Category: 1 Chronicles

Categories
1 Chronicles David Service

Progressive Worship

“These were the sons of Levi by their fathers’ houses, the heads of fathers’ houses as they were listed according to the number of the names of the individuals from twenty years old and upward who were to do the work for the service of the house of the Lord. 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.’” 1 Chronicles 23:24-26 (ESV) The Levites experienced a transition in their role before the Lord. They were assigned to carry the tabernacle which was a tent of mobility that allowed Israel to worship God as God led them through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Under King David’s reign, the transition took place as God raised up Solomon to build the temple in Jerusalem. God had given rest to His people and chose to dwell in Jerusalem. The Levites embraced their new assignment of doing the work for the service of the house of the Lord. Worship of the Lord God transitioned from the tabernacle in the wilderness to the temple in Jerusalem. God was preparing the way for Christ to become the sacrificial lamb for our sin. When a person becomes a child of God by placing their faith in Jesus alone for salvation, that person’s body becomes the habitation of the Holy Spirit. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV). In Christ, you become the walking tabernacle of God’s presence. You now have direct access to God’s presence. You don’t have to go into a tabernacle or a temple to encounter God’s presence. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
1 Chronicles 2 Samuel David

Mourning into Dancing

“Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. 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.’” 1 Chronicles 21:1-2 (ESV) When you see God at work you can rest assured that Satan is also at work. God loves you and has a plan for your life. Satan hates you and he also has an plan for your life. God’s plan is for you to honor Him and benefit others. Satan’s plan is for you to compromise your commitment to the Lord and for you to become casual in your Christianity. In opposition to Israel, Satan incited David to drift from God’s will. David’s decision to number Israel was in violation to God’s will. “But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. 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’” (1 Chronicles 21:7-8 ESV). David recognized his own iniquity and acknowledged his sin before God and asked God to remove the iniquity. Mourning over his sin, David confessed the foolishness of his actions. God gave David the opportunity to choose the consequences. David chose the pestilence of the land and 70,000 men of Israel fell. David personally experienced the mercy of God. “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” Psalm 30:11-12 (ESV) Have you mourned over your sin? Confess your sin and receive God’s forgiveness and allow Him to turn your mourning into dancing. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
1 Chronicles David Gratitude

Cultivate Gratitude

“Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O Lord God!’” 1 Chronicles 17:16-17 (ESV) King David expressed utmost gratitude for what God had done for him. Cultivate gratitude. Put gratitude in your attitude. Consider Jim Elliot’s insight, “One of the greatest blessings of heaven is the appreciation of heaven on earth.” Be thankful. Be appreciative. Be grateful. As you cultivate gratitude, you will notice that your perspective on life will become healthier. Your interaction with others will be seasoned with grace. Instead of being critical of others, you will become compassionate towards others. Gratitude will enable you to enjoy what God has given you and will enable you to appreciate the blessings God has lavished on you. “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” Psalm 105:1 (ESV) “And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.’” Revelation 7:11-12 (ESV) Cultivating gratitude will unleash God’s love in you and through you. Be thankful for what God has done to reconcile you to Himself. Be appreciative of God’s invitation for you to join Him in His activity. Be grateful for the opportunities God gives you to spread the love of Christ. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
1 Chronicles Ark of the Covenant Obed-edom

Entrusted with the Gospel

“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.” 1 Chronicles 13:14 (ESV) Obed-edom must have been a very special man to be chosen to bring the ark of God into his house. For three months, Obed-edom took care of the ark of God. He was entrusted with the sacred ark. The Lord’s favor was upon Obed-edom’s household and all that he had was blessed by God. “Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” 1 Chronicles 16:23-24 (ESV) “For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (ESV) As a follower of Jesus Christ, you have been entrusted with the gospel. You have been chosen by God to declare His glory among the nations. You have the privilege and the responsibility of making Jesus known. Now that you know Jesus personally, make Him known intentionally. What are you doing with the gospel entrusted to you? How are you communicating the saving news of Jesus Christ? Think about the opportunities God has given you to make Jesus known. Seize the divine appointments God orchestrates for you to join Him in His redemptive activity. God wants to use you in spreading the fragrance of Christ. Does your life draw people to Christ? Commit to point people to Jesus. You have been entrusted with the cure for the cancer of sin. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
1 Chronicles David God's Timing

