“All this,” David said, “I have in writing from the hand of the LORD upon me, and he gave me understanding in all the details of the plan” (1 Chronicles 28:19)

July 19, 2011

How David described God’s inspiration of the temple plans. God gave him both the vision and the understanding. I pray that we have such for our church!

“Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:21)

July 18, 2011

Of Abraham’s faith. Are you fully persuaded that God can/will do what He promised? First, we must know His promises (hear/read/study), then we must believe that God will keep them. What promise(s) are you trusting God for today?

“How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?” (Psalm 13:2)

July 17, 2011

David brought his own thoughts and emotions to the Lord for understanding. He knew that God knew him better than he knew himself. Ask God to examine your thoughts. Allow His Spirit to bring your thinking into alignment with His and give you self-control.

“The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6)

July 16, 2011

Those who schedule daily updates have minds that run smoothly and virus-free. Daily meditation on God’s flawless Word is a spiritual discipline that purifies our state of mind. Have you decided to make this your habit yet?

“I declare to you that the LORD will build a house for you” (1 Chronicles 17:10)

July 14, 2011

God’s response to David’s desire to build a house for God. This prophecy has triple fulfillment: 1) Solomon built temple. 2) Jesus, Son of David, laid cornerstone for eternal temple. 3) Jesus will ultimately complete this house not made by hands. We are spiritual stones in this house.

“Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1)

July 13, 2011

The Psalms express every emotion of the human heart. This one questions where God is when trouble comes. The writer begins feeling distant from God, but as he pours out his heart, he is encouraged again. God is not afraid of your questions. Cry out to Him and be refreshed.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16)

July 12, 2011

Paul did not hide nor withhold the gospel, even though it was the preaching of the gospel that had him in chains. Instead he used his chains as a platform to preach to Rome. He knew a freedom the world could not subdue.

“Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:31)

July 11, 2011

Perhaps Paul’s greatest season of productive ministry took place while he endured being put in chains, shipwrecked, snake-bit, and then under house arrest in Rome. The darker the circumstances, the brighter the light of the gospel in Paul shone.

“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise” (Psalm 8:2)

July 10, 2011

Even though God is great, He has chosen little children to praise Him. He has ordained that the weak would silence the strength of His enemies. He laughs at those we consider great and bends His ear to a child’s praise. Teach your children to praise the Lord, your grandchildren to lift up His name.

“Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs” (Acts 27:3)

July 9, 2011

Like Joseph in prison, God shows Paul favor no matter the circumstance. Julius, a Centurian of the Imperial Regiment, is in charge of taking Paul to Caesar’s court. Even a hardened Roman soldier is moved by Paul’s peaceful presence.