A Place of Worship

1 Chronicles 2: ⁵ “The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods. ⁶ But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?

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Three forty five in the morning, I finally closed my eyes.  I heard noisy clumps of feet in the kitchen then I heard a knock on my door. My mother was telling me to get up for church. “I don’t feel like going right now” I responded. “If you can stay out all night, you can get up for church” was her response.

“Why do I have to go to church anyway?” I grumbled.

• There have been times where I tried to leave GOD in the church building so I could do what I wanted to do.
• There have been times where I didn’t want to go to the building where GOD lived because I couldn’t do what I wanted to do.
• There have been times where I would leave the building where I thought GOD lived only to get back to doing what I wanted to do.

There was one flaw with my thinking. GOD is everywhere! I mean I had not only squeezed GOD into the tiny building we called a church, but there were even rooms where HE couldn’t possibly be in. I mean GOD couldn’t be in the bathrooms, only in the sanctuary and classrooms was my flawed thinking.

• GOD is everywhere and church buildings are a gathering place for flawed people.
• GOD is all seeing so every place I think HE is not, HE is.
• GOD is all knowing so HE is even in my thoughts and desires even when they are not following HIS ways.

GOD cannot be contained or left at a building. When I go to “church” I am not going to see GOD, rather I am going to see a group of sinners rescued by GOD. I am there to hear how GOD transforms lives and tell people how HE has done the same in my life.

During the week I can meet with others to pray and talk. This is also “church.” And when I’m by myself I can bow my knees and praise GOD as an act of worship. GOD cannot be contained.

• Do you think the “church” building is more sacred than your house?
• Do you believe there is a place on earth more sacred than another?
• Can you stop trying to contain GOD within certain things and see HIM everywhere?
• Do you believe HE owns everything?
• Won’t you stop crying for more and seek open eyes to HIM? 

Asking Shapes Me

2 Chronicles 1: ⁷ That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

⁸ Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. ⁹ Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. ¹⁰ Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

¹¹ God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, ¹² therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”

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GOD knows everything right? Then why does HE ask Solomon to “ask” HIM for something? I mean HE knows what Solomon will ask so why doesn’t HE just give it to him and be done with it? In fact, why doesn’t HE just give me my cushy life with plants that never die in a warm tropical bug-free place with people surrounding me who are praising GOD day and night?

• GOD has given me free will to choose HIM.
• GOD somehow allows me to actually pick my direction.
• GOD enables me to make choices and HE has rewards and consequences attached to them.

GOD doesn’t always just step in and steer things in my life. HE lets me choose my path. Unfortunately if sin and fear get in the way, I won’t choose HIM. That’s why HE had to die for me because I would never choose HIM. When GOD takes me to a very scary place my choices are critical. Choose HIM with faith, trust and obedience or cower away with fear, doubt and disobedience.

• GOD wants me to choose HIS way which shapes me to obey HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask for the items that please HIM which grows my faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to believe HE has a wonderful plan for me which strengthens my trust in HIM.

Asking actually is like exercise. The more I ask for the things GOD wants me to ask for, the stronger my faith becomes. The reason I will be able to believe larger things will come to fruition is because I would have seen GOD deliver me from the multitude of smaller things.

• Are you ready to grow your faith?
• Can you begin asking GOD for smaller things and watch HIM deliver you?
• Will you begin to put your trust in HIM today?

This is how Praise Looks

1 Chronicles 29: ¹⁰ David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

“Praise be to you, Lord,
    the God of our father Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting.
¹¹ Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
    and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
    for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
    you are exalted as head over all.
¹² Wealth and honor come from you;
    you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
    to exalt and give strength to all.
¹³ Now, our God, we give you thanks,
    and praise your glorious name.

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What I love about King David’s words of praise is he never mentions himself, only GOD. He praises GOD for the things I blame HIM for.  Yes, when I complain about my situation I blame GOD like HE doesn’t know what’s going on. When I complain I don’t have enough I blame GOD for giving wealth to those who squander it.

