Category: “Listening to God” Devotional

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+023

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 23 (ESV)

25 For David said, “The Lord, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. 26 And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.” 27 For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered from twenty years old and upward. 28 For their duty was to assist the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the Lord, having the care of the courts and the chambers, the cleansing of all that is holy, and any work for the service of the house of God. 29 Their duty was also to assist with the showbread, the flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and all measures of quantity or size. 30 And they were to stand every morning, thanking and praising the Lord, and likewise at evening, 31 and whenever burnt offerings were offered to the Lord on Sabbaths, new moons, and feast days, according to the number required of them, regularly before the Lord. 32 Thus they were to keep charge of the tent of meeting and the sanctuary, and to attend the sons of Aaron, their brothers, for the service of the house of the Lord.

 

REFLECTION:

1. The priests and the Levites had different responsibilities in the temple and its surrounding. The priests had the right to offer sacrifice while the Levites were assigned to assist the priests. Responsibilities of the Levites included serving in the house of the Lord, cleansing all that was holy, house-keeping, praising the Lord, moving, repairing and keeping charge of the tent, etc. Both the priests and the Levites came from the tribe of Levi but the priests have to be the descendants of Aaron, the first High Priest (c.f. Exod 28:1-3).
2. Both the priests and the Levites shared the tithing from the Israelites and received funding from the cities given to them. If it was not because the priests and the Levites led the religious rituals in unity, the Israelite would not be able to worship God in the temple. Their responsibilities might be different but they were both important roles in God’s plan.
3. No matter what role you play in the church, your service will benefit the congregation. Reflect your role in serving in the church and whether you have done your best. No matter if the task is important or insignificant, will you do it faithfully because it is pleasing to God and beneficial to the congregation?

 

PRAYER:

Pray that God will help you know your gifts and talent, and the role you should play in the church; Ask God to give you a faithful and truthful heart that you are willing to serve God with all your heart and all your strength. May God’s name be glorified and may you be a good witness for God.

 

HYMN:

You Are My All In All – youtu.be/lie1L61Qnos?si=a_D19Q6AwUjOGZNy

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+022

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 22 (ESV)

5 For David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death.

6 Then he called for Solomon his son and charged him to build a house for the Lord, the God of Israel. 7 David said to Solomon, “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house to the name of the Lord my God. 8 But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars. You shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed so much blood before me on the earth. 9 Behold, a son shall be born to you who shall be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies. For his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. 10 He shall build a house for my name. He shall be my son, and I will be his father, and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever.’

11 “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the Lord your God, as he has spoken concerning you. 12 Only, may the Lord grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed. 14 With great pains I have provided for the house of the Lord 100,000 talents of gold, a million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond weighing, for there is so much of it; timber and stone, too, I have provided. To these you must add. 15 You have an abundance of workmen: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and all kinds of craftsmen without number, skilled in working 16 gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Arise and work! The Lord be with you!”

 

REFLECTION:

1. God told David forbidding him to build the temple because he had shed too much blood. The task was given to his son Solomon to accomplish. Everyone including kings made mistakes and sinned. If we can be like David being sorrow and regret for his sin, God can still use us to fulfill His good will. God can turn disaster into blessing after we confess our sin.
2. David humbly received the “rejection” from God and he did not envy his son having the glory of building the temple. On the contrary, David actively helped Solomon in preparation for building the temple. Not only did David prepare the materials and workmen for building the temple, he also encouraged Solomon. One day our children will make their own decisions. We should learn from David in helping Solomon and help our children in making the necessary preparation. For example, we should teach our children how to pray and to read the Bible, teach them how to discern right and wrong, and help them understand the importance of serving in church ministries, etc. Reflect how we could prepare the path for our children today and help them understand and fulfill God’s will.

 

PRAYER:

Pray for your children and the children of other brothers and sisters in the church. Ask God to give you more wisdom and love so that you could nurture the next generation. Help them to walk on a righteous and good path so that they may increase in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

 

HYMN:

In His Time – youtu.be/aJeNUlNY7Iw?si=8xPx-x60M07zmNY4

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+021

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 21 (ESV)

1 Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.” 3 But Joab said, “May the Lord add to his people a hundred times as many as they are! Are they not, my lord the king, all of them my lord’s servants? Why then should my lord require this? Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel?” 4 But the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came back to Jerusalem. 5 And Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to David. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, and in Judah 470,000 who drew the sword. 6 But he did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, for the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab.

