​Day 213 – August 1, 2021
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 22, Luke 20
 
Solomon will one day build the temple of the Lord. While this was never God’s intentions, David’s son is commissioned and blessed to do it. God honors David’s best intentions.
 
Sometime later, the Messiah will be called David’s Son. 
 
The long and storied tradition of the Israelites into the early 1st century left the Israelites were looking for the Son of David to restore the kingdom to its former glory and splendor. This eager expectation is alluded to in the Gospel of Luke, and it is promises are found, in part, in 1 Chronicles 22. 
 
“He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’” (1 Chronicles 22:10, TNIV) 
 
The Kingdom that Jesus will come to establish is not only as one who is a son of David, but in addition to, He is the Son of God. Jesus can claim both as true. He is a son of David, and he is the Son of God. 
 
Thus, the Kingdom Jesus brings is greater than Israel, greater than the Roman empire, it is an eternal kingdom, with an eternal king. Jesus the Son of David, and Son of God. 
 
 
Blessings,
 
Jordan

Day 212 – July 31, 2021
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 21, Luke 19
 
David takes up a census and it results in disastrous consequences. We are not clear as to why God is displeased with the census, but he is. Perhaps it’s the very act of seeking to know how mighty of an army he has, a direct display of distrust. If God is on your side, it doesn’t matter if there is just one person, and he or she doesn’t even have to be a good fighter! But all able-bodied men who can wield a sword are counted, and now God is angered.
 
God offers David an option for his punishment. He goes with the punishment he believes to be the lesser of the other two.
 
David was right. He’s better off in the hands of God than the hands of men. God looks on the destruction and relents – showing himself to be a God of compassion.
 
Luke 19 has plenty going on within it. And I think the connection I want to make is at the beginning of it, with Zacchaeus. He is forgiven, and the compassion of God is on display.
 
Perhaps another connection can be made with the end of the chapter in Luke. It’s a mention of judgment, stones being unturned. It’s a dark picture, a bleak one for those who refuse to turn to God. 
 
God relents his punishment on Israel, and has compassion on Israel. His compassion is there for you still today. Repent and turn to him.
 
But for those who continuously think he is a hard boss, ready to destroy – well, it almost becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you never see God as compassionate, and refuse to turn to him, what is left for you?
 
We must come to see God as David does, and the way Jesus reveals himself in the scriptures is as a God of compassion and kindness. 
 
God be with you! Turn to him!
 
Jordan
 
​

​Day 212 – July 31, 2021
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 21, Luke 19
 
David takes up a census and it results in disastrous consequences. We are not clear as to why God is displeased with the census, but he is. Perhaps it’s the very act of seeking to know how mighty of an army he has, a direct display of distrust. If God is on your side, it doesn’t matter if there is just one person, and he or she doesn’t even have to be a good fighter! But all able-bodied men who can wield a sword are counted, and now God is angered.
 
God offers David an option for his punishment. He goes with the punishment he believes to be the lesser of the other two.
 
David was right. He’s better off in the hands of God than the hands of men. God looks on the destruction and relents – showing himself to be a God of compassion.
 
Luke 19 has plenty going on within it. And I think the connection I want to make is at the beginning of it, with Zacchaeus. He is forgiven, and the compassion of God is on display.
 
Perhaps another connection can be made with the end of the chapter in Luke. It’s a mention of judgment, stones being unturned. It’s a dark picture, a bleak one for those who refuse to turn to God. 
 
God relents his punishment on Israel, and has compassion on Israel. His compassion is there for you still today. Repent and turn to him.
 
But for those who continuously think he is a hard boss, ready to destroy – well, it almost becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you never see God as compassionate, and refuse to turn to him, what is left for you?
 
We must come to see God as David does, and the way Jesus reveals himself in the scriptures is as a God of compassion and kindness. 
 
God be with you! Turn to him!
 
Jordan

​Day 211 – July 30, 2021
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 19-20, Luke 18
 
““Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”” (Luke 18:10–14) 
 
Forgive me God, for when I compare myself to others and feel superior. Forgive me for my  tendency to feel justified by my actions and accomplishments. I can so easily puff my chest in pride, when I should rather beat it with sorrow and weep over my sin.
 
Have mercy on me, a sinner.
 
Let us Humble ourselves and we will be lifted up.
 
Jordan

​Day 210 – July 29, 2021
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 17-18, Luke 17
““You, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him. So your servant has found courage to pray to you. You, Lord, are God! You have promised these good things to your servant. Now you have been pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Lord, have blessed it, and it will be blessed forever.”” (1 Chronicles 17:25–27, TNIV) 
 
When you have done what you’ve been asked to do, simply say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what you’ve asked us to do.” (Luke 17:10)
 
I was at a chapel service in college where a missionary was honored with a divine servant award. His acceptance speech was this phrase. “I am an unworthy servant, I only did what was asked of me.” And he walked off the stage.
 
It wasn’t a ploy. It was genuine, beautiful humility.
 
David exudes a similar humility in his response to God. He’s trying to do something that God never asked him to do, build a temple. God reveals something about himself. “I’ve been moving freely, I don’t need a house of cedar.” For God, it’s not about the temple, it’s about how he has interacted in his life; Delivering him from enemies, calling him out of the pasture and into Jerusalem to be King.  God has done amazing things for David, and now he tells him that there will always be a king on his throne and David’s name will be renowned forever.
 
What a gift, and David’s response is a prayer of praise. 
 