• GOD needs to be praised and that’s the end of the prayer.
• GOD needs to be exalted to GOD status in my mind, prayer and actions.
• GOD needs to be understood as the most powerful, the most glorious, the most magnificent, and the most high GOD.

GOD YOU are amazing!

Finish Your Work

1 Chronicles 28: ¹⁹ “All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.”

²⁰ David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.

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Shoulders slumped and head held low, I was trying to get over the news that I didn’t get the top executive position.  I was waiting so long! I moped for days and finally the CEO of the company I interviewed for said “Get your head back in the game. You still have to work.” I did and I actually got a different position which took me on a wonderful adventure I would not have imagined.

• GOD knows my every desire, good and bad.
• GOD knows my every ambition.
• GOD knows what’s in my mind.

A tactic of the enemy is discouragement because the race is pretty long. It seems like the road will never end.  Just when there seems to be signs like the end is coming, it seems like more road is added. This causes me to fear the future. (Like I have the future figured out.) This fear and discouragement makes me question GOD’s plan.

• When I want results in my timing I get discouraged but when I wait on GOD it always works out.
• When I look at the future I get filled with fear but when I focus on today I can see GOD’s blessings.
• When I survey my abilities I feel inadequate but when I seek GOD’s strength nothing can stop me.

David was very clear when he said these words over and over to a very nervous son, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” He said this because the road would seem long sometimes and things would go wrong. Set back after set back will occur. GOD said “Keep going, I will not fail you or forsake you.”

• Are you feeling discouraged?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Are you questioning GOD’s vision HE gave you?
• Can you stop thinking about the future and focus on what GOD wants you to do today?
• Will you ask GOD for HIS strength instead of trying to do this on your own?

Being Part of a Promise

1 Chronicle 27: ²³ David did not take the number of the men twenty years old or less, because the Lord had promised to make Israel as numerous as the stars in the sky.

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Stupidity made me diligent. I have told the story of slipping off from work to make chicken at my apartment which disappointed my supervisor greatly. I think this one act straightened me out because a person who believed in me lost his belief. This diligence spilled into many areas of my life.

One area I am glad diligence was added  was talking to people about GOD. The only story that rings in my mind was the time where a group of us walked around the city streets talking about GOD and HIS blessings. One person, who was under house arrest, stood by his front door and allowed us to speak with him about GOD. He accepted CHRIST and was extremely glad.

Two weeks later he was killed.

• There is nothing more important for me than spreading GOD’s message about HIS kingdom.
• Any worry or doubt I have can be covered by following GOD’s plan of talking about HIS kingdom.
• Spreading GOD’s kingdom enables me to keep the main thing, the main thing.

GOD sees my daily needs and sometimes my needs can get in the way of GOD’s kingdom. I get worried or frustrated or mad or frightened and forget I am made for GOD. HE wants me to have a good life but HE also wants me to focus my life on HIM.

GOD is a jealous GOD, not a needy one. HE wants to be first in my life but doesn’t need my phony attempts to be righteous. GOD said HE will return. HE was raised from the dead and is now building a kingdom for those who believe they need HIM.

I can participate in the promise of HIS return if I choose. I can spend my time worrying and fretting or I can grab hold of trust and get as many people prepared for HIS return as possible.

• Are you part of the problem or the promise?
• Are you so worried about you that you are not bearing fruit?
• Can you stop worrying about you and focus on telling people about GOD’s kingdom?
• Won’t you join GOD in helping HIM make HIS promise come true?

Is Service to GOD Temporary?

1 Chronicles: ³¹ As for the Hebronites, Jeriah was their chief according to the genealogical records of their families. In the fortieth year of David’s reign a search was made in the records, and capable men among the Hebronites were found at Jazer in Gilead. 

³² Jeriah had twenty-seven hundred relatives, who were able men and heads of families, and King David put them in charge of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king.

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After returning from the church convention, I felt I should be doing “something.” I mean shouldn’t I be going out and preaching and teaching? I had just publicly announced I was following GOD and I wanted to get started!

