232nd WeekA, I Chronicles Chapters 25-29

 Click on Title for Video Intro 

Monday, I Chronicles Chapter 25

I Chronicles 25 

Heather Proehl

THOUGHT

This chapter is about the “prophets” and “musicians”.  We see that there are various ways to contribute to worship.  Some prophesied; some played instruments; some led thanksgiving and praise; etc.  Each of us is to participate in worship.  It’s so exciting to see how many ways you can contribute.  It shows that we can each use the different gifts we have been given. 

I’ve been to a few services where they try to incorporate as many ways of worship into one service.  It’s so cool to see how many different gifts can be used.  Painting, dancing, singing, etc. are some of the talents used.  The important thing is to focus on worship and not get distracted with how you look or sound, etc. Find your “niche” and enjoy!

PRAYER

Father God, You are SO deserving of our worship. I pray that we would each discover the various ways to enjoy worshipping You.  I pray that as we come to worship You, we would focus on You and not us.  May we each find our “niche” in the best way to feel Your presence.  AMEN

Tuesday, I Chronicles Chapter 26

I Chronicles 26

Heather Proehl

THOUGHT

I have a couple random thoughts. I think it’s really awesome the family history that is documented.  That is SO awesome how they can trace back everyone.  I was just talking with a co-worker about this.  I know SO many people who have traveled back to their homeland to trace back their family history.  I’m starting to regret not knowing where I come from.  It’s never really bothered me, but now that I’m older, I have more respect for understanding your roots and where you come from. I really wish I had somewhere to look back and learn where our family tree leads too. That’s one thing super cool about these chapters.

Another thought I had regarding this chapter is about the “treasurers”.  Being an accountant/money person I can sort of relate to this title.  In verse 27 it talked about how the warriors brought some plunders taken in battle to dedicate to the repair of the temple of the Lord. This plunder belonged to them, but they willingly gave a portion to express their dedication to God. It’s a good lesson.  We should think about what we can give, not always what we are obligated to give.  I know I need a reminder of that often. Give as a response to your dedication, love and joy for our Lord!

PRAYER

Father God, thank You for our family trees. It’s so amazing how You orchestrated our lives and the family paths we came from.  I pray that we would appreciate that history. Lord, I also pray that we would be generous in our giving.  Help us to give as we can and want and not just what we feel we are required to give.  May our giving come from our heart of hearts. AMEN

Wednesday, I Chronicles Chapter 27

I Chronicles 27

Heather Proehl

THOUGHT

In this chapter we hear about the army divisions, the officers of the tribes and the King’s Overseers.  It seems like everyone had an assigned role and responsibility.  In verse 32 we hear that Jonathan was a counselor, a man of insight and a scribe.  It made me think of my own life.  I’m not a king and don’t have that many overseers.  However, I do have various friends who play various roles in my life.  My best friend, Wanda, is the counselor in my life. She’s someone I can spill my guts to and not feel bad about it.  Then she has such awesome words of wisdom to get me back on track.  Kara plays a similar role in my life too.  I just think it’s interesting how we all need people in life, and various people can play various roles in our lives.  I’m thankful for my wonderful friends and family.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank You for blessing each of us with friends, family and loved ones.  We are so thankful for the network of loved people You have surrounded us with.  Help us to be great friends and family back to those who love us. I’m so thankful for the Saltshaker family and how they hold me accountable to following You.   AMEN

Thursday, I Chronicles Chapter 28

I Chronicles 28

Verses 9-10, 20

Jeanie Boldt

It is with pride that I follow my daughters with the 28th chapter of I Chronicles!! It makes my heart smile when I read their thoughts and realize where they are with their relationship with the Lord. This group keeps us all in His Word and working together on the greatest journey there is. That is - ONE WITH THE LORD!!!

Verses 9 and 10:  And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.

Also the following is repeated again in verse 20 by David:  “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God is with you.”

THOUGHT

Did you ever think that you could hide something from the Lord? What a joke. As our scripture says, “He knows it all.” Our thoughts and actions cannot be hidden. David had been organizing things for his son and helping, yet David knew he had to turn the building of the temple over to Solomon for that is what the Lord commanded. Solomon was a very wise man but he had to have a little fear about how the assignment would go. I am sure he questioned his ability and wondered down deep, “Why Me?”  Solomon had all that he needed for building the temple, but the most important thing only he could supply was a heart loyal to God. His motives had to be right or his work would not be blessed. The temple would crumble. 

How many times are we in the same position and ask the question that Solomon may have wondered?  Believe you are always in the Will of the Lord and your Path Way will be right. For even though we may stumble, we will not fall, for the Lord will uphold us with His hand.  However, I know that there had to be days that Solomon’s faith was not the strongest. No one has perfect days and weeks. I know if I would have been Solomon I would have typed verse 20 and put it on my bulletin board as a daily reminder. Hey, I think I will do just that.

PRAYER

Father of us all, help us all to serve You as Your heart desires. We pray for the will of the Lord in each of our lives. Engrave these words on our hearts. Please be with me this week as I lead the SS. May the Holy Spirit direct me as we finish the first book of Chronicles.  We pray all of this in the Blood of Jesus.  AMEN

Friday, I Chronicles Chapter 29

I Chronicles 29

Verse 19 and 25

Jeanie Boldt

Verse 19:  “And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep Your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.” 

Verse 25:  The Lord highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal splendor such as no king over Israel ever had before.

THOUGHT

The book of I Chronicles comes to an end. Some of the details of David’s life were shared in the book. It shows us the importance of staying close to God through studying and obeying His Word and communicating with Him daily. I believe that is what David was asking of the Lord in verse 19. He asked for wholehearted devotion for Solomon. What a very grand day that was as the Lord

exalted Solomon. How proud David had to be of him. You could see it as David praised the Lord, asked for guidance and help for Solomon and presented much of his own wealth for his son’s project.

Many of us are parents. Have you ever been involved with one of your children’s projects or businesses? Gosh, how we support them, from the lemonade stand to the pizza sales to beginning a business and purchasing many of the same products and so on. Solomon was fortunate. He had a loving totally supportive father in David and a Heavenly Father who exalted him.

King David gave his son principles to guide him through life in the chapter before but I am sure reminded him again as he took the throne.  These apply to us all and great ones to give to your children.

1. Get to know God personally.

2. Learn God’s commands and discover what He wants you to do.

3. Worship God with wholehearted devotion.

4. Serve God with a willing mind.

5. Be faithful.

6. Don’t become discouraged.

PRAYER

Father, fix our hearts toward You. Keep us loyal and devoted to You just as was David’s prayer for Solomon. Help us to remember that Our God is a Great God. Our God deserves glory for He has given so much to us. We pray that our lives will count and make a difference in Your Kingdom. Help us to do Your Will. Please abide with us forever. Stir a special devotion in us all for Your commands. AMEN