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

October 24, 2025

Saul’s sons were slain in battle against the Philistines, and an archer wounded him. He ordered his armor bearer to run him through with the sword so a gentile wouldn’t kill him, but his armor bearer was too afraid, so Saul fell on his sword, taking his own life. Then the Philistines found his body, cut off his head, and placed it in the temple of Dagon, their false god. Some valiant men found his body and the bodies of his sons and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh. It was unfortunate that Saul’s son Jonathan, David’s best friend, also fell under God’s punishment of Saul for his transgressions against God. Here’s where things get concerning for those who have sought the counsel of fortune tellers, taro card readers, necromancers, or other sorcerers; God saw it and didn’t like it one bit! We are to seek the counsel of God and not those who deal in the devil’s work. I would also warn you about the way you conduct yourself during the Halloween season. Many of the things people embrace during this season, which seem harmless, are in direct conflict with God. Conduct yourself in a way that is pleasing to God, and let go of your fleshly desires, especially when they are in opposition to Him.

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

October 23, 2025

Ezra accounted for those who were employed in taking care of the temple and the duties thereof, after their release from captivity in Babylon. To fulfill all the requirements, they camped close to the temple, ensuring they were readily available to perform their duties. It makes sense that they would stay close because, when they were released, King Cyrus sent them back with all the items taken from the temple that were meant for the daily rituals, and because they were valuable, it was likely that they needed to be guarded against theft, but also, so they were close to perform their duties in the morning hours. 

And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them. 1 Chronicles 9:27

Spiritually, we also need to stay on guard so our temple, which is our body, and the valuables within it, are not squandered or even stolen. It is imperative that we keep our minds clear and clean and avoid unrighteous behavior to preserve our most valuable asset: the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

October 22, 2025

Although many great names are listed in the genealogies of the chronicles, I can’t help but notice that some of them were named after Baal. You wonder how this happens and how the people strayed so far from God that they began naming their children after idols. It seems so common in the Old Testament that it makes me think that maybe there was a physical being enticing them to follow this heinous, child-sacrificing religion. Then again, if you look at your own family, many of whom were brought up to love and have faith in Jesus, yet still they go their own way, which leads them away from him. You can’t make your children believe the way you do, even though we have many testimonies of how instrumental God has been in our lives and that we wouldn’t be where we are now if it weren’t for Him. The best we can do is set them in the right direction while they are young and hope and pray that they come back to believe in what we taught them. Please don’t name your children after idols or fake gods because you’ll have people like me evaluating your character well after you’re dead. Here is an example: And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab, 1 Chronicles 8:30

There is not much history mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8, except for the valiant men of Ulam, who were archers and must have been quite skilled at it, as they were the only ones given historical significance in the lineage of Saul. 

And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin. 1 Chronicles 8:40

October 21, 2025

It’s not often you hear of a valiant woman in our current life, yet even more rare is hearing of them in the Bible. It isn’t that these women were nonexistent, but that the choice of writers is often heroic men, and I can’t blame them because there are more stories of them to glean from. However, a passage in 1 Chronicles 7 tells us of a resourceful woman who was not ignored.  We’ve always been taught to believe women should stay in the shadows, likely so our opinions and ideas would not be taken seriously. God had a different idea and showed that women are capable, and with the help of strong men as our partners, we can accomplish great things. A daughter named Sherah, from the tribe of Ephraim, built some cities and even had one named after her, Uzzensherah. Joshua, son of Nun, came from the same tribe and led the Israelites into the promised land. We must remember that God has a plan and a purpose for everyone, and when He reveals that purpose to you, you should walk it out to the best of your ability. Sherah did just that and was accomplished in her endeavor to build cities for the Ephraimites. 

(And his daughter was Sherah, who built Bethhoron the nether, and the upper, and Uzzensherah.) 1 Chronicles 7:24

October 20, 2025

The writer of the Chronicles, by Jewish tradition, was Ezra. He didn’t play any games or hold back the truth when accounting for the tribes of Israel. Ruben, Israel’s firstborn, by tradition would have been the matriarch. Remember, God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. Here is where things get interesting. Ruben slept with his father’s concubine, which exempted him from the most powerful position in the family. Because of this transgression, Jacob, before he died, handed the birthright to Joseph’s sons, but gave the position of power to Judah. Can you imagine the burn those brothers felt when they were all passed over and the birthright given to Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery?

