Then the people rejoiced because these had given willingly, for with single mind they had offered freely to the Lord; King David also rejoiced greatly. I Chronicles 29:9 NRSV
King David, in Chronicles, sets the stage for his son and heir to build a temple for God. David wants to provide the funds to pay for the construction. He doesn't just ask the people of Israel to give: David gives generously first out of his own treasury. Then he asks what the people will offer willingly to help with the expenses and, in doing so, be part of this holy construction. Then the leadership of the houses of Israel come forward, giving freely. This is followed by other leaders and by the people. They give various denominations of money and precious stones. Then everyone rejoices because they money was given freely rather than "taxed."
It is interesting to see that people do follow the example of leaders. When leadership in our churches give generously, then the rest of the congregation will follow. When leaders sacrifice for God's own good, others will happily follow this example.
In this shaky economic climate, how generously are you giving to God?
God, you ask us to give joyfully, not out of our abundance but out of our love for you. Help us to give freely and to lead others in also giving to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Showing posts with label I Chronicles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I Chronicles. Show all posts
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
A Gated Community
These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their leaders, had duties, just as their kindred did, ministering in the house of the Lord; and they cast lots by ancestral houses, small and great alike, for their gates. I Chronicles 26: 12 NRSV
I Chronicles spends a lot of time explaining how the Levites were divided and given their duties per household. It seems kind of silly now, but everyone clearly had a job in their trip through the desert. This included the descendants of Aaron as well as the sons of Moses. Now what is each descendant to do? The Ark of the Covenant has a resting place in the City of David. There is no longer to be any traveling. So, they each must have their duties.
In these verses, the gatekeepers are assigned. These are the descendants of Moses. Although they are not to be priests, they are Levites and are set apart for special duties. They won't be involved with the actual Temple duties but are assigned as guards of the gates of God's house. To decide which family gets which gate, lots are cast. I suppose this makes it "fair" and seemingly under God's decision.
Most churches today don't have gatekeepers but they do have such folk as ushers and greeters. Instead of lots, my church either looks at someone's Spiritual Gifts and/or willingness to have that assignment. This scripture reminds me that our church should probably be more intentional about who becomes our gatekeepers.
Do you have any assigned role in your church? What is it and do you feel that is where God wants you to serve? If you don't, would you like to have one? How would you like to see your church assigning duties and service?
God, you call all of us to serve you. Help us find the best way to know your will for our lives in service to you. In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
I Chronicles spends a lot of time explaining how the Levites were divided and given their duties per household. It seems kind of silly now, but everyone clearly had a job in their trip through the desert. This included the descendants of Aaron as well as the sons of Moses. Now what is each descendant to do? The Ark of the Covenant has a resting place in the City of David. There is no longer to be any traveling. So, they each must have their duties.
In these verses, the gatekeepers are assigned. These are the descendants of Moses. Although they are not to be priests, they are Levites and are set apart for special duties. They won't be involved with the actual Temple duties but are assigned as guards of the gates of God's house. To decide which family gets which gate, lots are cast. I suppose this makes it "fair" and seemingly under God's decision.
Most churches today don't have gatekeepers but they do have such folk as ushers and greeters. Instead of lots, my church either looks at someone's Spiritual Gifts and/or willingness to have that assignment. This scripture reminds me that our church should probably be more intentional about who becomes our gatekeepers.
Do you have any assigned role in your church? What is it and do you feel that is where God wants you to serve? If you don't, would you like to have one? How would you like to see your church assigning duties and service?
God, you call all of us to serve you. Help us find the best way to know your will for our lives in service to you. In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Blame it on the Devil
Satan stood up against Israel, and incited David to count the people of Israel. I Chronicles 21:1 NRSV
Looks like Satan, or "Big Red" as my friend Polly likes to say, was as active in Old Testament times as he is today. In this part of I Chronicles, David's problems don't begin with Bathsheba but with taking a census of the people. This wasn't David's own idea, however, but Satan's interference. Up until now, David was having a relatively positive and growing reign. Obviously, Satan was not happy with this and chose to stand up and incite David.
