Chapter 1
Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his place. Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, reigned in his place, the name of his city being Avith. 1 Chronicles 1:44-46 – These names were kings that reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over Israel. I’m not asking us here to do any deep studying on these names. Not looking for you to do homework on their deeds, their reign, or their character. I just want you to notice that they died. Each verse seems to start with saying another king died. Let’s keep this in mind when we think of our leaders of today. They may be great people and do great things, but they aren’t forever. We only have one leader who reigns forever and He should be the one getting all our glory. Yes, of course, support the leaders God has placed over you, yet remember they to fall under the reign of God. Let it be known of you that the leader you support first, carry the name of, and are willing to go to bat for, is God. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1364
Adam, Seth, Enosh; 2 Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared; 3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech; 4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 1 Chronicles 1:1-4 – Our new study of 1 Chronicles begins with a genealogy, something that can often be skimmed over and dismissed. How special though is it that God gave us a clear outline of history here to know His truths are legitimate. As we look over these names, as unfamiliar as some may be to us like Eldaah and Zepho, let it remind us how brief our time on earth is. For most of us, we won’t even get marked down anywhere in history as anything special, certainly not a name in holy scriptures like Zepho. Yet God has given vast importance to this one, short life that we are given on this earth. It’s not to make our name great and get placed in the history books somehow, it’s to make His name great and point as many people as possible to Him. Let’s then not make today about you or me or our name or our glory. The only name that matters to be known, remembered, loved, and followed is the name of Jesus. Let’s make today about that name. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2555
Chapter 2
His daughter-in-law Tamar also bore him Perez and Zerah. Judah had five sons in all. 1 Chronicles 2:4 – No, you didn’t read that wrong, their talking about incest happening here. We thought just reading through these genealogies were hard, try putting them together with things like incest, babies out of marriage, and marrying the wife of your dad after he died. Yes, all those are parts of this genealogy of David we just read. What we need to remember is our choices of today will not only have an impact on us but those after us as well. It will be recorded in our story for eternity and we can birth some things into this world that have no need of being here. Like disunity, bitterness, hatred, pride, and apathy. As a result we and those after us will have to deal with the results of what we bring into this world. Make sure what you bring in creates a healthy story for those after you. Ask if my life was written into a genealogy like this, would my contribution be something that changes the course of those after me for the better or worse? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1365
After the death of Hezron, Caleb went in to Ephrathah, the wife of Hezron his father, and she bore him Ashhur, the father of Tekoa. 1 Chronicles 2:24 – We are given in this chapter the genealogy of David. That’s important information to have because King David is a massive character in the story of scripture, but also because having a clear understanding of David’s genealogy helps us see how Jesus is rightfully in the king’s family tree and rightfully heir to the throne. And while most likely a message you’ve heard before, taking time to really look at the names, and stories given with the names, it’s pretty crazy that this is David’s and Jesus’ family tree. We have fathers-in-law sleeping with daughters-in-law, we have sons marrying/sleeping with step-moms, and many other “interesting” family situations. This is the family tree of King David. This is the family tree of Jesus. This is also a message to any out there that doesn’t come from the best of backgrounds that God can still use you in amazing ways and isn’t hindered in the least by your family tree. Yes, there may be some really rough aspects to your story and your family, but God is able to still use your story for His glory. Nothing about your story, your family, your background, or your pre-Jesus life choices is too much for God. If He was able to bring a Savior into our world through all this, He can work through you too if you allow Him. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2556
Chapter 3
The son of Solomon was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, Amon his son, Josiah his son. 1 Chronicles 3:10-14 – What’s interesting is this wasn’t just a list of any names, this was a list of kings. Sadly though if we were to make a graph of how these kings followed God and led the people the line would be all over the place. Some were extremely faithful and others were as far opposed to following God as you can get. We must be careful then who we follow. Just because they came from the line of David and had the title of king didn’t automatically mean they would have desire to help God’s people follow God. That is even the case with those in our story that carry leader titles, even if that title is pastor. Remember our leaders are human, can make mistakes, and can even allow sin to influence them. Be sure you are grounding yourself in scripture so you can determine if what is being spoken over you is correct. If we don’t first ground ourselves in God’s Word we can be easily swayed in our pursuit of God. Let’s be steady and stable, able to see what directions are helpful or destructive. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1366
These were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, four by Bath-shua, the daughter of Ammiel; 1 Chronicles 3:5 – Another name we see recorded in scripture for “Bath-shua” is Bathsheba. This was the lady that David committed a great sin of adultery and murder of her husband. As you read the story of David, the story of David and Bathsheba is a black mark on a mostly holy story of David’s life. While many times when we see a telling of this story or a genealogy that includes David, we are reminded that Bathsheba was the husband of Uriah the Hittite. We are reminded of the sin that David committed. Yet here, we note that this isn’t told to us. We aren’t reminded of David’s great sin. Let us remember then too that when God is looking at our story, He isn’t about retelling all of our sin. If we have come to Him, repented of our sins, and proclaimed Jesus as our Lord, our sins are forgiven and gone. God isn’t looking at you through a lens of all your great sins, but through His holy Son Jesus. Know today if you have chosen to follow Jesus, you are forgiven of your sins, and God is looking at you as holy in His sight. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2557
Chapter 4
Meonothai fathered Ophrah; and Seraiah fathered Joab, the father of Ge-harashim, so-called because they were craftsmen. 1 Chronicles 4:14 – Let’s focus on the part where it said Joab was the father of Ge-harashim. Ge-harashim wasn’t a person, is what the location where Joab’s people resided. Ge-harashim means “valley of craftsmen” and the land was given that name because of those who lived in it. So what would then your home be called if it was labeled after you? Stable? Peace? Valley of the stressed out? While it might not literally be named that, know your attitude and lifestyle has an impact on the place you reside. You can create your home or workplace into a source of peace for all those in it or one of anxiety. Let’s strive to make the places we reside be ones those around us want to reside in as well. That will take us choosing peace, grace, and love all the time to create a culture like that in our homes. Start today then with the renaming process. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1367
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” 10 Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 – Apparently these two verses known as the “Prayer of Jabez” are extremely well known, and I had no clue of how much so until this morning as I was reading and studying over this passage. Sadly they are so well known because they seem to be scriptural evidence that if we pray, God will for sure bless us and give us what we want, and God will keep all pain from our lives. Context here is everything though, so let break this down. Jabez would have lived during the time of Judges, when Israel was far from living for God. Jabez, being more honorable than his brothers, actually living a God-centered life, called on the God he was following. Put into more understandable language, here is Jabez’s prayer…Please Lord bless me with the promise you promised our fathers if they followed you. Help me to possess the land you gave to your people so I can know you are truly good. Guide me with your hand to follow you. Lord, I know my weaknesses, keep evil far from me and the pain sins bring too so I can continue to follow you. We have a follower of God praying for help from the Lord to follow Him better. A little different than “give me God what I want and keep all pain from my life.” Let’s seek to have the posture of Jabez, to first be following God, but to also be humble enough to know our weaknesses and ask for God’s help to continue pursuing our good God. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2558