To break this down into terms for today, we can see that during the lifetime of this family, God made sure justice was served. Joseph may have forgiven his brothers because his circumstances improved after he was imprisoned, but God remembered all the trouble they caused because of their anger about the dream Joseph shared with them about the entire family bowing down to him. Not only did they end up bowing to him, but they also lost their position and birthright because of what they did to him. If things are tough for you right now, and you have been doing things in a godly way, you can expect that God hasn’t forgotten and will reward you for your faithfulness. Wait for it; it will surely come.

Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. 1 Chronicles 5:1

October 19, 2025

You can overcome your name. Jabez was so named because his mother had a lot of trouble when giving birth to him, though all women face sorrow giving birth, she may have come close to death, but it doesn’t expand on what caused her to give him a name that means grief and sorrow. Jabez opened his heart and prayed that God would increase his territory, that His hand would be with him and keep him from evil, so that he wouldn’t be grieved. God heard Jabez’s prayer and answered it. What is also notable is that his prayer wasn’t only for prosperity, but was also spiritual because he didn’t want to live up to the curse of his name. 

We are called by the name of Christ, which is very honorable, but because we have standards of behavior to honor the name of Jesus, it is sometimes considered a derogatory name. People who do not share our way of living will want us to accept their way, even though we find it unacceptable and sinful, so they disparage us because of our beliefs. If God blessed Jabez, whose name means grief, I believe He will also bless us and increase us, who are called by the name that is above every name, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Pray the prayer of Jabez and watch as God increases your territory. I prayed that prayer years ago, and God has blessed me beyond what I could ever ask or imagine. 

And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

October 18, 2025

There are twists and turns in the lineage of David. One notable aspect is that his sons from all his concubines were not recorded nor considered royalty, yet they were still descendants of royalty. David loved women and consummated many of those love interests, pouring out his seed, creating love children that we don’t have a record of. I suppose we would call those women mistresses in today’s terminology. Concubines didn’t have the same rights as those who were married to their partners. Still, they participated in the conjugal duties as a wife and probably lived a similar life as the wives, except that their children were considered illegitimate. I doubt they had any inheritance of the royal belongings that were usually passed down to the sons, which is similar to children today who are born outside of marriage to fathers who are philanderers, womanizers, or cheaters. I feel sad for those children because that’s a heavy burden of rejection that they will carry to the grave unless they overcome it by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Jesus can loosen all bonds, including the heavy chain of rejection. If you have experienced rejection, which we all have, seek freedom in Jesus; he is the chain breaker, and whatever evil intentions were meant to harm you, he can turn them into a testimony for good to help the redemption of others. 

These were all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister. 1 Chronicles 3:9

October 17, 2025

1 Chronicles 1 is the genealogy from Adam to Abraham, and from Abraham to Jacob. It’s funny that I thought it would be boring; however, you can find a little bit of controversy and intrigue within those names. A little gossip about the characters who could be some of our ancestors: we already know the story of Abraham and Sarah, but when Sarah passed away, Abraham, being 140 years old, remarried. The woman he married was Keturah. According to some historians, Keturah was actually Hagar, who had changed her name, never remarried, and stayed pure for all those years after Ishmael was born and Abraham sent them away; remember this is extra-biblical and was written by Jewish historians, so take it as a tantalizing tidbit that adds interest to an otherwise tedious chapter in the Bible. Keturah added six more sons to Abraham’s lineage. We can glean historical information that dates back to well before Jesus, so why is it that there is little to no accurate historical information that can be trusted as truth outside the Bible after he died and rose again? Hopefully, I will be able to keep up with all the gossip of the Bible in the chapters to come. I’ll let you know about all the interesting tidbits that I find.

Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham's concubine: she bare Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan; Sheba, and Dedan. 1 Chronicles 1:32

October 16, 2025

It may seem sad that we’ve reached the very last psalm; however, the psalms are always within reach, making it easy to use God’s own words to praise Him, even though His words are not the only way to offer Him praises. As long as you have breath, praise the Lord. In this short, six-verse psalm, the writer praises God thirteen times. I wonder how many times the Levites sang this song during the temple service, or how many times God hears the voices of angels singing it? For how great God is, it is never enough. How happy would we be if only we offered our praises for everything God has done for us, from waking us up to giving us rest and everything in between? Be generous in your praises and feel your countenance change as you focus on God rather than your circumstances. He is worthy of all our praise, so lift your voice and give Him what He deserves. Here it is, the very last verse of the psalms:

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. Psalms 150:6

October 15, 2025

Your salvation is a victory over the enemy; your chains are gone, you’ve been set free! Even when you are experiencing what you consider the worst, you have reason to be full of joy, to dance and sing; you are triumphant because of Jesus. 

