Title: Three Short Subjects / Topic: Christian Life

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 2; 1 Chronicles 29; Psalm 95; 2 Thessalonians 1

#1 Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:5-6
5 for the gold work and the silver work, and for all the work to be done by the craftsmen. Now, who is willing to consecrate himself today to the LORD ?"
6 Then the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king's work gave willingly.

#1 Observation/Application: The challenge from David to the people regarding the building of the temple resonates with me. David is passionate about the temple and has set the example by amassing huge supplies of gold, silver, and all the materials needed. Then he gives this challenge: "Now, who is willing to consecrate himself today to the Lord?" And people responded. And they responded gladly. Listen to the challenge from the Lord and respond.

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#2 Scripture: Psalm 95:6-7
6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture...

#2 Observation/Application: This is the only correct response to God, once we understand that he is our maker (i.e. the creator). We must bow and worship and kneel before him. We must submit ourselves to him. Worship is the natural response to a correct understanding of God.

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#3 Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4, 11
3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. 4 Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

#3 Observation/Application: I just love the description of a growing, healthy, vibrant church family. They are growing in every way, in spite of (or maybe because of) persecutions and trials. And I thought verse 11 was interesting that God would fulfill our every purpose and act, provided they are prompted by faith.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the great calling that you have given to your people. May we walk in your ways and experience your fullness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.