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.

1 Chron. 17 [The Message]

This promise was to David and to his son, but prophetically to Christ and His followers … God will mow down all our enemies as we watch. We are engaged in a warfare that’s not typical. Our weapons are not for self defense / they are offensive and they are spiritual. No guns in this army. We lift up our voice in praise to God and HE consumes our enemies. There is NO TIME in the Bible where God has failed to defend His own. He ALWAYS comes through.

How does this translate? When we are confronted with an enemy attack, we withdraw and lift our hands to God in praise and prayer and acknowledge His greatness OVER our enemies and watch Him work. All of the Psalmist’s references to victory in battle belong to us when we praise the Lord and exalt His greatness above our enemy.

 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;  To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;  To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;  To execute upon them the judgment written: THIS HONOR BELONGS TO ALL THE SAINTS. (this honour have all his saints). Praise ye the Lord. [Ps. 149:6-9]

1 Chron. 16. [The Message]

There’s a popular new praise chorus in churches today which says, “Day and night, night and day let incense arise.” This captures the essence of David’s command to the Levites and children of Israel. He wanted the Tabernacle worship to reflect his personal devotion to God.

A big reason for having your devotions in the morning is that it gives you the chance to continue throughout the entire day. God does not shut off his communication and presence with us. He maintains his loving awareness and support and help to us on a 24-hour basis. It makes sense to reciprocate by giving him our heart, our praise, and our prayers around the clock.