Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read 1 Chronicles 25-27.
And today's reading covers the numbers of musicians as well as the services they performed, the divisions of the gatekeepers, the Levites who kept the treasures, the commanders of the army, the listing of the chief officers of the tribes of Israel, and the overseers, and counselors who served King David.
I'm afraid I don't have any musings, reflections, or revelations about this one.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 28-29.
I'm going to go back to watching the Pride and Prejudice mini-series starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehie. If you haven't seen it yet and you enjoy Jane Austen's stories, I recommend it.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 127: Preparation for the Temple
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read 1 Chronicles 22-24.
And in today's reading, we learn something interesting.
Solomon didn't draw up plans for the temple and build it on his own. His father, David, who was unable to begin building the temple because he had shed too much blood, was still able to draw up plans for the temple and prepare for it by gathering the materials.
Then, when Solomon became king, in an era of peace, he was able to take the materials and plans, add to them, and build God's temple.
How cool is that?
Even if we can't do something in our lifetime that God has placed in our heart, for whatever reason, we can still draw up the plans, and prepare for it, so that future generations can continue what we began.
And, even if we don't have the resources to begin the preparations for it, we can still pray about it. God hears our prayers, and as long as it's in line with His will and His Word, our prayers can set the foundation for it.
Is there something that God has placed in your heart that you don't see how you could ever accomplish it in your lifetime? Maybe that's not God's purpose for you. Maybe you're the planner rather than the builder. Maybe you're the one who prays rather than the planner. All the roles are important. Just ask God which you are, and don't be frustrated if you don't know how you are going to accomplish it. He'll make a way.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 25-27.
Today I read 1 Chronicles 22-24.
And in today's reading, we learn something interesting.
Solomon didn't draw up plans for the temple and build it on his own. His father, David, who was unable to begin building the temple because he had shed too much blood, was still able to draw up plans for the temple and prepare for it by gathering the materials.
Then, when Solomon became king, in an era of peace, he was able to take the materials and plans, add to them, and build God's temple.
How cool is that?
Even if we can't do something in our lifetime that God has placed in our heart, for whatever reason, we can still draw up the plans, and prepare for it, so that future generations can continue what we began.
And, even if we don't have the resources to begin the preparations for it, we can still pray about it. God hears our prayers, and as long as it's in line with His will and His Word, our prayers can set the foundation for it.
Is there something that God has placed in your heart that you don't see how you could ever accomplish it in your lifetime? Maybe that's not God's purpose for you. Maybe you're the planner rather than the builder. Maybe you're the one who prays rather than the planner. All the roles are important. Just ask God which you are, and don't be frustrated if you don't know how you are going to accomplish it. He'll make a way.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 25-27.
Monday, May 7, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 126: David's Census
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read 1 Chronicles 18-21.
Today's reading details David's victories as king, from the Arameans to the Phlistines.
But it also talks about how David gets himself into trouble.
Satan spoke to David, and put it in his heart to take a census of the people. But this was not something God wanted him to do. In fact, Joab, one of his trusted soldiers, warned him against it. David insisted, however, and since he was king, he got his way. Joab did not take a census of all the people, notably leaving out the Levites (priests) and the Benjamites.
So God gives David three choices of calamities that will befall his kingdom because of his disobedience.
See, just because we are following God, doesn't mean Satan won't talk to us or try to trip us up. In fact, the closer we are to God, the harder Satan will try. But when we know right from wrong, and we know what God's Word says, we will be less likely to stumble, if we choose to obey.
David knew God's Word, but he wasn't perfect, and as a king, he had lots of different influences around him, including some of his wives. So, David stumbled. Even though he was "a man after God's own heart."
Even when we stumble, if we repent, God will forgive us. And I'm so grateful for His mercy.
Now, if you're asking "Why was God so displeased with the census?" let me see if I can explain.
It was because of David's motives. God did not tell him to take a census. He was king, and he wanted to know how many fighting men he had, so he wanted a census. But beyond that, he ordered Joab to take a census of all the people, including the Levitical priests, who were set apart to God.
And Even Moses wasn't allowed to do that. So David gets in trouble.
Why did his punishment involve all of Israel?
I'm not completely sure. But I think it was because Israel, as they were wont to do from time to time, had sinned against God again, and so God punished them. The timing coincided with David's census (not coincidentally). But He also showed mercy. When the angel was about to bring punishment as far as Jerusalem, God stopped him. That was enough.
I don't always have an explanation for why things happen, and sometimes that frustrates me. But I trust God. He has never failed me. Even when I don't understand why something happens, He is always there to see me through it. I don't expect to know or understand everything. That's too much responsibility for me. But, I hope, little by little, day by day, I will understand more as I continue to grow in God's Word.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 22-24.
Today I read 1 Chronicles 18-21.
Today's reading details David's victories as king, from the Arameans to the Phlistines.
But it also talks about how David gets himself into trouble.