A few years later I ran into problems. I didn’t like the people who were supposed to be followers of GOD and I stopped going to church.

• Some circumstances make me question “Why do I follow GOD?”
• Some situations make me question “Does GOD really care?”
• Some lengthy trials make me ask “Why serve if all I get is punishment?”

Each of my questions had to be answered by “maturity” in GOD. HE never said life would be easy. In fact HE said there would be many trials. HE warned HIS disciples that the world would hate them and people who follow HIM would go through many trials and tribulations.

• GOD wants me to know HE loves me and strengthens me to handle trials.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS power even in the midst of chaos.
• GOD wants me to trust HIS ways and allow difficult situations to pass in order to see HIS perfect plan unfold.

Following GOD is not a temporary thing. Once I chose to follow HIM I became a new creation. The battle began. HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT in me and now my eyes are open to when I choose to do right and wrong. I still sin, but JESUS is my advocate and HE encourages me to get up and serve again.

• Are you trying to manipulate GOD by being good?
• Are you getting burnt out by serving GOD?
• Can you evaluate whether you are serving GOD or are you trying to get accolades from humans?
• Can you stop trying so hard and just “be” with GOD?

Appointed to Praise

1 Chronicles 25: David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. Here is the list of the men who performed this service:

² From the sons of Asaph:

Zakkur, Joseph, Nethaniah and Asarelah. The sons of Asaph were under the supervision of Asaph, who prophesied under the king’s supervision.

³ As for Jeduthun, from his sons:

Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei,^[a] Hashabiah and Mattithiah, six in all, under the supervision of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied, using the harp in thanking and praising the Lord.

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“What is she so smiley about” I thought with a grumpy tone.  “There he goes again, standing up and lifting up his hands right on cue” I observed with a snippy attitude. These “Phony” people couldn’t be this happy in church. I think I will label them as hypocrites first because I know “something” has to be wrong with them.

• When I am grumpy I want others grumpy.
• When I am low I want a pity party.
• When I am mad at the world I want everyone around me to be mad.

CHRIST was falsely accused, slandered, beaten and murdered. HE had a very bad day! HE voluntarily selected this punishment, knowing HIS own creation would turn their backs on HIM. All of HIS friends who thought HE would be a political giant felt lost. That’s when the sadness and the grumpiness came out.

I can sympathize with the disciples. I mean what is there to praise about when “all hope” is lost? Well the problem was with the thought that “all hope” can be lost!

• JESUS died trusting that HE would be raised from the dead by the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT.
• JESUS knew HE was the only one who could save me and everyone who believes in HIM.
• JESUS got up with ALL power and is now building a better place for all who believe.

“All hope” was gained when JESUS arose, never to die again. HE is the reason I should assemble with others. HE is the reason I should sing loudly when I get there. HE is the reason I should learn more about what HE wants me to do. JESUS is the reason I should praise.

• Are you feeling lost?
• Do you feel grumpy?
• Can you recognize the blessings GOD has given you rather than pouting?
• Can you focus your praise on JESUS today?

Is Order a Good Thing?

1 Chronicles 24: ⁵ They divided them impartially by casting lots, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar.

⁶ The scribe Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officials: Zadok the priest, Ahimelek son of Abiathar and the heads of families of the priests and of the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar and then one from Ithamar.

⁷ The first lot fell to Jehoiarib,

the second to Jedaiah,

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and the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.

¹⁹ This was their appointed order of ministering when they entered the temple of the Lord, according to the regulations prescribed for them by their ancestor Aaron, as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded him.

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“Please stand for the reading” said a priest to us. I was not familiar with the process so I felt a bit uncomfortable. As everyone spoke in unison, I stood fumbling over the words trying to determine what would be next. 

Every prayer, scripture and statement was written out for me. My mind wandered to the fact that there was SO much left on the itinerary. “When will we ever get out of here?” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I get distracted in church because I want to be somewhere else.
• Sometimes I can’t see the purpose of church because I am thinking of the problems I am facing.
• Sometimes I think GOD isn’t in church because the spontaneity isn’t visible to me.