Chapter 5
The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so that he could not be enrolled as the oldest son… 1 Chronicles 5:1 – If you’re curious the mistake Reuben made was he slept with his father’s concubine (Genesis 35:22). As a result of one mistake not only did he feel the weight of it but so did many after him. While reading through chapters of genealogies sure can be monotonous, we can see how mistakes can have a longer lasting impact than possibly we realize they could have. So let’s seek to see past the momentary satisfaction to the lasting impact these choices of ours can have. If it’s possible for generations to be effected by the choice you make today, make a good one. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac Daily DEVO 1368
But they broke faith with the God of their fathers, and whored after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. 1 Chronicles 5:25 – As we read through a few more genealogies of the tribes of Israel, we see how the half tribe of Manasseh, that took land on the east side of the Jordan, fell into temptation to worship other gods. What we see a few verses earlier though is how their brother tribe of Gad was able to conquer their enemy after crying out to God and receiving His help. I bring that story up because Manasseh would have heard, seen, and maybe even been a part of this battle. They would have at least heard the story of how God came through in mighty way and all the gods of the peoples were just worthless idols that couldn’t do anything for those who trust in them. But God is powerful and mighty, able to save those who trust in Him. They would have known God’s power, they would have known the lifelessness of these false gods, yet they still turned away from God to worship idols. Let us today be aware of how essential it is that we keep a firm focus on the message of scripture to be reminding us of who our God is. Let’s be in community with other believers to hear their stories of God’s goodness and power and let’s share our stories with them. For the world is not going to help our walk with God, and our enemy is going to seek to take our focus and trust off God. We must remain active in our efforts to focus on God because our enemy isn’t relaxing on his efforts to distract us. Allow our chapter today to remind you how powerful our God is and how easily we can dismiss the truth of God’s power when sin is allowed. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2559
Chapter 6
They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting until Solomon built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they performed their service according to their order. 1 Chronicles 6:32 – Serve the Lord how the Lord calls you to serve Him. Never compare your calling to someone else’s thinking they are better in God’s eyes. Here these guys weren’t over the sacrifices or offerings, some of the more “glamorous” ways to serve back then. They were over the music being played and sung. God though saw their service as valued, needed, and as holy as the other ways to serve were. Maybe your role isn’t behind a pulpit but behind a welcome desk instead. Or maybe it’s behind a kitchen table praying for others or behind a spouse supporting them in their calling. Know if you’re fully leaning into the calling God has called you to He is pleased and sees it as holy. And isn’t He the one that matters anyways on if we are pleasing with how we serve? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1369
The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 1 Chronicles 6:3 – Here in chapter 6 we are given a very detailed genealogy of the tribe of Levi. Which would make sense why they would go to the extreme in detail here for they were outlining the lineage of Israel’s high priests and those who had other roles in the temple work. While we do see great detail in the outlining of the names, what we don’t get is much detail on their individual lives and deeds. Even here in verse 3, the name “Moses” is just dropped and continued on as any other name, but we know Moses was a massive character in the narrative of scripture. More than likely many of these high priests and servants did great things and served the Lord in massive ways, yet here we just get a list of their names and we move on. It pushes us today to pause and ask, “Why am I doing what I’m doing for the Lord?” Are we doing it for our name and deeds to be recorded in history, or are we doing it because we are seeking to simply be obedient to the words of the God that we love? Would you be alright if after a lifetime of serving the Lord, sacrificing everything you had for Him, if no one remembered you or your work? That’s what working for God’s glory is all about. It’s not about us, it’s all about Him. We must become less, He must become greater. Maybe we can leave things like internet devotionals that people can look back on 1000 years from now, but the name to be remembered isn’t ours, but the name of Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2560
Chapter 7
And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him. And Ephraim went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son. And he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house. 1 Chronicles 7:22-23 – Looking at some notes, apparently “Beriah” sounds a lot like the Hebrew word for disaster. This child was then for his entire life to carry that burden of being a reminder of the bad thing that happened to his family. We must be careful with how we share our burdens on others. Scripture is clear that we are designed to share our struggles with our Christian family so they can help us in our journey and we help them with their’s. Yet when we choose to remain in the hurt of the past too long we can end up hurting those who are there to help. We can keep them from moving forward or even moving out of their own pain. I just want us to be open to sharing our struggles yet realizing others have struggles to. Let’s mourn but be willing to take the healing and strength God gives so we don’t have to stay forever in the pit of despair. That’s a place you, those that love you, and especially God doesn’t want you to stay forever in. Let’s step out when the time is right so we can offer a helping hand from the top to those still in the pit. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1370
The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shallum, the descendants of Bilhah. 1 Chronicles 7:13 – Here we have the entire genealogy of Naphtali, one of the tribes of Israel, given to us in 1 Chronicles. Yet if you compare this genealogy to some of the others you’ll notice something different, it’s far shorter! Just one verse compared to multiple, spanning many generations. Even worse, two tribes of Israel, Dan and Zebulun, aren’t even allotted a verse but are completely left out? Why? Great question, and no one has the exact reason why. What we have is what God has allowed us to have, and for some reason we didn’t need to have have those full genealogies. Now with long lists of names, maybe we’re at peace not having God provide them, but there are some parts of scripture I feel would be wonderful to have more details on. I would love to know more about Heaven, what went on in Jesus’ earthly life, more of what the disciples did during the time of Acts, more explanation on many of the doctrinal concepts Paul brings. According to Mac, more would be very helpful, but according the Lord, more isn’t needed to fully be committed to Him and His work. Let’s trust the Lord if something isn’t given to us in scripture, that we don’t need it, even if it would seem helpful/essential to us. What we have been given in scripture is all we need to understand God’s love, gift of salvation, and our mission. Let’s lean in to the words we are given and trust God when it comes to the ones that we aren’t given. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2561
Chapter 8
Ner was the father of Kish, Kish of Saul, Saul of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab and Eshbaal… 1 Chronicles8:33 – This was King Saul that we are familiar with and it lists off his sons. While we can find a couple other places in scripture where some of their names are spoken again, when you read through them does any sound familiar? For me it was only Jonathan, the son of Saul that became close friends with David. It just stood out to me that why many of us are more familiar with his name than any of his brothers was because of his choice to choose compassion and love toward David. His selfless heart made his name be remembered throughout history with honor. While maybe our goal isn’t to be remembered in the history books, let’s seek to be remembered and remembered well in the hearts of those we exist with. We can do that by living selfless, loving, and compassionate whenever possible. Let’s seek to be remembered by those around us as one person who showed love to them like Jesus would have. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1371