Trust God’s Timing

“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. And they were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers had made preparation for them.” 1 Chronicles 12:38-39 (ESV) Before David became king, he genuinely served King Saul and waited patiently for God’s timing. David endured severe persecution and unfair treatment by King Saul. David’s own family doubted his suitability. By the world’s standards, David did not fit the mold. “When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.’ But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:6-7 (ESV) God continued to work and paved the way for David to become king. In God’s perfect timing, David fulfilled the position God had established for him. Nothing can thwart God’s will and nothing can dismantle God’s impeccable timing. God will always accomplish His plan in His perfect timing. Do you trust God’s timing? Is there anything you are worrying about or fretting over? Release your fears and reaffirm your faith in the Living God. Pray specifically about those things that are weighing you down. Submit your uncertainties and your frustrations to the Lord in prayer. God looks at the heart and He knows your heart. Before God formed you He knew you personally and before you were born God set you apart for Himself. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
1 Chronicles Justice Saul

Keep the Faith

“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. 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.” 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 (ESV) Where do you turn for guidance? What is your source for knowing God’s will? Saul drifted from God and forfeited his faith through his willful disobedience. Instead of seeking God for guidance, he consulted a medium. Instead of keeping the command of the Lord, Saul went his own way. He did not keep the faith. As a result, the Lord allowed Saul to be put to death and gave the kingdom to David. You have the capacity to choose how you will live your life. You can embrace the way of selfishness and choose the way that satisfies your personal ambition and fleshly cravings or you can choose the way of the Lord. You can bypass the faith and take paths that are contrary to the will of God or you can seek the Lord and obey His promptings. The Apostle Paul, in his final letter to Timothy, affirmed the heavenly reward of keeping the faith. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV) Fight the good fight. Finish the race. Keep the faith. The Lord will award you with the crown of righteousness. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
1 Chronicles Commitment David

Do Your Part

“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. 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.” 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 (ESV) God blesses order. As one of my mentors would often say, “Where there is order, there is fruitfulness.” As you examine creation, you will quickly detect that God values order. God designed order in the family unit as well as in the establishment of government. David positioned the worship leaders to minister with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. They performed their service according to their order. In God’s economy, everybody matters. Everyone has a contribution to make in God’s order. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV) Who is more important, the one who plants or the one who waters? Who is more important, the one who builds a tabernacle or the one who ministers with song? Neither! It is all about God and all about what God wants to accomplish through His people. God gives the growth. God gets the glory. We are created in God’s image to fulfill God’s plan. Your function in the body of Christ is vital. You are a crucial component to the redemptive activity of God. Do your part! Invest your time, energy, and resources in doing your part to advance God’s work on the earth. Make an eternal difference right where you are. Bloom where God has planted you! Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
1 Chronicles Jabez Prayer

Jabez & Jesus

“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’ 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.” 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (ESV) You can discover what is important to people by listening to their prayers. Jabez prayed for God’s blessing, for God’s abundance, for God’s provision, and for God’s protection. As Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven, He requested to be glorified by God so that He in turn could bring glory to God. There are 650 prayers in the Bible and the Gospels record nineteen occasions upon which Jesus prayed. The longest prayer we have of Jesus is found in the twenty-six verses of John 17. The Disciples had the privilege of overhearing this prayer of Jesus while they were in the Upper Room. Jesus prays for Himself, He prays for the Disciples, and then He prays for future followers, which includes us. “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you.’” John 17:1 (ESV) As you study the life of Christ in the Gospels, you will discover that Jesus oriented His life around the focus of bringing glory to God. His message, His miracles, and His personal touch ministry were featured to bring glory to God. What do you value? What have you been praying? Your prayers indicate what you value. Do you value bringing glory to God? God deserves all of the glory for what He has rescued you from and saved you for. Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
1 Chronicles Genealogy God's Purpose