I can personally say that Satan has stood up and incited me to make wrong decisions and take godless actions. In fact, I would dearly love to blame Satan for a whole host of mistakes, poor decisions and unwise choices throughout my life. However, I must admit that sometimes I don't need Satan's help with these. Okay, most of the time I don't need Satan's influence. I do a fine job of messing up my life on my own.
I think all of us could spend our time blaming Satan for our problems. But perhaps we give the devil too much credit. We need to admit what we have personally done wrong. We need to take responsibility for our own actions. I think when we do this, Satan actually loses power over us.
God, protect us from being incited to do wrong things, no matter who or what is behind them. Help us to take responsibility for our own faults and mistakes. And forgive us whenever we do let you down. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Looks like Satan, or "Big Red" as my friend Polly likes to say, was as active in Old Testament times as he is today. In this part of I Chronicles, David's problems don't begin with Bathsheba but with taking a census of the people. This wasn't David's own idea, however, but Satan's interference. Up until now, David was having a relatively positive and growing reign. Obviously, Satan was not happy with this and chose to stand up and incite David.
I can personally say that Satan has stood up and incited me to make wrong decisions and take godless actions. In fact, I would dearly love to blame Satan for a whole host of mistakes, poor decisions and unwise choices throughout my life. However, I must admit that sometimes I don't need Satan's help with these. Okay, most of the time I don't need Satan's influence. I do a fine job of messing up my life on my own.
I think all of us could spend our time blaming Satan for our problems. But perhaps we give the devil too much credit. We need to admit what we have personally done wrong. We need to take responsibility for our own actions. I think when we do this, Satan actually loses power over us.
God, protect us from being incited to do wrong things, no matter who or what is behind them. Help us to take responsibility for our own faults and mistakes. And forgive us whenever we do let you down. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Invoke, Praise and Thank Our God
He appointed certain of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the Lord, to invoke, to thank, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel. I Chronicles 16: 4 NRSV
King David is setting up the ark of the Covenant in the city of Jerusalem. He has blessed the people and given them all gifts of food. Now he is making sure that there are those to serve God and to give God what God is due on a regular basis. These ministers are to call to God, express gratefulness to God and to glorify God through song. Following these assignments, there are several quoted psalms in this chapter -- most likely sung to music.
Do you have those in your church who are especially called to invoke, thank and praise God in music and song? What would it be like if those persons were not in your worship service? How would that change the congregation's feelings of worshipfulness? Perhaps you are one of those who sing or play an instrument. Have you ever realized how important your role in worship is?
Today, let us find at least one person who helps with music in worship. Email, facebook, text or call them and just thank them for their service to our God. And, next time you are in worship singing, think about how you are invoking, praising and thanking our Lord and our God!
God, we thank you so much for the gift of music in worship. We especially thank you for those who bring their gifts of music and song to you and to your services. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
King David is setting up the ark of the Covenant in the city of Jerusalem. He has blessed the people and given them all gifts of food. Now he is making sure that there are those to serve God and to give God what God is due on a regular basis. These ministers are to call to God, express gratefulness to God and to glorify God through song. Following these assignments, there are several quoted psalms in this chapter -- most likely sung to music.
Do you have those in your church who are especially called to invoke, thank and praise God in music and song? What would it be like if those persons were not in your worship service? How would that change the congregation's feelings of worshipfulness? Perhaps you are one of those who sing or play an instrument. Have you ever realized how important your role in worship is?
Today, let us find at least one person who helps with music in worship. Email, facebook, text or call them and just thank them for their service to our God. And, next time you are in worship singing, think about how you are invoking, praising and thanking our Lord and our God!