Satan spoke to David, and put it in his heart to take a census of the people. But this was not something God wanted him to do. In fact, Joab, one of his trusted soldiers, warned him against it. David insisted, however, and since he was king, he got his way. Joab did not take a census of all the people, notably leaving out the Levites (priests) and the Benjamites.
So God gives David three choices of calamities that will befall his kingdom because of his disobedience.
See, just because we are following God, doesn't mean Satan won't talk to us or try to trip us up. In fact, the closer we are to God, the harder Satan will try. But when we know right from wrong, and we know what God's Word says, we will be less likely to stumble, if we choose to obey.
David knew God's Word, but he wasn't perfect, and as a king, he had lots of different influences around him, including some of his wives. So, David stumbled. Even though he was "a man after God's own heart."
Even when we stumble, if we repent, God will forgive us. And I'm so grateful for His mercy.
Now, if you're asking "Why was God so displeased with the census?" let me see if I can explain.
It was because of David's motives. God did not tell him to take a census. He was king, and he wanted to know how many fighting men he had, so he wanted a census. But beyond that, he ordered Joab to take a census of all the people, including the Levitical priests, who were set apart to God.
And Even Moses wasn't allowed to do that. So David gets in trouble.
Why did his punishment involve all of Israel?
I'm not completely sure. But I think it was because Israel, as they were wont to do from time to time, had sinned against God again, and so God punished them. The timing coincided with David's census (not coincidentally). But He also showed mercy. When the angel was about to bring punishment as far as Jerusalem, God stopped him. That was enough.
I don't always have an explanation for why things happen, and sometimes that frustrates me. But I trust God. He has never failed me. Even when I don't understand why something happens, He is always there to see me through it. I don't expect to know or understand everything. That's too much responsibility for me. But, I hope, little by little, day by day, I will understand more as I continue to grow in God's Word.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 22-24.
First Media Monday: Godly Dating
Hello everyone!
It's time for Media Monday. This is another of the series I mentioned before. This series will be for media recommendations. It will mostly be books and movies, as music will usually be covered on Worship Wednesdays.
Did you know the Bible has guidelines for dating? Well, it does.
So, for today's Media Monday, I want to recommend a book that was written in the 1970s: Dating: Guidelines from the Bible, by Scott Kirby.
Now, wait. Don't discount it yet. Admittedly, dating has changed some from the seventies, but the fundamentals of Godly dating, have not changed. So hear me out.
In his book, Scott Kirby begins by discussing how God created us: first Adam, then Eve. Man and woman to be together.
He discusses what dating is, and how to review our motives, especially in dating. Godly dating, he says, should always be with a focus on God, and how to serve Him; it should always bring you closer to Him first.
Then he discusses how to like yourself before you like anyone else, and how to develop good friendships as a foundation for building good relationships.
He discusses the difference between infatuation and real love.
He also discusses the ever-controversial question: "Should I date a non-believer?"
There is much more to the book than what I've discussed here.
If you're still single, if you're dating but looking for a way to use your relationship to glorify God, if you're just out of a relationship and are looking for something different, I highly recommend this book.
It's time for Media Monday. This is another of the series I mentioned before. This series will be for media recommendations. It will mostly be books and movies, as music will usually be covered on Worship Wednesdays.
Did you know the Bible has guidelines for dating? Well, it does.
So, for today's Media Monday, I want to recommend a book that was written in the 1970s: Dating: Guidelines from the Bible, by Scott Kirby.
Now, wait. Don't discount it yet. Admittedly, dating has changed some from the seventies, but the fundamentals of Godly dating, have not changed. So hear me out.
In his book, Scott Kirby begins by discussing how God created us: first Adam, then Eve. Man and woman to be together.
He discusses what dating is, and how to review our motives, especially in dating. Godly dating, he says, should always be with a focus on God, and how to serve Him; it should always bring you closer to Him first.
Then he discusses how to like yourself before you like anyone else, and how to develop good friendships as a foundation for building good relationships.
He discusses the difference between infatuation and real love.
He also discusses the ever-controversial question: "Should I date a non-believer?"
There is much more to the book than what I've discussed here.
If you're still single, if you're dating but looking for a way to use your relationship to glorify God, if you're just out of a relationship and are looking for something different, I highly recommend this book.
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 126: David's Psalm
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read 1 Chronicles 15-17.
Today's reading details some of David's achievements, such as bringing the Ark successfully to Jerusalem, and building his palaces.
It also has one of David's Psalms.
I want to share a little of it.
1 Chronicles 16:8-10 - Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
There is much more to the Psalm, and I encourage you to read it for yourself. It's a wonderful reminder of how we should approach God, and how we should speak about Him to other people. And, even though it was a reminder for the Israelites of their history and how God took care of them, it's also a reminder for us.
It's just a wonderful Psalm. It reminds us to always glorify God, and to tell of all He has done to all nations.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 18-21.
Today I read 1 Chronicles 15-17.
Today's reading details some of David's achievements, such as bringing the Ark successfully to Jerusalem, and building his palaces.
It also has one of David's Psalms.
I want to share a little of it.
