2 Chronicles 8
Scripture:
12 On the altar of the LORD that he had built in front of the portico, Solomon sacrificed burnt offerings to the LORD,
13 according to the daily requirement for offerings commanded by Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons and the three annual feasts–the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles.
14 In keeping with the ordinance of his father David, he appointed the divisions of the priests for their duties, and the Levites to lead the praise and to assist the priests according to each day’s requirement. He also appointed the gatekeepers by divisions for the various gates, because this was what David the man of God had ordered.
15 They did not deviate from the king’s commands to the priests or to the Levites in any matter, including that of the treasuries.
16 All Solomon’s work was carried out, from the day the foundation of the temple of the LORD was laid until its completion. So the temple of the LORD was finished.
Observation:
For 20 years while they were building the temple and the surrounding areas they did not deviate from the kings commands to offer sacrifices to the Lord. Throughout the entire task they took time to honor God and give thanks. This is a great example for us. Throughout our day, our week, our lives we should never stop taking the time to worship and thank for Lord for His goodness. We should intentionally pause to praise the Lord, not just at the beginning of the day (Morning), or just at the beginning of the week (Sunday), but throughout the entire day and week. I recently spoke at the Men’s conference in Kentucky and when I would say the phrase, “God is good” the audience would reply in unison, “all the time.” If we truly believe that “God is good, all the time” and that “all the time, God is good” then our actions, words, and heart should reflect that statement. Not just in the beginning or at the end, but all the time, because, God is good!
Application:
- Personal Application: Take time on a regular basis to pause, settle your heart, mind, and soul to give thanks to the Lord. This can help recalibrate your emotions and keep your focus on God throughout the day.
- Family Devotional: Read this portion of scripture. Share with your family how the Israelites regularly paused to worship the Lord and offer sacrifices while they were building the temple. Challenge them to do the same through out the day and week. Ask them, “what are a couple of ways that you can accomplish this throughout the week?” Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for simple reminders throughout the day of His goodness. When those reminders come, take a moment to give thanks to the Lord.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will always keep their heart focused on pleasing the Lord and that they will continue to give thanks as they travel this journey of discipleship.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, August 30 – Sunday, September 6:
- Sunday, August 30: 2 Chronicles 2
- Monday, August 31: 2 Chronicles 3
- Tuesday, September 1: 2 Chronicles 4
- Wednesday, September 2: 2 Chronicles 5
- Thursday, September 3: 2 Chronicles 6
- Friday, September 4: 2 Chronicles 7
- Saturday, September 5: 2 Chronicles 8
- Sunday, September 6: 2 Chronicles 9
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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