How is God at work in your life? How has he blessed and cared for you?
Remember the Lord today.
 
Jordan

​Day 209 – July 28, 2021
Scriptures 1 Chronicles 16, Luke 16, Psalm 62
“One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”” (Psalm 62:11–12, TNIV) 
 
Power belongs to God.
Unfailing love is with the Lord.
He will reward everyone according to what they have done.
 
As we examine our lives, this verse offers us an important encouragement and a call to repentance.
 
God has the ultimate power - that is his strength and his authority. He has the strength to move mountains and the authority to draw up the plans. 
We are also encouraged that there is unfailing Love in the Lord. His love never fails. We need that encouragement, don’t we? To know that God is patient and Kind, that his love never fails.
And finally, “He will reward everyone according to what they have done.” We look at that and think perhaps fearfully for ourselves. But I’m learning to think about it like this: God will right the wrongs of the world. God will bring about justice and bring peace. He will right the world. God has the power. His love never fails. The world will be made right.
Trust in the Lord!
Jordan

​Day 208 – July 27, 2021
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 14-15, Luke 15
 “As the ark of the covenant of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from her window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.” – 1 Chronicles 15:29
There was bitterness or jealousy in Luke 15 too. Something ugly anyways that came out of the older brother when the father killed the fattened animal for the celebration. The parable of the Prodigal son is a well known story. There is a lot to turn our attention towards in the story. Forgiveness, benevolent kindness from God, patience, the pursuit of God for the lost. The celebration of sinners rescued and saved! There is so much there.
 
In today’s reading, I turn inwardly and reflect on my tendency to be like the older brother. Do I share in the joy of God’s presence, forgiveness and reconciliation of lost sinners? Or am I judgmental, bitter, jealous and more?
 
Do we share in the joy of the lost sinner being found?
Do we celebrate the joy of God’s presence?
 
Something to think about. Take time to enjoy the loving presence of God today!
 
Jordan

Day 207 – July 26, 2021
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 12-13, Luke 14
 
1 Chronicles 13:12–14 
12David was afraid of God that day and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?” 
13He did not take the ark to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 
14The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his household and everything he had. 
 
Luke 14:25–30
25Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 
26“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even life itself—such a person cannot be my disciple.
27And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 
28“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 
29For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 
30saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ 
 
When reflecting on Uzzah, the mistake was in the cart. There was a specific way in which the Ark of the Covenant was to be carried. It was done in such a way, with poles that kept it from toppling over. This method was neglected, and they went with a cart. 
The mistake was in the cart.
When reflecting on discipleship, Jesus wants for the disciples to count the cost. Know that their devotion to Christ, is going to be filled with difficulty. He doesn’t want them to faulter.
Those bringing the Ark back to David, decided that convenience was the best way to follow God. Convenience proved even more costly.
Following Jesus is costly, not convenient. As much as we would like it to be, it just isn’t. We could find ourselves separated from family and friends. We will have to love God over everything else.
Count the cost and follow Christ!
Jordan

​Day 206 – July 25, 2021
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 11, Luke 13
 
In our Chronicles reading, we begin the journey with David as king. We also hear of the exploits of his mighty warriors. David takes Jerusalem, and it becomes known as the city of David.
 
In our Luke reading, we see Jesus’ attention and intent turn towards Jerusalem as well. Jesus doesn’t see much of the faith he has been looking for in Jerusalem. He’s found more on the outskirts and the unexpected people than the religious leaders in the city of David. 
 
Today’s connection I would like to mention the mighty warriors and the disciples of Jesus. There is a bit of a Jesus juke that happens here. While the warriors are mentioned for their great exploits in battle, Jesus celebrates those who are least in the Kingdom. The first will be last and the last will be first in the Kingdom of God. People will be coming into the kingdom from the north, south, east, and west. All people are welcome to enter the new Jerusalem, the heavenly city. 
 
The characters in this story who will be celebrated will not be the mighty warriors of renown, but the humble saints, who give their life to Christ.
 
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
 
Jordan

​Day 205 - July 24, 2021
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 10, Psalm 125, Luke 12
 
1 Chronicles 10:13–14
13Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. 
 
Psalm 125:4–5
4Lord, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. 5But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel. 
 
Luke 12:32
32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 
 
Saul was unfaithful to the Lord. 1 Chronicles quickly outlines the demise of Saul and the ramifications it has on Israel. 
 
Psalm 125 serves as a nice commentary of the situation. The Lord does good to those who are good and upright, and those who turn toward evil are banished. 
 
Our third portion of scripture today takes us to Luke 12. Tucked in the heart of it is a message of encouragement and hope. Jesus is dealing with who is in and who is out. There is division among family. The wealthy are struggling to enter the kingdom. Who belongs to the Lord and who doesn’t? And before we get ourselves too worked up over who gets the blessing and who doesn’t, Jesus offers us a great encouragement. “Your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”
 
It is God’s great pleasure to give us life in the kingdom of God. The worry, the fear, the anxiety we face, all of that is overcome in this simple and important promise. 
 
We’ve been following the ministry of Jesus and the proclamation of the Kingdom. In our first narrative story of Chronicles we hear how Saul has the kingdom taken from him, and how God gives it to David.
 
God is pleased to give the Kingdom of God to us. We have life in this new way, and we can enter it because of Jesus.
 
Do not be afraid, it is God’s pleasure to give you life in the kingdom of God.
 
Jordan