Category: “Listening to God” Devotional

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1 Chronicles Chapter 13 (ESV)

5 So David assembled all Israel from the Nile of Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim. 6 And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim that belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord who sits enthroned above the cherubim. 7 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart, from the house of Abinadab, and Uzzah and Ahio were driving the cart. 8 And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.

9 And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. 10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. 11 And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza to this day. 12 And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?” 13 So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 14 And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Uzzah was killed because he put out his hand to take hold of the ark and committed a deadly sin. God had recorded clear rules of carrying the ark in the Pentateuch (Num 4:5-15). God commanded that the ark has to be carried by Levites (the Bible does not mention whether Uzzah was a Levite) on the shoulder with the two poles inserted through the two gold rings on each side of the ark (Num 7:9). Humans must not touch the ark with their hands. Uzzah had not sanctified himself before serving and he caused the wrath of God.
2. On the other hand, the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom when the ark was there. This shows the two sides of God’s mightiness: He is love and He is also righteous. He gives blessing to those who obey Him and punishes those who disobey Him. God’s punishment could come quickly or it could be delayed. In any case, it will ultimately come. Sometimes we only focus on God’s blessing and we forget the Bible says “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31). However, other times we over-emphasize on God’s judgment and forget about His blessings. We should not look at God’s work superficially. If we want God’s blessing, we have to bear the responsibilities and lead a holy and righteous life according to His Word. Reflect on whether you know of God’s different attributes? Is it more important to obey God’s will or to act according to your passion?

 

PRAYER:

Pray that God not only will give you the passion to serve Him but also a humble and obedient heart. As you lead a holy and victorious life on earth, you can come before the future judgment of God without fear.

 

HYMN:

I’ll Fix My Eyes – youtu.be/fUwWSehvDhk?si=qs_aA_p8CX7HM1OX

 

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1 Chronicles Chapter 12 (ESV)

22 For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God. 23 These are the numbers of the divisions of the armed troops who came to David in Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him, according to the word of the Lord…

38 All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel. Likewise, all the rest of Israel were of a single mind to make David king. 39 And they were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers had made preparation for them. 40 And also their relatives, from as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, came bringing food on donkeys and on camels and on mules and on oxen, abundant provisions of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, and wine and oil, oxen and sheep, for there was joy in Israel.

 

REFLECTION:

1. As men came to help David day to day, so it became a great army like an army of God. Many followed David because he was a heroic warrior and won many battles. They wanted to see God fulfill His will and crown David as king. People are often attracted by those who have a great vision and worked tenaciously to accomplish the goal. As a Christian, our greatest mission is to see people being saved and not one being perished. If we offer ourselves to God courageously and steadfastly, other people will be attracted to be partners with us. Reflect on what visions you are attracted to? Are these visions according to God’s will?
2. Saul disobeyed God and caused suffering to the people when he was king (1 Chron 10:13). People want to see new things and they anticipate dynasty changes. When David was anointed as king, people were joyful and celebrated. Because God is the origin of our joy, it is natural for us to worship God with a joyful heart and give praise to God wholeheartedly. God will also share our joy. Reflect that when Christ becomes king, we will shout and celebrate, and enjoy the eternal blessings with Him.

 

PRAYER:

Tell God the hope in your heart. Ask God to strengthen you that your hope is built on God’s faithfulness. Thank God for saving you that you could enjoy the eternal blessing with Christ in the future. Offer your praise and acclamation to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

 

HYMN:

Crown Him (Majesty) – youtu.be/hqy-gob13kA?si=W9FL6RA-LcUZwy_i

 

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1 Chronicles Chapter 11 (ESV)

10 Now these are the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel. 11 This is an account of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam, a Hachmonite, was chief of the three. He wielded his spear against 300 whom he killed at one time.

12 And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite. 13 He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered there for battle. There was a plot of ground full of barley, and the men fled from the Philistines. 14 But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and killed the Philistines. And the Lord saved them by a great victory.