God, we thank you so much for the gift of music in worship. We especially thank you for those who bring their gifts of music and song to you and to your services. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Monday, April 5, 2010
Peace
Then the spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the Thiry and he said, "We are yours, O David; and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to the one who helps you! For your God is the one who helps you." Then David received them, and made them officers of his troops. I Chronicles 12: 18 NRSV
David is unsure of the loyalty of these newest warriors who have joined him in his stronghold. Are they friend or foe? Can they be trusted? David leaves the final judgment to God - if they betray him, it is God who will carry out their punishment. However, these men promise peace to David and to God who is David's helper.
How interesting that these warriors proclaim peace to David and to God. What would a warrior know about peace? Peace is the total opposite of what a warrior knows.
Yet, it is possible that peace would be something that a warrior does know intimately. If peace is the total opposite of what a warrior does and who a warrior is - then they would know very well what peace is about. In addition, peace may be what they truly desire -- a rest from constant fighting, even if that means a lack of livelihood.
I'm no warrior. Can I know what peace is? Can I recognize peace when it comes upon me? Can I even bless others with peace?
God, peace be to you this Easter Monday! May we know true peace this day. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
David is unsure of the loyalty of these newest warriors who have joined him in his stronghold. Are they friend or foe? Can they be trusted? David leaves the final judgment to God - if they betray him, it is God who will carry out their punishment. However, these men promise peace to David and to God who is David's helper.
How interesting that these warriors proclaim peace to David and to God. What would a warrior know about peace? Peace is the total opposite of what a warrior knows.
Yet, it is possible that peace would be something that a warrior does know intimately. If peace is the total opposite of what a warrior does and who a warrior is - then they would know very well what peace is about. In addition, peace may be what they truly desire -- a rest from constant fighting, even if that means a lack of livelihood.
I'm no warrior. Can I know what peace is? Can I recognize peace when it comes upon me? Can I even bless others with peace?
God, peace be to you this Easter Monday! May we know true peace this day. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Sunday, April 4, 2010
You Shall be Ruler
The Lord is Risen! The Lord is Risen, indeed!
Then all Israel gathered together to David at Hebron and said, "See, we are your bond and flesh. For some time now, even while Saul was king, it was you who commanded the army of Israel. The Lord your God said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over my people Israel." I Chronicles 11: 1-2 NRSV
The people of Israel commit themselves to be David's people. They ask for him to be their ruler. And they don't ask just because David is a good warrior and has been leading the troops. They want David as their King because God has made David the shepherd of God's people.
What kinds of commitments do you have right now? This would include those to people or institutions.
How many of these commitments have you made because God asked you to make them?
What would it look like if you only committed yourself to doing just what God asks you to do?
God, on this Easter Sunday, we re-commit ourselves to what you ask us to do in our lives. Help us to weed out all those commitments that are not of you nor are asked by you. In Jesus' Holy name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Then all Israel gathered together to David at Hebron and said, "See, we are your bond and flesh. For some time now, even while Saul was king, it was you who commanded the army of Israel. The Lord your God said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over my people Israel." I Chronicles 11: 1-2 NRSV
The people of Israel commit themselves to be David's people. They ask for him to be their ruler. And they don't ask just because David is a good warrior and has been leading the troops. They want David as their King because God has made David the shepherd of God's people.
What kinds of commitments do you have right now? This would include those to people or institutions.
How many of these commitments have you made because God asked you to make them?
What would it look like if you only committed yourself to doing just what God asks you to do?
God, on this Easter Sunday, we re-commit ourselves to what you ask us to do in our lives. Help us to weed out all those commitments that are not of you nor are asked by you. In Jesus' Holy name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Surprise!
The sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, Zabad his son, Shuthelah his son and Ezer and Elead. Now the people of Gath, who were born in the land, killed them, because they came down to raid their cattle. And their father Ephraim mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him. Ephraim went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son; and he anmed him Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house. His daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Bethhoron, and Uzzensheerah. I Chronicles 7: 20-24 NRSV
Among the listing of the descendants of Israel, some of them stand out. This is one of them. It shows Ephraim's sons and grandsons. Ephraim was one of Joseph's sons. However, his family meets with tragedy. All of his descendants are killed. In fact, it isn't clear if the sons and grandsons were raiding the cattle or the people of Gath were doing the raiding. Either way, the outcome is death. Ephraim does have other sons but it is interesting that it is his daughter (or possibly granddaughter) who does well. Sheerah builds two cities. It is the female, in this long list of males, who makes a name for herself.
