November 18, 2025

Solomon spent twenty years building the house of the Lord and his home. We sometimes spend years in schools and colleges. Solomon, using his wisdom, didn’t waste time; he got right to work, completing the temple, his home, and building cities. He built a palace for his wife, the daughter of Huram, the Egyptian, because he didn’t think it was proper for her to live in the house of David. After all, it had been a house of great piety. She had converted to the Israelite religion; however, she had people working for her who likely didn’t leave their idolatry behind. Solomon observed all the feasts and holy days of his father, David, and sacrificed the proper offerings as required by the Lord. 

Use the time you have here on earth wisely. When you reach a certain age, you realize how short our lives are, and wasting them by not appreciating all the things God has given us and by not pursuing a relationship with Jesus is a careless use of time. The very best use of our time is honoring Jesus and worshipping the Father. If you need to, wake up a little earlier so that you can begin your day by spending time with Jesus, feeling the movement of the Holy Spirit through songs of worship, and enlightening your mind with the Holy Scriptures.  

And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come. 2 Chronicles 8:11

November 17, 2025

After Solomon’s prayer to dedicate the temple, fire came down from God and consumed the burnt offerings and sacrifices. Then the glory of the Lord filled the house of the LORD. The people brought their sacrifices, along with the massive amounts that Solomon offered; there were so many that Solomon made the middle court holy so that no sacrifice was turned away. All of this happened during the fall feasts, including the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles. After he sent everyone home, while he was sleeping, God came to him in a dream or night vision and spoke to him about his prayer, the one recorded in 2 Chronicles 6. His answer to this prayer is that famous verse that nearly everyone quotes for the repentance of our nation.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

The turning from our wicked ways is where our country seems to have trouble; not only that, but how can we seek His face when we cannot even turn away from our sinfulness? We must pray for our government and those causing distress in our nation. Individually, we do our best to honor God, but collectively, we depend on those who’ve fallen for their own self-interest, which puts us in quite a predicament. Our best bet is that more people turn to God and follow Jesus; that’s when things will turn around. 

November 16, 2025

Solomon prayed a blessing for the people and then dedicated the temple to God. However, God didn’t need a building to live in because he can exist in the vast darkness. He chose not a particular tribe to reside with, but chose Jerusalem as His place to dwell, particularly the temple that He sanctioned, which was planned by David and built by Solomon. The words Solomon prayed are almost a list of prophetic words concerning the people of Israel that have come to fruition over time. Did the words spoken over them cause them to come true by speaking them into existence, or was it pure prophecy? He was asking God to hear their prayer and intervene should any of the negative things happen, but I can’t help but think his words set the stage for them to come true. I believe we need to be cautious about the things we speak over ourselves, such as negative self-talk. Not only does God hear those words, but the enemy and his cronies also hear them and may try to make your words stick. For this reason, we should avoid any detrimental words and speak only positive things about ourselves and others. Don’t give the devil any ammunition. Keep your words holy, confident, and optimistic. 

O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant. 2 Chronicles 6:42

November 16, 2025

Part 2 of 2 Chronicles 5

One thing I failed to expand on in yesterday’s devotional for 2 Chronicles 5 was that once the priest had left the holy of holies, they began to sing and play their instruments, worshiping and praising God; that’s when God filled the temple. The room, empty of all the ungodly, and the praise and worship brought Him in. It was the music and singing that brought in the presence of God! Make sure to empty yourself and raise your voice in praise to help usher in the presence of God during your time of devotion; this may be crucial, so don’t miss it. 

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; 2 Chronicles 5:13

November 15, 2025

Did you know that all the remains in the Ark of the Covenant are the stone tablets? By the time Solomon placed the ark in the temple, all that remained in it were the tablets. What happened to the rest of it, Aaron’s staff, the show bread, and the manna? If the Philistines took them out, how did they get them out without dying? Isn’t it funny how a straightforward verse can cause so much curiosity? At least that’s my experience when reading the scriptures. 

There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt. 2 Chronicles 5:10

The temple was finished, and all the dedicated items were brought in. The ark was brought up, and a multitude of people gathered before it for the innumerable number of sacrifices. Then they placed the ark in its designated location, the priests exited the holy of holies, and the singers and musicians began worshiping and praising God. The glory of the Lord filled the temple, and His presence was so powerful that they could no longer stand. 

We are the temple of the Holy Spirit of God; how can we stand? Because we don’t get out of the way. Our minds are too focused on other, unimportant things to empty our vessels so that He can come in. I know He’s always there, but when do you actually feel his presence? It’s when you empty yourselves of all the worldly cares and focus your attention on Him. Stay in constant communication with Him, but make sure to set aside dedicated time to empty yourself so God can fill your temple with His presence and put you on your face, just as He did the priest when the temple was dedicated. 

So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God. 2 Chronicles 5:14

November 14, 2025

Some of the furnishings for the temple were bigger and more abundant than what was used in the tabernacle. Solomon used every bit of gold, silver, brass, and other things that had been dedicated to God; it wouldn’t have been right for him to use them elsewhere, so he made sure that all of it was made into utensils and other items for use in the temple. The scale of the temple was much larger than the tabernacle that Moses had put together, and so the areas for sacrifices were also larger. God didn’t want anyone to have excuses for not bringing their offerings; the number of people had grown, and there needed to be a sufficient number of priests with plenty of room to handle the number of people coming into the temple daily. We are so fortunate that Jesus came as our offering for our sins; not only was he the perfect sacrifice to atone for our sins, but he also did away with the need for a priest and the slaughter and burning of all the animals. Can you imagine having to bring your cow to church? Make it a point to ask forgiveness for your sins daily and start your day fresh and clean. If you think you don’t sin, you might be delusional. You may want to seek forgiveness for deceiving yourself.

Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out. 2 Chronicles 4:18

November 12, 2025

Solomon began building the temple in the fourth year of his reign. It probably took the people those first few years to gather all the necessary materials and craft the decorative objects and utensils. All of the walls were overlaid in gold, and precious stones were added for extra sparkle, making it extraordinary; it must have been a sight to see. The Holy of Holies was a gigantic 30-foot square with the Ark of the Covenant and two standing cherubim with their wings spread, touching one another with a total wing span of 30 feet. The cherubim's heads faced the Ark as a reminder that they, too, worship God and should not be the objects of our worship. The images that came to mind likely don't compare to the temple's actual magnificence. Imagine how luxurious the new heaven and new earth will be when we reach our eternal life; our lives will not be ordinary, but instead spent in true luxury beside our Savior. 

And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim. 2 Chronicles 3:6

November 12, 2025

Have you ever wondered why Darius, King of Persia, was willing to help rebuild the temple, or why his heart was full of kindness towards the Israelites captive in his country? I stumbled upon a tidbit of information that answers that question in the Matthew Henry Commentary, where he elaborates on Solomon's use of resources from Huram, King of Tyre, to build the temple. Perhaps I'm the only one who didn't know, but it seems to be well-known historical information that wasn't detailed in the Bible, at least not to my knowledge, but did you know that Queen Esther and King Ahasuerus had a daughter and a son? The son was Darius King of Persia! According to 2 Chronicles 2, the original temple built by Solomon utilized building materials from Tyre. The same country assisted in the rebuilding of the temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel after the Babylonian exile. The fact that Darius was willing to help with the temple makes so much more sense now; he was part Israelite through his mother, Hadassah, also known as Esther. God is good at filling in the gaps of our knowledge when we pray for Him to expand our understanding. Why does that excite me so much? It confirms that God heard my prayer and was faithful in answering it. Ask for more spiritual knowledge; God is faithful in answering our questions and curiosities. Remember, this information comes from historical sources not mentioned in the Bible, as far as I can tell.

And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me. 2 Chronicles 2:3

November 11, 2025

Before Solomon began to reign as king, he gathered the captains, judges, governors, and chief fathers to accompany him to Gibeon, where the tabernacle was set up, so that he could honor God by offering sacrifices there. At this time, the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were not together because David had brought the Ark to Jerusalem and placed it in a tent. While he was sleeping, God came to Solomon in a dream and instructed him to ask for anything he desired. He responded by requesting wisdom. Because he hadn’t asked for wealth, but had asked for something spiritual, God gave him what he asked for, and also made him the wealthiest man who has ever lived. His net worth was estimated to be over $2 trillion. 

If you haven’t yet prayed for wisdom like Solomon, why haven’t you? Not to gain material wealth, but to know God, His ways, and to understand the scriptures. One prayer that I prayed is that God would fill in the gaps of my understanding, and He granted me the answer to that prayer. Now, I weave bits of that information into my devotions and have a clearer understanding of the prophecies that seem to be coming to fruition. Just know that when Solomon said there is nothing new under the sun, he wasn’t kidding. The lies blind us, but the truth is hidden in plain sight. Pray for wisdom and discernment today. If you think your eyes are open, keep digging, because I guarantee you that they aren’t. Just know that if you keep Jesus close to your heart, you will be just fine whether or not you see the truth. 

Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. 2 Chronicles 1:12

November 10, 2025

The final day of King David’s reign was full of his generosity, thanksgiving to God, and the anointing of his son Solomon to the throne. Because the temple was a palace for God, David encouraged the people to help Solomon because the task at hand was a significant undertaking for a young man. He drew from his own resources, providing gifts for the construction and the decorative appointments for the temple of God. He then encouraged others to give back generously because nothing they had in their possession wasn’t already God’s. David then prayed a beautiful prayer and offered sacrifices to God, because he was grateful for all that God had done for him. Then he anointed Solomon as king and died, having lived a long life; Solomon began his reign. If we could get it in our minds that everything we own was graciously given to us, not by chance or for anything we have done to earn it, but because God gave it to us, we should be willing to give a portion of it back for the furthering of God’s kingdom here on earth. If we fail to give back generously and from our hearts, we are likely to have it all taken away. I know what you’re thinking; evil people prosper, but when their lives end, they will be tormented, but we, on the other hand, have chosen the narrow path here in this lifetime to live in a wonderful eternity. We are not the same. We are chosen and loved; remember that when you begin to feel greedy and selfish. Give as often as you should with a grateful heart and love for our Almighty God. 

Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. 1 Chronicles 29:9-10

November 9, 2025

King David gathered representatives from all tribes and those who had served him throughout his reign and appointed Solomon as their next king. David was near his death, but still had enough energy to meet with his people. He was clear that Solomon would be the one to build the temple and gave him the plans that God had given him. We can compare the building of the temple to God creating us as the temple of the Holy Spirit. God has a plan for us, and all the specifications are outlined in the scriptures. He gave us Jesus as our foundation, but to build it, we need all the materials, each of which requires a certain amount of skill to fashion before they are included in the temple, similar to refining the gold for the candlesticks and other essentials. The plan God has for us includes our refinement; no one gets to bypass that process. However, it cannot begin until we accept the gift of having Jesus as our Savior and foundation; you must start there first. The refining can be harsh, but it is necessary for a pristine temple. However, we shouldn’t fear the process because we have the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as well as the angelic beings, watching over us as we walk out our salvation. We are not alone in this and must trust the process. If you are experiencing challenges, remember that they are part of your refinement, and you will emerge as pure gold.

