Month: July 2024

2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11; Romans 7:1-13; Psalm 17:1-15; Proverbs 19:22-23

Some people do not understand the importance of corporate worship.  It is a given that we should have personal, private worship time with God. But that in no way replaces the corporate worship experience. When God’s children from all backgrounds, ethnicities and experiences, come together under the banner of Christ to sing songs of praise and worship, it ignites something that cannot be achieved in personal worship time.

When all our voices rise together in unity to declare God’s goodness and His faithfulness, it welcomes the presence of God. When we can overcome all the things that could divide us and we allow God’s love to unite us, it sets an atmosphere for God to do something supernatural in our midst.

This is why God admonishes us in Hebrews 10:25, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” There is something we need in corporate worship.

Make a commitment to be in worship regularly so that you can experience God’s presence in a greater way.

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10; Romans 7:14-8:8; Psalm 18:1-15; Proverbs 19:24-25

2 Chronicles 1:1-3:17; Romans 6:1-23; Psalm 16:1-11; Proverbs 19:20-21

God deserves nothing less that our very best! As Solomon set out to build the Temple for God, he did not choose people who would give 99%, he chose those who were considered the best in their field (Master Craftsmen). He knew that people who just delivered “good enough” would not produce something that pleased God. 

Solomon could request excellence because he demonstrated excellence in his own personal relationship with God. In gratitude for God giving him this high privilege of building the temple and leading the people of God, Solomon made the largest one-day animal sacrifice that had ever been made. It was the custom to sacrifice one burnt offering. Solomon offered 1000. It had to have taken all day to offer that many sacrifices. But Solomon gladly did it because he knew it was for God. 

In your own relationship with God, does He get your best? If God gets your best, then you can expect nothing but His best flowing towards you. When Solomon gave God his best, God gave him an open invitation to ask for whatever he wanted. God will do the same thing with you. Give God your best and you will live an amazing life. 

Tomorrow’s Reading:  2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11; Romans 7:1-13; Psalm 17:1-15; Proverbs 19:22-23

1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30; Romans 5:6-21; Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 19:18-19

Wisdom from a father can set the stage for a bright future! David was ready to transition his reign to Solomon. He gave him some simple wisdom to build his life upon. “…learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind.”  (1 Chronicles 28:9)

David told Solomon that he had to learn to know God! We can never know God without some effort! As vast as God is, we cannot know Him without putting in the time to learn about Him. Are you willing to make the time to get to know your God? He desires to show himself to you if you will seek for Him. 

After we start the process of knowing Him, we have to live like we know Him! This is worship! Will you live daily acknowledging God? This is the formula for your continued success!!! 

David lived this out because when it was time to give to God’s temple, David and his leaders gave the biggest offering ever recorded in history! David did not pass off wisdom that he himself did not live by. He lived a life getting to know God and then living for God. Will you do the same?

Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 1:1-3:17; Romans 6:1-23; Psalm 16:1-11; Proverbs 19:20-21

1 Chronicles 26:12-27:34; Romans 4:13-5:5; Psalm 14:1-7; Proverbs 19:17

Do you live a generous lifestyle? How generous are you to the work of God? Generosity is the mark of a mature, loving, grateful person. The Bible commends generous people as those who will receive generosity. Generosity can only come from a big heart! 

King David, his family, and military leaders dedicated a portion of all they acquired to God. Why would they do this? After all, they were the ones who were on the front battle lines. They were the one’s risking their lives in battle. The conventional wisdom was “to the victor goes the spoils.” So, why would they willingly give a portion of what was theirs to keep God’s work moving forward? It is because they had a great sense of gratitude to God because they realized that they could never have won any victory without the help of God. 

If you take a moment and count your many blessings, you will see how the hand of God has been evident in your life. A great way to give thanks to our Faithful God is to faithfully support His work so that others will come to know Him. It is a great investment and it enables others to hear the Good News of Jesus. 

Tomorrow’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30; Romans 5:6-21; Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 19:18-19

1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11; Romans 4:1-12; Psalm 13:1-6; Proverbs 19:15-16

Who are you raising up to follow in your footsteps? When it came to all the responsibilities in the Temple there were families designated to carry out specific duties. What is interesting is that the responsibilities were inter-generational. The older generation trained the next generation to carry on their tasks for God.

What a powerful testimony that one generation sees its role to train the next generation to serve God in excellence. It takes a great deal of commitment to train someone to pick up after you are finished. So often we never plan for the day when we won’t be present. What this does is handicap the next generation because instead of them building on what we transitioned to them, they end up having to feel their way and try to learn on the job. 