7 But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. 8 And David said to God, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.” 9 And the Lord spoke to Gad, David’s seer, saying, 10 “Go and say to David, ‘Thus says the Lord, Three things I offer you; choose one of them, that I may do it to you.’”

 

REFLECTION:

1. David brought major disaster as he numbered Israel because the numbering this time was different from the one recorded in Numbers (cf Num 1-2). At that time God told Moses to do a population census while at this time David’s motive was to boast about his strong military power. When David wanted to clearly master his military power, he started to rely on his own military strength rather than relying on God. It was not unlawful for David to number Israel but his motive was wrong. He was proud of his military power but forgot that the real power is from God. As from David’s example, an action itself may not be wrong but it is a great sin if the motive is out of greed, arrogance, and selfishness. Today we should learn from David’s mistake and reflect on our motive when we are serving in the church.
2. When David knew about his sin, he confessed it and asked for God’s forgiveness. Many people only want to receive God’s blessing but refuse to confess their sins before God. We should be like David, bearing responsibility for our mistakes and repenting of our sin. Only that will bring God’s forgiveness and allow God to continue to work in us. Reflect whether you have some obvious sin that you refuse to confess? How should you learn from David to humbly confess your sin and bear the responsibility?

 

PRAYER:

With courage and humbleness, come before God and confess a sin that you refuse to confess. Ask God to continue to work in you and mold your life, so that you will become more submissive and obedient to God’s will.

 

HYMN:

Lord, I Need You – youtu.be/LuvfMDhTyMA?si=CJ63fZhE1GNjs0Ad

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+020

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 20 (ESV)

1 In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led out the army and ravaged the country of the Ammonites and came and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. And Joab struck down Rabbah and overthrew it. 2 And David took the crown of their king from his head. He found that it weighed a talent of gold, and in it was a precious stone. And it was placed on David’s head. And he brought out the spoil of the city, a very great amount. 3 And he brought out the people who were in it and set them to labor with saws and iron picks and axes. And thus David did to all the cities of the Ammonites. Then David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

 

REFLECTION:

1. When kings went out to battle, David remained in Jerusalem and committed adultery at the time (cf. 2 Sam 11-12). Kings usually went out to battle after the spring harvest because the labour for farming was lessened allowing the soldiers to go to battle. During the winter, they would prepare a strategy for conquering other lands and send out an army when the weather became better. However, David did not follow the army to battle but sent Joab to lead the army. It was at this time of laziness that David committed the sin of adultery with Bathsheba. Are you in a state of laziness now? How will you stay alert so that you will not fall into temptation of Satan?
2. You should pay attention to the “spring” of your life which is a time of response to God and a time for going out to battle. You must follow God’s will and take the initiative. In this key moment when Satan will attack us, we must have keen alertness for temptation. How will you walk God’s destined journey steadfastly and fight the good fight for God?

 

PRAYER:  

Ask God to help you to be watchful and sober-minded, and not let you fall into the net of temptation by Satan. Especially ask God to help you to have a clear mind when you are successful knowing that that is also a time of weakness. Ask God to protect you and not let you turn from success to failure.

 

HYMN:

Holy, Holy, Holy – www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iK0Miq2xNo

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+019

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 19 (ESV)

1 Now after this Nahash the king of the Ammonites died, and his son reigned in his place. 2 And David said, “I will deal kindly with Hanun the son of Nahash, for his father dealt kindly with me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came to the land of the Ammonites to Hanun to console him. 3 But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Have not his servants come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?” 4 So Hanun took David’s servants and shaved them and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away; 5 and they departed. When David was told concerning the men, he sent messengers to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.”

6 When the Ammonites saw that they had become a stench to David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent 1,000 talents of silver to hire chariots and horsemen from Mesopotamia, from Aram-maacah, and from Zobah. 7 They hired 32,000 chariots and the king of Maacah with his army, who came and encamped before Medeba. And the Ammonites were mustered from their cities and came to battle. 8 When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men. 9 And the Ammonites came out and drew up in battle array at the entrance of the city, and the kings who had come were by themselves in the open country.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Amon is adjacent to the east border of Israel. Ben-ammi, the ancestor of the Ammonites was born from the incest of Lot and his daughter (cf. Gen 19:30-38). The Ammonites and the Israelites were enemy for generations. The military power of the Ammonites reached its peak at the time of the Judges. David was the first military leader who suppress the Ammonites forbidding them to disturb the Israelites for many years. Because of over-suspicion, Hanun misunderstood David’s intention and brought trouble to himself. Because of past experience, people are easily suspicious of others and question their intention. While we should be cautious and wise in dealing with others, we should not infer they have malicious intentions in all things. Reflect whether you always suspect other people’s intention in your relationships.
2. Hanun did not admit his mistake and seek forgiveness and reconciliation with David, but rather spent a large sum of money to hide his fault. He paid a great price for this (20:1-4). Hiding a fault is often much more costly than admitting it honestly. People try to find an excuse to hide a fault but the result will be even worse. When you commit a mistake, it is better to confess immediately and seek forgiveness and reconciliation. This will lessen the pain and trouble for both parties. From Hanun’s covering up of his fault, reflect how you treat your own mistakes.

