Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 22:14-19.

“Now behold, with great pains I have prepared for the house of the LORD 100,000 talents of gold and 1,000,000 talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond weight, for they are in great quantity; also timber and stone I have prepared, and you may add to them.  Moreover, there are many workmen with you, stonecutters and masons of stone and carpenters, and all men who are skillful in every kind of work.  Of the gold, the silver and the bronze and the iron there is no limit.  Arise and work, and may the LORD be with you.”

David also commanded all the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon, saying“Is not the LORD your God with you?  And has He not given you rest on every side?  For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the LORD and before His people.  Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God;  arise, therefore, and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God into the house that is to be built for the name of the LORD.”  1 Chronicles 22:14-19.

———-

David commanded his son Solomon and all the leaders of Israel in or similar language:  “Arise and work, and may the LORD be with you.”  We are likewise called to arise and work with the assurance that the LORD is with us.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:12-13.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6. 

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24.

“24 This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 O LORD, do save, we beseech You;
O LORD, we beseech You, do send prosperity!” Psalm 118:24-25.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 22:6-13.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%2022&version=NASB1995

“Then he called for his son Solomon, and charged him to build a house for the LORD God of Israel.  …  Now, my son, the LORD be with you that you may be successful, and build the house of the LORD your God just as He has spoken concerning you.  Only the LORD give you discretion and understanding, and give you charge over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.  Then you will prosper, if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the LORD commanded Moses concerning Israel.  Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed.”  1 Chronicles 22:6 and 11-13.

———–

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:48.

But, there is hope and help!

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;  but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.  But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;  and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”  Ezekiel 36:26-27. 

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD;  you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.”  1 Peter 2:9-10.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby.

Article 8.  For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation:  that is, it was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby he confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation, and given to him by the Father;  that he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death;  should purge them from all sin, both original and actual, whether committed before or after believing;  and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last bring them free from every spot and blemish to the enjoyment of glory in his own presence forever.

So, let us go back to the “Therefore you are to be perfect” verse that is quoted above.  You will be perfect, because “your heavenly Father is perfect”.  In other words, our Heavenly Father will provide everything that we, His children, need to be perfect.    

Likewise, we read:  “For by one offering He (Christ) has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”  Hebrews 10:14. 

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.

“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.  To Him be dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 5:10-11.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely;  and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 22:1-5.

“Then David said, “This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel.”

So David gave orders to gather the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, and he set stonecutters to hew out stones to build the house of God.  David prepared large quantities of iron to make the nails for the doors of the gates and for the clamps, and more bronze than could be weighed;  and timbers of cedar logs beyond number, for the Sidonians and Tyrians brought large quantities of cedar timber to David.  David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD shall be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all lands.  Therefore now I will make preparation for it.”  So David made ample preparations before his death.”  1 Chronicles 22:1-5.

———–

Even though the LORD did not allow David himself to build the house of the LORD, David made ample preparations for the building of the house of the LORD.  For what do we make preparations before our death?

Some have one primary goal which is to build up as much wealth as we can.  We are bombarded by it by worldly messages on the TV, computer, and cell phone.  The worldly messages try to justify it, building up as much wealth as we can, by showing children (family) or charitable giving or healthy activities or having at least 1.4 million dollars in order to be “safe and comfortable”.

And, although there is certainly merit in taking care of ourselves and family, where is our heart?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;  for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Matthew 6:19-21.  

“And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive.  And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’  Then he said, ‘This is what I will do:  I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come;  take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’  But God said to him, ‘You fool!  This very night your soul is required of you;  and now who will own what you have prepared?’  So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”  Luke 12:16-21.

But, there is hope!

“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’  For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things;  for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“So do not worry about tomorrow;  for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:31-34.

“Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42.

“Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”  Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”  John 6:27-29.

“It is vain for you to rise up early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” Psalm 127:2.

So, what examples in Scripture do we see of good “preparations before his death”?

Here are three examples from the Hall of Faith chapter in the Bible, namely Hebrews chapter 11.

