Day 242 - What Work Does God Have for You to Do?

Daily Reading:  1 Chronicles 27-29

So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.  28:8

Footnote:  David told Solomon to be careful to follow every one of God's commands to ensure Israel's prosperity and the continuation of David's descendants upon the throne.  It was the king's solemn duty to study and obey God's laws.  The teachings of Scripture are the keys to security, happiness, and justice, but you'll never discover them unless you search God's Word.  If we ignore God's will and neglect his teaching, anything we attempt to build, even if it has God's name on it, will be headed for collapse.  Get to know God's commands through regular Bible study, and find ways to apply them consistently.

David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work.  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. 28:20

Footnote:  David advised Solomon not to be frightened about the size of his task as king and builder of the temple.  Fear can immobilize us.  The size of a job, its risks, or the pressure of the situation can cause us to freeze and do nothing.  One remedy for fear is found here -- don't focus on the fear; instead, get to work.  Getting started is often the most difficult and frightening part of a job.

WHAT WORK DOES GOD HAVE FOR YOU TO DO?

29:30 Footnote:  First Chronicles vividly illustrates the importance of maintaining a relationship with God.  The genealogies in chapters 1-9 emphasize the importance of a spiritual heritage.  The second part of the book details the life of David.  Few men or women in the Bible were as close to God as David was.  His daily contact with God increased his capacity to worship and strengthened his desire to build God's temple.  David's life shows us the importance of staying close to God -- through studying and obeying his Word and communicating with him daily.  Second Chronicles, on the other hand, reveals how quickly our lives can deteriorate (spiritually, mentally, and socially) when we fail to stay well grounded in God.

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All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV