1 Chronicles 27:33b “and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.”

 WHAT A FRIEND

 All through chapter 27 of I Chronicles we see a list of appointments.  This guy is over this. This guy is over that.  And then, at the very end of the chapter we read, “and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.”  He must have been a very special friend.  Well, he was.

This is the same Hushai who confounded Absalom who tried to overthrow his father David’s throne.  He protected David in the face of death if he was exposed. That’s a true friend.  That’s a friend you can count on.  Hushai was indeed the king’s friend.

TEACHING MOMENT

 As believers, we have a friend that sticks closer than a brother.  Jesus, the very son of God, died for us.  He was willing to give His life so that we might live.  Hushai was willing to give his life to allow David to continue living physically.  But Jesus gave His life so that we can live FOREVER.  That’s a friend.

Your children are going to have lots of friends and be a friend to lots of others.  I pray they have some Hushais in their life.  But my prayer is more that they will have the true friend, Jesus, walking beside them every day.  Parents, you are the one to introduce them to your best friend, Jesus.  You are the one to show them how His “friendship” changed your life.  You are the one to show them just how much Jesus loves them.

But let me ask you a question. Are you being a true friend to Jesus. Friends spend time together.  Are you doing that?  Friends talk to each other.  Are you doing that?  Friends will lay down their lives for each other.  Would you do that for Jesus?

Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be my Savior and my friend.  What a friend we have in Jesus!

1 Chronicles 24:2a “But Nadab and Abihu died before their father and had no sons.”

HARD TO UNDERSTAND

 If you read this account of Nadab and Abihu’s deaths it may appear that they just died young.  You have to go back to Leviticus 10 to find out why they died.  As sons of Aaron they were anointed as priests, but the Word says they offered “strange fire” at the tabernacle.  They obviously were not following the Law as given by God through Moses, and God killed them there on the spot.

It is always sad when a child dies before his parents.  That’s not the way it is supposed to happen, right?  No parent should have to bury their child. But here we see that Nadab and Abihu were being disobedient and rebellious, which resulted in their untimely death.  The same can happen today.

TEACHING MOMENT

Children who deliberately spit at God and deny His supremacy risk punishment and the consequences of sin.  No parent wants to hear that, I know.  No parent wants to see their child suffer or even die for their sins. But I bet you can name people you know who have lost children to drugs, drunk driving or violent lifestyles.  Sin has consequences.  That hasn’t changed.

How do you, as parents, protect your children from making these kind of wrong choices?  How do you guard their hearts from being lured away by the world?  All you can do is pray and saturate their minds with His Word. You have to live it yourselves. Don’t be a hyprocrite.  Don’t say, “Do as I say, not as I do.”  And once you’ve done all that, give them over to God.

This may sound harsh for a devotional.  I guess it is, but it is what the Word says.  God is still a holy, righteous, jealous God who requires us to honor and uphold His name.  We can’t be called His child and live like the devil.  If that is you today, repent and return to righteous living.  Amen?

Lord, I know I come short too many days of living up to Your standards.  Help me to honor Your name by living a life that exemplifies You.  Help me teach others to do the same.

1 Chronicles 20:8 “These were descended from the giants in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants.”

THE BIGGER THEY ARE…

 Go back and read verses 4-8 of 1 Chronicles 20.  Go ahead, I’ll wait…  Are you done? Good.  This passage lists three other giants.  Other passages list four.  Whether it was three or four, it doesn’t matter.  Whether they were Goliath’s (the giant David killed) brothers, sons or a combination of the two, doesn’t matter.  The fact is there were other giants in David’s life.

How did he handle them?  Well, in the beginning when he killed Goliath he had chosen five smooth stones.  Hmmm, do you think he had seen the other giants in the crowd?  Later, when he was king, he had mighty men in his army who were able to take them down. Regardless how they fell, David trusted the Lord to defend His name.  God will always do that.