15 Three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David at the cave of Adullam, when the army of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 16 David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem. 17 And David said longingly, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” 18 Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it. He poured it out to the Lord 19 and said, “Far be it from me before my God that I should do this. Shall I drink the lifeblood of these men? For at the risk of their lives they brought it.” Therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Eleazar’s action changed the course of the battle. People around him were running for their lives but he took his stand and was saved by God. We are often scared in battle so we do not witness for God and we are not able to enjoy the fruit of victory from God. When we face our fear with courage and stand firm in our faith by trusting God, we will have the final victory. In spiritual battles, am I as courageous as Eleazar or am I timid and fearful?
2. The three mighty men risked their lives to bring water from the well by the gate of Bethlehem for David. David appreciated these mighty men because they were faithful to him since they trusted God. David would not drink the water and instead he offered it as a sacrifice to God since only God deserves to receive this sacrifice. Reflect on what we could learn from these three mighty men serving others wholeheartedly without self-gain (Rom 12:10). When we serve others, we are also serving God.

 

PRAYER:

Pray that God will help you to be a strong and brave person, commit to God that you are willing to learn from the three mighty men who brought water for David. Learn from their courage in spiritual battles so that you can lead a victorious life.

 

HYMN:

Onward Christian Soldiers – www.youtube.com/watch?v=64K7HmLM54Y

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+010

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 10 (ESV)

1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. 2 And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. 3 The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was wounded by the archers. 4 Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. 5 And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died…

13 So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. 14 He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Saul was unfaithful to God both actively and passively. Not only did he make mistakes but he also did not do the things he ought to do. He purposely chased after David to try to kill him. He actively disobeyed God by ignoring God’s command and even seeking the guidance of a witch. Saul passively went against God by not seeking for God’s guidance when he ruled as king.
2. 1 Sam 28 records that Saul asked for Jehovah’s guidance but God did not respond. V14 says the reason for Saul’s death was that “he did not seek guidance from the Lord.” It seemed contradictory but the problem was actually with the motive and occasion of his seeking God. Saul did not seek for God first. He always tried his own way first and he would only seek for God after he exhausted all methods in vain. God did not answer Saul because he asked God the last. He only sought for God at his convenience, and God rejected his requests because of his continuous stubbornness and rebellion. Reflect on what you could learn from Saul’s tragedy, seek for God’s will with the right attitude.

 

PRAYER: 

With humility, ask God for His will in your life. Ask God to keep you alerted not to repeat the stubbornness and rebellion of Saul. Guide us to walk to His path and pleasing to Him in all we do.

 

HYMN:

The Jesus Way – www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARSGgC9iQb0

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+009

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 9 (ESV)

22 All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were 212. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and Samuel the seer established them in their office of trust. 23 So they and their sons were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. 24 The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south. 25 And their kinsmen who were in their villages were obligated to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with these, 26 for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted to be over the chambers and the treasures of the house of God. 27 And they lodged around the house of God, for on them lay the duty of watching, and they had charge of opening it every morning.

28 Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. 29 Others of them were appointed over the furniture and over all the holy utensils, also over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the incense, and the spices. 30 Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices, 31 and Mattithiah, one of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with making the flat cakes. 32 Also some of their kinsmen of the Kohathites had charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.

33 Now these, the singers, the heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, were in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night.

 

REFLECTION:

1. The priests and the Levites were diligent and laborious over the worship services. Not only did they have to deal with complicated tasks (Lev. 1-9), but they also had to take care of the utensils. They had to carefully maintain the worship utensils to allow the whole congregation to focus on worshipping God wholeheartedly. People nowadays are very busy and often go to church for Sunday worship without preparation. During the worship, we are still thinking about our difficult tasks, our prayer is impromptu, and we do not meditate on the lyrics of the hymns we sing. But God requires our worship “should be done decently and in order.” (1 Cor. 14:40). It is like meeting with an honourable guest, or discussing an important matter with your friend. We have to carefully prepare ahead of time before we come before God respectfully. Reflect on our worship to God whether it is superficial and sloppy, or it is what the glorious king should deserve.
2. Many Israelites regard worshipping God as their most important task and they see serving in the temple as a holy duty. Worship is to thank God for His virtue for He is worthy of our praise. It should be the center of our life rather than a matter we spent several tens of minutes every week. If we are with God in all circumstances, follow His guidance and maintain the attitude of a servant, we will be able to naturally worship God continuously throughout the day. Reflect if worshipping God is the center of your life, or it is just a routine in your busy life.

