The Simple Life

The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him? So now send me a man skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue fabrics, trained also in engraving, to be with the skilled workers who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided. 2 Chronicles 2:5-7 (ESV)   "Solomon was born to do this work. There is no need for the rose to say, "Now I am going to be beautiful and fragrant." There is no need for the nightingale to say, "Now I have fully made up my mind to be musical and tuneful, and to fill the air with richest expressions and melody." The flower was born to bloom, and to throw all its fragrance away in generous donation; the nightingale was made in every bone and feather of it for the sacred sin

God answered Solomon, "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you King, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like." So Solomon came from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem. And he reigned over Israel. 2 Chronicles  1:11-13  (ESV)   Wisdom asks for wisdom. Purpose trumps power. Those whose lives matter have plugged into the purposes of God for themselves and those they influence.   We live to lead, and we lead by example. Solomon understood where the real power was and desired to tap into it so that he had the chance to be a good leader.   Some things do not change. Those who wa

In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you." And Solomon said to God, "You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me King in his place. O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me King over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?" 2 Chronicles 1:7-10 (ESV)   If God were to ask me today, "Ask what I shall give you," I wonder what I would ask for. Since I am sure it will not happen, I could be very noble in my request, but what if it were to happen? What would I ask for?   I know wise people seek wisdom over wealth, position, or comfort, knowing those things are just lures, enticing and eventually entrapping us. Yet, I often forget they are lures, and wonder if they are the real deal.   What I would ask for wo

Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. The time that he reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Then he died at a good age, full of days, riches, and honor. And Solomon his son reigned in his place. Now the acts of King David, from first to last, are written in the Chronicles of Samuel the seer, and in the Chronicles of Nathan the prophet, and in the Chronicles of Gad the seer, with accounts of all his rule and his might and of the circumstances that came upon him and upon Israel and upon all the kingdoms of the countries. 1 Chronicles 29:26-30 (ESV) David was a great leader whose life was on display. We saw the good, bad, and ugly and learned from his many experiences. God did not hide David's real life, but He used it to teach people for many years to come. God has chosen to work through people, and we must realize that the most powerful lessons in this life are taught through example, not words. The

“O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision." 1 Chronicles 29:18-19 (ESV ) What a wonderful prayer and hope from a leader who truly enjoyed God and His people. He was not looking for honor or glory himself. He was not trying to affirm his legacy. He was pointing the people toward what he had learned during his lifetime. The good, bad, and ugly are great schoolmasters in life, and if we pay attention, we will learn much and be much better prepared to enjoy God for eternity. David was about to join his forefathers and enjoy being in God's physical presence for eternity. His thoughts and desires were appropriate. Legacies belong to God, not to man. https://www.podbean.co

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you.” 1 Chronicles 29:17 (ESV) The thought of giving freely and joyously is so much better than those who give out of necessity. Giving gifts should always be done with joy, not from guilt, pain, or obligation. If we give to relieve guilt, remove pain, or just provide a need, we would be better off not giving. God does not and has not needed us to provide for His work, yet He has chosen to allow us to participate. The idea of choice is always intriguing. God gives us choices, yet we cannot operate apart from our choices. Often, God allows our choices to dictate our circumstances, but He does not need to operate that way. Those who make mistakes with a pure heart are often protected, while those who intentionally disobey God are just disappointed. For now, t