“By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”  Hebrews 11:7.

“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance;  and he went out, not knowing where he was going.  By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;  for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”  Hebrews 11:8-10.

“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt;  for he was looking to the reward.  By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king;  for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.”  Hebrews 11:24-27.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 21:18-30.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%2021&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.  So David went up at the word of Gad, which he spoke in the name of the LORD.  Now Ornan turned back and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves.  And Ornan was threshing wheat.  As David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out from the threshing floor and prostrated himself before David with his face to the ground.  Then David said to Ornan, “Give me the site of this threshing floor, that I may build on it an altar to the LORD;  for the full price you shall give it to me, that the plague may be restrained from the people.”  Ornan said to David, “Take it for yourself;  and let my lord the king do what is good in his sight.  See, I will give the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for wood and the wheat for the grain offering;  I will give it all.”  But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price;  for I will not take what is yours for the LORD, or offer a burnt offering which costs me nothing.”  So David gave Ornan 600 shekels of gold by weight for the site.  Then David built an altar to the LORD there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.  And he called to the LORD and He answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering.  The LORD commanded the angel, and he put his sword back in its sheath.”  1 Chronicles 21:18-27. 

—————-    

David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings as a sacrifice to the LORD.  We are called to present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice as described in the following Scriptures.   

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Romans 12:1-2.

And, we are called to not be conformed to this world.  But, how often we are conformed to this world by dwelling on worldly messages on computer, TV, and cell phone!

We are called to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.  This is a renewing of the mind done by the Holy Spirit.

“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, … But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:12 and 16.

“For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think;  but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”  Romans 12:3.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that (faith) not of yourselves, it (faith) is the gift of God;” Ephesians 2:8.

“Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:” 2 Peter 1:1.

So, according to these Scriptures above and other Scriptures, faith is a gift of God!

Thus, we should not be proud and selfish about our faith. We did not obtain our faith by our own wisdom and will. We should not be smug and care only that we are saved.  Instead, we should be humble and generous about our faith (a gift of God) using it to serve others (also a gift of God). 

“For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly:  if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;”  Romans 12:4-6. 

We serve others “according to the proportion of his faith”.

“if service, in his serving;  or he who teaches, in his teaching;  or he who exhorts, in his exhortation;  he who gives, with liberality;  he who leads, with diligence;  he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”  Romans 12:7-8.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 21:9-17.

“The LORD spoke to Gad, David’s seer, saying, “Go and speak to David, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD, “I offer you three things; choose for yourself one of them, which I will do to you.”’”  So Gad came to David and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Take for yourself either three years of famine, or three months to be swept away before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days of the sword of the LORD, even pestilence in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.’  Now, therefore, consider what answer I shall return to Him who sent me.”  David said to Gad, “I am in great distress;  please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great.  But do not let me fall into the hand of man.”

So the LORD sent a pestilence on Israel;  70,000 men of Israel fell.  And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it;  but as he was about to destroy it, the LORD saw and was sorry over the calamity, and said to the destroying angel, “It is enough;  now relax your hand.”  And the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.  Then David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, with his drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem.  Then David and the elders, covered with sackcloth, fell on their faces.  David said to God, “Is it not I who commanded to count the people?  Indeed, I am the one who has sinned and done very wickedly, but these sheep, what have they done?  O LORD my God, please let Your hand be against me and my father’s household, but not against Your people that they should be plagued.”  1 Chronicles 21:9-17.

—————  

Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;
According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.
4 Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge.

5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.
6 Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
7 Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
9 Hide Your face from my sins
And blot out all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners will be converted to You.” Psalm 51:1-13.

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  For one will hardly die for a righteous man;  though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”  Romans 5:6-11.

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba!  Father!”  Romans 8:15.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 21:1-8.

“Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel.  So David said to Joab and to the princes of the people, “Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan, and bring me word that I may know their number.”  Joab said, “May the LORD add to His people a hundred times as many as they are!  But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants?  Why does my lord seek this thing?  Why should he be a cause of guilt to Israel?”  Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab.  Therefore, Joab departed and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.  Joab gave the number of the census of all the people to David.  And all Israel were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword;  and Judah was 470,000 men who drew the sword.  But he did not number Levi and Benjamin among them, for the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab.