TEACHING MOMENT

 That’s my point.  Teach your children that the “giants” they will face in their Christian walk aren’t concerned so much about tearing them down.  They want to nullify and disprove God’s faithfulness to His children.  God will not stand for that.  He will rise up and defend them.  But He may ask them to pick up some stones too.

“Hold it, Carl.  Are you saying God tells us to sling stones?”  No!  I am saying He wants us to be prepared for battle, just like David and his mighty men were.  Our sword is the Word of God.  Our shield is faith.  When we clothe ourselves with the breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation and put the gospel on our feet, we are able to withstand any enemy’s attacks.

That’s the lesson to teach your children.  Children are fascinated with giants.  When you read them this story, don’t focus on the 24 fingers and toes on the giant.  Focus on their defeat at the hand of God.  Giants hold no power of fear over us.

God of all creation, I look forward to hearing about all your creation, even giants, when I get to heaven.  But I look forward more to thanking You for the victories You gave me over those giants in my life who wanted to bring me down. 

1 Chronicles 16:43 “Then all the people departed each to his house, and David returned to bless his household.”

MEN, IT’S YOUR JOB

1 Chronicles 16 is a beautiful chapter on the return of the ark to the tent of meeting in Jerusalem.  David sets it back up and then establishes the men who will attend to the sacrifices and worship.  Verses 8-36 are a must read.  It’s a Psalm of thanksgiving and is full of beautiful imagery.

But it’s the last part of the last verse of this chapter that struck me.  After this day of worship and celebration, “David returned to bless his household.”  The king of Israel goes home and blesses his family.  Why didn’t he just let the priest do that?  Wasn’t he too busy to do that?  No, David knew the importance of leading his family well, and that begins with blessing them.

TEACHING MOMENT

 If you have not done that, Dads, do it today.  Gather your brood together tonight and pray a blessing over them.  Lay your hands on their heads and ask the Lord to guide and strengthen them.  Ask the Lord to give them wisdom and discernment to follow Him.  Ask the Lord to direct their every step as they go to school or play.  Ask the Lord to bless them with a godly spouse.

Then turn to your wife and bless her. She needs that.  Ask her how you can bless her in the name of Jesus.  Get on your knees before her and lay your hands on her and pray over her.  I promise you she will let you.  This will bless her socks off.

This devotional today is addressed towards men and dads, but ladies you also can get a takeaway from it.  You too can bless your children daily.  Don’t just pray for protection over them.  Pray for the Lord to use them how He wants to.

O God, You bless me every day.  Help me to be faithful to bless my family daily.  Let me show them the power of prayer in their lives as they see these blessings come to fruition.

1 Chronicles 14:8 “When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up in search of David; and David heard of it and went out against them.”

EASY PICKINGS

I ministered over 30 years in the Child Welfare field serving in various children’s homes around the Southeast United States.  One thing was common in every situation.  When a new houseparent was hired to live and work with the children, they would test them severely.  It was almost like throwing fresh meat to hungry wolves.  They pounced on that new staff person to test their mettle.

The Philistines thought now that Saul was dead that they would have easy pickings with David.  Sure, they had heard stories and experienced David’s triumphs in the past, but perhaps right now while he was just establishing his reign he was vulnerable.  They invaded Israel, much to their regret later.

TEACHING MOMENT

 It seems the enemy strikes us more often when things are good than when they are bad. Your children need to be taught to be ever mindful of the enemy’s schemes.  When they get comfortable, watch out.  The Word says that the devil is always prowling around looking whom he may devour. He knows we can get complacent when everything seems to be going our way.  Remind your children of that.

Also, like the Philistines were with David, the enemy cannot stand to see us successful.  The enemy wants to tear down your children, especially in their young walk with the Lord. If the devil can put doubts in their minds now, they may just remain for a lifetime.  Don’t let that happen.  Prepare them to stay vigilant and alert to the enemy.

Are you watchful?  Are you staying firmly rooted in His Word to ward off the schemes of the devil?  I don’t mean you have to see a demon behind every bush, but be prepared spiritually for the battle.  And when he does strike, and he will, call on Jesus.  He defeats him with one word.  Hallelujah!