Ner was the father of Kish, Kish of Saul, Saul of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab and Eshbaal…1 Chronicles 8:3 – Once again we are reading through a list of names and a couple important names are dropped then moved past quickly without any further detail. We are given the names of Saul and Jonathan. This would have been King Saul, the first king of Israel, and then His son Jonathan who was the beloved friend and supporter of King David. While not given truly any details on these men here in 1 Chronicles, thankfully we have the rest of scripture to help with that. Let’s find ourselves in the posture then of searching out the scriptures for more detail and information when a particular passage doesn’t seem to offer it. Often clarity can be found and answers given about a confusing text in other parts of scripture. Yet when we only look at the few verses in our daily reading, and don’t find ourselves examining other scriptures, we can miss out on the bigger narrative God is seeking to share with us. For example, we wouldn’t have known Saul was the first king of Israel who lost his right to the throne by his sinful actions just from this passages, but those are important details. We wouldn’t have known that Jonathan was the close friend of David, that saved David’s life from his father Saul and helped him remain alive so the Savior of the world could come through his line. Allow scripture then to help you understand scripture more fully, but to do this it will take a deeper commitment to the study of scripture. Find yourself deep in the word of God and learning everything we can from the message our Lord gave us. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2562
Chapter 9
…besides their kinsmen, heads of their fathers’ houses, 1,760, mighty men for the work of the service of the house of God. 1 Chronicles 9:13 – These guys needed to be mighty men, ones who were strong in body and spirit, to carry out the calling God set them in. To be able to serve cheerfully in the midst of strong opposition and difficulty and to continue doing all God had called them to would take a mighty person indeed. We all need to be “mighty” as well to keep going with the fulfillment of what God has called us to do in this season. We hear how pastors are running so empty right now because of how divided the church is over just about everything it seems. We can imagine the difficulties for those called to the mission field overseas but not able to go right now. We have even felt the attacks on ourselves in this season in so many ways to what God has called us to. We must remain mighty. Lean on and take hold of the strength our God gives. We can’t let the opposition stop us from our mission. Lean on God, lean on your community, lean on me if you need! Even in a season of unexpected like we are in people still need to know about Jesus. Be mighty and carry out your calling today. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1372
Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. 29 Others of them were appointed over the furniture and over all the holy utensils, also over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the incense, and the spices. 30 Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices, 31 and Mattithiah, one of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with making the flat cakes. 32 Also some of their kinsmen of the Kohathites had charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath. 1 Chronicles 9:28-32 – This section of verses shares with us which individuals or which family group had the responsibility of the different roles within the temple work. Some took care of counting utensils, some over flour and spices, some even had the primary role as the cake maker. While from a first glance these roles may seem small, lackluster, and maybe even not needed, how wrong that glance would be. These individuals were carrying out God given roles that allowed the service of the temple to function smoothly. Each role, each task, and each person was needed. Today know that the role you play within God’s kingdom is so important to everything moving forward like it ought to. God may call you to be a worship leader, or a mom, or a businessman, or a Bible teacher, and whatever role you’re called to it is essential and important to the Lord. Let’s carry out whatever role we’ve been called to with excellence so the holy work God is doing can continue. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2563
Chapter 10
And they stripped him and took his head and his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to carry the good news to their idols and to the people. 1 Chronicles 10:9 – If you didn’t read the chapter, this is speaking of King Saul. They took his head back to their idols and people to show them what had happened on the battlefield. Because the idols weren’t on the battlefield with them. Because they are wood, stone, and gold. It wasn’t like these gods they trusted in were walking alongside them, fighting for them, showing their presence among them. They were back home, a statue in a temple. We must realize our God isn’t confined to walls of the local church where we have to bring back evidence to Him each Sunday that we’ve been used by Him. He knows because He’s there with us. He’s walking with us and helping us every step of the way. Our God isn’t some statue in a temple that can’t go with us into our battles. He instead goes before us, fights with us, and is able to renew us when we are drained afterward. Make sure the god you are following can help you when you actually need it. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1373
So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. 14 He did not seek guidance from the Lord. Therefore the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 – Chapter 10 shares with us the story of King Saul’s death and what took place with his body after his death. Here in these last verses we see why Saul died and why Saul was displaced as king over Israel. I wonder what our list would look like if God outlined all our sins like this. “So Mac died and lost his chance to be in the kingdom of heaven because of these sins….” How embarrassing would it be to have all my sins laid out like that, and how devastating it would be to know that because of even just one of those sins my chance at Heaven was lost and I’m going to spend eternity in Hell. Thank God though for Jesus. For while this was my reality, and this was your reality too, Jesus came into our story to wash clean all those sins and open the doors to Heaven again for any and all who were to believe in Him. Our list of sins now is washed clean and labeled “Forgiven” and signed by Jesus Himself. This Christmas find time to dwell on what that list may have looked liked before being washed clean. Allow the length and vileness of it humble your heart and incline you towards a posture of gratitude this season. For while we were still in sin, not even looking for forgiveness, God sent His only Son into our world to save us. What an amazing gift we have been given! I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2564
Chapter 11
And David said longingly, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it. He poured it out to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 11:17-18 – I’m proud to say I know I have people in my life who would do the same for me. That they would give up their life to take care of me. I hope that I too am that person for them. Someone who is willing to risk what needs to be risked to take care of those around me. This is the heart we should have for each other in the church. Where the limit of our sacrifice isn’t just a pat on the back and saying we’ll pray for them yet never do. Where if we need to go to battle for them we will and we know they’d do the same for us. Challenge yourself to love those in your church family this way. Challenge yourself to love even the lost in this way where you’d be willing to sacrifice for them to hear about Jesus. While this level of community may be uncommon to us, let’s change that. Risk it all for each other so we all can walk strong, confident, and fearlessly on the path God is leading us down. I believe Jesus said there’s no greater way to show someone you love them than to lay down your life for them. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1374
