Importance of Bible Reading 05.19.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday May 19, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of I Chronicles. Please read Chapters 21-23 in your Bible or Click here to read.

Today we will read and learn about David's sin of taking a military census, his preparation and instruction to Solomon for building the Temple, and the duties of the Levites. Today's message focuses on the importance of reading God's Word, it is our shield against Satan's enticements.

King David, beloved of the Lord, is enticed by Satan to number Isreal which resulted in the death of 70,000 people. "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it." (I Chronicles 21:1-2). We could reason, why was it a sin to number the people? Did not the Lord command that a census be taken in the wilderness (Numbers 1:1-3; 26:2). Then too, census-taking was customary with other kings in order to know what size army they would have in case of war. In spite of all our logical questions, the Bible reveals that this particular decision was instigated by the supernatural enemy of all mankind, Satan. He was permitted to influence David to authorize the census. Since sin is man's own choice to act, a righteous God must administer judgment upon the trespass. "So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men." (21:14).

David's sin was that of human nature and appears most natural and innocent. Few are conscious that Satan is so near or so powerful in prompting sin that appears on the surface to be innocent. Be assured that wherever there is a ministry being done for Christ, Satan's strategy of discrediting the believer and God Himself must be recognized. It is of utmost importance that we read the Lord's directions in the Bible.The Bible alone is our shield and weapon, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" (Ephesians 6:16-17).

Solomon was about 20 years of age when he was anointed king. Since young people do not have the years of experience that their elders do, they often underestimate the things that are of greatest importance. Consequently, David was not satisfied with just providing Solomon with the materials needed to build the Temple he wanted him to know the Lord. "Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee. Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.....Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD." (22:11-13,19).

David's appeal to Solomon is still the need of every Christian. True faith is demonstrated by our commitment and obedience to the Word of God and our dependency upon Him to answer prayer while we do all we can to bring it to pass. We should not assume that we can just leave it up to the Lord and do nothing. The Lord expects our participation in all that we can do. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the altar David built to sacrifice unto the Lord so that Israel might be restored to a right relationship with God (I Chronicles 21:18,26). Only through Christ can we be restored to a right relationship with God.

Today's Psalm: 37:4-5
"Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We are confronted with deception on many fronts every day, so much so, that we can be deceived without even realizing it. Would You help us to watch out and be on our guard so that we are not enticed by Satan, no matter how convincing they are, how charming their personality, or how cunning their craft. Help us not to fall for his deceptive tactics that have brought down believers throughout the church age. We seek You for strength and discipline. We search Your Word for discernment and the true revelation of who Jesus is; the Son of the Living God. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful Monday and week.
God Bless,
Christina

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