Surprise!
Here we are in the midst of Easter weekend when the female followers of our Lord make a name for themselves in the midst of stories about the male followers. It is to the women coming to the tomb that the announcement of the Resurrection is first made. And it is up to these women to be the first evangelists.
Surprise!
May we keep our eyes open this weekend for the unexpected while we are actively in the midst of the ordinary.
God, you are the God of surprises -- both great and small. Help keep our eyes open! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Among the listing of the descendants of Israel, some of them stand out. This is one of them. It shows Ephraim's sons and grandsons. Ephraim was one of Joseph's sons. However, his family meets with tragedy. All of his descendants are killed. In fact, it isn't clear if the sons and grandsons were raiding the cattle or the people of Gath were doing the raiding. Either way, the outcome is death. Ephraim does have other sons but it is interesting that it is his daughter (or possibly granddaughter) who does well. Sheerah builds two cities. It is the female, in this long list of males, who makes a name for herself.
Surprise!
Here we are in the midst of Easter weekend when the female followers of our Lord make a name for themselves in the midst of stories about the male followers. It is to the women coming to the tomb that the announcement of the Resurrection is first made. And it is up to these women to be the first evangelists.
Surprise!
May we keep our eyes open this weekend for the unexpected while we are actively in the midst of the ordinary.
God, you are the God of surprises -- both great and small. Help keep our eyes open! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Prayer of Jabez
Jabez was honored more than his brothers; and his mother named him Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain." Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, that you would keep me from hurt and harm!" And God granted what he asked. I Chronicles 4: 9-10 NRSV
Sometimes we must be aware of what we are truly asking of God in our prayers.
Many of us remember the popular "Prayer of Jabez" movement from a few years ago. Everyone was praying Jabez's prayer on a daily basis: enlarge my territory, bless me, protect me. I know of one woman who lost her job right after beginning to pray this prayer. She told me, " I asked God to enlarge my territory but I guess I didn't know what that meant -- I didn't mean for God to enlarge the territory of where I was to work!" She did find a (much better) job after searching for some time.
She prayed; God answered. She just didn't fully comprehend what she was asking.
When I worked in the secular world, one of my co-workers said that she never asked God for patience. "I have been told if I pray for patience, then I'm gonna need it" she explained. She realized how powerful prayers could be. I always wanted to say that I'd rather pray for patience when I'm going to need it rather than be without it.
Our prayers are powerful. God listens and God answers prayer. However, God is not a genie from a bottle. When God answers prayer, God often answers in ways we are not expecting.
What are you praying for?
God, today I ask for: ___________________________________________. I praise you and give you the glory and honor. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Sometimes we must be aware of what we are truly asking of God in our prayers.
Many of us remember the popular "Prayer of Jabez" movement from a few years ago. Everyone was praying Jabez's prayer on a daily basis: enlarge my territory, bless me, protect me. I know of one woman who lost her job right after beginning to pray this prayer. She told me, " I asked God to enlarge my territory but I guess I didn't know what that meant -- I didn't mean for God to enlarge the territory of where I was to work!" She did find a (much better) job after searching for some time.
She prayed; God answered. She just didn't fully comprehend what she was asking.
When I worked in the secular world, one of my co-workers said that she never asked God for patience. "I have been told if I pray for patience, then I'm gonna need it" she explained. She realized how powerful prayers could be. I always wanted to say that I'd rather pray for patience when I'm going to need it rather than be without it.
Our prayers are powerful. God listens and God answers prayer. However, God is not a genie from a bottle. When God answers prayer, God often answers in ways we are not expecting.
What are you praying for?
God, today I ask for: ___________________________________________. I praise you and give you the glory and honor. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
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