Today's Video Devotion

Saturday 4/29/23

The Lord Works in Different Ways

๐Ÿ“บ๏ธ 1 Chronicles 14 ๐Ÿ”Š


1Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house.

 2And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

 3And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters.

 4Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,

 5And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,

 6And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

 7And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.

 8And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them.

 9And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

 10And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? And wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.

 11So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim.

 12And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.

 13And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley.

 14Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

 15And it shall be, when thou shalt hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt go out to battle: for God is gone forth before thee to smite the host of the Philistines.

 16David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.

 17And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.

Written By: God through Inspiration

Penned By: Ezra

Date Penned: (430 BC)

Overview: A History of God's Chosen People (c 1-29)

Theme: The Reign of David (c 10-29)

Message: David's Good Fortune (v 1-17)


1 Chronicles 14 Commentary 


(14:1) Hiram Sends Lumber to David - King Hiram also sent lumber and craftsmen to help Solomon build the temple (2 Chronicles 2:1-18)


(14:2) God Prospers David - God gave David honor and success, but not simply for David's personal gain. David realized that God had prospered for a special reason--for the sake of God's people! We can be tempted to use our positions or possessions only for our own good. Instead, we must remember that God has placed us where we are and given us all we have so that we may encourage others and give to those in need.


(14:3) Results of Polygamy - Accumulating wives and concubines in a harem was the custom of the day among Middle Eastern royalty, but it was not God's ideal (Genesis 2:24). David's marriages brought him greater power and influence, but they also caused strife, jealousy, and even murder within his family. 


(14:10) David Prays to God - Before David went to battle, he prayed and asked God for his presence and guidance. Too often we wait until we are in trouble before turning to God. By then the consequences of our actions are already unfolding. Do you tend to ask for God's help only as a desperate last resort? Instead, go to him first! Like David, you may receive incredible help and avoid serious trouble. Then make sure to give God the credit when you see what he does on your behalf.


(14:12) David Obey's God - David's quick and decisive action against idols helped unify his kingdom and focus the people on worshiping the one true God. He was obeying the law that said, "Ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire" (Deuteronomy 7:5). Most of David's successors failed to destroy idols, and this led to unbelievable moral corruption in Israel.


(14:12) Getting Rid of Idols - Often soldiers wanted to keep souvenirs from their battles. Second Samuel 5:21 states that David's men kept the Philistines' idols, but David ordered the men to burn them. The only proper response to things that can cause us to fall into sin is to get rid of them or avoid them completely. You will not be able to be a faithful follower of God if you hold on to parts of your life in which God is not the center of your thoughts and actions. Eliminate whatever may lead you away from God and follow him with complete devotion

Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we Continue in the book of 1 Chronicles with Chapter 14 and we see David's good fortune as he conquers the Philistines. David faced many situations that required him to seek the Lord and in each one the Lord worked differently. David didn't get discouraged in the changes, but rather, David saw every situation as a way God could work in a new and exciting way. In making application we see many changing situations in our lives. God's ways are not always our ways but God is working in our lives. We must learn to not put God in a box, trying to figure out how He will work, but rather trust Him to work with us being ready to respond when opportunities come our way. It reminds me of how God has met reoccurring needs in my life in many different ways. It showed me this principle of how God works in many ways to accomplish His Will for my life. How about you? Do you have a problem with trusting God to work and intervene in your life? Let us learn from our text today and life of David realizing that God works in our lives in many different ways accomplishing His Will. 

Thank You for Reading Today's Devotional
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๏ปฟSincerely,
Dr. Dave Burnette
Director, The United States Bible Society, Inc.
Closing Prayer

Father in the Name and through the Blood of Jesus we pray that we would Take Today's Reading of Your Word and Give Us Understanding of Its Text, that You Apply this Word to Our Lives, and that you would help us grow in You. Father, Finally we Pray for Your Kingdom to come, that Your Will to be Done here on Earth as it is in Heaven. That You would Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen

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