As I read this chapter this morning, I was tempted to skim read it because it seemed like another list of people who I couldn’t pronounce or remember.  Then it hit me.

• GOD had David create an “order of service” through a spontaneous method.
• GOD chose which order each of the twenty four ministers would serve.
• GOD was pleased to give an order to service to worship.

Everything in the universe has order. While things seem spontaneous to me, they are of no surprise to GOD. This made me rethink the boredom I experienced when worship was structured. A gentleman explained why he enjoyed reading prayers.

He said, “I enjoy reading words and meanings that were actually spoken to JESUS as HE walked the earth. I love singing songs from people who touched our risen SAVIOR.” This floored me. I never thought of it that way.

While humans have created division through religion, GOD still sees who is genuinely serving HIM and is pleased with their actions. HE wants me to recognize that “order” is a good thing as long as the focus is on HIM.

• Are you distracted in church?
• Do you think church is for your entertainment?
• Can you recognize How GOD is pleased with the order of service?

Periods of Rest

1 Chronicles 23: ²⁵ For David had said, “Since the Lord, the God of Israel, has granted rest to his people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever, ²⁶ the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles used in its service.” 

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With the crowd getting larger, it seemed like this place needed more organization. I implemented some software that would keep track of tithes, offerings and money for the building. Each Sunday I would park myself in the office and half way listen to the sermon on a speaker in the office.

Questions about administration soon led me to take work from the church home. I was the head of the deacons, head of the trustees, head of administration and headed towards going nuts. Is this what GOD had in mind?

• Sometimes I get overloaded.
• Sometimes I feel overwhelmed.
• Sometimes I work to the point of exhaustion.

Volunteering is a wonderful thing but sometimes the volunteer activity needs to be scaled back to have moment of rest. GOD wants me to focus on HIM when HE calls me, but HE loves me so much that HE wants me to have rest.

• GOD said to me “Come unto me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
• GOD said to me “I lead you beside still waters.”
• GOD said to me “Stand still and watch the power of the LORD.”

When I find myself trying too hard to please GOD it usually stems from fear or worry or doubt that HE is with me. It also means I really, really want something that GOD may have said “No” or “Wait” to. Don’t get me wrong… GOD wants me to be persistent an persevere in the battle of life, BUT HE also wants me to have periods of rest.

GOD cares for me so HE wants me to take a moment for myself so I will not get burnt out!

• Are you working hard to please GOD?
• Do you think HE is not pleased with you for some reason?
• Can you stop thinking HE is a hard task master and allow yourself to take a break once in a while?
• Can you look at service to the LORD as smaller periods of work AND rest?

Waiting for Perfect Conditions

1 Chronicles 20: In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, Joab led out the armed forces. He laid waste the land of the Ammonites and went to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and left it in ruins. 

² David took the crown from the head of their king—its weight was found to be a talent of gold, and it was set with precious stones—and it was placed on David’s head. He took a great quantity of plunder from the city ³ and brought out the people who were there, consigning them to labor with saws and with iron picks and axes. David did this to all the Ammonite towns. Then David and his entire army returned to Jerusalem.

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Training was phenomenal and I felt ready to tackle new issues! “This is my chance” I thought to myself.  The conditions were perfect for me to move ahead.  I mean I was the only one in the department trained on this particular platform.  I also had years of experience and to top it off, my boss not only liked me, she was excited about my work.

Then I got the news… She was leaving the company. “Well, that’s okay, I am still trained” I thought. Then they announced they were moving on to a new platform and my training was obsolete. Now how am I supposed to behave? Do I have to wait some more?!

• Many times I have waited for the conditions to be perfect and they have fallen apart.
• Many times I have wondered when it will be “my” turn to be on top.
• Many times I have cried out in a tantrum, “Please let me move ahead and I will start being generous and serving ant etc.”

It seemed like I was trying to bargain with GOD. “If YOU let me get my way then I will serve YOU with excitement” as if to say I wouldn’t if HE didn’t. Instead of advancement after waiting for years, I received more trouble, more worry and more pain.

One reason I think David was a man after GOD’s own heart was he never waited. The current conditions were always perfect to serve GOD. When a bear attacked him, he fought, knowing GOD was with HIM. The same with armies and foes who had the odds stacked against him.

• I must realize that the current conditions are perfect for serving GOD.
• I must realize that I can be generous in the middle of having little.
• I must realize that I can praise GOD loudly and excited in the middle of the storm.

The old saying is “GOD isn’t done with me yet” meaning I’m still growing in HIS grace and HIS marvelous plan. HIS plan is awesome and far greater than I could ever imagine.

• Are you in the middle of the storm?
• Are you facing another giant right after fighting a bear?
• Do you think you have to do it alone?
• Can you place your reliance on GOD and trust that HE knows where you are?

Mistaking My Kindness for Weakness

1 Chronicles 19: In the course of time, Nahash king of the Ammonites died, and his son succeeded him as king. ² David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun concerning his father.

When David’s envoys came to Hanun in the land of the Ammonites to express sympathy to him, ³ the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, “Do you think David is honoring your father by sending envoys to you to express sympathy? Haven’t his envoys come to you only to explore and spy out the country and overthrow it?” ⁴ So Hanun seized David’s envoys, shaved them, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away.

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¹⁴ Then Joab and the troops with him advanced to fight the Arameans, and they fled before him. 

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¹⁹ When the vassals of Hadadezer saw that they had been routed by Israel, they made peace with David and became subject to him.

So the Arameans were not willing to help the Ammonites anymore.

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Sitting in my office, I wondered how I was going to get the work done with the resources I had available to me. A peer came to my cubicle and tapped on the imaginary door. He proceeded to ask me to do some of his work. It was small and similar to what our team was doing so I agreed. Our team worked hard, but my peers’ extra load began to drag on and on so I went back to him and asked for more attention to “our” project.

He then said “It’s your project” as if he had nothing to do with it. Things looked bleak for a moment, but after talking to the team, they were willing to work a little harder. We finished all the work with a few minor adjustments and our team won an award. I truly appreciate their wonderful hearts.

• Sometimes I feel my kindness is viewed as weakness.
• Sometimes I feel my kindness is supposed to yield to bullying tactics.
• Sometimes I feel my kindness is taken and trampled by those who aren’t appreciative.

Yes, I know I should not be looking for rewards here on earth. GOD clearly says if I seek a pat on my back, I would get it as my reward instead of getting a reward in heaven from HIM. But HE also said “Do not cast your pearls before swine.” As a follower of CHRIST I need to watch HIS example carefully.

• JESUS served those in need and recognized those who were blatantly against HIM.
• JESUS never sought credit but recognized the Churchy people who blew HIM off.
• JESUS was not afraid to serve someone who acted different than HE did and recognized those who served by exclusion.

The recognition JESUS had of the Pharisees and Sadducees wasn’t good. In fact HE called them a den of vipers. HE wants me to serve with my eyes wide open and perhaps stop serving those who rob and steal from people. HE still wants me to show kindness to those HE delivers to me, but I must obey HIM rather than chasing human approval.

• Are you chasing those who can never be pleased?
• Do people mistake your kindness for weakness?
• Can you say “no” to people to avoid burn-out?
• Won’t you ask GOD to open your eyes to those HE wants you to serve and those you can say “no” to?

Success in the Makings

1 Chronicles 18: ⁵ When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of them. ⁶ He put garrisons in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to him and brought him tribute. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.

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¹² Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.¹³ He put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.

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Boss number twenty two came through the revolving door and was super zealous and quite curt in her discussions. She was very demanding and it seemed like I needed to saddle up for the very long journey of oppression. After staying up most of the night, I was able to get the presentation just right but traffic prevented me from delivering it on time.

“I’m going to be fired” I thought to myself. I hurried into the meeting, late. I turned on my laptop in hopes that I could slip the new presentation in, but the look from my boss made it known I was in the toilet.

• When trouble comes I feel distressed.
• When the pressure is on and I miss on my delivery I feel pain.
• When I am surrounded on all sides and there seems to be no way out I feel like giving up.

One of the high ranking officials in the room asked about some detail from the area I was responsible. I quickly responded and it actually was better that my presentation was not shown as it kept down the number of follow on questions. “Good job” grunted my boss afterwards.

• Sometimes trouble is placed in front of me by GOD to help me grow.
• Sometimes obstacles are placed in front of me by GOD because HIS plan is better than mine.
• Sometimes barriers are placed in front of me by GOD to prevent me from messing up.

There is a way that seems right to man but GOD’s ways are far above any thought humans can have. GOD knows just when to place a barrier in front of me to slow me down when things aren’t aligned with HIS plan. I must recognize and appreciate the barrier because that may be GOD saying “It’s not ready yet.”

• Are you anxious?
• Are you tired of waiting for “it” to be ready?
• Can you recognize when GOD is slowing you down to prevent you from crashing and burning?
• Won’t you try again, but this time ask GOD for HIS victory to shine through whatever you are doing?

Remember what has been done

1 Chronicles 17: ⁷ “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. ⁸ I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name like the names of the greatest men on earth. 

⁹ And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning ¹⁰ and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also subdue all your enemies.

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“How am I even alive?” I thought to myself today. I mean I should have been hit by the car I stepped in front of. I should have fallen from the factory I climbed on. The car I drove at high speeds with bald tires should have flipped over. I should have been brutally mauled by the thugs who robbed me or shot by those who pointed guns at me. But I wasn’t.

I should still be in the neighborhood I grew up in, cowering under my bed because it has gotten worse and worse. I should still be wearing holey pants and eating an occasional mustard sandwich. But GOD said different.

• GOD says to me “I took you from meager beginnings and appointed you over many in the business world.”
• GOD says to me “I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off your enemies from before you.”
• GOD says to me “Now I will make your name like the names of the greatest men on earth.”

Yes I was terrified of writing that last sentence. I asked GOD over and over, “are you sure you want me to write that?” I mean Joseph declared some pretty lofty things and seemed so naive. Also, I have taught many people to focus on humility and let GOD worry about which title HE wants to give you.

I also don’t feel like I deserve “greatness.” I mean I’m a sinner just like anyone else. What if I’m just hearing my own sinful desires to be a conqueror of nations? What if it’s just the greed speaking?

• GOD said to me “Let me handle the definition of ‘greatness’ not man.”
• GOD said to me “Seek my kingdom first and foremost and I will add much to you.”
• GOD said to me “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” so I won’t have to “try” to please GOD because HE is already in love with me.

I guess I was looking at the word “greatness” with sinful eyes. Humans think greatness is a title, fancy car and huge bank accounts. I don’t know… maybe GOD will allow me to have some of that stuff, but the GREATEST human who walked the planet never sinned, never asked for a title and was murdered for something I did. JESUS is the “greatness” my life should point to.

• Are you seeking greatness?
• Can you modify your definition of greatness to focus on “kingdom” greatness?
• Can you focus your life on the ONE who is great, namely JESUS?

Praise Instructions

1 Chronicles 16: ⁷ That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the Lord in this manner:

⁸ Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done.

⁹ Sing to him, sing praise to him;
    tell of all his wonderful acts.

¹⁰ Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

¹¹ Look to the Lord and his strength;
    seek his face always.

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“What am I going to do now?” was my question as I looked at my totaled vehicle. A guy driving a jeep turned left in front of me and my old jalopy needed more distance to stop, probably because I was exceeding the speed limit. “I don’t have a car! How am I going to get to work?” were the first thoughts.

Looking back on this incident, I do not remember “caring” that one of the passengers flew out of the jeep and had a bloody head.

• When tough situations happen I want to hold a pity party for myself.
• When life is difficult I want to tell everyone about how difficult life is.
• When rough things happen I want instant relief before I can be “happy.”