 

PRAYER:

Ask God to enlighten the darkness in you and give you a heart of godliness that you may be able to glorify God in everything you do and regard worship as the center of your life. Offer to God your deepest worship, thanksgiving and praise now.

 

HYMN:

Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord) – youtu.be/0nnkkra4FwY?si=MdglOQeanplQlGQK

 

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1 Chronicles Chapter 8 (ESV)

29 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon, and the name of his wife was Maacah. 30 His firstborn son: Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, 31 Gedor, Ahio, Zecher, 32 and Mikloth (he fathered Shimeah). Now these also lived opposite their kinsmen in Jerusalem, with their kinsmen. 33 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish of Saul, Saul of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab and Eshbaal; 34 and the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal; and Merib-baal was the father of Micah. 35 The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. 36 Ahaz fathered Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri. Zimri fathered Moza. 37 Moza fathered Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 38 Azel had six sons, and these are their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. 39 The sons of Eshek his brother: Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. 40 The sons of Ulam were men who were mighty warriors, bowmen, having many sons and grandsons, 150. All these were Benjaminites.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Saul (v33) was the first king in Israel but he was double hearted (1 Sam 9-31) but his son Jonathan was the total opposite of him. Jonathan was the legal successor of the throne but he knew that David was chosen by God to be the next king. Not only was he not jealous, but he also helped David escape from Saul when Saul wanted to kill David (1 Sam 14-31).
2. Reflect what will be your reaction when you see others are pleased and blessed by God.

 

PRAYER: 

Pray for those around you who are more gifted, pleased, and blessed by God that they will be used by God. Ask God to examine your heart to see if there is any jealousy and repent if there is. Pray for God’s mercy on your weakness and grant you a selfless heart.

 

HYMN:

The Bond Of Love – www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo6TKRofdLE

 

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1 Chronicles Chapter 7 (ESV)

20 The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, 21 Zabad his son, Shuthelah his son, and Ezer and Elead, whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down to raid their livestock. 22 And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him. 23 And Ephraim went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son. And he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house. 24 His daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah. 25 Rephah was his son, Resheph his son, Telah his son, Tahan his son, 26 Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, 27 Nun his son, Joshua his son.

 

REFLECTION:

1. The genealogy recorded in 1 Chronicles Chapter 7 is for the tribes not mentioned before. They were mainly scattered in the mountain areas at the north of Jerusalem, the west bank of the River Jordan, and Galilee. According to the political division, these tribes belong to Northern Israel after the kingdom was divided into South and North, and the people not living in Judah.
2. A lady called Sheerah was mentioned in the passage (v24). She built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah. Chronicles recorded the great accomplishment of Solomon including the building of Lower and Upper Beth-horon (2 Chron 8:5). These two places were important defense cities of the north at that time. Unexpectedly this great project was built by a lady. On the other hand, the two sons of Ephraim were killed while they raided people’s livestock. This caused great pain and mourning to their father and left a bad name among the gentiles (vv21-22).
3. Reflect that God’s grace is upon all who obey Him regardless of male or female. It is passed down in generations. The righteous will enjoy a smooth path while the evil will be destroyed.

 

PRAYER:

Praise God for His holiness, righteousness and love. Thank God for His blessings to you. Commit to God that you will uphold righteousness in your life and not walk the path of the evil.