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. 1 Chronicles 28:20

November 8, 2025

It was quiet in David’s kingdom, so there was no need to keep a full army of fighting men. However, he couldn’t leave it without protection, so he assigned twelve sets of twenty-four thousand men to serve for one month a year, and then, after that, they were allowed to go home and attend to their affairs. Then David appointed civil rulers, known as “princes of the tribes,” to oversee the affairs of the tribes. We can see from this that God considers His people and guides David as he rules over the people of Israel and prepares to hand the kingdom over to his son, Solomon. God didn’t allow him to try to do everything himself, but gave him the ability to delegate his authority to others, promoting a smooth-running kingdom. As we can see from this, God cares about the country as a whole, but also cares about the affairs of His people. When necessary, enlist the help of others in your household to assist you with the tasks, so that the fullness of the duties is not placed solely on one person.

Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand. 1 Chronicles 27:1

November 7, 2025

Where there is a need, God fulfills it. The gatekeepers and treasurers were assigned to duty by casting lots, which is similar to drawing names at Christmas time, but they used rocks with distinctive markings; maybe they wrote names on the stones; then someone was chosen to pick a rock, and whoever's name was on the rock was assigned to that particular duty. It was orderly and well-organized. However, it may seem like a game of chance, but when God is foremost in people's minds, nothing is by chance. When you realize that God carefully plans your life, you will be less likely to worry or fear about what comes next. The duties of the kingdom were meticulously designed to suit the families that were chosen to work in the areas God assigned to them. For this reason, you always hear the phrase "God qualifies the called." However, if you possess a specific skill set, you may be expected to utilize those skills and talents in your ministry or assignment, and again, nothing is by chance. If you love music, you will find that God gave you that love on purpose to be used in praising Him, and so on. Continue to hone your skills, and eventually you will be called upon by God to use them. Remember, it starts by you showing up for the small things, and if you are faithful in the small, God will add to that.

And they cast lots, as well the small as the great, according to the house of their fathers, for every gate. 1 Chronicles 26:13

November 6, 2025

Singing praises to God was orderly. For the temple, there were twenty-four sets of twelve musicians, singers, and players of instruments. It is thought that because prophets wrote the songs, they called singing prophesying. Imagine that! Preachers who speak the word of God and those who sing the word of God are considered prophets. That seems to shed a different light on who we call prophets, even though some heard directly from God through visions and dreams, which the Bible also refers to as seers and prophets. It makes you wonder if, when Paul listed the gifts, he considered singers and instrumentalists as prophets; it wouldn’t be too far-fetched, considering the scriptures in the Chronicles, because Paul was well-versed in the scriptures. Doesn’t that make so much sense? Those who God didn’t give the gift of a beautiful singing voice or the ability to play an instrument often long to be able to sing and perform. The gift of prophecy is not about predicting the future but about communicating God’s message. Worshipping and praising the Lord through song is yet another layer in prophetic communication. This truth exemplifies the use of scripture to interpret scripture, rather than attempting to figure it out in our own minds or relying on someone else’s interpretation. 

Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was: Of the sons of Asaph; Zaccur, and Joseph, and Nethaniah, and Asarelah, the sons of Asaph under the hands of Asaph, which prophesied according to the order of the king. 1 Chronicles 25:1-2

November 5, 2025

Now that King David had all the Levites counted, it was time to assign the priests their time slot in the temple. The names of the priests were put into a jar, and they were assigned their time as their name was pulled out of the jar. Some were young men and some were older, but they were equal in terms of when it came to when they were to reside over the priestly duties of the temple. Doing it this way made God ultimately responsible because He is a God of order and knows who is best suited for the times that were given. When God gives us our assignments and duties, He doesn’t consider our age but our willingness. Those who are faithful with a minor assignment are often given more responsibility. If you are unsure what God wants you to do as a ministry for Him, ask Him, and He will show you. If you do that task well, He will give you more. Prepare your heart and mind to do whatever He assigns you. It may be scary to start, but once you realize that God is in control and His burden is light, the fear will disappear. 

Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar. 1 Chronicles 24:5

November 4, 2025

King David, who was aging and in poor health, appointed Solomon king over Israel and Judah. Before he died, he organized the Levites for temple service and numbered them. If you’ll remember, Joab was supposed to count all of Israel, but he knew it was against the Law of Moses and didn’t count the Levites; however, David got in trouble anyway. This time, when David counted them, it was for a noble purpose and wasn’t viewed as sinful. The Levites were organized well before the temple was built to train and serve in the tabernacle until its construction was complete. The eligible men began training for service in their twenties, which wasn’t the case during Moses’ time; they weren’t eligible then until they were thirty. We can only guess the reason for the change, but I would think it was to prevent the young men from becoming lazy, or because they were no longer moving the tabernacle, and there was less need for them to be in their full strength; God considers our frame. If you’re wondering how this pertains to us, here’s why: they stood before the Lord every morning and every night, praising and worshipping God, and thanking Him for all He had done for them. If it was important then, it is as important now, if not more. You stand in your temple every day; make sure you are worshipping God every day, morning and evening. It is the least we can do in appreciation of the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the provision God makes for us daily.

And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even; 1 Chronicles 23:30

November 3, 2025

Even though David wasn’t allowed to build the temple, because he had shed blood in war, he gathered the materials to make it easier for Solomon to take on the task. David compiled an abundance of gold, silver, brass, iron, stone, and timber. God wanted Solomon to concentrate on building His house, so He gave him rest from war during his time as king. He was also charged with keeping God’s statutes and judgments that were given to Moses. All of this seems like a hefty task for a young man, and he knew it was a huge undertaking, which is probably why he asked God to give him wisdom. We know from his writings that he was one of the wisest men ever to live. 

Has God assigned you a task, but because it seems too daunting, you have set it aside and have been procrastinating its start? Those who have gone before us have given us everything we need to build our ministry, especially since our foundation is Jesus. According to the writer of Hebrews, we are in a Sabbath rest, much like Solomon. So, don’t look at it as too lofty; consider asking for wisdom to help you move forward with God’s plan to bring others into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. 

Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine 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 ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD. 1 Chronicles 22:18-19

November 2, 2025

For some reason, David decided to take a census. Who knows what was going on in his head, but God wasn’t having it, because it was against God to count the people. David sent Joab to have the count done, but Joab warned him that it would cause a trespass against Israel. David overruled him and sent him out anyway, but Joab didn’t count two of the tribes; he was probably thinking that if the count weren’t accurate, it would keep it from angering God. However, it was the act of counting that was the sin, not the actual number. Through God’s seer, Gad, God gave David his choice of three different options for his discipline, but they were all terrible. He didn’t want to fall into the hands of man, so he chose destruction by the hands of God’s angels because David knew God was merciful. That day, over seventy thousand men died. David saw the angel and, in fear of him, he bought a threshing floor, built an altar, and prepared a sacrifice to God. God stopped further destruction. 

We should try our best to do what’s right in the eyes of God because there can be consequences for our actions. Imagine how bad David felt that his sin caused other people to die. We should consider how our actions might harm others and refrain from them. It’s better to follow God’s commands than to need to repent. Learn from David’s mistake. 

And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering. And the LORD commanded the angel; and he put up his sword again into the sheath thereof. 1 Chronicles 21:26-27

November 1, 2025

Rather than focusing on David's infidelity with Bathsheba, the writer of the Chronicles gives an account of Israel's victory against the Ammonites and the Philistines. Joab fought the Ammonites and was victorious. David took the crown from the king's head and placed it on his own head. Then they cut the people with saws; what a gruesome picture the Bible paints. 

The Philistine army was not a typical army; it was composed of giants. These were probably the same family of giants that the spies saw when Moses sent them to scout out the Promised Land. Joab and his men slew these giants and even the brother of Goliath! Size or capability doesn't matter when God goes before you and has your back. We can see from this passage of scripture that when God is for you, anything is possible. Whatever struggles you might be facing today are not a challenge for God. 