God was displeased with this thing, so He struck Israel.  David said to God, “I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing.  But now, please take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.” 1 Chronicles 21:1-8.

———-

Superficially, David’s action of taking a census of all the people may not have violated God’s law.  See Numbers 1:2-3.  But maybe, David was doing it this time out of pride, because in the prior chapter, David gained all these victories even over giants. In any event, “God was displeased with this thing, so He struck Israel.”  We will cover the following points.

First, we need to be aware of the presence and purpose of Satan.  “Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel.”  Verse 1.

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:8-9.  

Second, we need to seek and follow wise counsel a/k/a advice.  Joab wisely warned David (see verse 3), but David did not follow it.

“A wise man will hear and increase in learning,
And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,” Proverbs 1:5.

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” Proverbs 12:15.

“Listen to counsel and accept discipline,
That you may be wise the rest of your days.” Proverbs 19:20.

“8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.” Psalm 32:8-10.

Third, we need to learn what pleases God and what does not please God.  Sometimes, it is not so clear.  

“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;  strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience;  joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.”  Colossians 1:9-12.

Ephesians 5:1-21 contains examples of what pleases God and what does not please God. We are reminded and exhorted: “for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-10.

“Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.”  1 Thessalonians 4:1.

“Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” John 6:28.

But, there is hope!

“Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” John 6:29.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,” 1 Corinthians 1:30.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6.

“… “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” Luke 3:22.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” John 15:4-8.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. … In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:3-6 and 10-12.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely;  and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

In summary, God will Himself do what pleases Him. It is His good pleasure that we (the elect) are in Christ in Whom He is well-pleased and through Whom He will provide all that we need to please Him.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10.

In other words, we do not begin our search for wisdom as to what will please God by examining ourselves and trying to figure out what we should do. Rather, we begin our search for wisdom by seeking to know God and have a proper belief in God.

Consider the following from the Belgic Confession.

Article 1: That there is One Only God.

We all believe with the heart, and confess with the mouth, that there is one only simple and spiritual Being, which we call God; and that he is eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, immutable, infinite, almighty, perfectly wise, just, good, and the overflowing fountain of all good.

Moreover, regarding the above verse, “knowledge of the Holy One” leads us to meditate on what the LORD does for His good pleasure. The LORD will certainly use us, BUT He will give us both the Will to do His good pleasure and He will work within us for His good pleasure. “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.

Even in the exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 4:1 above (“as to how you ought to walk and please God”), there is the encouragement “(just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.

In other words, let us never turn our eyes away from faith in the LORD to turn our eyes on ourselves, on our self, our own will, and our own works, thinking the solution is just that we need to try harder in our flesh. “and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:8.

Remember the John 15:6 Scripture above: “Abide in Me, and I in you.”

“9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure
’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it
.” Isaiah 46:9-11.

“But our God is in the heavens;
He does whatever He pleases.” Psalm 115:3.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles chapter 20.

“Then it happened in the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle, that Joab led out the army and ravaged the land of the sons of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah.  But David stayed at Jerusalem.  And Joab struck Rabbah and overthrew it.  David took the crown of their king from his head, and he found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there was a precious stone in it;  and it was placed on David’s head.  And he brought out the spoil of the city, a very great amount.  He brought out the people who were in it, and cut them with saws and with sharp instruments and with axes.  And thus David did to all the cities of the sons of Ammon.  Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

Now it came about after this, that war broke out at Gezer with the Philistines;  then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the giants, and they were subdued.  And there was war with the Philistines again, and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.  Again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature who had twenty-four fingers and toes, six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot;  and he also was descended from the giants.  When he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David’s brother, killed him.  These were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.”  1 Chronicles chapter 20.

———–

“‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10.