But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and killed the Philistines. And the Lord saved them by a great victory. 1 Chronicles 11:14 – Reading passages about the Mighty Men of David has always fascinated me. For context, David had a group of men, 37 listed to be exact, that were called his “Mighty Men.” These were skilled warriors with bravery unmatched within the rest of David’s forces. Many had legendary stories attached to their names like singlehandedly taking out 300 enemies or jumping into a lion pit and winning that battle! A truth though about David and his mighty men is given to us within our verse. Yes, David was a strong military leader, and yes, these mighty men were just that, mighty. It though was the Lord who brought them their victories. The Lord kept them safe, the Lord kept them strong, and the Lord won the battles. This was a truth David knew well, let’s seek to know it well too. In our story, when successes come our way and victories are found, let’s make sure we acknowledge the true One behind the win. If it wasn’t for the Lord, we wouldn’t be standing in any victories. If it wasn’t for the Lord, we wouldn’t even be here today. Praise God that He has moved powerfully within our story to allow us to not only have victories within this life, but even victory within the life to come. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2565
Chapter 12
For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God. 1 Chronicles 12:22 – Great help came but it took a little time. This overwhelming and strong army didn’t just all appear one day, but over days men and then more mighty men continued to show up for the cause. God brought what was needed to keep moving forward, but He did it little by little over time. This isn’t a way of how God works that we like to accept, but it’s often how it happens. Rather than an overwhelming drop of blessing into our life it’s a day by day provision. Jesus gives us our daily bread consistently and as we take it each day we gather what we need to keep moving. So don’t be flustered if the bakery doesn’t land in your lap today. If you have some of the daily bread of things like life, strength, peace, or joy today, that’s evidence God is there and providing. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1375
Then the Spirit clothed Amasai, chief of the thirty, and he said, “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.” Then David received them and made them officers of his troops. 1 Chronicles 12:18 – This upcoming Sunday we will be talking about the second candle of Advent which is peace. This is the same “peace” spoken of in our verse today, a “shalom” type of peace. Shalom for the Hebrews would have meant more than a simple greeting, it referred to a desire for wholeness and completeness, for anything out of order to be brought back to what it ought to be. For Amasai, he was seeking shalom, seeking wholeness and things to be brought back together in peace for David and his men. Our role today ought to be seekers of shalom as well. To seek wholeness in our relationships with others wherever things have gotten away from what they ought to be. To seek wholeness in other’s relationship with God who haven’t found His peace yet in Jesus. We are to be shalom seekers, we are to be peacemakers in this world. Peace with each other and peace with God. Thank you God that we have Jesus as our shalom! I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2566
Chapter 13
Then let us bring again the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul. 1 Chronicles 13:3 – Just because at one time you didn’t chase after a life with God doesn’t mean you can’t chase after it now. It’s heartbreaking to me when I hear someone say the feel like their past cancels them out from pursuing God. That for years of their life they chased after everything other than God yet now their eyes are open to how that type of life ends and they truly believe they’ve lost their chance at life with God. So why chase after something you have no chance of getting? What we see happening in our passage is God reminding us that simply because we didn’t seek Him out before doesn’t mean we can’t seek Him now. That’s our story of grace. Sure we shouldn’t be able to have that choice to choose Him and have life with Him, but He’s giving it to any and all that seek Him. You included. Don’t let your past be what stops you from pursing God today, even if that past reached to a minute ago. You are free to seek after God today, so go after Him. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1376
And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. 10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. 1 Chronicles 13:9-10 – King David is traveling with the ark of the Lord to bring it back home with him, yet on the journey the above story unfolds. The oxen pulling the cart with the ark on it stumbles, the ark must have appeared to be falling off the cart so Uzzah reached out to stop the ark from falling. Know there are different ways Bible scholars approach Uzzah’s actions, from harmless and just wanting to help, to him taking this as his opportunity to look inside the ark as it was falling. We don’t know for certain his reasoning for reaching, but as I heard in a sermon one time about this, apparently Uzzah thought his hand was cleaner than the dirt on the ground for the ark to land on. Uzzah was wrong. It’s a humbling truth to realize that our sin makes us dirtier than dirt. It would have been “cleaner” for the ark to fall in the mud than for our hands apart from God’s forgiveness to touch it. Thanks be to God we have a Savior who can wash us white as snow. See the difference now because of Jesus; the veil of the temple that separated all from the ark of God has been torn and any who believe in Him can approach Him now. We are now clean because of Jesus. Let’s praise Jesus today that we are made holy all because of Him. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2567
Chapter 14
And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees.” 1 Chronicles 14:14 – God provided victory a second time but it came about on a different path. Notice what happened in our passage. David asked God what to do and God told him and David found victory. Then the enemy came a second time, David asked God what to do and God told Him to attack, but do it a different way this time around. God isn’t limited to only one way of blessing us. We need food, cool, he could multiply some loaves, turn some water into wine, or pull a coin out of a fish’s mouth for food. So we need healing, joy, strength, directions, or a reminder of His love. Don’t limit God to only one way of Him being able to provide that. Don’t also only go down the path you think gives you what you need. Ask God and He may direct your path down a course you would have never gone down before to find your blessing. So don’t put your faith in the blessing or the normal path that blessing comes, but in the One who is providing the blessing. Trust He in His creatively can bring about what you need from many directions around you. Seek Him out, ask for the path to walk down, and trust He’ll bring about what you need on that path. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1377
And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. 1 Chronicles 14:16 – David is well known in scripture as a faithful to God king. As this passage even points out, David did as God commanded. What’s always stood out to me in this story is how David not only continued to follow, but even continued to seek out the commands to follow. We see two times David’s enemies approach for battle. The first time David asks God if he should battle them, and God says yes. The second time, instead of just assuming he knew what God would say, David again approached the Lord to see what He would say, and it actually was a different command than the first. We learn here how important it is to daily be seeking God’s direction. Yesterday’s call may not be today’s call. Yes, we’ll always be on the mission to give God glory and to spread the message of the gospel, but how/where/to whom may change. Today God may call you to be in one place, and tomorrow a completely different place with a different purpose. Come to God daily in prayer and scripture, leaning in to seek what your call today is. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2568
Chapter 15
…and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites. Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it.” 1 Chronicles 15:12 – To consecrate something means to make and declare it as sacred and holy. Here the Levites were to bear the responsibility of carrying the ark of the Lord. In order for them though to be able and ready to do what had God called them to do, they needed to consecrate themselves first. That meant keeping from any sinful thing, washing themselves, and readying their heart for what they were about to do. We all have a calling today to fulfill. The holy, sacred calling of sharing the love of Jesus with those around us. So what have you done to consecrate yourself for the task at hand? Have you set aside sinful things that need to be gone? Are you setting your mind on things above? What have you done today to prepare yourself for the calling you have been given today? Let’s treat this holy calling today as holy and prepare ourselves accordingly for it. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1378