Orchestrated by God

“Adam, Seth, Enosh; Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared; Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech; Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” 1 Chronicles 1:1-4 (ESV) People matter to God. As you read chapter one and chapter two of 1 Chronicles, you read a list of names. Some of them may be familiar to you while some of the names may seem foreign. The chronicler detailed the Davidic dynasty in Judah and traced the genealogies to demonstrate how David and Judah were chosen by God. Only one of Noah’s three sons, Shem, would be the one through whom the redemptive blessing would come. God’s story of redemption is filled with people. God uses all kinds of people to accomplish His purposes and His plans. Nothing can thwart God’s will. Remember, that life is not about your story that you invite God into. Life is about God’s story that He invites you into. Will you allow God to have His way in your life? What names do you have on your list? If you were to write down the name of every person God has used in your life to point you to Christ, to encourage you in the faith, or to model Christ before you, how many names would be on your list? God strategically places people in your life to help you become the fully devoted follower of Christ you were created to become. Throughout your journey, God sprinkles relationships along the path to draw you closer to Christ and to sensitize you to His abiding presence. Don’t rush past the people God places in your life. Slow down and enjoy the abundance of God’s blessings. Just as people matter to God, you matter to God! Allow God to use you to be an irresistible influence for His glory. You are on His list! Following Jesus Every Day, Stephen Trammell

Categories
1 Chronicles David Service

Progressive Worship

“These were the sons of Levi by their fathers’ houses, the heads of fathers’ houses as they were listed according to the number of the names of the individuals from twenty years old and upward who were to do the work for the service of the house of the Lord. For David said, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.’” 1 Chronicles 23:24-26 (ESV) The Levites experienced a transition in their role before the Lord. They were assigned to carry the tabernacle which was a tent of mobility that allowed Israel to worship God as God led them through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Under King David’s reign, the transition took place as God raised up Solomon to build the temple in Jerusalem. God had given rest to His people and chose to dwell in Jerusalem. The Levites embraced their new assignment of doing the work for the service of the house of the Lord. Worship of the Lord God transitioned from the tabernacle in the wilderness to the temple in Jerusalem. God was preparing the way for Christ to become the sacrificial lamb for our sin. When a person becomes a child of God by placing their faith in Jesus alone for salvation, that person’s body becomes the habitation of the Holy Spirit. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV). In Christ, you become the walking tabernacle of God’s presence. You now have direct access to God’s presence. You don’t have to go into a tabernacle or a temple to encounter God’s presence. Riding HIS Wave, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
1 Chronicles 2 Samuel David

Mourning into Dancing

“Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. 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.’” 1 Chronicles 21:1-2 (ESV) When you see God at work you can rest assured that Satan is also at work. God loves you and has a plan for your life. Satan hates you and he also has an plan for your life. God’s plan is for you to honor Him and benefit others. Satan’s plan is for you to compromise your commitment to the Lord and for you to become casual in your Christianity. In opposition to Israel, Satan incited David to drift from God’s will. David’s decision to number Israel was in violation to God’s will. “But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. 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.’” (1 Chronicles 21:7-8 ESV). David recognized his own iniquity and acknowledged his sin before God and asked God to remove the iniquity. Mourning over his sin, David confessed the foolishness of his actions. God gave David the opportunity to choose the consequences. David chose the pestilence of the land and 70,000 men of Israel fell. David personally experienced the mercy of God. “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” Psalm 30:11-12 (ESV) Have you mourned over your sin? Confess your sin and receive God’s forgiveness and allow Him to turn your mourning into dancing. Riding HIS Wave, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
1 Chronicles David Gratitude

Cultivate Gratitude

“Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O Lord God!’” 1 Chronicles 17:16-17 (ESV) King David expressed utmost gratitude for what God had done for him. Cultivate gratitude. Put gratitude in your attitude. Consider Jim Elliot’s insight, “One of the greatest blessings of heaven is the appreciation of heaven on earth.” Be thankful. Be appreciative. Be grateful. As you cultivate gratitude, you will notice that your perspective on life will become healthier. Your interaction with others will be seasoned with grace. Instead of being critical of others, you will become compassionate towards others. Gratitude will enable you to enjoy what God has given you and will enable you to appreciate the blessings God has lavished on you. “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” Psalm 105:1 (ESV) “And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.’” Revelation 7:11-12 (ESV) Cultivating gratitude will unleash God’s love in you and through you. Be thankful for what God has done to reconcile you to Himself. Be appreciative of God’s invitation for you to join Him in His activity. Be grateful for the opportunities God gives you to spread the love of Christ. Riding HIS Wave, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