 

PRAYER:

Ask God to forgive your trespasses because nothing can be hidden from God. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb 4:12); Ask God to cleanse you and lead you to walk on the path of righteousness.

 

HYMN:

Sovereign Over Us – youtu.be/Lay-r2g52SQ?si=q-nUBe24nQR2AAFi

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+018

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 18 (ESV)

5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians. 6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. 7 And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 And from Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took a large amount of bronze. With it Solomon made the bronze sea and the pillars and the vessels of bronze.

9 When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, 10 he sent his son Hadoram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him; for Hadadezer had often been at war with Tou. And he sent all sorts of articles of gold, of silver, and of bronze. 11 These also King David dedicated to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he had carried off from all the nations, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amalek.

12 And Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, killed 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 13 Then he put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.

14 So David reigned over all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people.

 

REFLECTION:

1. David was a victorious and righteous king. We could have a glimpse of the glory when Jesus becomes king by looking at David’s brilliant achievement – total victory and righteousness. If David’s glory is great, how much greater will Jesus’ glory be! The Bible tells us the good news that we can have a close connection with Jesus Christ through faith. Reflect that in the future we will be kings together with Jesus and He will give us glory far greater than that of David’s.
2. When Tou king of Hamath sent a lot of gifts to David, David dedicated the gifts to the Lord. People easily attribute the blessing of wealth and materials to their own talent and hardworking, while ignoring that it is a gift from the loving God (cf. James 1:17). Today God will guide you as how He guided David so that you can make good use of what you have. However, you first have to willingly dedicate yourself to God. Reflect what God has given you? Are you willing to dedicate your gift, talent and even your whole life to God for His service?

 

PRAYER:

Praise the total victory and righteousness of Jesus Christ, and give all glory to Him. Ask God to walk with you daily as He walked with David so that you will enjoy His blessing and not to fear. Dedicate your life to God and fight the good fight for Him.

 

HYMN:

This is Our God – youtu.be/lC_eI8B1qGI?si=AdOmcGQWfBBClyn4

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+017

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 17 (ESV)

1 Now when David lived in his house, David said to Nathan the prophet, “Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.” 2 And Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.”

3 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, 4 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: It is not you who will build me a house to dwell in. 5 For I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up Israel to this day, but I have gone from tent to tent and from dwelling to dwelling. 6 In all places where I have moved with all Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ …

11 When your days are fulfilled to walk with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, 14 but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom forever, and his throne shall be established forever.’” 15 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.

 

REFLECTION:

1. David did not have peace when he was living in a house of cedar while the Ark of the Covenant that was the symbol of God’s presence was under a tent. He wanted to build a temple for God. His intention was good but it was not the time set by God. When God told David not to build the temple (17:3-4), David willingly obey God. If you are living an abundant life while there was lacking in God’s ministry, the church, and the pastoral staff, you should also take action to reverse the situation. On the other hand, you should also act according to God’s timing. Reflect that God has set a timing for everything. You should actively serve God while waiting for God’s timing with wisdom and patience.
2. God gave the promise that He will raise up David’s offspring and He will establish David’s kingdom and his throne forever. There were two parts of God’s promise to David. The first part was conditional: as long as David’s offspring will obey God’s law and respect Him, they will sit on the throne of Israel continuously. The second part was unconditional: there will be a descendent of David who will be king forever, and this is Jesus Christ (Messiah). The first part was based on David’s faithfulness and obedience, while the second part will be fulfilled independent of the deeds by David’s offspring. Reflect on God’s boundless grace and His unchanging faithfulness. Our faith is built on the faithfulness and promise of God.

 

PRAYER:

Thank God for His boundless grace and praise God for His unchanging faithfulness; ask God to strengthen your heart so that your thoughts and deeds are built on the faithfulness and promise of God.

 

HYMN:

Great Is Thy Faithfulness – www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1WhFtVp0o

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+016

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 16 (ESV)

7 Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the Lord by Asaph and his brothers.

8 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;

make known his deeds among the peoples!

