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.

2 Chronicles 31:21 “Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered.”

 TOTALLY DEVOTED

Have you ever told someone, “I love you with all my heart”?  Did you mean it?  I will have to say I have said that at times when I really did not mean it. In fact, I have said it to people in the past whom I haven’t seen in years.  Isn’t it funny how we think we love someone or something so much and how quick that love fades?

Hezekiah, however, loved his Lord with all his heart.  It must have been true because Scripture tells us that.  And we know that all Scripture is true.  Right?  Right! Look at the result of that love.  He prospered. Because he was committed to obeying and loving his God, God prospered him.  Who doesn’t want that?

TEACHING MOMENT

The next time little Gertrude or Elrod tell you they love you with all their heart, read them this story.  Then explain what loving someone with all their heart means.  That kind of love moves from the emotional to the mental. It is a choice to love.  Even when your emotions are fading, you choose to love. You give yourself to them wholeheartedly.

Your children are going to give their hearts away many times as they grow up. They are probably going to have their hearts broken by someone along the way.  Bring them back to this passage. The only sure love is God’s love.  The only constant love is through Him.  That love will never end.

How do you love?  Do you love with all your heart?  What are you holding back today?  Give it up to Him.  Let Him take all that excess stuff in your life that is holding you back.  He can show you what real love is if you will let Him. Love Him!

Lover of my soul, I do love you.  Help me to love you as Hezekiah did – with all my heart. Show me how to love others as You do.

2 Chronicles 23:13c “Then Athaliah tore her clothes and said, ‘Treason! Treason!’”

 THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK

 When Athaliah’s son, Ahaziah, was killed, she decided to usurp the throne herself. So, she killed all the royal family of Judah.  This is the woman who had herself committed treason hollering, “Treason!  Treason!”  That is, as the saying goes, the pot calling the kettle black.  She was the ultimate example of hypocrisy.  It is like someone striking a match and burning a house down while yelling, “Fire!  Fire!”

But do you know what I thought of when I read this?  We are the same.  We don’t kill people, but we point at their sins and scream, “Sinner!  Sinner!”  All the while, we are just as guilty of our own sin.  When is the last time you have “judged” someone for their sin?  Remember, when you point your finger at them there are three fingers pointing right back at you.

TEACHING MOMENT

 I bet your little Johnny or Susie have come home talking about someone at school or church.  All kids do that.  As the parent, you need to nip that quick.  Playing judge is not only not right, it’s not fair.  As I mentioned above, we all have issues.  Some are just more visible than others.

But do your children hear you judging others?  Do they watch you putting people down for their “faults”?  They will model what they see in you.  If you want them to treat others like Jesus, guess what?  You have to do the same.

Will you today be extra cautious of judging others?  Make a point to see their strengths rather than their weaknesses.  Find a way to build them up and not tear them down. You will feel much better about them and yourself at the end of the day.

Father, I am thankful that You see me with eternal eyes. Help me see Jesus in others and not their failures.  Give me the words today to encourage someone.

2 Chronicles 16:10a “Then Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison, for he was enraged at him for this.”

 UNWANTED CRITICISM

 Asa was a good king for most of his reign, but towards the end he stopped relying solely on the Lord for deliverance and healing. Because the Lord loved Asa He sent Hanani to rebuke him.  I can just hear Asa now.  “You, Hanani, come to me and tell me I’m wrong?  I’m the king.”  So, he threw Hanani in prison.

We may not throw people in prison for confronting our sins, but we act the same way.  “But I’m king of my castle.  I don’t need your approval.”  Have you ever felt that way when someone came to you as a brother or sister in Christ? It’s hard to take criticism.  None of us like it.  But God may just be using them, like He did Hanani, to correct your path.

TEACHING MOMENT

 When children learn to accept criticism, wanted or unwanted, as a message from the Lord, they will live more humble, obedient lives.  It is hard for our children to hear they aren’t doing something right.  One of our jobs as parents is to show them how to hear criticism and measure it against God’s Word.  If the correction is from the Lord, it will not conflict with the Bible.

I have tried to always give my children advice through the lens of His Word.  I haven’t always been successful in that, but it is my goal.  When I did that, and they didn’t receive the advice, I knew it wasn’t me they were rejecting.  It was the Lord.  I had done my job.  The rest was up to the Lord and them.

Today, if someone critiques you, before you react, ask the Lord if this is from Him.  The answer may just surprise you.  I have always struggled with unwanted criticism.  It just goes to show that you are never too old to learn a new Biblical truth.

Lord God, thank You for using others to point out the error of my ways.  I know I get blinded sometimes by my own agenda. You are faithful to lead me.

2 Chronicles 14:2 “Asa did good and right in the sight of the Lord his God,”

 WHAT ARE YOU KNOWN FOR?

 Asa had a good reputation.  He “did good and right.”  But he didn’t just do that. He did it “in the sight of the Lord his God.” In other words, Asa wasn’t trying to impress people.  He was trying to please his God.  His motivation for doing good and right was a holy one, not self-serving.

We, on the other hand, tend to do what’s right only when we can get the glory.  We are more concerned about people noticing what we do.  We won’t say this, but we had rather have the praise of people we can see than from God who we can’t see.  There are not many people who do “good and right” just to please the Father.

TEACHING MOMENT

May I ask you a favor?  Will you teach your children to not worry about pleasing you?  “What? I will not teach my children that, Carl.”  No wait a minute.  Think about it.  If their sole motivation for doing what is right and good is to please God, don’t you think that will please you too?  You can bet on it.

The problem with them pleasing us is we are fickle.  We change our minds.  We have different priorities at times.  That can confuse our children.  But God never changes.  His Word doesn’t change.  They will know what is good and right when they are 5 or 15 just by seeking His Will through His Word.  God won’t change midstream.

Have you ever struggled with doing right and good?  Well, maybe you are trying to please the wrong people. Focus on pleasing the Father. When you do that He is honored. When you do that He is pleased. Now, I will have to say that sometimes doing the right and good thing will make other people upset or uncomfortable. That’s okay.  Just please God.  He is the one who holds your eternity.

Lord God, You are the only one who I should try to please. I know by doing that those who love You will be pleased also.  Let me be like Asa and do good and right in Your eyes.