1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11
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In First Chronicles chapter 24 today we read about the divisions of the priests and the Levites.  It is important to note that the priests and Levites had differing roles.  The priests actually performed the sacrifices whereas the Levites assisted the priests in their duties – including assisting in the sacrifices, playing music, baking goods, and care of the Tabernacle/Temple (to name a few things the Levites did).  Both priests and Levites were from the tribe of Levi, but the priests also had to be descendants of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel.

Ever wonder why we have music in church today?  First Chronicles 25 verse 1 could be where the stage is set for the tradition of music in our worship services! “David and the army commanders then appointed men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to proclaim God’s messages to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals.” Do you find music in church to be inspiring?  Do you worship God with music in church? Why do you suppose music moves people so profoundly in church?  Do you think music can bring people closer to Jesus?  Has music brought you closer to Jesus?

Worship Video – Today’s readings remind me of the New Life terrific worship song, “Great I Am:”

Do you know the great I Am? Click here to meet Him!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32
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Today’s readings in First Chronicles chapter 22 reminded me that none of us does anything in life on our own.  We always rely on those that came before us.  We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors.  The thing that made me think about this was how many preparations David worked on for his son Solomon to then later build the Temple of the Lord.  Solomon would not have been able to build the Temple as quickly (or probably as well) without his father David’s help.  Solomon was standing on the shoulders of his father David. Do you realize that many good things that have happened in your life are thanks to those that came before you?  Do you realize you are standing on the shoulders of your parents, your teachers, your pastors, and your community leaders?  And, to take this a step further, do you realize that in the future people will be standing on your shoulders?  They are going to need your shoulders!  So, like David was making preparations for his son Solomon and the future Temple of the Lord, are you making preparations for others in your life for their future?  Perhaps even for people you may never meet?  Let us always remember we are standing on the shoulders of those that came before us – and that there will be others who will need to stand on our shoulders in the future!

Okay, quick flashback to yesterday’s readings – you’ll recall we finished up the readings with David buying Araunah’s threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord to offer sacrifices on to stop the plague (which occurred due to the sin of the census).  Well, to continue the story, today in First Chronicles 22 verse 1 we read this: “Then David said, “This will be the location for the Temple of the LORD God and the place of the altar for Israel’s burnt offerings!”  This is Araunauh’s threshing floor that is going to be the location for the Temple.  The very interesting note about Araunah’s threshing floor is that it is believed to have been located on Mount Moriah!  Yes, the same Mt. Moriah where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac.  And the same spot where the Temple was to be built by Solomon!  So, this brings to light the importance of David actually buying the threshing floor from Araunah and not just taking it for free, as was offered in yesterday’s readings.  David not only bought the threshing floor to build the altar for the burnt & peace offerings, but he bought the land for the Temple of the Lord to soon be built on by his son Solomon!  Below is an image of Araunah the Jebusite offering his threshing floor to David:

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Steven Curtis Chapman’s video for his awesome song “Dive!”

Have you Dived in to the River of Faith? Click here and Dive!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Chronicles 19:1-21:30
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In First Chronicles 21 we read about David taking a census after being tempted by Satan.  Satan didn’t force David to do this – Satan tempted him and David fell prey to the temptation.  This census was a sin because David was seeking to demonstrate how mighty “his” army was – when he should have realized all that he had came from God and that David’s true strength came from God and not his army. The census was a sin of pride.  (And it is very interesting to note that Joab, who is not one known for his scruples, realizes this census is a sin!) And so we read in verses 14 & 15 – “So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel, and seventy thousand people died as a result. And God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem. But just as the angel was preparing to destroy it, the LORD relented and said to the death angel, “Stop! That is enough!” At that moment the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.”

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me of Jeremy Camp’s song “Let it Fade:”

Will you let your old life fade? Click here for your new life now!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17
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The theme of David being a “war” king stands out today in our First Chronicles readings.  In fact, we’ll get a couple more chapters of David’s wars coming up in tomorrow’s readings.   The wars are what kept David from building the Temple of the Lord.  This duty will be passed on to his son Solomon, a “peace” king if you will. There are some great readings today in First Chronicles 17 about the Lord’s covenant promise to David via the prophet Nathan!

