What can greatness lead to? King David has a phenomenal career. His resume is impressive. And his greatness leads to his praise of God’s greatness (1 Chron 29:10-13). I live in a culture that values greatness. People strive to achieve and to accumulate. To achieve fame. To achieve recognition. To accumulate money and cars and [...]
Archive for the ‘First Chronicles’ Category
Day 130: First Chronicles 28-29, Second Chronicles 1
Posted in Bible in a Year 2011-2012, First Chronicles, Second Chronicles, tagged greatness, life, praise, spirituality on January 8, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Day 129: First Chronicles 25-27
Posted in Bible in a Year 2011-2012, Church, First Chronicles, tagged life, ministry, spirituality, stewardship on January 7, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Each member of God’s people has a role to play. What’s yours? King David and his associates designate a long list of people to serve in various roles: speaking, music, financial management, etc. In a church the paid staff aren’t the only workers. God calls every Christian to serve in active ministry. Whether a full-time [...]
Day 128: First Chronicles 22-24
Posted in Bible in a Year 2011-2012, First Chronicles, Relationships, Spiritual Disciplines, tagged be prepared, boy scout, introspection, life, religion, spirituality on January 6, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
As a Boy Scout I learned the motto “Be Prepared.” The Boy Scouts founder “wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body for any struggles, and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead.” Today’s reading shows King David preparing not just himself. He’s making preparations for the next generation, [...]
Day 127: First Chronicles 18-21
Posted in Bible in a Year 2011-2012, First Chronicles, Spiritual Disciplines, tagged giving, life, spirituality, tithing, worship on January 5, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
A lesson from my childhood church experience: Christians should give “as they have prospered” and “with a cheerful heart” when the collection plate arrives in their laps on Sunday mornings. Sometimes I give cheerfully (2 Cor 9:7). Providing for the financial needs of Christ’s church and the people we serve is a joy. At other [...]
Day 126: First Chronicles 15-17
Posted in Bible in a Year 2011-2012, Church, First Chronicles, Spiritual Disciplines, tagged glory to God, life, spirituality, worship on January 4, 2012 | 1 Comment »
A few weeks ago, in an interview for a ministry role, some church leaders asked me what I thought was the primary purpose of corporate worship. It has many honorable functions. In worship we encourage each other. We remind each other of God’s works, promises, faithfulness, justice, love, forgiveness, and so forth. We gain motivation [...]
Day 125: First Chronicles 12-14
Posted in Bible in a Year 2011-2012, Church, First Chronicles, Leadership, tagged life, religion, spirituality, teamwork on January 3, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
“David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds” (1 Chron 13:1). Effective leaders follow this example from the life of King David. They confer with their teammates. Healthy leadership is not unilateral. If leaders don’t allow their people to have some ownership in decisions, failure is certain. When [...]
Day 123: First Chronicles 7-8
Posted in Bible in a Year 2011-2012, First Chronicles, Holidays, tagged 2012, life, New Year's Day, resolutions, spirituality on January 1, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Rumor has it that whatever you do on New Year’s Day is something you’ll do each day of the year. I hope I don’t read ancient genealogies for 366 consecutive days! A more legitimate saying about New Year’s Day is that it’s a time to “turn over a new leaf,” a chance for a “fresh [...]
Day 122: First Chronicles 6
Posted in Bible in a Year 2011-2012, Church, First Chronicles, Spiritual Disciplines, tagged life, Music, spirituality, worship on December 31, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
When the church meets to worship God, what’s your favorite part of the experience? My favorite is the sermon. That’s because I like to preach and to watch others do it. Maybe your favorite is prayer or communion (Lord’s Supper, Eucharist). I don’t know anyone who loves announcements. In my 14 years of working with [...]
Day 121: First Chronicles 3-5
Posted in Bible in a Year 2011-2012, Church, First Chronicles, Leadership, Relationships, tagged life, men, women on December 30, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Women are more. The third chapter of First Chronicles lists the names of King David’s 19 sons and then, almost as a footnote, mentions that “Tamar was their sister.” What about the other daughters of David? Does he really have that many sons and only one daughter? Probably not. So why is Tamar the only [...]