Categories
1 Chronicles Ark of the Covenant Obed-edom

Entrusted with the Gospel

“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.” 1 Chronicles 13:14 (ESV) Obed-edom must have been a very special man to be chosen to bring the ark of God into his house. For three months, Obed-edom took care of the ark of God. He was entrusted with the sacred ark. The Lord’s favor was upon Obed-edom’s household and all that he had was blessed by God. “Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” 1 Chronicles 16:23-24 (ESV) “For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (ESV) As a follower of Jesus Christ, you have been entrusted with the gospel. You have been chosen by God to declare His glory among the nations. You have the privilege and the responsibility of making Jesus known. Now that you know Jesus personally, make Him known intentionally. What are you doing with the gospel entrusted to you? How are you communicating the saving news of Jesus Christ? Think about the opportunities God has given you to make Jesus known. Seize the divine appointments God orchestrates for you to join Him in His redemptive activity. God wants to use you in spreading the fragrance of Christ. Does your life draw people to Christ? Commit to point people to Jesus. You have been entrusted with the cure for the cancer of sin. Riding HIS Wave, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

Categories
1 Chronicles David God's Timing

Trust God’s Timing

“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. And they were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their brothers had made preparation for them.” 1 Chronicles 12:38-39 (ESV) Before David became king, he genuinely served King Saul and waited patiently for God’s timing. David endured severe persecution and unfair treatment by King Saul. David’s own family doubted his suitability. By the world’s standards, David did not fit the mold. “When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.’ But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:6-7 (ESV) God continued to work and paved the way for David to become king. In God’s perfect timing, David fulfilled the position God had established for him. Nothing can thwart God’s will and nothing can dismantle God’s impeccable timing. God will always accomplish His plan in His perfect timing. Do you trust God’s timing? Is there anything you are worrying about or fretting over? Release your fears and reaffirm your faith in the Living God. Pray specifically about those things that are weighing you down. Submit your uncertainties and your frustrations to the Lord in prayer. God looks at the heart and He knows your heart. Before God formed you He knew you personally and before you were born God set you apart for Himself. Riding HIS Wave, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

Categories
1 Chronicles Justice Saul

Keep the Faith

“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. 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.” 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 (ESV) Where do you turn for guidance? What is your source for knowing God’s will? Saul drifted from God and forfeited his faith through his willful disobedience. Instead of seeking God for guidance, he consulted a medium. Instead of keeping the command of the Lord, Saul went his own way. He did not keep the faith. As a result, the Lord allowed Saul to be put to death and gave the kingdom to David. You have the capacity to choose how you will live your life. You can embrace the way of selfishness and choose the way that satisfies your personal ambition and fleshly cravings or you can choose the way of the Lord. You can bypass the faith and take paths that are contrary to the will of God or you can seek the Lord and obey His promptings. The Apostle Paul, in his final letter to Timothy, affirmed the heavenly reward of keeping the faith. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV) Fight the good fight. Finish the race. Keep the faith. The Lord will award you with the crown of righteousness. Riding HIS Wave, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

Categories
1 Chronicles Commitment David

Do Your Part

“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. 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.” 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 (ESV) God blesses order. As one of my mentors would often say, “Where there is order, there is fruitfulness.” As you examine creation, you will quickly detect that God values order. God designed order in the family unit as well as in the establishment of government. David positioned the worship leaders to minister with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. They performed their service according to their order. In God’s economy, everybody matters. Everyone has a contribution to make in God’s order. ” I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV) Who is more important, the one who plants or the one who waters? Who is more important, the one who builds a tabernacle or the one who ministers with song? Neither! It is all about God and all about what God wants to accomplish through His people. God gives the growth. God gets the glory. We are created in God’s image to fulfill God’s plan. Your function in the body of Christ is vital. You are a crucial component to the redemptive activity of God. Do your part! Invest your time, energy, and resources in doing your part to advance God’s work on the earth. Make an eternal difference right where you are. Bloom where God has planted you! Riding HIS Wave, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