There is an interesting thing to note in this message to David via Nathan from the Lord in verses 12 through 14.  In context these verses are about Solomon.  However, interestingly, the New Testament basically applies these verses to Jesus in Luke 1:32-22:  “He is the one who will build a house–a temple–for me. And I will establish his throne forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will not take my unfailing love from him as I took it from Saul, who ruled before you. I will establish him over my dynasty and my kingdom for all time, and his throne will be secure forever.’”  Think these are Messianic verses that can be applied to Jesus?

Today in 1 Chronicles chapter 17 verse 30 we read this prayer of King David – “There is no one like you, O LORD, and there is no God but you.” Have you ever searched for other “gods”? Have you ever really found those other gods? Have they ever delivered on anything? Do you believe there is no other God like the one true and living God that we read about in the Bible? Are you living your life in such a way that you are seeking to know more and more about the character, heart, and will of the one true and living God? Do you love God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with all of your mind, soul and strength? Have you forsaken pursuing all other false gods for the remainder of your life? Will you leave the idols behind?

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me of MercyMe’s song “To Not Worship You:”

Who do you worship? Click here to worship Him!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36
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Today in First Chronicles chapter 15 we read about David dancing before the Ark as it enters Jerusalem!

David’s song of praise in 1 Chronicles 16 is phenomenal.  Verse 8 begins his praise with: “Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness.”  These are two things that I’m afraid I do not do enough – give thanks to God & proclaim his greatness.  I am amazed really at how little I give thanks to God.  I mean, yes, I say grace and thanks before meals.  And I’ll maybe give a little prayer of thanksgiving here or there to God on occasion – but it is just very occasionally.  Why am I not giving thanks to God frequently??  I am not sure.  I think it maybe has to do with the human condition – we always want more.  Things are never really good enough.  But if we really stop and think about it, we are so fortunate to have lived the # of years we have lived in our lives!  Each day in our life has been and is a gift from God.  How about you?  Do you give thanks to God frequently?  Now, as for proclaiming God’s greatness, I think I stumble in this area too.  I think sometimes I forget the wise saying of – “God is God, and I am not.”  I think sometimes I try to fall back on my own power and might and strength and spirit – when really all that I have comes from God.  I pray that I begin to proclaim God’s greatness more and more often.

Worship Video: – Today’s readings remind me of Israel Houghton performing the awesome song “Friend of God.”  Enjoy!

Are you a friend of God? Click here and meet your true Friend!

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17
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I think today’s readings in First Chronicles could be called “Famous Dave!”  As indeed, David moves into his role as the King of Israel in today’s readings and we read about his growing fame and support amongst the tribes!

In chapter 13 we read about David bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem – which was good in intention, but poor in execution…  God is clear in Numbers 4:5-15 that the Ark was to be moved only by the Levites and only by using carrying poles.  No one, not even the Levites were to touch the Ark itself.  David ended up following the Philistines example of moving the Ark on a cart, rather than following God’s command.  Thus, in verses 9 & 10 we read  – “But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah put out his hand to steady the Ark. Then the LORD’s anger blazed out against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. So Uzzah died there in the presence of God.”  I wonder if we are like David was in this chapter in our lives today – how often do we have “good intentions”, but poor execution?  How often do we take shortcuts on things God has been very clear on?  Even if these shortcuts seem like they are good ideas, why do we take them?  Why do we take the risk?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Matt Maher’s song “Christ is Risen:”

Do you believe that Christ is risen? Click here to meet the Risen Lord!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18
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Today in First Chronicles chapter 11 we read about David’s Mighty Men!  I do love reading about the story of his men who went to the well in Bethlehem to bring David that water that he so loved – when Bethlehem was occupied by the Philistines!  These men were no joke.  They risked everything to please David.  I wonder about this in our lives today.  Are we as dedicated to Jesus as these Mighty Men were dedicated to David?  Are you willing to risk everything for Jesus?  However, keep in mind that we don’t need to do un-called for risky things for Jesus – like these Mighty Men didn’t have to get that water from the well.  But their zeal for David is impressive.  I just pray we are at least that zealous for Jesus.

Today in 1 Chronicles 12 verse 18 we read – “Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, who later became a leader among the Thirty, and he said,  “We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you.””  Related to this verse, Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion has the following answer to the question of ‘How did the Holy Spirit work in Old Testament times?’ – “When there was an important job to be done, God chose a person to do it, and the Spirit gave that person the needed power and ability.  The Spirit gave Bezalel artistic ability, Jephthah military prowess, David power to rule, and Zechariah an authoritative word of prophecy.  Here the Holy Spirit came upon David’s warriors.  The Spirit came upon individuals in order to accomplish specific goals.  Beginning at Pentecost, however, the Spirit came upon all believers, not only to empower them to do God’s will, but also to dwell in them day by day.”