Mighty God, I know I can depend on You to defend me in my weakest hour. Help me be prepared at all times and to always call on You first to defeat my enemies. 

1 Chronicles 8:6 “These are the sons of Ehud: these are the heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Geba, and they carried them into exile to Manahath,”

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

In the context of this passage it means that the people of Israel were literally taken into a foreign land after their defeat. Due to their disobedience and rebellion against God, they were punished for turning their backs on their one true love, Jehovah God.

Nowadays, that term can have a whole different meaning.  Being carried away means getting too “crazy” about something. Have you ever been “carried away” by an obsession about anything?  I could easily get carried away by hunting or fishing.  I love being outdoors.  Hmmm, maybe the meaning is that far off from the original.

TEACHING MOMENT

 Children can get easily get obsessed about dolls or guns or video games.  As parents, we have to monitor these “obsessions” and make sure they are not getting “carried away” and wind up deserting their love for the Lord.  It is so easy to do.  May I recommend a few things?

Require equal amounts of time reading as gaming.  Read God’s Word to them daily as a reminder of the importance of spending time in it.  Help them develop a regular, consistent quiet time.  This is not something that comes naturally.  It has to be modeled and taught.

And the best way for them to not be carried away with personal interest over the interest of God is for you to do the same.  Don’t let your hobbies and interest take more time than God would be pleased with.  If you don’t have time to pray and read His Word, you don’t have time to golf, fish, play tennis or anything else.

Father, forgive me for being carried away at times by my own selfish desires.  Help me focus more on you.  Let me be accused of being carried away about You.

1 Chronicles 7:2b “The sons of Tola were mighty men of valor in their generations…”

A LOST TERM

 You don’t hear that word anymore – Valor.  It seems in our generation that if someone is known for valor they are called a warmonger or murderer.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Do you even know what the word really means?  The Hebrew word chayilmeans strength, might and power.  Now what is wrong with that?

Don’t you want to be like that?  Don’t you want to be strong and powerful.  It’s interesting that whenever this word is used it refers to those who are fighting for the Lord.  They were fearless men who would endure to the end.  The sons of Tola weren’t the only men of valor in the Bible, but they are an example of it.

TEACHING MOMENT

 Wouldn’t it be great if your little Elrod or Gertrude were known for their valor? They don’t have to be warriors to show valor.  That can be shown in their daily lives by standing up for what is right.  In this day and age that takes valor.  The world does not want us to represent Christ and to oppose evil.  That is seen as intolerant.  No! That shows valor!

Do you know how you can help your children have valor?  By teaching them to be brave, fearless, bold, gallant and steadfast.  Those are all words which describe valor.  And the only way your children can do any of those things is through the strength of the Lord.  If valor is present in their lives it is only because the Lord gives it.

Will you be known for your valor?  Or will you be known for your cowardice?  No one wants to be known as a coward.  No one who stands up for the Lord and for what is good and righteous in this life can be a coward.  Will you decide today to show valor in your daily walk?  He will give you all you need to do just that.

Father, You are the giver of valor.  Let me be known as a son of valor.  Let me be known as one who stands for You, no matter what.

1 Chronicles 6:3a “The children of Amram were Aaron, Moses and Miriam.”

NO SUCH THING

 If you read through 1 Chronicles 6, it is a long list of the sons of Levi.  It lists and lists and lists all the sons, grandsons, great grandsons and so on.  The list literally goes on and on.  But…there is only ONE daughter listed – Miriam, the sister of Moses.

Why do you think she is the only girl listed?  She was certainly not the only daughter in that long line of children.  Miriam was special because of a number of things. She was the one who put Moses in the river as a baby.  She was the one who spoke to Pharaoh’s daughter and got her mother as the wet nurse. She was the one who held up the nation of Israel for several days when she was struck with leprosy for making fun of Moses’ Cushite wife.

