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]

2 Kings 20, 21

Hezekiah was obviously very proud of all the valuable accumulation of gold, silver etc. that was the property of the kings of Judah. He gave a prideful tour of the palace to special emissaries from Babylon. When the prophet Isaiah heard about it, he rebuked Hezekiah and foretold that Babylon would steal it all and haul it off.

We are putting ourselves in a vulnerable position when we become showoffs and prideful of our possessions. We have what we have ONLY by the grace of God. We are wise to be good stewards and care for our possessions responsibly. Truthfully, God owns it all.

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; [Ps. 24:1]

2 Kings 18, 19

Sennacherib, the ungodly king of Assyria, marched upon Jerusalem. He sent his ambassadors to make threats to the representatives of King Hezekiah in the fortified city. Hezekiah laid out the threats before the Lord and called upon Him to deliver him.

The way God saw it, Sennacherib was not just threatening Judah … he was making taunts against the Lord God of Heaven! God considered the threats insolence … rude and disrespectful behavior. In reply, God sent His angel who destroyed 185,000 warriors of Sennacherib’s army IN ONE NIGHT!

When we run to God when our enemies threaten us, they are messing with Him and not just us. He will defend. He will avenge us.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
    which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the Lord surrounds his people
    both now and forevermore.

Ps. 125:1, 2

2 Kings 14-17

To hear the history of the kings of Judah and Israel who did not worship the Lord is painful. Barbaric practices such as slaughtering sons and daughters for sacrifice and ripping open the wombs of pregnant mothers were some of the practices of leaders who forsook God’s ways. For this reason God withdrew His blessing and protection. He was always faithful to send His messengers to warn the wayward kings.

It’s imperative that contemporary Christians pray for our government leaders. Whether we agree with their platform or not, praying for them will have the greatest impact.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [1 Tim. 2:1-4]

2 Kings 11-13

During the reign of Joash, an ongoing collection of funds to repair the temple was being received. Joash asked the priests, “Why hasn’t the temple been repaired?” For whatever reason … probably sloth … it had not been repaired. However, at his request, workers were appointed and restoration began. They were so honest that the normal accountability of funds was foregone. It was the example of how church work should be done.

Integrity brings lasting honor to any person or organization.