David was still victorious, even though he was too enamored with Bathsheba to go out to battle with his army; however, he didn't mind sending her husband into battle. We all fall short of God's glory, but even in our sin, He can still use us to fulfill promises. We strive to be moral, but God loves us and is forgiving of our transgressions. However, David did pay the price for his sin and lost the son that Bathsheba was pregnant with.

These were born unto the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants. 1 Chronicles 20:8

October 31, 2025

Through King David’s conquest, he received gold, silver, and brass, which were to be used when Solomon built the temple, as well as multiple chariots with their horses. The horses that he didn’t keep, he had them hamstrung, which seems very cruel, so, of course, I questioned it, and wouldn’t you know, it was answered promptly. My commentary said that it was against the law to kill them, even though it seems more humane. David was a good man, with a great heart, making us believe he didn’t want to leave them like that, but had no choice, because he didn’t need them and didn’t want to leave them for his enemy’s use. He was highly successful in war because he was committed to God and trusted Him, so He helped him to succeed at conquering his enemies. 

God is also committed to our success against our enemies, even though we fight not against flesh and blood, but the powers and principalities of the evil world. He has given us the tools to overcome their advances and keep them at bay. Use the power God gave you through Jesus to defeat the enemy that is lurking around every corner; they are closer than you think. Sleep in your armor so you are ready for any battle that might ensue. We are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ our Lord!

And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: David also houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them an hundred chariots. 1 Chronicles 18:4

October 30, 2025

King David’s heart desired to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the Spirit of God, because how could he live in a house made of cedar and God Almighty live in a tent? Through Nathan the prophet, God assured David that He was fine in the tent and that it wouldn’t be him but his son who would build the temple. However, in the context of 1 Chronicles 17, it wasn’t a building that God referred to, nor was it David’s son, Solomon; it was Jesus, who would build a temple of flesh and dwell within our hearts. It would be Jesus who would sit on the throne forever. It may feel as though the evil one has overtaken the world, scurrying around like he owns this place, but that time is short-lived because the cleanup team is not far away and watching every move. Jesus is still on the throne and dwells in the temple of our hearts. His kingdom is everlasting, so be encouraged, we are on the cusp of living our best lives, and how could we not when Jesus is established in our hearts? It’s only a matter of time before we experience the wonder of living in a kingdom free from the likes of the evil one. Wait for it; it will surely come.

He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee: But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore. 1 Chronicles 17:12-14

October 29, 2025

David finally decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the City of David after leaving it in the home of Obededom, only this time he made advanced preparations. He built a tent, presumably by the instructions Moses had received from the Lord. The Levites sanctified themselves, dressed in appropriate garb, and the musicians prepared to play. It must have been a fantastic festival honoring God. The Levites who were to carry the Ark must have been fearful after what happened to Uzza, but God gave them the strength and will to accomplish the mission He had given them. David danced before the Lord as the Ark was brought into town.

The lesson here is that if God gives you an assignment, He will also give you the necessary tools and might to accomplish it. I’ve been writing these devotionals for over a decade, and not once have I found it an impossible or dreadful task. As a matter of fact, it is the best part of my day. I can be in the midst of turmoil, but you probably won’t know unless that problem is tied to the scriptures from that day, because God gives me the courage to do His will, even when issues arise. If God has put something on your heart —a calling —He will strengthen you to do it. 

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams. 1 Chronicles 15:26

October 28, 2025

Sometimes we are forced into battle, not of our own making. The Philistines heard that David was made king over all of Israel and decided, much to their chagrin, that they should go up against him and congregated in the valley of Rephaim. Being a man of God, he didn’t just go into battle without first enquiring of Him whether to engage with the enemy. Once he got confirmation from God to go, he fought them and won. They came again; this time, when David enquired of God, He told him not to go and turn away from them. However, he told him to go by the way of the mulberry trees and to wait for a sound in the tops of the trees, and He would go before them. God gave David the all clear, and he smote the Philistines at Gibeon, even to Gazer. David struck fear into all the nations. 