Categories
1 Chronicles Jabez Prayer

Prayer of Jabez & Jesus

“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’ 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.” 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (ESV) You can discover what is important to people by listening to their prayers. Jabez prayed for God’s blessing, for God’s abundance, for God’s provision, and for God’s protection. As Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven, He requested to be glorified by God so that He in turn could bring glory to God. There are 650 prayers in the Bible and the Gospels record nineteen occasions upon which Jesus prayed. The longest prayer we have of Jesus is found in the twenty-six verses of John 17. The Disciples had the privilege of overhearing this prayer of Jesus while they were in the Upper Room. Jesus prays for Himself, He prays for the Disciples, and then He prays for future followers, which includes us. “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you.’” John 17:1 (ESV) As you study the life of Christ in the Gospels, you will discover that Jesus oriented His life around the focus of bringing glory to God. His message, His miracles, and His personal touch ministry were featured to bring glory to God. What do you value? What have you been praying? Your prayers indicate what you value. Do you value bringing glory to God? God deserves all of the glory for what He has rescued you from and saved you for. Riding HIS Wave, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

Categories
1 Chronicles Genealogy God's Purpose

Orchestrated by God

“Adam, Seth, Enosh; Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared; Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech; Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” 1 Chronicles 1:1-4 (ESV) People matter to God. As you read chapter one and chapter two of 1 Chronicles, you read a list of names. Some of them may be familiar to you while some of the names may seem foreign. The chronicler detailed the Davidic dynasty in Judah and traced the genealogies to demonstrate how David and Judah were chosen by God. Only one of Noah’s three sons, Shem, would be the one through whom the redemptive blessing would come. God’s story of redemption is filled with people. God uses all kinds of people to accomplish His purposes and His plans. Nothing can thwart God’s will. Remember, that life is not about your story that you invite God into. Life is about God’s story that He invites you into. Will you allow God to have His way in your life? What names do you have on your list? If you were to write down the name of every person God has used in your life to point you to Christ, to encourage you in the faith, or to model Christ before you, how many names would be on your list? God strategically places people in your life to help you become the fully devoted follower of Christ you were created to become. Throughout your journey, God sprinkles relationships along the path to draw you closer to Christ and to sensitize you to His abiding presence. Don’t rush past the people God places in your life. Slow down and enjoy the abundance of God’s blessings. Just as people matter to God, you matter to God! Allow God to use you to be an irresistible influence for His glory. You are on His list! Riding HIS Wave, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell  

Categories
1 Chronicles David Service

Progressive Worship

“These were the sons of Levi by their fathers’ houses, the heads of fathers’ houses as they were listed according to the number of the names of the individuals from twenty years old and upward who were to do the work for the service of the house of the Lord. 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.’” 1 Chronicles 23:24-26 (ESV) The Levites experienced a transition in their role before the Lord. They were assigned to carry the tabernacle which was a tent of mobility that allowed Israel to worship God as God led them through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Under King David’s reign, the transition took place as God raised up Solomon to build the temple in Jerusalem. God had given rest to His people and chose to dwell in Jerusalem. The Levites embraced their new assignment of doing the work for the service of the house of the Lord. Worship of the Lord God transitioned from the tabernacle in the wilderness to the temple in Jerusalem. God was preparing the way for Christ to become the sacrificial lamb for our sin. When a person becomes a child of God by placing their faith in Jesus alone for salvation, that person’s body becomes the habitation of the Holy Spirit. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV). In Christ, you become the walking tabernacle of God’s presence. You now have direct access to God’s presence. You don’t have to go into a tabernacle or a temple to encounter God’s presence. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 145:  1 Chronicles 23-25) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Chronicles 2 Samuel David