We should not be afraid of the giants in our land.  Nor should we be afraid of the Goliaths in our land.  For the theme of our devotion, the giants in our land symbolize the difficult problems, and the Goliaths in our land symbolize the difficult people.   

“11 “Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored;
Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.
12 “You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them,
Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent.
13 “For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand,
Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’
14 “Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel;
I will help you,” declares the LORD, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:10-14.

No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life.  Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you;  I will not fail you or forsake you.  Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.  Only be strong and very courageous;  be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you;  do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.  This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it;  for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:5-9.

As I summarize from the next Scriptures, sometimes Jesus calms the sea. But, other times, Jesus calms our hearts. In either case, Jesus is with us and gives us His peace by His presence with us.

In John 6:16-20, Jesus and His disciples were crossing the sea to Capernaum when the sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. The disciples were frightened. Jesus said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid”.

In the very next verse, John 6:21 then simply tells us: “They were willing therefore to receive Him into the boat; and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going”.

The key to this passage is not that the sea became calm. (It is not mentioned in this passage whether or not the sea became calm.) The key is that as soon as they were willing to receive Him, the boat was at the land to which they were going.

In a storm, man thinks: “I need safety. I need the wind to stop blowing and the seas to calm. If this storm does not stop, I will die. Jesus, calm the seas.

Sometimes, Jesus may calm the seas. However, what is most important is Jesus’ presence with us. Even if the wind continues to blow and the sea rages, if Jesus is with us, we have His peace by His presence with us.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:26-27.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles chapter 19.  Here is a link to this chapter – 1 Chronicles 19 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

“Now it came about after this, that Nahash the king of the sons of Ammon died, and his son became king in his place.  Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.”  So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father.  And David’s servants came into the land of the sons of Ammon to Hanun to console him.  But the princes of the sons of Ammon said to Hanun,  “Do you think that David is honoring your father, in that he has sent comforters to you?  Have not his servants come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?”  So Hanun took David’s servants and shaved them and cut off their garments in the middle as far as their hips, and sent them away.  Then certain persons went and told David about the men.  And he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly humiliated.  And the king said, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow, and then return.”

When the sons of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the sons of Ammon sent 1,000 talents of silver to hire for themselves chariots and horsemen from Mesopotamia, from Aram-maacah and from Zobah.  So they hired for themselves 32,000 chariots, and the king of Maacah and his people, who came and camped before Medeba.  And the sons of Ammon gathered together from their cities and came to battle.  When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army, the mighty men.  The sons of Ammon came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the city, and the kings who had come were by themselves in the field.

The Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed of the Arameans 7,000 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, and put to death Shophach the commander of the army.  So when the servants of Hadadezer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and served him.  Thus the Arameans were not willing to help the sons of Ammon anymore.”  1 Chronicles 19:1-9 and 18-19.  

———    

Bad advice a/k/a counsel (that is accepted) will have bad consequences.  

Hanun accepted the bad advice of the princes of the sons of Ammon, not only to reject the good-will gesture of David, but also to humiliate David’s servants, and then later to go to war with David.  As a result, Ammon and Aram were defeated and “…  the Arameans were not willing to help the sons of Ammon anymore.”  1 Chronicles 19:20.

We also see that clearly in 1 Kings 12:1-20.  “King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you counsel me to answer this people?”  Then they spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to this people today, and will serve them and grant them their petition, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.”  But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him.”  1 Kings 12:6-8.  As a result, King Rehoboam lost control of Israel and only reigned over Judah.  

But, there is hope!

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2.

Consider how the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, counsel us.

“8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.” Psalm 32:8-10.

“10 The LORD nullifies the counsel of the nations;
He frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
The plans of His heart from generation to generation.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12.

“12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
And I find knowledge and discretion
.
13 “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverted mouth, I hate.
14 “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom;
I am understanding, power is mine.

15 “By me kings reign,
And rulers decree justice.
16 “By me princes rule, and nobles,
All who judge rightly.
17 “I love those who love me;
And those who diligently seek me will find me.

18 “Riches and honor are with me,
Enduring wealth and righteousness.