And as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David dancing and celebrating, and she despised him in her heart. 1 Chronicles 15:29 – Chapter 15 summarizes the story of King David bringing the ark of the Lord to the city of Jerusalem that we see unpacked earlier in the OT. While the ark is being carried in by the priests, a vast parade happened with shouts of joy and loud praise music playing. David, overflowing with joy, begins to dance and leap about. He was filled with joy, filled with wonder, and as result began to pour out his worship to the Lord. Today, as we make our way to church, let’s realize we ought to be in a state of praise far greater than David here. For our Savior has come, sin has been defeated, death has been conquered, salvation has been given, and the Holy Spirit of the Lord dwells within each person who believes. Sure, an ark coming into a city is special, but how much more so is what we get to celebrate today! If then you see me dancing in the halls of the church today, you now know why, and you also are more than welcome to join me! I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2568
Chapter 16
And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. 1 Chronicles 16:2 – David made sure that he gave God the attention He deserved, yet David did not forget to give attention to those God had surrounded him with. It’s can be easy to miss the balance here of giving time to God and giving time to the people around us. Let’s be careful that we don’t spend too much time in the church that we forget to be the church. Know deeply studying scripture is of great importance, but stepping into the lives God has placed around you, helping them know Jesus’ love, is just as important. David saw the importance of giving his life with God attention and giving attention to his life with others as well. Today pour into your walk with God, but pour into your walk with other people as well. If we do one yet forsake the other, we haven’t fully accomplished the calling we’ve been given. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1379
Then all the people departed each to his house, and David went home to bless his household. 1 Chronicles 16:43 – The ark had been brought into the city and placed in the tent. Sacrifices were made to the Lord and a gift was given to every person in Israel there. Songs of thanksgiving were sung to the Lord. This truly was a tremendous occasion of celebration! Yet after the sacrifices, singing, and the public celebrations were completed, David went home to be with his family and celebrate with them. This is a lesson I feel in our busy lives we must learn. We may work extra hard, and do a lot of things to give our family a good life, and be seen as super important by those around us, but if we aren’t taking time to be with our family, we are missing our first calling. Especially for those of us who are spouses and parents, our first love is for Jesus and our first calling is to the family that God has given us. If we are not loving, blessing, and taking care of our family, then we are missing the mark. As a pastor I know I too need to listen to this message. I recently read a quote that said, “A sermon pastors should be preaching more often is, ‘Sorry, that’s my family time’.” Let’s make sure that the ones God has placed us in the family of are being loved and taken care of by us how God calls us to. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2569
Chapter 17
For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him. Therefore your servant has found courage to pray before you. 1 Chronicles 17:25 – The chapter began with David expressing his desire to build a house for the ark of the covenant, yet the chapter ended with God saying He’ll build up a house for David instead. We learn here that God cares about the building up of those that serve Him. As David did, take courage from knowing that so that you feel comfortable to come to Him in prayer. If God has a heart to build you up, we shouldn’t be afraid to speak with Him about our needs and hurt. Start with Him as your foundation, show Him all the pieces of your life, and let Him build you up how only He can. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1380
In all places where I have moved with all Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’. 1 Chronicles 17:6 – David, while living in his royal palace, is struck with the truth that while he is sitting in splendor and majesty, the ark of the Lord is residing in a tent. David’s passion for the Lord excited him and spurred him to build a temple, a new home, for the ark of the Lord, one that was a suitable dwelling place for such a holy God. Yet God brings up a valid point here in our passage. God never complained, or even asked, for something more than the tent. God was content with the tent. It was David though, moving forward with a plan for God that wasn’t actually a plan from God. Let’s make it a practice to see what God is wanting for us to give our life to rather than just assuming we know what He wants us to do. For many of the things we want to do for God may be good and right things, like building a temple for the Lord, but they may just not be what God is calling us to do today. Today, rather than just going through the motions assuming you know what God’s plan for you is today, pause and ask Him. Maybe the directions are everything you had originally thought, yet maybe you’ll find yourself on a brand new path you would have never known to take today. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2570
Chapter 18
After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Gath and its villages out of the hand of the Philistines. 1 Chronicles 18:1 – Trying to defeat the Philistines was the battle Saul was waging when he lost his life. Yet here we see that David was able to do all that Saul couldn’t. Not only that but David was even able to free others that were under the heavy hand of the Philistines. This shows us how having God in the situation changes everything. That we can win battles that we would have never been able to win prior. That we can actually be a part of the story of others finding freedom from their enemy as well. So how much have you invited God in to your story today? Clearly He adds so much to our lives and gives victories that we would never taste otherwise. Dwell on His presence today and share with Him you want Him deeply in your day. Let Him know He’s welcome and welcome to move how only He can in your story. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1381
And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 And from Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took a large amount of bronze. With it Solomon made the bronze sea and the pillars and the vessels of bronze. 1 Chronicles 18:7-8 – In the previous chapter David was told that it was not to be him to build a house for the Lord, but his son instead would have this task. David accepted this direction from the Lord, but what we also see David doing is preparing the way for his son to accomplish the task God was to give him. David collected all sorts of metals to be used in the creation of the temple. David even fostered relationships with other countries that would offer or trade supplies for the build. While David didn’t build, he did his part to support those who would. In this life we’re living for the Lord there will be a lot of things that we won’t be called to do. We may never be called to serve in a certain ministry at church or go to a particular area in the mission field. We may never be called to do things that others are being called to, but that doesn’t mean we’re not called to support those who are called to those areas. Maybe its through prayer or words of encouragement, maybe it’s being a listening ear when struggles comes or a place to seek advice when faced with a tough decision. Maybe like David, your task is about preparing the way so the one who takes your role after you can do their job well. In our following of God keep in mind our role as a support for our fellow followers. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2571
Chapter 19
And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will help you.” 1 Chronicles 19:12 – We need to be ready to help our brother when the battle gets too much for him to handle. This means we’re going to have to keep our eyes on each other watching to see if the other begins to fall. That will look like asking one another about how they are truly doing, not just taking the typical “fine” response. It will also look like readily sacrificing time and/or resources of your own that you know will help them keep moving. I know this seems like a lot when you think of how many people you may have in your close church family, yet see the flip side to it. You have that many people willing to do all that for you as well. Let’s strive to have this type of culture in our churches, one where we are willing to go to battle for each other and are intently watching out for each other. That sort of community is what will attract so many people to Jesus. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1382
