Month: November 2020

2 Chron 4:18 All these things that Solomon made amounted to so much that the weight of the bronze could not be calculated. (NIV)
Commentary says about this verse, “There is a tendency in all of us to keep a strict account of what we give to God….” That statement really captured my attention. Am I guilty of keeping an account of what I give God, not just monetarily, but in time, effort, and sacrifice? If so, to what end?
2 Chron 4:18 Solomon made all these articles in such great abundance that the weight of the bronze could not be determined. (BSB)
Sadly, I’ve come to the realization that in many ways, it’s true, though I am still unsure to what end. Do I feel it gives me rights to say, “I’ve done so much for You; can’t You do this one thing for me?” That doesn’t feel authentic, doesn’t feel true to the core of who I think I am. Jesus, Help me.
2 Chron 4:18 There were so many bronze furnishings that no one knew how much bronze it took to make them. (CEV)
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for an interesting and slightly uncomfortable area for reflection this morning—the spirit of my giving. Help me to keep no accounting of what I give to You. Help me to give—my time, my money, my love and concern, my efforts—out of love, honor, and respect for You. Help me to give to bring You praise and glory, with no other motive. Draw me closer. Amen.
2 Chron 4:18 Solomon made so many of these products that no one tried to determine how much the bronze weighed. (GWT)
Have a blessed day.

2 Chron 2:4a Now I am about to build a temple for the Name of the LORD my God….
My purpose for these daily reflections has always been to draw closer to my Savior, to be intentional about the time I spend with Him, to be intentional about the reading I do in His words, to be intentional about applying His truths to my life. And intentionality is the main thing I see in this passage—intentionality about honoring God. 
2 Chron 2:4b …and to dedicate it to Him for burning fragrant incense before Him….
Much of my life feels incredibly reactive—reacting to schedule changes, to classroom climate, to family issues. My morning prayer and reflection time is one way that I can intentionally make time for my Savior, sit at His feet, soak in His presence, be still and know.
2 Chron 2:4c …for setting out the consecrated bread regularly….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder to be intentional about the time I spend with You. There will always be unexpected things in this life, things I have to react to. Help me to fortify myself for those times through my intentionality with You. Draw me closer. Amen.
2 Chron 2:4d …and for making burnt offerings every morning and evening and on the Sabbaths, at the New Moons and at the appointed festivals of the LORD our God….
Have a blessed day.

2 Chron 1:7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want Me to give you.”
I have always rather admired Solomon for asking for discernment instead of riches or power. However, because he does not guard his heart, he does not adhere to Gods commands, he ends up drifting away. How could that happen to someone who ask specifically for discernment? I think it is because he ask for discernment in ruling and not discernment of God’s will.
2 Chron 1:8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place.”
I appreciate understanding the why of things. But I also recognize that there are things that I will never understand on this side of the veil. I would say that I hope that I would ask God to help me stay focused on Him, but a quick look through my reflections shows me that I ask for that with frequency. Lord, Help me follow through.
2 Chron 1:9 “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.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that discernment and understanding are no good if it leads me away from You. Help me to keep my eyes, heart, and mind focused on You always. Draw me closer. Amen.
2 Chron 1:10 “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
Have a blessed day.

1 Chron 29:14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.”
Lord, when I take time to count my blessings, they are abundant, and they are Your gift and provision to me, Your beloved child. All that I have is from You, and I have indeed been richly blessed. Help me to never lose sight of You, Your blessings and provisions, in my life.
1 Chron 29:15 “We are foreigners and strangers in Your sight, as were our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.”
Lord, You are my light and my life. Without You, there is no hope. Even on dark days, help me to cling to You and the hope that can only come from You. Help me to shine Your light so that others can understand the hope that can only be found in You.
1 Chron 29:16 “LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building You a temple for Your Holy Name comes from Your hand, and all of it belongs to You.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Help me to always be mindful of Your blessings in my life. Help me to always shine Your light. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Chron 29:18 “LORD, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of Your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to You.”
Have a blessed day.

1 Chron 28:9a “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind….”
Lord, This advice, passed from David towards the end of his reign to Solomon as the torch of leadership is being passed, is good advice for us, too. We need a single minded focus on You and You alone.
1 Chron 28:9b “…for the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought….”
Lord, this world is not content for us to focus on You. The number of things that try to claim my attention just while I’m doing my prayer and devotional each morning is absolutely insane. Help me to always keep You front and center in my mind and heart.
1 Chron 28:9c “…If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder to keep myself centered in You and on You. Help me to be strong and courageous and to do the work You have for me. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Chron 28:29 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….”
Have a blessed day.

1 Chron 25:8 Young and old alike, teacher as well as student, cast lots for their duties. (NIV)
Today’s scripture is much like yesterday’s in talking about approaching things differently. My reaction, interestingly, is completely different. I found myself thinking, “How is that fair? The teachers have worked and practiced for years. Now they have the same chances as the students? It’s all luck? Not cool.” A very earthly reaction.
1 Chron 25:8 The musicians were appointed to their term of service by means of sacred lots, without regard to whether they were young or old, teacher or student. (NLT)
David would say it’s not luck, it’s God. By putting everyone in the running, God can choose the best person for each position. And isn’t that what we want? To be exactly where God wants and needs us? So why is my sense of injustice at the whole thing so front and center in my thinking? Jesus, Help me!
1 Chron 25:8 David assigned them their duties by asking the LORD what He wanted. Everyone was responsible for something, whether young or old, teacher or student. (CEV)
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for this reminder that You have a place and a purpose for me, something I was uniquely created to do. Help me to seek Your will for me and not my own. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Chron 25:8 To determine the assignment of duties they all drew lots, whether they were young or old, experts or beginners. (GNT)
Have a blessed day.

1 Chron 24:5a They divided them impartially by casting lots….
I always read these chapters with an eye toward discerning what God is trying to tell me or show me. Today’s verses seems to be about doing things differently, in a way that doesn’t just follow tradition. In these unprecedented times, I’d say that’s really good advice.
1 Chron 24:5b …for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazer and Ithamar.
I am fortunate enough to be on several committees in my church that have allowed me to be in on conversations where we are trying to discern how to move forward differently. I’m sure we will make some mistakes, but we are meeting frequently (and virtually) to try to be sure we are moving forward in His will. I’m trying to take the same approach in the classroom as well, forgoing “what I’ve always done” and looking for ways to make my content as personally relevant to students as possible. 
1 Chron 24:31a They also cast lots, just as their relatives the descendants of Aaron did, in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelek, and the heads of families of the priests and of the Levites….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that “the way it’s always been” isn’t necessarily according to Your will. Help me to seek Your will always, adjusting when I discern my errors, shining Your light for others. Guide my steps. Amen.
1 Chron 24:31b … The families of the older brother were treated the same as those of the youngest.
Have a blessed day.