19 “My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold,
And my yield better than choicest silver.
20 “I walk in the way of righteousness,
In the midst of the paths of justice,

21 To endow those who love me with wealth,
That I may fill their treasuries.
” Proverbs 8:12-21.

All the words of God the Son (Jesus) that we need for life and truth are available to us in the Bible, and even more, some Bibles put all the words of Jesus in red letters to help us more easily spot them.  Jesus is called “Wonderful Counselor” in Isaiah 9:6.  

Jesus is our life and truth.  “Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life;  no one comes to the Father but through Me.”  John 14:6.

And, Jesus is our wisdom. “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, …” 1 Corinthians 1:30. “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3.

God the Son (Holy Spirit) both teaches us all things and also brings to our remembrance all that Jesus said to us.  “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”  John 14:26.

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth;  for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak;  and He will disclose to you what is to come.”  John 16:13. 

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 23, 2025

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles chapter 18.  Here is a link to this chapter – 1 Chronicles 18 NASB1995 – – Bible Gateway

I quote only the following verses.

“Now after this it came about that David defeated the Philistines and subdued them and took Gath and its towns from the hand of the Philistines.  He defeated Moab, and the Moabites became servants to David, bringing tribute.

David also defeated Hadadezer king of Zobah as far as Hamath, as he went to establish his rule to the Euphrates River.  David took from him 1,000 chariots and 7,000 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers, and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved enough of them for 100 chariots.

When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David killed 22,000 men of the Arameans.  Then David put garrisons among the Arameans of Damascus;  and the Arameans became servants to David, bringing tribute.  And the LORD helped David wherever he went.  David took the shields of gold which were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.  Also from Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took a very large amount of bronze, with which Solomon made the bronze sea and the pillars and the bronze utensils.

Now when Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated all the army of Hadadezer king of Zobah, he sent Hadoram his son to King David to greet him and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and had defeated him;  for Hadadezer had been at war with Tou.  And Hadoram brought all kinds of articles of gold and silver and bronze.  King David also dedicated these to the LORD with the silver and the gold which he had carried away from all the nations:  from Edom, Moab, the sons of Ammon, the Philistines, and from Amalek.

Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah defeated 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt.  Then he put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became servants to David.  And the LORD helped David wherever he went.

So David reigned over all Israel;  and he administered justice and righteousness for all his people.”  1 Chronicles 18:1-14.

————-   

Today’s devotion will briefly address two points from today’s Scripture by presenting a few Scriptures upon which we can meditate.  First, although we could certainly infer it, today’s Scripture twice expressly states:  “And the LORD helped David wherever he went.”  Second, immediately after one of these times and connected to it, we read:  “So David reigned over all Israel;  and he administered justice and righteousness for all his people.”  In other words, “one” of the things that the LORD helped David was reigning over Israel and the administration of justice and righteousness for all his people.  

Although one could argue that these are two things, they are connected.  There can be no administration of justice and righteousness for all the people without some one or some One reigning.

“Blessed be the LORD your God who delighted in you, setting you on His throne as king for the LORD your God;  because your God loved Israel establishing them forever, therefore He made you king over them, to do justice and righteousness.”  2 Chronicles 9:8.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Lovingkindness and truth go before You.” Psalm 89:4.

“There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:7.

We want help from the LORD to get peace and prosperity.  But do we want the administration of justice and righteousness for all the people?

Maybe, we even want the administration of justice and righteousness for all the people.  But, do we want some one or some One to reign in order to accomplish it?

Maybe, we prefer our own freedom over justice and righteousness for all the people so that we can do whatever we want. 

“2 The kings of the earth take their stand
And the rulers take counsel together
Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us tear their fetters apart
And cast away their cords from us!”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The Lord scoffs at them.

5 Then He will speak to them in His anger
And terrify them in His fury, saying,

6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”

7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’” Psalm 2:3-9.

Regarding the first point, the LORD helping David wherever he went, we may also want such help.  Consider this following quote from the very first chapter of the Psalms.  

“2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:2-3.