And when the servants of Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and became subject to him. So the Syrians were not willing to save the Ammonites anymore. 1 Chronicles 19:19 – Israel’s power was well known by this time; this enemy should have known that coming against King David and his army would not end well for them. Yet, despite the facts in front of them, they fought against Israel and learned for themselves just how powerful their foe was. They surrendered, made peace with David, and served him. Look though at where we are at today with God. God, who is all powerful, who has no chance of losing a battle, is so often the One we fight against. We also have no chance of finding peace with God on our own, for nothing we have to offer God can bring us that peace. We can’t even be followers of Him without Him! Scripture even reveals that we wouldn’t pursue a following of God or such things as peace with God on our own even if we could pursue such things. Yet what do we have in front of us today, freely available to all? Peace with God and the ability to follow Him. God defeated our enemy of sin and death for us, and God made peace with us when we couldn’t make peace with Him. He made it possible for us to follow Him even when we weren’t seeking to follow Him. Like the servants of Hadadezer in our passage, we have learned who truly is the most powerful and the most worthy to follow. Let’s follow the One who carries both those titles. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2572
Chapter 20
These were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants. 1 Chronicles 20:8 – When I ask you who was a giant slayer from scripture? Most likely you’d say David, but what about Sibbecai, or Elhanan, or Jonathan? They too struck down giants just like David did. Don’t feel bad though you didn’t know their names, my point was to show you that after David obeyed the Lord and did what he did with Goliath he set an example of obedience for others to follow….and they followed it. They too became giant slayers in their community because they too trusted in the Lord after seeing David do the same in front of them. Let’s set an example for those around us of what obedience to God looks like. Let them see in our life that when we follow God giants can be slayed, the dead can be raised, and prisoners can go free. Let them see that in us so they have confidence to begin following God like that too. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1383
And there was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was descended from the giants. 7 And when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David’s brother, struck him down. 1 Chronicles 20:6-7 – In this section of scripture we are told that the Goliath that David fought wasn’t the only giant figure to be fought. In fact, we see multiple battles with giant men took place between Israel and the Philistines. While these valiant soldiers may not have felt any fear, I’m sure I would have if I was called to battle them! In so many ways these enemies would have more than me. More height, more strength, more battle experience, even more toes and fingers than me! We though must keep in mind who is truly fighting our battles against our enemy. Yes, the giants in our story may be big and may have more than us, but they aren’t bigger than God and they sure don’t have more than our God. Today remember who you have with you that is fighting for you. The powerful ways we have seen God move in the Old Testament are minuscule in comparison to the full power He has. Your giant may be big, and your giant may be powerful, but God is always more than your giant. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2573
Chapter 21
…but David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the Lord. 1 Chronicles 21:30 – This chapter retells the story of a time when David sinned against God and his efforts to make things right again in his relationship with God. Yet after doing all that God commanded him to do, and God’s wrath was sheathed, David was still afraid to appear before the Lord. It’s easy for us today to find ourselves where David did. In a place of fear of what God might do if we come to Him after we sinned once again. We must keep in mind that when Jesus took the Father’s wrath of sin upon himself, He took it for all time and for all sin. Meaning we have peace with God now because of what Jesus did. The sword of God’s wrath is in its sheath and is never to come on the followers of God like that again. So come to Him again without fear. The wrongs you’ve done have been made right by Jesus. You have nothing to fear then in approaching the Father. Come to Him, find the rest you need, and see how fully Jesus’ sacrifice took care of you. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1384
But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. 1 Chronicles 21:7 – David, after winning many battles and defeating many giants, says to his military commanders to number his troops. Seems like a pretty normal thing to do, I bet many of the other nations in that day would number their troops and people often. We see Rome in the Christmas story creating a census so the people could be numbered. We even have numbering in our day in the countries we live in. Why then was this a problem? Is God against counting His people? Clearly not for we see other places in scripture where this was directed by God to do, so what’s the problem? It would have been David’s heart. Incited by Satan, as we learn in verse 1, David numbers Israel. Rather than having a posture of trust in the Lord to provide victory no matter the number of troops he had, David sought to handle his kingdom like all the other kings around handled theirs. In the power of their own hands, rather than leaning on the power of God’s hands. How about us? Are we looking at our checking accounts or our church sizes or our numbers at work and thinking the welfare of our life is based on those numbers? You may have zero troops in your army, and you may have zero pennies in your pocket, but God can still win for you massive victories and bless beyond your wildest dreams. Be sure your trust is where it ought to be. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2574
Chapter 22
With great pains I have provided for the house of the Lord 100,000 talents of gold, a million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond weighing, for there is so much of it; timber and stone, too, I have provided. To these you must add. 1 Chronicles 22:14 – While David wasn’t allowed to be the one to build the temple, that didn’t stop him for setting up Solomon for success in doing it. He provided so much of what Solomon would need to complete the job, yet at the end even David recognized there was more that needed to be added to all that. We too can have the support of so many around us who are seeking our success, yet we need to add to all that as well. We need to buy in, we need to be wise and seek wisdom, and we need to pursue God ourselves and not just ride in the wake of those around us. At some point if we want to find growth in our walk with God, we have to take ownership of it and do something with what we’ve been given. Our growth comes from when we pursue God from our own choice. Use then the support, blessings, and preparations others around you have given you to grow in your walk with God and to fulfill the calling He’s given you. Add to the work those before you have done in your life. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1385
For David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death. 1 Chronicles 22:5 – Solomon, the prince of Israel at this time, had an exceedingly magnificent task ahead of him, to build the temple of the Lord. Yet, as we learn from this passage, he was young and he was inexperienced in such things. How does someone who is too young and too inexperienced accomplish something exceedingly magnificent? With help of course. And help is exactly what Solomon got. David prepared an enormous amount of building supplies, he prepped the workers, and even commanded his leaders to help Solomon in this project. While this wasn’t David’s build, he wasn’t going to let his young and inexperienced son navigate this calling alone. Keep in mind for us today we have an exceedingly magnificent task ahead of us too, to share the gospel with the world. At some point for all of us that task is going to be passed down to those younger and more inexperienced than us. How are we helping the next generation of gospel sharers be prepared for their calling? For as grand as the temple was, the great commission is grander. If we don’t offer our help to the next generation, the gospel will not be shared like it ought to be and many will find themselves existing this life without ever finding Jesus. Seek out some way you can be investing in someone younger and less experienced in this life to help them carry out their calling. I love you, but Jesus love you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2575
Chapter 23
