Will you start your study this morning by declaring out loud the Word God gave to you from 1 Chronicles 16? Say it loud and proud, girls!
I had fun this morning comparing 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17. I rolled the pages back in my Bible and read the two chapters side-by-side. They are almost identical with very minor differences. If you are reading the Scripture on the computer, open two browser windows and read them side-by-side.
The first statement that leapt off the page at me was that the king was settled in his palace. I'm in the middle of packing my house for a move; so I look forward to that feeling of peace that comes from getting settled again. Then I enjoyed finding out that David has a new spiritual mentor in the prophet Nathan. I would have appreciated a little better introduction to Nathan though, wouldn't you? He just shows up, and we don't know anything else about him. David trusts him though, and we will find out that they have a strong enough relationship that David will listen to Nathan's rebuke. I want accountability friendships like that.
I also think it is fabulous that Nathan goes to the LORD in prayer concerning David's desire to build a temple for God. When people tell you what they think God is calling them to, do you earnestly pray for them? Nathan quickly told David to go ahead and do what he wanted, but after praying about it, God came back with a different response. Isn't it cool that David was willing to accept his friend's wise counsel? Scripture doesn't even record that David questioned Nathan's report. David just immediately began to praise the LORD!
I would think David was disappointed that he would not see his dream fulfilled, and we will see that at the end of his life, he goes to great lengths to make provision for Solomon to carry it out. But in this passage today, David is just tickled to death that God has a plan for his family's future. "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?" "Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign LORD?"
I think the real key is David's motivation. He says, "Do as you promised, so that your name will be great forever. Then men will say, "The LORD Almighty is God over Israel!" Sure, David was excited that his family tree would be established forever, but his greatest desire was to glorify God! When I ask God to do a mighty work in my life, do I ask for my own benefit, or do I ask so that God's name will be great forever? I want people to look at my life and say, "The LORD Almighty is God over the Young family!" I don't want them saying how cool Dana is.
As I read the Word of the LORD that came to Nathan, the word "forever" kept jumping out at me. God said He would establish the throne of David and his offspring "forever" and that the people of Israel would not be oppressed anymore. This really bothered me because the Jews have been persecuted throughout their history. So, what did God mean by "forever?" I have a couple of thoughts, but I want to hear yours first. Will you post a comment or send me an email at tydyd_89@yahoo.com?
Have fun seeking the LORD today!!!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
1 Chronicles 16
You all have been working so hard at studying God's Word, and I am so extremely proud of you. Thank you for spurring me on with your words of encouragement. Just like David, I think it would be appropriate to take a time out for a session of thanksgiving.
So, I am not going to blog about 1 Chronicles 16. What I want you to do is to get alone with God and to read David's prayer in this chapter out loud. Lift your voice and glorify God. And who cares what your children or the neighbors think about you. Let them think you are out of your mind talking to yourself. It's about half true anyway, right?
After you have read the chapter through once or even twice, choose your favorite Scripture from the passage. Write it on an index card and memorize it. Carry it with you this week as your Word from God. Let your blog sisters know which verse you chose so we can rejoice with you too.
My Word from this passage is 1 Chronicles 16:10 "Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice." I am writing it on a card even now, and I will put it in my pocket. When you see me this week, please ask to see my card, and ask me to say my verse to you, okay!
Love ya!
dana
So, I am not going to blog about 1 Chronicles 16. What I want you to do is to get alone with God and to read David's prayer in this chapter out loud. Lift your voice and glorify God. And who cares what your children or the neighbors think about you. Let them think you are out of your mind talking to yourself. It's about half true anyway, right?
After you have read the chapter through once or even twice, choose your favorite Scripture from the passage. Write it on an index card and memorize it. Carry it with you this week as your Word from God. Let your blog sisters know which verse you chose so we can rejoice with you too.
My Word from this passage is 1 Chronicles 16:10 "Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice." I am writing it on a card even now, and I will put it in my pocket. When you see me this week, please ask to see my card, and ask me to say my verse to you, okay!