Mourning into Dancing

“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.’” 1 Chronicles 21:1-2 (ESV) When you see God at work you can rest assured that Satan is also at work. God loves you and has a plan for your life. Satan hates you and he also has an plan for your life. God’s plan is for you to honor Him and benefit others. Satan’s plan is for you to compromise your commitment to the Lord and for you to become casual in your Christianity. In opposition to Israel, Satan incited David to drift from God’s will. David’s decision to number Israel was in violation to God’s will. “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’” (1 Chronicles 21:7-8 ESV). David recognized his own iniquity and acknowledged his sin before God and asked God to remove the iniquity. Mourning over his sin, David confessed the foolishness of his actions. God gave David the opportunity to choose the consequences. David chose the pestilence of the land and 70,000 men of Israel fell. David personally experienced the mercy of God. “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, 12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” Psalm 30:11-12 (ESV) Have you mourned over your sin? Confess your sin and receive God’s forgiveness and allow Him to turn your mourning into dancing. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 143:  2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Chronicles David Gratitude

Cultivate Gratitude

“Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 17 And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O Lord God!’” 1 Chronicles 17:16-17 (ESV) King David expressed utmost gratitude for what God had done for him. Cultivate gratitude. Put gratitude in your attitude. Consider Jim Elliot’s insight, “One of the greatest blessings of heaven is the appreciation of heaven on earth.” Be thankful. Be appreciative. Be grateful. As you cultivate gratitude, you will notice that your perspective on life will become healthier. Your interaction with others will be seasoned with grace. Instead of being critical of others, you will become compassionate towards others. Gratitude will enable you to enjoy what God has given you and will enable you to appreciate the blessings God has lavished on you. “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” Psalm 105:1 (ESV) “And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.’” Revelation 7:11-12 (ESV) Cultivating gratitude will unleash God’s love in you and through you. Be thankful for what God has done to reconcile you to Himself. Be appreciative of God’s invitation for you to join Him in His activity. Be grateful for the opportunities God gives you to spread the love of Christ. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 127:  2  Samuel 6-7; I Chronicles 17) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Chronicles Ark of the Covenant Obed-edom

Entrusted with the Gospel

“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.” 1 Chronicles 13:14 (ESV) Obed-edom must have been a very special man to be chosen to bring the ark of God into his house. For three months, Obed-edom took care of the ark of God. He was entrusted with the sacred ark. The Lord’s favor was upon Obed-edom’s household and all that he had was blessed by God. “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!” 1 Chronicles 16:23-24 (ESV) “For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (ESV) As a follower of Jesus Christ, you have been entrusted with the gospel. You have been chosen by God to declare His glory among the nations. You have the privilege and the responsibility of making Jesus known. Now that you know Jesus personally, make Him known intentionally. What are you doing with the gospel entrusted to you? How are you communicating the saving news of Jesus Christ? Think about the opportunities God has given you to make Jesus known. Seize the divine appointments God orchestrates for you to join Him in His redemptive activity. God wants to use you in spreading the fragrance of Christ. Does your life draw people to Christ? Commit to point people to Jesus. You have been entrusted with the cure for the cancer of sin. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 124:  1 Chronicles 13-16) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Chronicles David God's Timing

Trust God’s Timing

“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.” 1 Chronicles 12:38-39 (ESV) Before David became king, he genuinely served King Saul and waited patiently for God’s timing. David endured severe persecution and unfair treatment by King Saul. David’s own family doubted his suitability. By the world’s standards, David did not fit the mold. “When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.’ 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:6-7 (ESV) God continued to work and paved the way for David to become king. In God’s perfect timing, David fulfilled the position God had established for him. Nothing can thwart God’s will and nothing can dismantle God’s impeccable timing. God will always accomplish His plan in His perfect timing. Do you trust God’s timing? Is there anything you are worrying about or fretting over? Release your fears and reaffirm your faith in the Living God. Pray specifically about those those things that are weighing you down. Submit your uncertainties and your frustrations to the Lord in prayer. God looks at the heart and He know your heart. Before God formed you He knew you personally and before you were born God set you apart for Himself. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 121:  2 Samuel 5; 1 Chronicles 11-12) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Chronicles Justice Saul