For David said, “The Lord, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.” 1 Chronicles23:25-26 – I must have been in church life too long now or something because when I first read that verse all I thought of were the “discussions” that came about because of it. Here they’ve done church by caring the tabernacle with them everywhere they went for so long, yet now David is saying we aren’t doing church that way any more. We’re changing things. I’ve seen churches get flustered over which flowers are next to the stage, I can’t imagine what the talk was after hearing what David said! What needed to be understood though was God was changing things and if they wanted to stay on path with Him they’d have to change to. Let’s be open enough to when change gets brought up in the church to ask if it’s a God led change or not. Not all things are, and I’m for sure not saying all change is healthy. But…if God brought the change, and we are unwilling to change accordingly, we will no longer be on His path. Keep that in mind, that while you may think you’re doing what’s right because that’s how you’ve always done something, you may actually be far off the path that God is on. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1386
These were the sons of Levi by their fathers’ houses, the heads of fathers’ houses as they were listed according to the number of the names of the individuals from twenty years old and upward who were to do the work for the service of the house of the Lord. 1 Chronicles 23:24 – We see earlier in the chapter that the age a Levite could begin his service to the Lord was thirty years old. David though makes a change to this, and now the new age is twenty that a Levite could begin serving the Lord. Why the change? We see the nature of the work of the Levites changed. The tabernacle was being turned into a temple and the ark was no longer going to be in transport but remaining stationary in the temple. Things changed and such a change opened the doors for those who may not have been ready to serve yet to serve. While there were certainly many reasons for this change, the end result did allow those hindered from serving to finally be able to do so. Is there anything keeping those around you from serving the Lord? Maybe is a rule that needs to be re-examined, maybe it’s an unreconciled relationship, maybe is some sort of sin within their life. As the church, we ought to be seeking out every way we can to support those around us in fulfilling their calling to serve the Lord. That may mean hard looks at church governing documents to uncomfortable conversations to mend broken relationships. God is worthy to be served, let us do our part in helping our brothers and sisters fulfill that calling however we can. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2576
Chapter 24
These had as their appointed duty in their service to come into the house of the Lord according to the procedure established for them by Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him. 1 Chronicles 24:19 – So this chapter, and all its names, may take a second to figure out what’s going on, but it’s pretty simple actually. The task was to be over the weekly care of the temple and they were choosing the order for the priests when to come. When it was their turn, they’d go on a sabbath and remain there till the next sabbath when the next priest came to relieve them. What’s special about this is that even then God knew the importance and weight the responsibility of serving Him so He gave support for those doing it. It wasn’t all on the shoulders of one person, nor is the mission we have today. Yes we are called to share the love of God with the whole world, to love the broken, help the helpless, and be God’s tools in this world. But it’s not all on you alone to get it done. Even in the calling to take care of your own family you are given support to help you in that. Lean then on the support given to you by God. The weight of your calling was never meant for you to tackle alone. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1387
But Nadab and Abihu died before their father and had no children, so Eleazar and Ithamar became the priests. 1 Chronicles 24:2 – Aaron, the brother of Moses, had four sons, the names we see in the passage above. We also see in chapter 24 how the sons of Eleazar and Ithamar were blessed with the honor of being the sacred officers, or priests, working in the innermost parts of God’s temple. Why though were the sons of Nadab and Abibu not allowed to serve in this role? Because they had no sons, and that was because they had sinned against God (you can read about their story in Leviticus 10:1-2). Their sinfulness not only impacted their ability to serve the Lord, but also kept any children that may have come from them that blessing as well. Let us be willing to ponder the long-term repercussions of our sinful choices. How will it affect my ability to serve the Lord in the future? Are my choices today helping or hurting the ones that come after me in their serving of their Lord? How can I today live in such a way that will set my grandchildren up for success in the Lord? I know these are such big picture questions, ones that were likely not on anyone’s radar today (they sure weren’t on mine until I read this scripture today!). Yet my heart is that those around me and those after me follow the Lord even better than I do. What then am I doing today that may hinder them from doing just that? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2577
Chapter 25
David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals. The list of those who did the work and of their duties was: 1 Chronicles 25:1 – They saw the service of the musicians as a type of prophecy. Where the word coming from their mouth, may it have been a psalm of David or a verse they came up with on their own, was a powerful message. As I read this I have to ask myself how much I think this way of when I worship God with song. Like when I sing lyrics like, “I’m no longer a slave to fear,” do I really believe God has set me free from the fear that’s held me down for so long? Or when I sing, “When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation,” do I truly live expectant of Christ’s return? Let’s realize the power within the words we say in song and live expectant of the promises we find within them. God is a good, good Father with an overwhelming, never-ending love for us. Keep those truths close. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1388
The number of them along with their brothers, who were trained in singing to the Lord, all who were skillful, was 288. 8 And they cast lots for their duties, small and great, teacher and pupil alike. 1 Chronicles 25:7-8 – David is now in the works of setting apart and scheduling the order of the singers and musicians to lead the worship of the Lord at the temple. We learn there were 288 who were well trained and skilled in the art of worship, and the following verses outline their order of when they got to serve. Yet we learn there were 4000 men set aside to offer praises to the Lord like this in 1 Chronicles 23:5, what about the other 3,712 men? Don’t worry, they didn’t get left out, they would have been partnered up with the 288. The 288 were the “great teachers,” and the rest were the “small pupils.” David made sure that at every time of worship there were skilled worship leaders who were able to praise the Lord well, and teachers for those who weren’t as skilled. What I’m loving as we’ve been navigating these last few chapters is how so much of the planning wasn’t just designed to make the current temple worship flow well, but to make sure that the temple worship would continue to flow well for generations to come. They were about readying and training the next generation to worship the Lord. Let’s keep this in mind, in 100 years there will be a complete new global church on earth for this current church will be in Heaven. What are we doing today to make sure the worship of the Lord is going strong when we are no longer here? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2578
Chapter 26
All these were of the sons of Obed-edom with their sons and brothers, able men qualified for the service; sixty-two of Obed-edom. 1 Chronicles 26:8 – Let’s focus on the “qualified for service part.” What qualified them here? Primarily their physical strength. This job would have been almost like a military guard posting and they needed to be strong to fulfill their duty well. What then qualifies you for the calling you’ve been given by God to share His love with people? Nope, not your strength or how long you’ve attended church or even if you were extra holy and sang at home during the livestreams of church services these past few months. What qualifies you is Jesus and Him saving you. So if you’ve placed your faith in Jesus, you’re qualified for God’s service. Of course, as we see clearly throughout even this chapter, we all have different ways God calls us to carry out that calling. And yes, the more you do things like attend church, pray, and read scripture you better your readiness for the calling. Just don’t sit there thinking you’re not qualified in God’s eyes for this calling. If you’ve placed your life in Jesus’ hands, you are more than qualified to step into this mission of telling people about God’s love. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1389