 

HYMN:

Psalm 23 – Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy – youtu.be/Mo3HgtT_OiE?si=K5uqURbyig-hc-2j

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+006

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 6 (ESV)

31 These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the Lord after the ark rested there. 32 They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting until Solomon built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they performed their service according to their order. 33 These are the men who served and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer the son of Joel, son of Samuel, 34 son of Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Eliel, son of Toah, 35 son of Zuph, son of Elkanah, son of Mahath, son of Amasai, 36 son of Elkanah, son of Joel, son of Azariah, son of Zephaniah, 37 son of Tahath, son of Assir, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, 38 son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel;

 

REFLECTION:

1. After the workers and craftsmen finished building the temple, the Levites and priests also bore their responsibilities. At this time a group of singers offered their talent and praise to God. The above Scripture passage is a record of some of them.
2. You don’t have to be an ordained pastor in order to serve in the church. You could have your unique contribution whether you are a clerk, mechanic, usher, pianist, choir member, or Sunday School teacher. As God gives you your unique talent, you should best utilize it to serve and glorify Him. Reflect on what talent I have that I could offer to God and to the church.

 

PRAYER:

Thank God for giving you your unique ability and talent. Open your heart to God that you are willing to offer your best to Him, and do your best to accomplish what God entrusted you in extending His kingdom.

 

HYMN:

I Am Not My Own – youtu.be/yxCb6l3jkis?si=ZrJRT_mo4OAILXbV

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+005

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 5 (ESV)

18 The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had valiant men who carried shield and sword, and drew the bow, expert in war, 44,760, able to go to war. 19 They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. 20 And when they prevailed over them, the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because they trusted in him. 21 They carried off their livestock: 50,000 of their camels, 250,000 sheep, 2,000 donkeys, and 100,000 men alive. 22 For many fell, because the war was of God. And they lived in their place until the exile.

23 The members of the half-tribe of Manasseh lived in the land. They were very numerous from Bashan to Baal-hermon, Senir, and Mount Hermon. 24 These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty warriors, famous men, heads of their fathers’ houses. 25 But they broke faith with the God of their fathers, and whored after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. 26 So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, the spirit of Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and he took them into exile, namely, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river Gozan, to this day.

 

REFLECTION:

1. The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are heroic warriors because they relied on God. Although they had the qualities of a soldier and good at fighting, they still pray and seek for God’s guidance. God gave us inborn and acquired abilities for His service but that should not be a reason for us not to rely on Him. We will be proud and arrogant if we rely on our wisdom, talent, and strength instead of relying on God.
2. When we face adversaries, we should seek for God’s will and ask for His guidance and strength. Psalms say “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Ps. 20:7) If those who are powerful still rely on God, why wouldn’t you?
3. The people mention here who were exiled refer to the ten tribes of Israel who were exiled to Assyria in 722BC. They never returned to their homeland afterwards (2 Kings 15:29-17:41). The reason for their exile was because “they broke faith with the God of their fathers, and whored after the gods of the peoples of the land.” While God is loving He is also righteous. Have I broken faith with God with what I have done?

 

PRAYER:

Dedicate yourself to the almighty God that you will rely on Him in everything you do. Ask the loving and righteous God to examine your deeds, and forgive your sins and iniquities; pray to the holy God to cleanse your heart, consecrate you so that your daily life will be holy.

 

HYMN:

All My Boast Is in Jesus – youtu.be/Q3bV2TN7QHk?si=eH41AApV1NCch8TQ

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=1Chronicles+004

 

1 Chronicles Chapter 4 (ESV)

9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” 10 Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.

 

REFLECTION:

1. People remember Jabez not for his courageous deeds but for the things he prayed for. He asked God to 1) bless him, 2) help in his work “enlarge my border,” 3) be with him in all he did, and 4) keep him from harm (or evil) so that it might not bring him pain. He acknowledged that God is his life centre of gravity
2. When we ask for God’s blessing, we should also let God control our career, family and entertainment. Only if we obey God in everything that we could lead a good and triumphant life! Are you willing to be like Jabez and seek for God’s will every day?

 

PRAYER:

Learn from the prayer for Jabez and ask for God’s blessing, for His presence in all that you do, for not encountering harm and pain. Dedicate yourself to God that you are willing to obey Him, seek His will in all things, and lead a triumphant life every day.

 

HYMN:

Count your Blessings – www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fMjgS4vu4o