9 Sing to him, sing praises to him;

tell of all his wondrous works! …

 

23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth!

Tell of his salvation from day to day.

24 Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous works among all the peoples!

25 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,

and he is to be feared above all gods.

26 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,

but the Lord made the heavens.

27 Splendor and majesty are before him;

strength and joy are in his place.

28 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,

ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!

29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

bring an offering and come before him!

Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;

30 tremble before him, all the earth;

yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,

and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”

32 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

let the field exult, and everything in it!

33 Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy

before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.

34 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

for his steadfast love endures forever!

 

REFLECTION:

1. V23-33 are very similar to Ps. 96. David expresses four heartfelt thanksgivings in this song of praise: 1) commemorate God’s work in the past; 2) tell the story to others; 3) show the glory of God to others; and 4) offer his time, talent, and everything to God. As long as you have genuine thanksgiving to God, it will be shown in your life naturally. Reflect on what you could learn from David’s praises to God.
2. The main method of praising God is to proclaim God’s virtues and attributes. We acknowledge His goodness, exalt His perfect virtue, and allow people to see His glory. There are many benefits in praising God. It allows our mind go beyond our difficulties and poverty while focusing on God’s mightiness, mercy, sovereignty, majesty and love. Reflect on what attributes of God are worthy of our praise.

 

PRAYER:

Follow the example of David’s praise and proclaim God’s wondrous grace to others. Ask God to give you the wisdom and courage to see the beauty of God’s attributes, and proclaim your thanksgiving and worship to God courageously.

 

HYMN:

To God Be The Glory (All For You) – youtu.be/GKOI3cl3EQo?si=rbam4mXsMfmJRrrm

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+015

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 15 (ESV)

25 So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-edom with rejoicing. 26 And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. 27 David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as also were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers and Chenaniah the leader of the music of the singers. And David wore a linen ephod. 28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres.

29 And as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David dancing and celebrating, and she despised him in her heart.

 

REFLECTION:

1. A grand celebration needs to have a magnificent band to boost the spirit and to cheer up people’s heart. It will allow people to focus and to leave a deep impression for the event. By praising God at the beginning of everything, we will be encouraged to give our best to God. You should develop the habit of praising God so that you could experience greater joy and strength in facing difficulties. Reflect if you are giving your best to God joyfully and cheerfully similar to what David and the Israelites have done when welcoming the ark.
2. David was willing to be seen as foolish in order to show his heartfelt thanksgiving to God. Michal had an opposite view. She thought David lose the honour of a king and despised David when she saw him dancing and celebrating. She was not joyful when the ark returned to Jerusalem. During the reign of King Saul, worship had become a casual and routine ritual. Michal accepted David as a king of victory but she could not agree with his unrestrained and spontaneous praises to God. Reflect if you accept the different styles of worship from the heart? Do not be afraid to worship God with different styles as long as they are appropriate and proper.

 

PRAYER:

Offer your thanksgiving and praise to God with a joyful and cheerful manner. Ask God to give the courage to worship God in all circumstances.

 

HYMN:

Rejoice – youtu.be/t19ISSmBQ-Q?si=o_5n7UlZU3bVWZG8

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+014

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 14 (ESV)

8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went out against them. 9 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim. 10 And David inquired of God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up, and I will give them into your hand.” 11 And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there. And David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 12 And they left their gods there, and David gave command, and they were burned.

13 And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley. 14 And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 15 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 16 And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.

 

REFLECTION:

1. 2 Sam Ch. 5 describes the map for this battle. Before David went out for battle, he prayed to God and asked for His guidance. Often times we only pray to God when a matter gets worse but it is too late. Reflect if you seek God’s help only after you exhaust your own effort? You should seek God first and you could experience the unexpected help to avoid disasters as David did.
2. Soldiers like to keep the spoils from battle for commemoration (2 Sam 5:21, David’s followers took the idols left behind by the Philistines). Therefore, David ordered to burn all the idols (v12). The only response we should have with sin is total separation. You cannot follow God and keep your old sinful life at the same time. If you do, you will drift away from God in what you think and what you do. You need to remove anything that replaces God who should occupy the highest position in your life, and follow God wholeheartedly. Reflect what behaviour you need to get rid of that is unpleasing to God.

 

PRAYER:

Ask God to completely remove your old self that belongs to flesh and blood, and keep you away from the sinful thoughts and life. Pray that God will protect your heart and mind so you can travel the heavenly journey single-mindedly.

 

HYMN:

Purify My Heart – youtu.be/OfH9j-TLg3U?si=EcybrQOxZQYXea1P