These divisions of the gatekeepers, corresponding to their chief men, had duties, just as their brothers did, ministering in the house of the Lord. 13 And they cast lots by fathers’ houses, small and great alike, for their gates. 1 Chronicles 26:12-13 – What exactly was the role of a gatekeeper? While yes, a portion of their job was opening and closing the gates to the temple at the right times, a key part of their role as gatekeepers was to ensure order and reverence for the house for God. They would make sure nothing unholy would enter into the temple area, and they would also make sure nothing was taken out that shouldn’t be removed from the temple. This was such an important role, for the temple grounds were a holy place, and say if a gentile or someone with leprosy entered in, this could have disrupted worship greatly. Let’s then bring this into our life. We are now considered the house of the Lord for the Holy Spirit of the Lord dwells within any who have placed their faith in Jesus. While we don’t have little Levites standing guard of our heart and mind, we do have the Holy Spirit. He is our gatekeeper. He is sanctifying us and making us holy. He is guiding us away from unholy things and protecting our hearts. Can we refuse to listen to our gatekeeper and allow sinful things to come into our lives? Absolutely, but we now have God’s Spirit speaking into our story and opening our eyes to the sin that we were blinded to before. Know today you have a gatekeeper of your life in the Lord. He is watching over you, ensuring your holiness, and keeping you safe. As we find ourselves ever closer to Christmas, let us thank the Lord for this gift of our gatekeeper. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2579
Chapter 27
This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000. 1 Chronicles 27:1 – This passage is speaking of the order for groups that will stand and act as a national guard for all that was under King David’s reign. Each month, a new group of 24,000 men would take the role of being on guard and the group that just finished wouldn’t be up for another year. Yet while their month to serve might have been a long way off, they needed to be ready at a moments notice to fight in any battle larger than what the 24,000 on duty could handle. We too need to be ready to battle at all times, even in the season we think are our rest times. Just because it’s a Monday and you’re not at church that day doesn’t mean God isn’t going to use you within that day. And our enemy doesn’t take any days off in trying to tear us down and destroy our church family’s lives. So be alert, be readying yourself, and be prepared to lean into whatever God may call you into today. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1390
Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. 1 Chronicles 27:33 – Throughout this chapter we are given names of individuals that had roles within the leadership of Israel. We are given names like Sibbecai who was over a group of 24,000 soldiers to names like Obil who was over David’s camels. Here though in verse 33 we are given the names of two key roles, the name of the king’s counselor and one of the king’s friends. The counselor would have been someone who would speak into the life of David on all matters, helping him make wise moves with the kingdom. The friend would have been someone ever close to David, someone David could trust with the secrets of the kingdom, and someone that would be a comfort to David in seasons of difficulty. What was such a blessing for David is also a blessing we have in our Lord. Isaiah 9:6, when speaking of the coming Messiah, reminds us that Jesus is our wonderful counselor. John 14:26 tells us that the Holy Spirit will be our Helper/Counselor. And in John 15:15 we are reminded that we are friends of God when we follow after Him. Know today that in your story you too have someone to speak into your life to help you make wise moves. Know today you have someone ever close, someone you can trust, and someone that will be a comfort to you. Jesus is our Lord, Savior, comforter, counselor, and friend. What a friend we have in Jesus! I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2580
Chapter 28
He said to me, ‘It is Solomon your son who shall build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.” 1 Chronicles 28:6 – Here’s a lesson David had to learn, that while God does choose you, you’re not the only one He chooses. He chooses other people, other than you, to carry out His mission too. This though shouldn’t be a discouragement to you. It’s not as though God sees you as incapable or unworthy of being used by Him. It’s just Him inviting others to experience the joy of serving Him just as He did with you. Remember then that the responsibility of the gospel is not solely on your shoulders. God has chosen many other followers of Him to carry on the task right alongside you. It’s not because you’ve messed up so God is setting you aside for someone better, it’s just that the mission is big enough for more than just you to take care of it. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1391
Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:8 – David has gathered what looks to be a massive part of the leadership of Israel. We have the officials, commanders, stewards, and the mighty men all gathered in the same place. Now being king, if David wanted to gather this crew like this, he could at any time he wanted, but I doubt this was a common occurrence to have such a gathering of individuals all in the same place. So David, with the leadership of his kingdom in front of him, has the opportunity to speak a message to them that they would all hear…what did he say? Follow the commands of the Lord. David took hold of the opportunity in front of him to not reach for personal glory, but to push his people to pursue a deeper commitment to the Lord. As we gain opportunities like this, let us use them to point people to the Lord. Maybe you’ll get a chance to speak in front of a group at work or you’ll get a chance this holiday season to speak to your whole family all together. Possibly these opportunities won’t come very often, so what should you say in such a valuable moment? Speak about Jesus’ love for them and the life they can have with Him. I know some who will be in these groups listening to you speak about such things will turn away from it, but it is the message of life they need. Take hold of these opportunities to share the message of the gospel when you can. These times are fleeting, and people need the Lord. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2581
Chapter 29
And David the king said to all the assembly, “Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced, and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the Lord God.” 1 Chronicles29:1 – How do you handle the work man gives you? Like when your boss tells you to do something, the homework a teacher gives you, or maybe a chore your parent’s asked you to do. Possibly it’s with a little reluctance and hesitation, especially if it’s something you really don’t want to do. Possibly you even put it off entirely. Then is this how we handle God’s work as well? David saw there was a difference between what we do for man and what we do for God. What God deserves is great and our efforts much match that greatness. Maybe we slack when it comes to man’s work (even if that’s not okay with God either), but let us not slack or be hesitant to the great work of God. Lean in hard and give it your best because that’s the attitude from us He rightfully deserves. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1392
O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. 1 Chronicles 29:16 – David and the kingdom is in the process of offering supplies for the build of the temple. The exacts numbers are given in the chapter, but roughly 8,000 talents of gold, 17,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze, and 100,000 talents of iron are given by them (Also, 1 talent = 75 pounds…that’s a lot of metal!). And this doesn’t include the gemstones, the wood, and even the livestock given for the offering the next day. What I love though is David’s words in verse 16. David had given so much, and the people had given so much, but everything they had given to the Lord that day first came from Him. They are just giving back what God has first given to them and what belongs to Him anyways. Scripture reveals over and over the generosity and sovereignty of our God, and as I write this devotion, it’s Christmas Eve. What better time to remember and celebrate the generosity of our God than Christmas! God gave us His only Son to be born into our world to save us from our sins. Whether it’s the money in your account to the life within you, it all first came from the Lord and it all belongs to the Lord. Let’s seek to have a posture of generosity back to God, just like David did. This Christmas, as we then are giving gifts to one another, dwell on the gift that was given to you by the Lord. As your thoughts dwell on God’s gift to us, let that stir within you thoughts of what you can give back to the Lord as a way to praise Him and thank Him. He is worthy of all, let us then give Him all. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2582
Daily DEVO 