1 Chronicles 16:8-10 - Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
There is much more to the Psalm, and I encourage you to read it for yourself. It's a wonderful reminder of how we should approach God, and how we should speak about Him to other people. And, even though it was a reminder for the Israelites of their history and how God took care of them, it's also a reminder for us.
It's just a wonderful Psalm. It reminds us to always glorify God, and to tell of all He has done to all nations.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 18-21.
Saturday, May 5, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 125: David's Fame
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read 1 Chronicles 12-14.
Today's reading details David's supporters, and those who came to help him even while Saul was king.
It discusses how David defeated Philistine armies.
How he tried and failed to bring the Ark to its proper place.
It details how large David's family grew.
How he defeated the Philistines again.
God was with David.
1 Chronicles 14:17 - Then the fame of David went out into all the lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him on all the nations.
Everyone feared to bring war upon David because God was with him, making him continually victorious.
He will do the same for you and me, if we seek Him with all our hearts, holding nothing back from Him, serving Him in all we do.
Sometimes that's difficult to do, but I've found that the more I learn of God, the more I want to know Him. The more I serve Him, the more I want to serve Him. It's difficult at first, but it gets easier every time.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 15-17.
Friday, May 4, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 124: Recap
Good morning, everyone! And happy birthday to my dear friend! You know who you are.
Today I read 1 Chronicles 9-11.
Today's reading recaps a lot of things.
First, it reminds us that Judah was captured by Babylon.
Next, we learn who lived where.
Then we learn about the descendants of Saul.
Then, the reading recaps how Saul and his sons died (Philistines), and how David became king.
Then, there are more lists of David's warriors.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 12-14.
Today I read 1 Chronicles 9-11.
Today's reading recaps a lot of things.
First, it reminds us that Judah was captured by Babylon.
Next, we learn who lived where.
Then we learn about the descendants of Saul.
Then, the reading recaps how Saul and his sons died (Philistines), and how David became king.
Then, there are more lists of David's warriors.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 12-14.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 123: Tracing Genealogy
Good morning, everyone!
Today I read 1 Chronicles 7-8.
And today's reading details the descendants of Benjamin.
Something I found interesting, though I'm sure I talked about it before when we first learned about King Saul, is that he was from the tribe of Benjamin, the youngest son of Israel (Jacob).
King David was from the tribe of Judah.
It's always interesting for me to learn what tribes specific people are from, and to connect them back through generations. As long as I know who they are.
These genealogical lists aren't always interesting because I don't know all the people listed. However, at that time, someone reading this list might be able to trace their descendants back to Adam. How cool would that be?
Currently, I'm trying to trace my own genealogy. It's fascinating, but also frustrating, because some records have been lost, or not even recorded in the first place.
It would be very handy to have a genealogical record like the ones written in the Bible.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 9-11.
Today I read 1 Chronicles 7-8.
And today's reading details the descendants of Benjamin.
Something I found interesting, though I'm sure I talked about it before when we first learned about King Saul, is that he was from the tribe of Benjamin, the youngest son of Israel (Jacob).
King David was from the tribe of Judah.
It's always interesting for me to learn what tribes specific people are from, and to connect them back through generations. As long as I know who they are.
These genealogical lists aren't always interesting because I don't know all the people listed. However, at that time, someone reading this list might be able to trace their descendants back to Adam. How cool would that be?
Currently, I'm trying to trace my own genealogy. It's fascinating, but also frustrating, because some records have been lost, or not even recorded in the first place.
It would be very handy to have a genealogical record like the ones written in the Bible.
I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 9-11.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year Day 122 & First Worship Wednesday
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read 1 Chronicles 6.
It's basically more genealogy, and I haven't got any insights to share, so today I'm going to do something different.
Remember how I mentioned I had a list of post series I was going to be starting?
Welcome to the first Worship Wednesday! Bonus points if you read that in a cool announcer voice.
Worship Wednesdays are going to be the days when I talk about what it means to worship God, or when I share great praise and worship songs.
Today I'm sharing a song.
Today I read 1 Chronicles 6.
It's basically more genealogy, and I haven't got any insights to share, so today I'm going to do something different.
Remember how I mentioned I had a list of post series I was going to be starting?
Welcome to the first Worship Wednesday! Bonus points if you read that in a cool announcer voice.
Worship Wednesdays are going to be the days when I talk about what it means to worship God, or when I share great praise and worship songs.
Today I'm sharing a song.
I love this song. What do we need to be afraid of when God is with us, the God who commands legions of angels?
This one comes on my car radio all the time, and I can't help but sing along. I hope you enjoyed it too.
Tomorrow I'll be reading 1 Chronicles 7-8.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 121: More Generations
Good afternoon, everyone!
Today I read 1 Chronicles 3-5.
And it details all of David's sons and grandsons.
I just honestly have nothing to say about today's reading, so I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 6.
Today I read 1 Chronicles 3-5.
And it details all of David's sons and grandsons.
I just honestly have nothing to say about today's reading, so I hope you'll join me tomorrow when I read 1 Chronicles 6.
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