Love ya!
dana
Saturday, August 2, 2008
2 Samuel 6 & 1 Chronicles 13 & 15:1-16:3
Some of you will look at all the chapters listed in today's post title and want to scream at me for covering too much. But let me explain. You see, the story of David moving the ark of the covenant in 2 Samuel 6 is repeated in greater detail in 1 Chronicles. The definition of chronicle according to thefreedictionary.com is "a detailed narrative record or report." So 1 & 2 Chronicles are repeats of the stories of the kings beginning with David in 2 Samuel and going all the way through 1 & 2 Kings. If you take a quick glance at the chronological reading plan we are following, you will see the Chronicles sprinkled throughout Days 13 through 29. I just want you to enjoy how the Bible is the best commentary on itself. I love how it is neatly packaged and tied with a bow for us to delight in.
So today we will discuss the story told in 2 Samuel 6, and then we will cover 2 Samuel 7 on another day. Are ya with me?
King David decided to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, where he was building his own palace. So, where had the ark been all these years? We read just a piece of the story in 1 Samuel 7 when the people of Kiriath Jearim (same city as Baalah of Judah in 2 Samuel 6) took the ark to Abinadab's house. The Philistines had stolen the ark in 1 Samuel 4 but returned it when God struck them with tumors because of it. Then the Israelites in Beth Shemesh were afraid of it and sent it to Kiriath Jearim (Baalah of Judah). Saul must not have wanted to mess with it either, because he left it there. King David wanted the worship of God to be central in his kingdom; so he went to the trouble to put the ark on a cart and attempt to transport it to the capital city.
The ark on a cart? Woops. God had instructed Moses to have the priests carry the ark with poles on their shoulders. So even though David and his men had the best intentions, God was not pleased with their actions. 2 Samuel 6:2 tells us that the LORD Almighty sits enthroned between the cherubim on the ark. The ark was God's throne here on earth. Uzzah reached out and touched the very place where God was enthroned, and he paid with his life for not respecting God's throne as sacred. We should praise God daily for not doing the same to us. How often do I disrespect God's presence with my words, thoughts, and actions?
David was right to be angry and afraid. It was also wise of him to put the ceremony on hold to do some research on the proper way to carry the throne of God. So in the three-month interim, the family of Obed-Edom enjoyed God's tremendous blessings. I wonder what that was like! Do you think the neighbors wanted to come by and have a look? What a conversation piece in your living room, huh! After Uzzah's death, I suppose the ark of the covenant would have been kept under lock and key, and no one would have wanted to go near it. I hope people came by to worship God though. At any rate, word got back to David that Obed-Edom was being blessed because of the ark (2 Samuel 6:12).
The second time, David consecrated the priests and offered sacrifices and did the whole thing up right. I am so thankful that 1 Chronicles 15 gives us all the yummy details about this celebration. Details are my love language, and my God is a detail Man!!! David even gave gifts of bread, dates, and raisins to the crowd. Cool! It reminds me of how excited I was as a little girl when Santa showed up at the end of the school Christmas play every year. He would pass out bags of oranges, apples, and candy to every child who wanted one. I thought I was so special. I hope David actually participated in handing out the gifts to all the children. What a special blessing to receive a gift from the king.
I mentioned in a previous post that David's wife Michal was jealous of his worship of God. 2 Samuel 6:20-23 is the best example of how to fight dirty in marriage. Michal slanders David's religious beliefs, and she is super jealous of her husband in the presence of his slave girls. Then David makes snide remarks about Michal's daddy and basically throws Michal's concerns back in her face, making her more jealous of the slave girls. Michal had no children, not because of being barren, in my opinion. I believe her husband refused intimacy with her from that day on.
