Prepping or Prepped

 ²So David gave orders to gather ^(B)the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, and ^(C)he set stonecutters to hew out stones to build the house of God.
 ³David ^(D)prepared large quantities of iron to make the nails for the doors of the gates and for the clamps, and more ^(E)bronze than could be weighed;
 ⁴and timbers of cedar logs beyond number, for ^(F)the Sidonians and Tyrians brought large quantities of cedar timber to David.
 ⁵David said, "My son ^(G)Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD shall be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore now I will make preparation for it." So David made ample preparations before his death.


1 Chronicles 22:2-5


David was instructed by God that he would not built the Lord's temple, a task he greatly desired.  Instead, God chose his son to complete the task instead for David shed much blood.  But even though David couldn't do the task, or complete the race, he did whatever he could so that his successor, Solomon, would be able to finish well.  He prepared all the materials and made all the arrangements with the people to support him in his task.  It's like a master chef.  The chef is the one receiving the accolades and awards but his other companions/chefs are the one prepping the food according to his standards.  They are chopping vegetables just the way he wants.  They're measuring out the ingredients to spec.  They are also ensuring the best quality foods get prepped, cutting off the fat and trimming to perfection.  The chef then comes in and does his thing.  But there's a special recognition to the others who prepped.  The same thing here for David.  He was king at the time, the highest but he was prepping for another.  Such humility, such leadership.


I reflect on my own walk.  Do I see myself as the one to be prepped for or prepping for another?  Whatever the case, I need to be truthful with the assignment God laid out for me.


Father God, thank You for having a plan, not just throwing things around and making it work as it is.  You carefully orchestrate all events for the greater good of Your kingdom.  Help me have clarity in my calling so I know where my boundaries are... if not, I'll just serve to my fullest until You speak.  I love You.  In the masterfully name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen!

No Punishment out of Anger

 ^4(H)Sing praise to the LORD, you ^(I)His godly ones,
         And ^(J)give thanks to His holy ^(K)name.
    ⁵For ^(L)His anger is but for a moment,
         His ^(M)favor is for a lifetime;
         Weeping may ^(N)last for the night,
         But a shout of joy comes in the morning. 

Pslam 30:4-5


I'm not sure where chronologically this psalm was written but it seems to have been by David after he took the census and God struck in anger against him, causing something like 70,000 men to die.  But God showed compassion and relented from His punishment before unleashing more wrath against His people.  


Knowing that he sinned and deserved punishment he pleaded with God not to impose addition harm against the nation Israel since it wasn't their sin that prompted David's census.  David alone was at fault for being so selfish and counting his "money" or "riches."  He felt so bad that he wanted the punishment to be only on him and his family.  God lifted His hand and David was so thankful.  


We too, as people of God, need to recognize the temporary things that happen in our lives in relation to the greater, eternal blessings.  We need sometimes to be disciplined and slapped around but that's a means to a greater end.  I'm not saying God punishes us out of anger.  I believe He gets angry at us, yet, but out of that anger He allows certain things to happen to discipline.  Can you imagine if God acted out of anger?  The whole universe could be destroyed if He wanted to.  No, God is a loving God and corrects.


Father God, thank You for Your grace.  I know we deserve so many punishments and, like David, I'm so glad that your anger is for only a moment.  I cannot and don't want to imagine Your wrath being poured out against Your people.  Thank You for Your patience.  In Christ's name I pray, Amen!

Inside the Fortress

"^(C)The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
    ^3(D)My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
         My ^(E)shield and ^(F)the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and ^(G)my refuge;
         My savior, You save me from violence. 

2 Samuel 22:2-3


God is our strong tower, strength, fortress.... every word we can think of to describe something impenetrable to the enemy.  Sometimes our faith is built on so much lesser and we crumble.  We need to seek out and reside, dwell, in God's fortress not outside His fortress in the open where we can be easily attacked and killed.


So many temptations and opportunities are around me every day to be destroyed by the enemy.  I see numerous chances to go with the world... either by words or actions.  But what keeps me founded on solid ground is God's word.  I need to constantly remain stable in the place where God is.


Father God, thank You for being my Rock and Deliverer.  Help me to never succumb to temptations and to seek out Your powerful hand to combat the evil one in all circumstances.  Love you Father God!  In Your Son's precious name I pray, Amen!