Death and wealth

Psalm 49 grabs everyone's attention in the first two verses, where everyone is called to listen.

By verse 5, we are asked why we should fear when trouble comes.  Our enemies trust in their earthly wealth and boast of it to others, to elevate themselves among others who are also wicked.

But no one can escape death.  No amount of wealth can keep death from knocking on your door.

For those who worship God, we should never feel sorry for ourselves when our enemies grow rich and live in big houses.  In death, they take none of it with them.

Divine Career Pathing

In the book of 1 Chronicles, chapters 23 through 27, David was very old and appointed his son Solomon to be the next king of Israel.  He then gathered all of the leaders from across Israel together.  He assigned duties to each clan and division.  Judges and gatekeepers, musicians and priests.  Everyone had a duty assigned to them.  All tasks were planned out with meticulous detail.

Have you ever wondered why everyone seems to be wired toward a certain profession?  Those who make great CEOs would make horrible maintenance workers and vice versa.  Some have a natural head for mechanics or carpentry while others can draw or paint or write with skillful ease.  For some, they have discovered their God-given duty in life.

My grandfather, who passed away recently at the youthful age of 96, spent much of his life in the automobile parts industry.  Even after he retired, he continued to work at the same place where he managed for several decades.  He loved helping people, serving them to the best of his ability.  He was never rich in money, but what he did contribute was worth far more than its weight in gold.

Six months or so ago, he had to move into an assisted living facility due to his declining health.  But instead of playing cards or bingo with the other residents, he could be found at church, with his kids, or at the store putting inventory on the shelf.

What is your divine talent?  What do you feel God is steering you toward?  If you don't know, pray to God.  He will not disappoint.

The Greatness of God

Psalm 48 starts by simply stating that the Lord is great and deserves all of our praise.

Even the city of God, Jerusalem, displayed the awesomeness that is the Lord.  Whenever the enemies of Israel advanced upon the city, they were stunned by it and ran away in terror.

God's glory destroyed advancing ships like a powerful wind.

Verse 9 is interesting it states that we should meditate upon your unfailing love as we worship in God's Temple.  Meditation is seen as a long moment of silence.  Our bodies may be silent but our mind is racing with thoughts of praise and love.

The author of the psalm tells all to walk around and inspect all of the towers of Jerusalem.  Then, we are to pass along its awesomeness to future generations.  This is what we should be doing about God's perfect love: pass His message to others as the Lord guides us forever and ever.

Amen.

Providing for your ancestors

In the 22nd chapter, from the book of 1 Chronicles, King David selected the location for the Lord's Temple.  He provided many supplies, from iron for the nails, bronze, gold, silver, and cedar logs.

His son Solomon was young, and he began making preparation for the Temple early on.  God also told him that he would never see the Temple in its finished form, so he instructed his son on how the Temple would be built to honor the Lord of Israel.

Before all of this, the Lord had told David that he had fought in many battles and that he would have a son named Solomon who would live in peace from their enemies.  David then ordered all of the leaders within Israel to assist Solomon on the Temple's construction.

David worked hard all of his life to provide for his son and the people of Israel.  He also stored many materials to be used to build the Temple instead of squandering it on useless human material items.

What in your life have you storied to provide for your ancestors when you are long gone?  A few weeks ago, my grandfather of 96 years passed away.  He may not have had much in the way of monetary wealth, but what he did provide was a deep love for God, for his children and their children and so on, as well as his late wife.  She was his "forever loving doll."  He treated her like an angel, and as a man myself, he taught me how to treat a woman with great respect and kindness.  His character was worth more than all the gold in the world.

Sudden reactions vs. wise counsel

In the 21st chapter of 1 Chronicles, David takes a census of Israel.  This comes about by Satan rising up against his people.  Even after Joab questions his motives for doing so, David still orders the census.  Joab does as he is told, but not completely.  He knows it is wrong and purposefully leaves out the tribes of Benjamin and Levi.

God is displeased by this.  So much so that He gives David a choice: three years of famine, three months of losing war against his enemies, or three days of a severe plague.  David pleads for mercy.  God sends a plague.

Then, as an angel is about to destroy Jerusalem, He stops the angel.  David builds an altar as God orders and offers a burnt offering to the Lord.

Whenever you are faced with a sudden obstacle or have a reaction to something dramatic in your life, it is always wise to pause, seek wise counsel, and don't bow to the whims of the devil.  Don't fly off the handle like King David did when Satan came into his life.  Even though others knew it was wrong and told him so, he still didn't listen.

Have you faced any obstacles lately?  How did you handle it?  Seek wisdom in the Holy Bible.  I have done so many times and am amazed every single time when I come across a Scripture that seemed to be written, just for me, at just that time.

Shout praises of joy to the Lord

Psalm 47 may be short with 9 verses, but it is filled with joyous praises to the Lord.

This Psalm is full of action.  We clap our hands, shout with joy, trumpets are blaring, and all to honor the glorious power of God.

God has done so much for his people.  He has destroyed our enemies, given us the Promised Land, has immense pride toward His people.

God is truly the King of all Kings!

The downside of assumptions

In the book of 1 Chronicles, chapters 19 and 20, we see what is the epitome of why one does not assume a truth without facts as well as the wisdom in seeking counsel.

In the beginning of chapter 19, the Ammonite king died and his son became king.  King David sent messengers to express his deepest sympathy as the former king was very loyal to him.

The ambassadors were then confronted by the new king's soldiers as King Hanun received bad advice from his commanders.  They told him that the ambassadors from Israel were spies and David wanted to conquer their land.  The ambassadors were shaved, had their robes cut, and then sent back to Israel in shame.

King David was furious and gathered up his armies.  The Ammonites heard of this and also prepared.  In the end, King David's armies, led by Joab and under the supreme guidance of God, were victorious as the others ran away.

King Hanun's downfall was listening only to his military commanders, who were under the assumption that the Israelites were only there to conquer their lands.  Hanun should have also consulted with his wise advisors.

At times of uncertainty, remain calm and seek God's wisdom.

David's great victories

In chapter 18, from the book of 1 Chronicles, King David and his army attacked and defeated many of their enemies.  Even allies of their enemies were defeated.

And all of his victories were made possible by the Lord.

King Toi of Hamath tried repeatedly to defeat one of Israel's enemies, and when he heard of King David's victory, he sent many gifts of gold, silver, and bronze.  David dedicated the gifts for use in worship to the Lord God.

King David ruled all over Israel, and he was fair and just.  He appointed many who were loyal to him and the Lord to high positions.