Keep the Faith

“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.” 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 (ESV) Where do you turn for guidance? What is your source for knowing God’s will? Saul drifted from God and forfeited his faith through his willful disobedience. Instead of seeking God for guidance, he consulted a medium. Instead of keeping the command of the Lord, Saul went his own way. He did not keep the faith. As a result, the Lord allowed Saul to be put to death and gave the kingdom to David. You have the capacity to choose how you will live your life. You can embrace the way of selfishness and choose the way that satisfies your personal ambition and fleshly cravings or you can choose the way of the Lord. You can bypass the faith and take paths that are contrary to the will of God or you can seek the Lord and obey His promptings. The Apostle Paul, in his final letter to Timothy, affirmed the heavenly reward of keeping the faith. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV) Fight the good fight. Finish the race. Keep the faith. The Lord will award you with the crown of righteousness. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 119:  1 Chronicles 7-10) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Chronicles Commitment David

Do Your Part

“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.” 1 Chronicles 6:31-32 (ESV) God blesses order. As one of my mentors would often say, “Where there is order, there is fruitfulness.” As you examine creation, you will quickly detect that God values order. God designed order in the family unit as well as in the establishment of government. David positioned the worship leaders to minister with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. They performed their service according to their order. In God’s economy, everybody matters. Everyone has a contribution to make in God’s order. ” I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV) Who is more important, the one who plants or the one who waters? Who is more important, the one who builds a tabernacle or the one who ministers with song? Neither! It is all about God and all about what God wants to accomplish through His people. God gives the growth. God gets the glory. We are created in God’s image to fulfill God’s plan. Your function in the body of Christ is vital. You are a crucial component to the redemptive activity of God. Do your part! Invest your time, energy, and resources in doing your part to advance God’s work on the earth. Make an eternal difference right where you are. Bloom where God has planted you! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 117:  1 Chronicles 6) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Chronicles Jabez Prayer

Prayer of Jabez & Jesus

“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 harmso that it might not bring me pain!’ And God granted what he asked.” 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (ESV) You can discover what is important to people by listening to their prayers. Jabez prayed for God’s blessing, for God’s abundance, for God’s provision, and for God’s protection. As Jesus prayed to His Father in heaven, He requested to be glorified by God so that He in turn could bring glory to God. There are 650 prayers in the Bible and the Gospels record nineteen occasions upon which Jesus prayed. The longest prayer we have of Jesus is found in the twenty-six verses of John 17. The Disciples had the privilege of overhearing this prayer of Jesus while they were in the Upper Room. Jesus prays for Himself, He prays for the Disciples, and then He prays for future followers, which includes us. “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you.’” John 17:1 (ESV) As you study the life of Christ in the Gospels, you will discover that Jesus oriented His life around the focus of bringing glory to God. His message, His miracles, and His personal touch ministry were featured to bring glory to God. What do you value? What have you been praying? Your prayers indicate what you value. Do you value bringing glory to God? God deserves all of the glory for what He has rescued you from and saved you for. Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 115:  1 Chronicles 3-5) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

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1 Chronicles Genealogy God's Purpose

Orchestrated by God

“Adam, Seth, Enosh; 2 Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared; 3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech; 4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” 1 Chronicles 1:1-4 (ESV) People matter to God. As you read chapter one and chapter two of 1 Chronicles, you read a list of names. Some of them may be familiar to you while some of the names may seem foreign. The chronicler detailed the Davidic dynasty in Judah and traced the genealogies to demonstrate how David and Judah were chosen by God. Only one of Noah’s three sons, Shem, would be the one through whom the redemptive blessing would come. God’s story of redemption is filled with people. God uses all kinds of people to accomplish His purposes and His plans. Nothing can thwart God’s will. Remember, that life is not about your story that you invite God into. Life is about God’s story that He invites you into. Will you allow God to have His way in your life? What names do you have on your list? If you were to write down the name of every person God has used in your life to point you to Christ, to encourage you in the faith, or to model Christ before you, how many names would be on your list? God strategically places people in your life to help you become the fully devoted follower of Christ you were created to become. Throughout your journey, God sprinkles relationships along the path to draw you closer to Christ and to sensitize you to His abiding presence. Don’t rush past the people God places in your life. Slow down and enjoy the abundance of God’s blessings. Just as people matter to God, you matter to God! Allow God to use you to be an irresistible influence for His glory. You are on His list! Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 113:  1 Chronicles 1-2) Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell