Satan tempted David to sin by numbering the army of warriors in Israel. God wants us to trust in Him rather than numbers. The price to pay was enduring a plague among the people. David was forgiven because of the sacrifice for his sin, but suffering happened anyway.

Our sin can be forgiven, but consequences often cannot be stopped. The lesson learned; sin brings death and undesirable consequences, but following God’s ways is less painful.

DAILY PRAYER: Jesus, Your blood can cleanse us from our sin. Be merciful to us for our failures.

DAILY READING: 1 Chron. 20-22

Although God permitted David’s son, Solomon, to build a temple for worship, the real truth to be discovered is that God dwells in the hearts and lives of men rather than in brick and mortar buildings.

Jesus declared, “The kingdom of God is within you.” [Luke 17:21]

Paul related, “Don’t you know that YOU are the temple of God…?” [1 Cor. 3:16]

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, live in me today. Let Your Holy Spirit emanate from my life and touch others.

DAILY READING: 1 Chron. 17-19

When the Ark of the Covenant was being brought back to Israel, it was left at the home of Obed-Edom for 3 months. There its very presence caused blessing upon him and everyone associated with him.

God’s presence in our lives has that effect. We live under a cloud of God’s blessing. It’s His good pleasure to give us His Kingdom because He loves us.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, as Your presence lived where the Ark was placed, so we invite Your presence today as we praise You.  You are GREAT!

DAILY READING: 1 Chron. 13-16

David’s great men were listed in 1 Chronicles. They were proved in battle, and had stories of conquest and victory which would rival any movie themes on TV today. Such was Benaiah who killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day. [1 Chron. 11:22]

Warriors still exist. New Testament Christians accept that “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they are mighty through God to the tearing down of [spiritual] strongholds.”  [2 Cor.10:4,5] We rely upon prayer and praise to do our battle against ungodliness.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You are the Mighty One and You defeat our enemies as we call out to Your Name and give You praise.

DAILY READING: 1 Chron. 10-12

Upon considering the long lists of geneologies in the historical books of the Chronicles, one distinctive stands out. It’s the mention of “Positions of Trust” given to men who either guarded or ministered in the tabernacle. Ability, appearance, nor ambition were criteria. Trust was the focal priority.

My wife’s brother was offered an Executive VP position in the largest candy company in the world.  He once asked one of the owners why he was favored over more highly qualified candidates. The owner answered, “Because we knew we could trust you.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You are worthy of our total trust. Work Your trust in us so we can be faithful.

DAILY READING: 1 Chron. 7-9

When I was a young minister, I thought we would never make enough salary to ever own a home. The Lord showed me that He would give me a place to live if I gave Him a place to live … in my heart and life. As the Levites were given towns and lands to inhabit, so the Lord has always provided a very comfortable place to live for me and my family. The Lord is faithful.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, Your faithfulness is overwhelming. Use my life to be an example of Your blessing.

DAILY READING: 1 Kings 4-6

GO BUCKS, BEAT MICHIGAN!

As we enter the holiday season, may we all be sensitive to the emotional needs of those around us. Many are overcome with the grief of loss, the heartache of misfortune or health issues, or the pain of past mistakes. They are reaching out for comfort, understanding, and friendship. This presents an opportunity for all of us to be prayerful, supportive, and eager to respond to their needs.

Give the gift of yourself. Be God’s pipeline.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, let Your love flow through me today. Let me be a blessing to someone who needs a lift.

DAILY READING: 1 Chron. 1-3

Nebuchadnezzar murdered the sons of king Jehoiakim in front of his eyes, and then put his eyes out because he had rebelled against the rule of  Babylon. These calamities were a result of the unfaithfulness and idolatry of God’s people.

Godly living keeps hostility at bay. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”  [Pr. 16:7]

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, give me the grace today to please You with my life.

DAILY READING: 2 Kings 23-25

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The lives and rules of Hebrew kings are measured by the life of David, whether they did according to his ways or otherwise. Evidently, his lifestyle so impressed the Lord and His people that he became the measuring stick.

The impact of a life lived for God keeps influencing future generations in a significant way.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, speak through my life as I endeavor to develop a devotional life like David.

DAILY READING: 2 Kings 20-22

The wicked king of Assyria sent messengers to taunt Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem after he had laid siege to it. Their message was, “Don’t trust in God to deliver you.” Their insolence reached God’s ears and He sent His angel to slaughter 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night.

The lying, taunting voice of the enemy threatens God’s saints. God hears and protects His people, using their praise and prayers to defend His Holy Name.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, quiet the voice of the evil one and deliver us. We trust in Your promises.

DAILY READING: 2 Kings 18,19