It is difficult to “praise GOD” in the middle of the storm.  I mean, isn’t HE supposed to be the one who grants my wishes and makes me happy? Not at all!

• GOD wasn’t created for me, I was created for GOD and by GOD.
• GOD is supreme and is extremely worth of all praise.
• GOD appreciates when I look past the difficulty and see HIM with joyous eyes.

Giving GOD praise takes practice. I actually had to start small, as small as praising HIM for life’s mundane parts. I then began to notice larger and more times where I could see GOD at work in my life. The more I praised, the more I noticed GOD working in my life.

• Are you going through difficult times?
• Do you feel you have to wait until the difficulty is complete in order to praise GOD?
• Does everything have to be worked out “your way” in order for GOD to receive your praise?
• Can you stop holding back your praise and sing, proclaim or look to the LORD and HIS strength?

Ask HOW to do it

1 Chronicles 15: ¹² He said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families; you and your fellow Levites are to consecrate yourselves and bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. 

¹³ It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the Lord our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way.”

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Three O’clock in the morning and I could not get to sleep.  My boss who was hard as nails gave me little instruction for my daunting task. I fumbled to get something together for her but felt it wasn’t my best work. I nervously gave her my report and she stopped me from leaving. “Uh-oh” I thought.

She said in a calm yet firm voice, “All you had to do was ask and I would have clarified what I wanted.”

• Sometimes when I feel intimidated I back away.
• Sometimes when I feel inadequate I put together a flimsy plan.
• Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed I want to ball up and crawl in a corner.

Fear drives me to stand in the road and get hit by a truck. It makes me dream of problems more and more rather than focusing on what I am supposed to be doing. The more fear I have the more problems I see. BUT GOD wants me to behave differently.

• GOD wants me to ask HIM how HE wants to be served.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom before I seek my plans.
• GOD wants me to give HIM worship daily which means I need to stop and have time with HIM.

When I feel like GOD has disappeared and withdrawn, HE wants me to ask HIM what HE wants me to do next. HE can handle as many requests I can give HIM regarding clarity to serve HIM. HE knows my intentions and knows when I am trying to manipulate HIM to get my way.

HE will always see beyond my sins in order to being me to a better place. HE knows HIS wonderful plans for me, plans to prosper me.

• Are you trying to accomplish something?
• Do you feel your plans are falling apart?
• Can you ask GOD for clarification of what HE wants you to do today?

Asking GOD the right questions

1 Chronicles 14: ¹⁰ so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”

The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”

  

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Struggling to get the extremely large piece out of the garage, a few of us tussled with what I call “the Rock of Gibraltar furniture.” Three of us put our heads together, plotting our path carefully, hoping the furniture would get lighter. As we saddled this mountainous piece of furniture in our hands we struggled at the first set of steps just getting it into the house.

Once in, we had to climb steps, I believe these folks had 50,000 or so. I walked backwards and the other two gentlemen were on the end, pushing upward. When we reached the top of the stairway to my dismay, there were boxes blocking our path. We were holding this heavy thing and could not set it down!

• Sometimes I run into obstacles and feel discouraged.
• Sometimes I run into barriers and feel like giving up.
• Sometimes I run into road blocks and feel like dropping heavy loads.

My tendency is to “plan” better and cut GOD out of the picture. I mean we could have checked the full path and been successful right? Wrong! The path was clear but boxes were placed in the path as we were on our way. GOD wants me to plan but do it in a different way.

• GOD wants me to ask HIM if I should even be doing what I’m doing.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for success rather than focusing on my own power.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to handle extremely large problems as well as the small.

David’s army was but a flea compared to the Philistines. BUT GOD was with David and nothing could stop him. When GOD is with me who can be against me? GOD’s power is infinite, so it is up to me to ask HIM the right questions to determine my success that day.

• Are you making decisions on your own?
• Do you think you can accomplish things on your own power?
• Can you ask GOD what HE wants you to do today?
• Will you look to GOD to provide “success” to you HIS way?