Bible Pathways 05/20/2003

May 20

Read I Chronicles 27 -- 29

In Today's Reading:

Solomon encouraged to build the Temple; David's gifts for the Temple; his thanks and prayer; Solomon made king; David's death

David had reigned 33 years in Jerusalem and 7 years in Hebron. Now his life was near the end. In his last year, David assembled all the tribal princes and military captains. He told them how God had chosen Solomon to build His Temple and, because of this, he told Solomon that his greatest concern should be to read the Word of God in order to know the will of God. David told Solomon that he needed to willingly serve God with all his heart, for the Lord knows the intention of every thought.

David then offered one of the most inspiring prayers recorded in the Scriptures. In his prayer, David speaks of the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty of God that was above everything in the world.

David's heartfelt prayer is a reminder to all of us that prayer should be a time of praising, adoring, and worshiping God with thanksgiving for who He is, as well as for what He has given us. As we recognize our total dependence upon God for everything, we will praise Him for His provision.When we neglect to praise the Lord daily, our worship often becomes a mere ritual.

Every day, under every circumstance, give thanks for everything. To grumble about our circumstances is to express dissatisfaction with God and to question His wisdom and His love for us.

Devotional commentary also refers to: I Thessalonians 5:18.

Christ Revealed:

Through the gold offered for the Temple by David from his personal wealth (see I Chronicles 29:3-5). Gold is the purest metal (see Revelation 21:21) and represents the preciousness and purity of Christ (see I John 3:2-3).

Word Studies:

27:2 course = division; 28:19 works = details; 29:1 tender = inexperienced; 29:3 proper good = personal treasure; 29:15 none abiding = none exempted; 29:19 palace = Temple.

Prayer Needs:

Staff: Pam Pendergrast · Bill Hale and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on WKTE-AM, King NC · the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Bonnie Wilhite · Government Officials: Sen. Michael Crapo (ID), Rep. Wally Herger (CA), and Rep. Nick Rahall (WV) · Country: Chad (7 million) in north-central Africa · Major languages: French and Arabic · Limited religious freedom · 35% Muslim; 31% animist; 11% Protestant; 5% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for the assurance that the entirety of His Word is truth, and all His righteous judgments endure forever (see Psalm 119:160).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 6:17