This is not God’s way. These faithful men who provided music for the Temple, trained their children to use their musical gifts for God’s Kingdom. If you are serving God in any position, ask yourself, “Who am I training to carry on after me?” This is not only responsible; it is God’s way to keep His work moving forward. Do your part to pass your experience on to others so God always gets the best. 

Tomorrow’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 26:12-27:34; Romans 4:13-5:5; Psalm 14:1-7; Proverbs 19:17

1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32; Romans 3:9-31; Psalm 12:1-8; Proverbs 19:13-14

Each generation has an obligation to lay a good foundation for the next generation to succeed. David knew there was one big task that he would not be able to accomplish in his lifetime. He desired to build the Temple but God told David that his son, Solomon, would build the Temple.

David had a choice. He could have left Solomon to his own devices to build the Temple or he could do as much as he could to help position him for success. David leaves us a good example. He does as much as he could to gather all the resources and labor so that Solomon’s task would be a lot easier. 

Because God has a long-range plan that will not all be completed on our watch, we should have a plan to position the next generation for success. How are you laying the groundwork for the next generation to pick up the baton and run their leg of the race? You owe it to your own legacy to help the next generation accomplish their purpose. 

Tomorrow’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11; Romans 4:1-12; Psalm 13:1-6; Proverbs 19:15-16

1 Chronicles 19:1-21:30; Romans 2:25-3:8; Psalm 11:1-7; Proverbs 19:10-12

We live in a society where people pride themselves on getting something for nothing! This is actually an unfair exchange because when you get something for nothing, someone in the exchange has lost out. What’s worse is when we think that we can operate with God that same way.

God has given so much to us. Why? Because of his unconditional love! When love is present, giving always follows. You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving. One of the most famous scriptures in the Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16) Giving always follows loving!

David was in a crucial time when he needed to stop the plague that was destroying the people. God instructed David to build an Altar and bring Him a sacrifice. Araunah wanted to give the Threshing Floor to David but David refused because he did not want to create an unfair exchange. All of our giving to God should be from a heart of love. When we do this, giving is not a problem. David loved God so much that he did not want to take the cheap way out in his giving. God deserves our best. Will you give God the first and best of your life and possessions? He gave you His best.

Tomorrow’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32; Romans 3:9-31; Psalm 12:1-8; Proverbs 19:13-14

1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17; Romans 2:1-24; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 19:8-9

Don’t ever underestimate the blessings of God on your life. In fact, every promise that God made to the Fathers of the faith, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were established because of God’s blessings. This blessing is so powerful that it cannot be contained in one generation.

David was thankful to God because of the promise of God’s blessings on his life and his descendants. “And now, it has pleased you to bless the house of your servant, so that it will continue forever before you. For when you grant a blessing, O Lord, it is an eternal blessing!” 

Did you know that you were blessed just like David? That’s right! When you became a Christian, God placed a blessing on your life. In fact, you are seated with Christ in Heavenly places and you have been blessed with all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:8).  Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are cursed. You cannot be! When God blesses you, it cannot be overturned by anyone. Expect blessings to chase you down! Expect every day that something good is going to happen for you. You are blessed!

Tomorrow’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 19:1-21:30; Romans 2:25-3:8; Psalm 11:1-7; Proverbs 19:10-12

1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36; Romans 1:18-32; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 19:6-7

David was a psalmist who could write about God’s wondrous works and His faithfulness. When the ark was safely back in Jerusalem and the musicians had celebrated its return, David gave the worship team a song of praise. 

So let me ask you: What is your song of praise? Have you taken the time to reflect upon all that God has done for you? Can you recount the difference that God has made in your life? Could you tell others why you trust God? What miracles have you experienced from God? All of these items make up your testimony. 

So, do not be afraid to share your story with others. “…If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15) You have a story to tell. Someone will be blessed by what you have been through and how God brought you out!!

Tomorrow’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17; Romans 2:1-24; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 19:8-9

1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17; Romans 1:1-17; Psalm 9:13-20; Proverbs 19:4-5

David was a master warrior. He drew men to himself from all the tribes of Israel and they were ready to fight at his command. What caused David to be such a dynamic leader? What gives him such a track record as a mighty warrior and a humble king?

David received his orders from God. David had a humble heart and would not move forward without the instruction of the Lord. David knew he could defeat the Philistines because he had done it before. When they learned that David was king, the Philistines tested David’s resolve by attacking the city. Even though he had thousands of soldiers ready to fight, David would not move forward until he received a word from the Lord.

Once David heard from God he obeyed. You can never underestimate obedience. It is very precious and it levels the playing field for everyone. Everybody can obey! It is in your ability to follow God’s instructions. “Trust and obey for there is no other way” to live a life of peace and security! The safest place to be is where God told you to be!!

Tomorrow’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36; Romans 1:18-32; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 19:6-7