Regarding the second point of the LORD helping David reign over Israel and helping David administer justice and righteousness for all the people, the LORD loves justice and righteousness (along with lovingkindness) and exercises it on the earth.

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

“7 The works of His hands are truth and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
8 They are upheld forever and ever;
They are performed in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has ordained His covenant forever;
Holy and awesome is His name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;
His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:7-10.

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Chronicles 17:16-27.

“Then David the king went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house that You have brought me this far?  This was a small thing in Your eyes, O God;  but You have spoken of Your servant’s house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the standard of a man of high degree, O LORD God.  What more can David still say to You concerning the honor bestowed on Your servant?  For You know Your servant.  O LORD, for Your servant’s sake, and according to Your own heart, You have wrought all this greatness, to make known all these great things.  O LORD, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.  And what one nation in the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, to make You a name by great and terrible things, in driving out nations from before Your people, whom You redeemed out of Egypt?  For Your people Israel You made Your own people forever, and You, O LORD, became their God.

“Now, O LORD, let the word that You have spoken concerning Your servant and concerning his house be established forever, and do as You have spoken.  Let Your name be established and magnified forever, saying, ‘The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel;  and the house of David Your servant is established before You.’  For You, O my God, have revealed to Your servant that You will build for him a house;  therefore Your servant has found courage to pray before You.  Now, O LORD, You are God, and have promised this good thing to Your servant.  And now it has pleased You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You;  for You, O LORD, have blessed, and it is blessed forever.”   1 Chronicles 17:16-27.

————

David was first humble concerning the honor bestowed on him.  He wanted to properly have the right humble attitude, give thanks and praise to the LORD, and receive what was promised to Israel and himself.  But, the first step is humility, and that will be the focus on today’s devotion.   

David first humbly sat (he did not stand) and humbly said:  “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house that You have brought me this far?”

“The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom,
And before honor comes humility.” Proverbs 15:33.

“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” James 4:6.

Our tendency is to stand and to hope that others are around to hear all the good things said to us and only then to give thanks.  

But, there is hope!

Other doctrine believes and teaches that there is some goodness in us whether it be works or at least will that motivates God to be good to us.

But, Reformed Doctrine humbly believes and teaches “Total Depravity”, the first letter of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.  This true doctrine of salvation is more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.

Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled THIRD AND FOURTH HEADS OF DOCTRINE Of the Corruption of Man, His Conversion to God, and the Manner Thereof.

Article 3. Therefore all men are conceived in sin, and by nature children of wrath, incapable of saving good, prone to evil, dead in sin, and in bondage thereto, and without the regenerating grace of the Holy Spirit, they are neither able nor willing to return to God, to reform the depravity of their nature, nor to dispose themselves to reformation.

Regarding God’s election of His elect and all His goodness to us, consider these following quotes from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled from FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination.

Article 7.  Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, whereby, before the foundation of the world, he hath out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of his own will, chosen, from the whole human race, which had fallen through their own fault, from their primitive state of rectitude, into sin and destruction, a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ, … 

This elect number, though by nature neither better nor more deserving than the others, but with them involved in one common misery, God hath decreed to give to Christ, to be saved by him, and effectually to call and draw them to his communion by his Word and Spirit, to bestow upon them true faith, justification and sanctification; and having powerfully preserved them in the fellowship of his Son, finally, to glorify them for the demonstration of his mercy, and for the praise of his glorious grace;  …

Article 9.  This election was not founded upon foreseen faith, and the obedience of faith, holiness, or any other good quality of disposition in man, as the pre-requisite, cause or condition on which it depended;  …  

In summary, there is nothing worthy about the elect in themselves that deserves the goodness that God has given them.  There is no work that the elect has performed that has earned that goodness.  There is not even the smallest impulse of the will of the elect to be saved that the elect has cried or whimpered that has earned that goodness.  God simply chose His elect “out of mere grace, according to the sovereign good pleasure of his own will” as stated in the Canons of Dordt above.  

“For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.” Romans 9:15-16.

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;  but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.  But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

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