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. Psalms 149:3

Not only are you victorious, but you are equipped with praises and a two-edged sword. According to Hebrews, the word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword, sharp and able to cut between the souls and spirit, joint and marrow, and He knows the intentions of the heart. The writer of Hebrews must have been well-versed in the scriptures, as evidenced by their reference to Psalms 149:6.

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; Psalms 149:6

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

So, remember, God knows your heart, and no matter the challenges you might be facing, you are a winner, and victory is yours through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

October 14, 2025

Who are commanded to praise God? We know that we are to praise Him, but who or what else? There are a couple of things in Psalms 148 that many don’t believe in; do we pick apart what the Bible says and only believe what we want to believe, or should we believe it in its entirety? Scripture is God-breathed, so we should believe every word of it, but perhaps we shouldn’t believe the lies the enemy tries to perpetrate that invalidate what it says. The point of this psalm is for everything to praise God, which includes the waters above and dragons! 

That’s not all it talks about, but because we’ve been led to believe that dragons don’t exist or were only fairy tales, I decided to mention them. We can see examples of dragons, except they are small, lizards, iguanas, and Komodo dragons are a few examples. The Bible doesn’t mention dinosaurs; here’s a thought: maybe the skeletons we’ve seen that scientists call dinosaurs are actually dragons. 

But wait, there’s more! The waters above are to praise God! If there is water above us, and it is alive, able to glorify God, how is it possible that we have rockets go into outer space? We must start questioning the narrative and begin to believe what God has told us, rather than the fog of lies the enemy is trying to deceive us with. I could go on, especially considering that water is alive, but I’ve given you enough to think about for one day. Question everything! The truth is in the scripture; everything else should be subjected to your discernment. 

Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass. Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Psalms 148:4-7

October 13, 2025

Put your trust in God alone. He is the One who appoints kings and governments, whether they are good or bad. I believe some governments may be placed to help us realize that God alone is in control. When you think that things are finally turning around and we begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel, remember, Jesus is that light. When the wheat is threshed and the tares are separated, which we can see happening in real time, we know our redemption is near. While we wait, continue to praise God and thank Him for your salvation. There is no sweeter gift than what our Savior has given us. Do you remember the song we sang as children? If you went to Sunday school, you probably sang it. Even as an adult, we should sing that song every day. 

Praise ye the Lord, hallelujah. Praise ye the Lord, hallelujah. Praise ye the Lord, Hallelujah. Praise ye the Lord.

Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. Psalms 146:1-3

October 12, 2025

As we approach the conclusion of the Book of Psalms, we can see that those who compiled them were intentional in their order and listened carefully to the Holy Spirit as he guided them in their placement. The previous five chapters were psalms of prayer, followed by six psalms of praise to finish out the book. If the Psalms were a story of our life and we were in our final days, like the Psalms, our life should be filled with prayer and praise as a precursor or practice of what is to come in the afterlife. Worshipping and praising God is not hard; as a matter of fact, it is the easiest thing we can do, and it comes naturally to those who love Him. 

One of my favorite places to be is the beach. When I am there, I can immerse myself in God's presence and offer Him heartfelt and unhindered praise. Something about the waves crashing, the vastness of the sea, the birds freely skimming the waters, that helps me open my heart to Him. Whether it is your prayer closet, the forest, or, like me, the beach, find a place where you can concentrate on Him and give Him what He desires, our complete, unencumbered attention, where we open our hearts in prayer and praise to the One who holds our entire existence in His hands. Whatever is in your heart should be outwardly expressed, or it is not the truth. He deserves every ounce of worship we can utter. Make Him the center of your life, and everything else will fall into place. 

The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; Psalms 145:9-11

October 11, 2025

If you are like me, your idea of who God is depends on what’s going on in your life. Some days, He’s a comforting Father holding you in His arms and quieting your spirit within you. Other days, He’s a fierce warrior, standing with you, helping you fight, and encouraging you when you are in the midst of battles. If you’re not running to Him for every occasion, how do you manage this life? I can’t help it; whether dealing with family or foe, crying out to Him in troubled times is automatic. Does he come to mind when you’re being crushed? Are you including Him in both the good times and the trying times? Share every part of your life with Him; He’s waiting for your attention and expecting you to come to Him for help. He is our rock and fortress, our shield and high tower; no one is more available than He is. Make Him your first thought when the arrows fly, whether friendly fire or enemy combatants. He wants to be our go-to for everything. People whose God is the Lord are the happiest; I can attest to that truth.

A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! orthe son of man, that thou makest account of him! Psalms 144:1-3

Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. Psalms 144:15