This program of daily devotions is designed to take you through the Bible in three years. It is our desire to help you gain a better general understanding of God's Word.
Please understand that in a study this brief, we will be concerned with only the major emphases and context of the Scriptures.
Each day a devotion for one or two chapters is posted, beginning with chapter one of Genesis and going through chapter twenty-two of Revelation. You are free to print each page as it appears. If you miss a day, you may contact us and request that devotion. Please send your request, along with $.50 (p&handling) for each page to:
Bruce McGee,Pastor
205 Adams
Columbia, LA 71418
HERE
Bro. Bruce's commentaries for the books of
Genesis through 2Kings are
now available in hard copy for $7.50. Just
mail your request for COMMENTARY ON (BOOK NAME) to the address above.
1CHRONICLES
1 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.
2 And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.
Hiram, realizing David's new kingdom was indeed from God and blessed of God, sent him the materials and workers to build a new house.
3 And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters.
4 Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,
5 And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,
6 And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
7 And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.
David added wives to his already polygamous marriage. Was this the result of conforming to worldly standards? I don't know, but I know those worldly standards are of MEN and not of GOD!
8 And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them.
9 And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
10 And David inquired 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.
11 So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim.
12 And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.
This is an awful abrupt turn in the story, but it has a purpose.
13 And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.
14 Therefore David inquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
15 And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.
16 David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.
17 And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.
Again, the Philistines attacked. Please continue in Bible Study with us.
CHAPTER 14
Now I don't advocate that we totally estrange ourselves from the things of the world. But I do believe we oughta be careful about how we allow ourselves the socialistic standards in the world.
There's nothing wrong with having a mansion is it? No. But look at what it contributes to the attitude if we aren't careful.
Just recently (May 17, 2001) I read of a man in Utah who is on trial for bigamy. He says his actions are Biblical! We they are recorded in the Bible - that is true. But that doesn't mean they are RIGHT in God's eyes.
Deuteronomy 17 gives very explicit directions about some things the king of Israel should and should not do.
"Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply himself silver and gold.
First, the king was to have a Bible by his side at all times. And he was to read in it daily to discern God's
direction for his life. It was also to keep him humble so that "..his heart be not lifted up above his brethren."
And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:
And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
(Deuteronomy 17:17-20, KJV)
A king is a servant and leader. Yes, he is an authority too. But if he concentrates on being a servant and leader with directions from God, he'll do a better job.
Second, the Scripture quoted above says that the king is NOT "..to multiply wives to himself.." because they will surely turn his heart away from following God's will.
God's plan for human beings in marriage is ALWAYS the same: ONE man for ONE woman for one LIFETIME!
Let us remember, as Christians, that God has made us "..kings and priests." (Revelation 1:6)
As such we should diligently follow the will of God by daily studying His Word and applying it to our lives in EVERY instance.
David is shown doing wrong in the sight of the Lord. Then, all of a sudden, David is shown being a conqueror and overcoming the Philistines.
He asked God to tell him whether to fight against them, and would God allow victory. David did the right thing there.
God blessed him and allowed the victory.
AIN'T GOD GOOD? Even though we are selfish (and somewhat stupid) in our actions sometimes, He grants us MERCY and gives us VICTORY!
We are given great mercy in that God has made us "..more than conquerors through Him that loved us." (Romans 8:37)
Friends, when we win one battle, the old devil throws another in our path!
David asked direction from God again, and he followed exactly what God told him.
As a result, David was given such a great victory that he became very famous among other nations as a leader of a great army. And those nations feared to fight against him.
When we as Christians, diligently follow God's will, HE will see that we are given the victory.
James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."
Nowhere in the Bible will we find any statement that advocates accepting the social standards of the world will afford us victorious living!