks and mortar structure that he’s concerned about. The great cathedrals of Europe sit empty and are merely tributes to architecture, form, and their designer or the religious group that uses them.

1 Chron. 27, 28 [The Message]

It’s clear when reading these chapters that David was well organized. He was a master at delegating and had leaders in charge of every portion of the Kingdom. Military, administrative, custodial etc. He was the CEO of a large operation.

We think of David as a musician, warrior, praise-leader, but he was much more. He was inspired to design his own house AND the new house for God. He transferred the plans to Solomon to complete. He was quite accomplished in all parts of his life.

God had equipped him to become king. He had the tools necessary to become the most beloved leader until the coming of Christ.

Our lives are opportunities for us to apply the skills God has given us to serve and make a living. A big question that needs to be answered is.”What did God EQUIP me to do?” rather than, “What do I WANT to do?!” I have found that people are most happy and rewarded when they are using their God-given gifts as a vocation.

1 Chrn. 25, 26 [The Message]

David’s worship ministry was evidently a highly organized operation. Scripture says the Levites were all masters at what they did … maybe the equivalent of a Masters degree. They obviously took their appointments very seriously and did all they could in life preparation to give God their best.

Important items were the security and stewardship of all the effects involved. Very valuable pieces of gold, silver, and bronze were used and accounted for in the Temple worship. The instruments David either designed or authorized were the very best. It was a first-class operation.

This philosophy can be applied to today’s worship. We don’t worship or glorify temporal items but we USE them to worship the God Who gave us HEAVEN’S BEST … JESUS!

1 Chron. 23, 24 [The Message]

Because of what Ezekiel said about Zadok in Ezek. 44, they are my favorite tribe of priests in the OT. “‘But the priests who are Levites and descendants of Zadok took care of my Holy Place when Israel left me, so they may come near to serve me. They may stand in my presence to offer me the fat and blood of the animals they sacrifice, says the Lord God.” [Ez. 44:15 NCV]

They KEPT their devotion to the Lord when others abandoned Him. They obviously had seen God’s beauty the way all else had not. When we truly SEE Him and His beauty and His power, we too will enact this type of worship and devotion. It makes getting up early to spend time with Christ seem worth it.

What was their reward? Christ gave HIMSELF to them. When you have Jesus, you have it ALL. (He owns it all)

1 Chron. 23 [The Message]

The descendants of Aaron were called the Levites. They were permanently assigned to minster to the Lord with these duties … “maintain courtyards and closets, keep the furniture and utensils of worship clean, take care of any extra work needed in the work of worship, and provide bread for the table and flour for the Meal Offerings and the unraised wafers—all baking and mixing, all measuring and weighing. Also they were to be present for morning prayers, thanking and praising God, for evening prayers, and at the service of Whole-Burnt-Offerings to God on Sabbath, at New Moons, and at all festivals. They were on regular duty to serve God according to their assignment and the required number.” [1 Chron 23:28-31]

As New Testament kings and priests unto God, we are responsible to make God happy with our service to Him. It’s our life calling. We were born into it through the Blood of Jesus. Actually, any time we do any of the above listed tasks, we are doing them as unto the Lord. Wherever we are is our duty assignment. Let’s take our lives seriously and please the Lord with our service.

1 Chron. 20-22. [The Message]

My mentor, Moses Vegh, would say, “Dean,your arrows will go farther than you do.” He was adapting his saying from the verse that says ” Children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man. ” [Ps. 127:4] I personally don’t know any God-fearing father who doesn’t want to see his children and grandchildren do more for God than he does. For me, Godly success far outweighs financial or career success. As long as my children’s needs are being met, I prefer to focus on praying that they would apply their energies to being devoted to the Lord and giving their service to him.

“Only one life, so soon it will pass. Only what’s done for Christ will last so give to Jesus all your days, it’s the only life that pays when you recall you have but one life.”

1 Chron. 18,19 [The Message]

David not only slew Goliath but also his brothers. One giant he slew was so big, he had 6 fingers and 6 toes on each limb. Talk about unusual!

What’s your giant? Regardless of the foe, David ALWAYS maintained a courageous demeanor. He never turned back from any foe. Lions are like that. They will turn from no one. Christ Jesus is called the Lion of Judah and is up for any struggle you may be facing.

He’s the Lion of Judah. Hear the Lion roar.

1Chron. 18. ]The Message]

Nepotism is not a popular concept in churches, governments, businesses etc. However, the Bible is full of it. David’s sons were all given positions in his regime. The Levites were commissioned to train up their children to serve in God’s house. Paul considered Timothy his son in the gospel. God gave the universe to his son, Christ Jesus.

One of the benefits of nepotism is loyalty, hopefully. David’s son Absalom was not loyal.

The providence and calling of God upon the lives of our sons and daughters is an important consideration. Christian parents carefully and prayerfully guide and support their children in their career choices. Seeing a god-given skill set in your son or daughter helps the process. We work with God, not against him.

George Frederick Handel’s father wanted him to follow in the family business – medical doctor. God had other plans.