Ephesians 1 "Marked With A Seal"

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.” (vv.13-14)

What a great truth. Once we have heard and believed the gospel, we are sealed (included) in Christ, equipped with the Spirit, given a promise of inheritance, and reconciled to God. All we need to do is believe the message.

God's redemptive call goes out to all people. All you need to be “included in Christ” is believe in Jesus' redeeming death. You will receive forgiveness, and be sealed with His Holy Spirit.

The Truth

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

1 Chronicles 29 "Giving Back"

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” (v.14)

Some people never understand the idea behind giving. David knew that his wealth came from God, so he gave freely to the construction of the temple (vv.3-4). He never commanded the people to give, but rather he modeled it. And, as a result, the leaders and the people gave freely as well (vv.6-9).

What is important for us to remember when giving, is to do it with a willing heart, joyfully to the Lord, in thanksgiving for what He has given us. Never grudgingly or calculative, but give as the Lord leads and as He has given you the ability to “give back.”  

Remember, He will never be in your debt, and it will come back to you in the same measure it was given out.

The Truth

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)

1 Chronicles 28 "Finish the Work"

Then David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.” (v.20)

This verse speaks volumes on so many levels. First, we see great fatherly advise from David to Solomon, exactly what you would expect from a warrior – “Be strong, be courages, attack (act), have no fear.” Next, we can see excellent spiritual encouragement, “My God is with you, He will not fail you, He will not leave you, you will complete the work.” Finally, we see there is a plan, a goal, a life direction to be fulfilled.

Therefore, when your heart and flesh begin to fail you, when you begin to question and wonder if your life-plan can be fulfilled – remember this passage, “God is with you.” He has plan for you, and there is a pattern, an ideal, a design, based on the possibilities which God sees to be within you. And, He has given you an abundance of stored provision to complete the task – so do not give up, finish the work!

The Truth

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

1 Chronicles 27 "The Army Divisions"

“This is the list of the Israelites—heads of families, commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and their officers, who served the king in all that concerned the army divisions that were on duty month by month throughout the year. Each division consisted of 24,000 men.” (v.1)

The military force of Israel numbered twelve divisions of 24,000 each. Every man served one month a year. This made king David’s standing army 24,000 strong and could be increased to 288,000 when needed. Concerning David’s leaders, officers, and military advisors, they were men who had proven themselves faithful to him in the past. King Solomon would later write, “For by wise counsel you shall make war: and in a multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 24:6)

In today’s day and age, military readiness and good council are absolutely necessary. They provide a feeling of security and peace to all under their umbrella. It also says to those who would try and do us harm, we are watchful, ready and prepared. Similiarly as Christians, we need to stand armed, ready to do battle against Satan’s assaults on our personal lives, having received good council from God’s Holy Word daily.

The Truth

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

1 Chronicles 26 "Porters and Treasurers"

Concerning the porters, their job was to open and shut the doors of the temple, to keep all impure and improper persons from entering into it, or any of the vessels being carried out of it. Concerning the treasurers, their main job was to guard both the sacred vessels of the temple and the collection of the daily offerings given to the LORD by the people.

In our churches today there are many who work to carryout these same responsibilities insuring both order and security for all who come to worship.

The Truth

“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (1 Corinthians 14:40)