Our enemy, though spiritual, will come against us from time to time. It will feel real because he uses the weakness of others as a weapon, so you think your enemy is another person, when it is likely that the enemy has instigated a battle against you through these gullible humans. Your first thought should be like David’s: to ask God whether you should engage in such a battle and then wait for His instructions. He will guide you through the Holy Spirit, who will make it clear in your mind the direction you should go. Your most powerful weapon is prayer. Listen to God, and he will make clear your path.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand. 1 Chronicles 14:10

October 27, 2025

When you start to hear rumors about the Ark of the Covenant mentioned in the news and on social media, you know things are getting interesting. For a while, President Trump had a replica of it at his home in Mar-a-Lago. Question everything—is it really a replica? Are the people careful to move it as written in the Bible? Has anyone touched it? If so, did God smite them dead? These are the things that go on in my head. In the most recent news, a reporter asked Trump about the new ballroom, and he mentioned it was being built for the Ark. Was he referring to the Ark of the Covenant? Don’t get too excited, though. More than once, he has mentioned that many of the people we see are from Central Casting, which is a company that lists available actors and actresses. We might be watching a movie pretending to be real life, so don’t get your hopes up or get too excited about the outcome. Is life and the Bible colliding? Maybe, but keep eating your popcorn—this movie is suspenseful.

1 Chronicles 13 is about David trying to have the Ark moved to the City of David so it would be near him. As they were moving it, the ox stumbled and Uzza reached out to steady the Ark, and in His anger God smote him dead. David got upset and sent the Ark to the home of Obededom. Obededom’s family prospered during that time. 

The lesson here is to take God seriously; he doesn’t play games. It is likely that anyone making fun of something serious, like the presence of God in the Ark of the Covenant, or treating it as a movie prop, is in for tragedy, especially if it is the real thing.

And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me? So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite. 1 Chronicles 13:12-13

October 26, 2026

I can’t help but notice how similar the United States presidents are to the governments of Judah and Israel back in David’s time. Saul and his sons were all gone, and David was preparing his fighting men, because he wasn’t sure how he would be received by the outgoing administration and by the people who were still part of the previous government, and by their loyalty to Saul. Each of the tribes sent its best to help settle his kingdom. And like the United States, they were divided into two kingdoms. After surviving the kingship of Saul, they were ecstatic to have David as their king, which is very similar to how we felt after our country was torn apart by the previous administration, and we hoped things would get better under a new president. Solomon was right when he said that there is nothing new under the sun. What was done in the past tends to repeat itself. However, though we are happy to have someone who seems to be on the side of the people, nothing will ever be as good as having Jesus as our ruling King, and he is; we are only waiting for all evil to be destroyed after the full number of his followers are gathered for that final battle. Will you be considered a place filler, or will you be a valiant soldier? Just something to consider as we wait on that great and glorious day. 

And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it. 1 Chronicles 12:17

October 25, 2025

David was anointed king and took over Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel. At the time, Jerusalem was called Jebus and was the home of the Jebusites. David told his men that whoever strikes and removes the Jebusites first will become the chief and captain. Joab was successful in taking over the location; it became the City of David, Jerusalem. David lived in the castles, and Joab repaired the rest of the city. 

David had some courageous men in his army, and Ezra lists some of their accomplishments in 1 Chronicles 11. One notable warrior was Benaiah, who not only slayed two lion-like men who were champions of Moab, but also an actual lion in a pit on a snowy day. The Bible doesn’t expand on the significance of the snow, but because snow is only mentioned here and a couple of times in Proverbs, I would say it was unusual and may have made it more challenging for Benaiah. He then became chief and captain, after David, during Solomon’s reign as king.

What we can glean from this is that when God has His hand in a situation, we can count on success. It takes courage to be a champion for God, and sometimes you may be required to take chances and depend on your faith in Him to conquer all that the enemy has put in your way. God’s warriors are not weak and cowardly. 

Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day. 1 Chronicles 11:22