TEACHING MOMENT

 This verse is an important one to show your daughters.  In a world dominated by men, Miriam stood out and was remembered. Your daughters can stand out too. They can be remembered for standing for God.  They can be known as a virtuous women who love Jesus.  They can be known as a great daughter, sister, mother or grandmother.

I am not ignoring what they can do outside the home.  But that all starts inside the home.  Whatever they grow up to be, it won’t matter unless they are known for how they live with family.  Teach your daughter to be holy, pure and modest.  Teach them to love others as Christ would.  That’s much more important than being remembered for their career successes.

Moms, this verse is for you today.  How do you want to be remembered?  When you come to the end of your days, how do you want your family to remember you? Make those memories now.  Be the mom, sister, daughter and grandmother they will hold dear in their hearts long after you are gone.

Lord, thank You for my mother. Thank You for the memories she gave me. Thank You for her loving heart and selfless attitude toward her children.

Matthew 19:14 “But Jesus said, ‘Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”

 LET THEM COME

 I can’t tell you how many times parents have come to me questioning whether their children are old enough to accept Christ as their Savior.  I understand that they want to make sure they understand the importance of this decision.  But, let me tell you, children get it.  It’s we adults who don’t understand.

In today’s verse Jesus tells the disciples to “not hinder” the little children from coming to Him.  In other words, don’t stop them.  Jesus loved children.  The passage goes on to say He laid His hands on them and blessed them.  How much more do you need to read.  When children come to Jesus, He touches and blesses them.

TEACHING MOMENT

Okay, Mom and Dad, hear me out.  I am not going to try to convince you to allow your seven-year-old to get baptized. What I am saying is this.  Believe your child!  If they understand that Jesus was God’s Son sent to die for them, if they see themselves as a sinner in need of salvation, if they believe He was buried, rose again the third day and ascended to heaven, and if they have confessed this with their mouth – guess what?  The Bible says they are saved.

They may not understand all the deep theological truths of Scripture, but I bet you don’t either.  Don’t be like the disciples.  Don’t hinder your children from coming to Christ.  Let them come.  Let Jesus lay His hands on them and bless them.  There is no better feeling than knowing your child’s eternity is sealed.

Have you been guilty of hindering anyone from coming to Christ?  Have your actions or words persuaded someone to go in the opposite direction?  Repent of that and do all you can to introduce others to Christ.  Lead them to His feet for His blessing of salvation.

Thank You Father, for sending Your Son to bless my children.  Let me get out of the way and allow them to go to Him.  Help me teach and disciple them with Your Word.

1 Chronicles 2:17 “Abigail bore Amasa, and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmaelite.”

 CAN’T CHOOSE THEM

Isn’t it interesting how families form? When you marry into a family, you get a whole other family, warts and all.  When your siblings marry, you gain brothers or sisters-in-law.  Their choice becomes your family.

The Abigail here in this verse was the sister of David, the king of Israel.  Now, we don’t know when exactly she married her husband.  We don’t know if she was older or younger than David. But we do know she married Jether, the Ishmaelite.  We just can’t choose our siblings’ spouse, can we?

TEACHING MOMENT

 When it comes time for your little Johnny or Susie to marry I know you pray they will marry someone who loves the Lord and will raise your future grandchildren to honor and love Him. That is why it is so important for you to begin early teaching your children about marriage.  “What?  Carl, you are crazy!”  Hear me out.

As you model your marriage as a Christ-centered marriage in which you honor and respect their father or mother, they will see that.  You are driving down pegs in their mind as to what a spouse and marriage should look like. You can help direct them as they begin to date by teaching the godly qualities to look for in a mate.  In-laws can’t be chosen, but you can steer your children’s choices.

Back to your in-laws.  I bet you have at least one who isn’t a believer. Perhaps the Lord led them into your life for just the reason to lead them to the Lord.  God has a way of having our paths cross with others for such a reason.  Pray how you can reach that lost in-law for Christ.

Father, thank You for all the family You have given me, in-laws or outlaws.  Help me see opportunities to share Jesus with those who don’t know You.  I pray today for their salvation.