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminds me of the song by Third Day titled “Call My Name:”

Have you called God’s Name? Click here to make the call!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14
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Today in our First Chronicles readings, in between chapters 9 and 10, we go back to the future!  Or something like that… 🙂

Chronicles chapter 9 recounts the return from exile in Babylon, which took place between 538 B.C. and 458 B.C.  Then in chapter 10 we go back in time 500 years to some of our earlier readings in First Samuel when Saul was king and dies in approx. 1010 B.C.  Why this dramatic shift in chronology of events?  Well, the Chronicler basically wanted to take us through Israel’s history from Creation to the return from exile in Babylon in chapters 1 through 9.  In chapter 10 the Chronicler takes us back to the beginning of Israel’s kingdom period when Saul was the first King.  However…  you will notice that the Chronicler spends all of only 1 chapter on Saul!  (and just a 14 verse chapter at that…)   And then, coming up in our readings, the Chronicler will spend the next 18 chapters on the life of David and his kingdom through the end of First Chronicles!   Think this Chronicler had his favorite?  Why do you suppose this is?  Well, the Chronicler of course tells us very plainly why in verses 13 and 14 in chapter 10 today:  “So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD. He failed to obey the LORD’s command, and he even consulted a medium instead of asking the LORD for guidance. So the LORD killed him and turned his kingdom over to David son of Jesse.”  This Chronicler wants to spend more time on obedience than on disobedience!  How about you in your life today?  Do you focus on being obedient to God?  Do you seek and pray to God for guidance on what obedience to God would look like in your life?  Are you like David – a person after God’s own heart?  Do you want to know God’s heart and plan for your life?  Will you remain faithful to God no matter what the world tries to tempt you with?

For today, in chapter 10 we get one more reminder of disobedience from Saul, and I’ll throw in this image below from artist Guy Rowe of the prophet Samuel denouncing Saul, as you’ll recall from our First Samuel chapter 13 readings, verses 13 & 14:  “”You acted foolishly,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.””

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of MercyMe’s song “All of Creation:”

Has Creation evangelized you? Click here to meet the Creator!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40
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We read some interesting verses to consider today in First Chronicles 8 verses 8 through 10: ^“After Shaharaim divorced his wives Hushim and Baara, he had children in the land of Moab. Hodesh, his new wife, gave birth to Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, Jeuz, Sakia, and Mirmah. These sons all became the leaders of clans.”  These verses basically record polygamy & divorce by Shaharaim.  However, just because these actions are recorded in the Bible, it does not mean they are condoned by God.  Since the creation of Adam and Eve, God has meant for there to be one man with one wife.  But, we humans don’t always follow what God wants for us… (as we each well know)  The Bible records both the good & the bad in human actions.  If someone were to chronicle our lives today, would what the chronicle recorded be pleasing in God’s sight?  Don’t worry so much about your past & past mistakes.  God can forgive and redeem those, if you will turn to him in repentance.  But right now – what would the chronicler capture in your life today?  Would it be pleasing in God’s sight?  Would you want other people to read about your life today?  Would you be comfortable with any aspect of your life showing up on the front page of tomorrow’s news?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Laura Story’s song “Blessings:”

What if your blessings come through raindrops? Click here for the most amazing blessing you could ever imagine!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81
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Today in First Chronicles chapter 5 we read about the tribes east of the Jordan River.  This map will give you a good overview of the territory of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan.  (along with the rest of the tribes)

Today in First Chronicles chapter 6 we read a genealogy of the Levites, the priestly tribe.  I love that the temple musicians were included in the genealogy today!  Check out verse 32: “They ministered with music before the tabernacle.”  Nice touch to include the artists.  Think God likes music? And how true is this – that music ministers to us?  I pray this is true for you.  I know music ministers to me in such a profound way. Particularly Christian and worship music.  Secular music I used to love – and it can still be interesting to listen to.  But the only music these days that truly seems to “minister” to me is Christian music or praise and worship music.  Certainly the music I sing in church every week!  Is music ministering to you these days?

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Tenth Avenue North’s song “Love is Here:”

Do you believe Love is Here?  Click here for Love!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!