I wish God had given us examples of perfect marriages in Scripture. Instead, He shows us families like David's. I think it is because there is no such thing as a perfect marriage, because marriage is a union of two imperfect people coming from two imperfect families with baggage of their own. Making marriage work is hard most of the time, but it is so worth the effort. If I could have sat down with Michal and David, I would have told them not to get married in the first place. They got married to spite Michal's father, and they did not worship the same God. Marriage is tough enough when you do worship together. Having opposite religious beliefs magnifies the issues. We have to be on the same page spiritually with our spouses. If you are not, then it is your job to pray for your husband. You are not his junior holy spirit. You have to trust God with his soul. Well, I could go on and on with my marriage advice, but I'm not sure you would want to listen. So, I'll close for now and look forward to hearing your comments.
So today we will discuss the story told in 2 Samuel 6, and then we will cover 2 Samuel 7 on another day. Are ya with me?
King David decided to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, where he was building his own palace. So, where had the ark been all these years? We read just a piece of the story in 1 Samuel 7 when the people of Kiriath Jearim (same city as Baalah of Judah in 2 Samuel 6) took the ark to Abinadab's house. The Philistines had stolen the ark in 1 Samuel 4 but returned it when God struck them with tumors because of it. Then the Israelites in Beth Shemesh were afraid of it and sent it to Kiriath Jearim (Baalah of Judah). Saul must not have wanted to mess with it either, because he left it there. King David wanted the worship of God to be central in his kingdom; so he went to the trouble to put the ark on a cart and attempt to transport it to the capital city.
The ark on a cart? Woops. God had instructed Moses to have the priests carry the ark with poles on their shoulders. So even though David and his men had the best intentions, God was not pleased with their actions. 2 Samuel 6:2 tells us that the LORD Almighty sits enthroned between the cherubim on the ark. The ark was God's throne here on earth. Uzzah reached out and touched the very place where God was enthroned, and he paid with his life for not respecting God's throne as sacred. We should praise God daily for not doing the same to us. How often do I disrespect God's presence with my words, thoughts, and actions?
David was right to be angry and afraid. It was also wise of him to put the ceremony on hold to do some research on the proper way to carry the throne of God. So in the three-month interim, the family of Obed-Edom enjoyed God's tremendous blessings. I wonder what that was like! Do you think the neighbors wanted to come by and have a look? What a conversation piece in your living room, huh! After Uzzah's death, I suppose the ark of the covenant would have been kept under lock and key, and no one would have wanted to go near it. I hope people came by to worship God though. At any rate, word got back to David that Obed-Edom was being blessed because of the ark (2 Samuel 6:12).
The second time, David consecrated the priests and offered sacrifices and did the whole thing up right. I am so thankful that 1 Chronicles 15 gives us all the yummy details about this celebration. Details are my love language, and my God is a detail Man!!! David even gave gifts of bread, dates, and raisins to the crowd. Cool! It reminds me of how excited I was as a little girl when Santa showed up at the end of the school Christmas play every year. He would pass out bags of oranges, apples, and candy to every child who wanted one. I thought I was so special. I hope David actually participated in handing out the gifts to all the children. What a special blessing to receive a gift from the king.
I mentioned in a previous post that David's wife Michal was jealous of his worship of God. 2 Samuel 6:20-23 is the best example of how to fight dirty in marriage. Michal slanders David's religious beliefs, and she is super jealous of her husband in the presence of his slave girls. Then David makes snide remarks about Michal's daddy and basically throws Michal's concerns back in her face, making her more jealous of the slave girls. Michal had no children, not because of being barren, in my opinion. I believe her husband refused intimacy with her from that day on.
I wish God had given us examples of perfect marriages in Scripture. Instead, He shows us families like David's. I think it is because there is no such thing as a perfect marriage, because marriage is a union of two imperfect people coming from two imperfect families with baggage of their own. Making marriage work is hard most of the time, but it is so worth the effort. If I could have sat down with Michal and David, I would have told them not to get married in the first place. They got married to spite Michal's father, and they did not worship the same God. Marriage is tough enough when you do worship together. Having opposite religious beliefs magnifies the issues. We have to be on the same page spiritually with our spouses. If you are not, then it is your job to pray for your husband. You are not his junior holy spirit. You have to trust God with his soul. Well, I could go on and on with my marriage advice, but I'm not sure you would want to listen. So, I'll close for now and look forward to hearing your comments.
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