SOAP 05/13/2016; 2 Chronicles 6:7-9

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21; Psalm 30; 1 Thessalonians 2

S) "⁷ Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. ⁸ But the Lord said to my father David, 'Because it was in your heart to build a house for My name, you did well that it was in your heart. ⁹ Nevertheless you shall not build the house, but your son who will be born to you, he shall build the house for My name.'"

2 Chronicles 6:7-9 (NASB)

O) Despite the fact that David was disqualified to build a house for God (because of the bloodshed accounted to him), his desire to build it was still good. God didn't rebuke him for wanting to do this good thing which he could not do, because the thing itself was still good, and David's motives were good. David had a vision for doing it, he had a passion to get it done. However, God would not let David build the temple. Instead, God gave that passion, vision, and mission to another. Instead, David was called to help his son get it done.

A) In my life, I have had strong passions to do various things. I can have a pretty determined mentality. That has served me well, with things like journaling and Bible study, or praying about something, everyday, until the thing is resolved. However, sometimes my determination backfires. My passion has turned to a form of idolatry more than once (like with videogames, for example). Sometimes, I have become passionate about something that is very good, like it was while I was a youth pastor. Even now, I still have a passion for helping young people. However, when my season as a youth pastor had come to an end, I wasn't immediately willing to let it go. Even though it was in my heart that young people should know Jesus Christ, and I did well to have that in my heart, it was not for me to build that ministry anymore. So, while one of the ways to discern direction in life, is to evaluate passions, married with abilities, that is not all there is to it. Sometimes, everything comes down to timing. That is something that only God can do. Right now, it is in my heart to get transferred to Montana. I have been in prayer about it for almost a year, together with my wife, and with others. That passion hasn't waned. Still, we must wait upon the Lord. Ultimately, even if I have done well in my heart to want this, and even if I have all of the resources and physical abilities to make such a move, if God doesn't want it to happen (even to say, happen yet), then I cannot try to force it to happen. There is enough biblical, anecdotal, and personal evidence to warn me against that.

P) Father, please open my eyes and ears. Please lead me, by the Holy Spirit within me, to know where to move. Everything in me is telling me that change is coming. I have a strong desire in my heart to transfer out to Montana. But, I don't want to move without Your lead. Whether I move to Montana, or move to another city closer to work, or even if I stay in the place I am for much longer than I expect, I only want to follow Your lead. I want what You want, God. I think my heart is in the right place, but I invite Your correction about that, Father. If my motives are wrong, please reveal it to me, because I want to repent of wrong motives. I desire to put my family in the best place for them. I desire to be in community, to find and foster good friendships for my kids. If there is any selfishness, or pride, or anything else hidden in my heart, I invite You to expose it in me. However, even if my motives are good, and it's good for my heart to want to move, I also know that it may still be outside of Your will. So, I submit to You, Lord. I humble myself to Your plans, Your timing. Please give me wisdom, that I may lead my family well. Thank You for blessing us, for the way You have been to us until now. Thank You for the blessings I have, even this day, where I am. Help me to choose contentment, and to choose patience. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/12/2016; 1 Chronicles 29:16

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 21, 22, 23; 1 Thessalonians 1*

S) "¹⁶ O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy name, it is from Your hand, and all is Yours."

1 Chronicles 29:16 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Chronicles 29

O) One of the most profound things David recognized, was that everything belongs to God. He understood that everything he had was given to him, and so every sacrifice or offering he could give, was first given by God. In context here, David is confessing that all of the wealth and resources he had, and that were accumulated specifically for the purpose of building a temple for the LORD, that it was all given from God in the first place.

A) There have been times when my heart is genuinely humble, and I want more money specifically to be able to do more for the gospel, and for Jesus. This verse is an excellent reminder that those feelings are misguided. I don't need to wish I had a bigger salary, in order for God to do the work He needs to get done. If He did bless me more financially, I could do more financially. However, that's coming from God and going to God, so the net is the same. Instead of wishing for more money, even in such a generous and sincerely compassionate way, I need to be a better evaluator of what God has already given me, and I need to carefully consider how I can use that for Him, and how I can give it back.

P) Father, thank You for putting me at ease, knowing that my financial successes are not dependent on myself. Furthermore, it is a comfort to remember that You do not require me to make some amount of financial wealth. Instead of thinking about my ability to serve You, tied to my financial prosperity, help me recognize the talents and blessings I do have. Open my eyes to the ways I am blessed, and help me understand how I can use those things to bless You. I know I have more time than many, so help me be more willing to use that for You. I know there must be other things, other ways, I can serve You. Soften my heart, that I would be more willing to give back, what You have given me. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/11/2016; 1 Chronicles 28:9

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 19, 20; Psalm 55 Matthew 28*

S) "⁹ 'As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.'"

1 Chronicles 28:9 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Chronicles 28

O) David was a man after God's own heart. He understood that his love for God had been a key to his relationship with God, and God's favor toward him. So, in his twilight years, when he was about to hand the kingdom over to his son, he implored Solomon to seek God the same way.


A) This was a promise and warning to his son, specific to Solomon, but it is still sound advice. One of my biggest concerns as a person, and certainly the biggest as a dad, is that my kids will grow to love Jesus Christ, learn who He is, and desire to serve Him. Because of the grace at work in the gospel, I'm not sure He will ever reject people forever (because my kids don't have a specific covenant with God, the way David did), but I am quite certain of the promises that if they serve Him with their whole hearts, and a willing mind, and they seek him, then they'll find Him. These promises were echoed by Jesus directly. God does search all hearts, and He does understand every intent of thoughts. For myself, I need to lead by example, engage in my relationship with them, and pray, pray, pray.


P) Father, the grace at work in me is humbling and joyous. I know that the same grace at work in me, must also be at work in my kids. I pray they have softened hearts, open ears and eyes, that they would come to know who You are. Draw them in to relationship with You. Help Ella to gain more and more understanding of who You are, and the depths of Your love. Help Caleb and Kaia to understand grace and mercy, justification and sanctification. Help me to live out my faith in a plain way. Help me to be conscious that every moment with them is a ministry opportunity. Help me to invest in my relationship with them. I love them, and if there is only one thing I can teach them, only one thing I could ensure about how they turn out in this life, it would be that they know, serve, and love You. Let Your will be done in their lives. Be glorified in their sight, through me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/10/2016; 1 Chronicles 27:32

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 18; Psalm 56 Matthew 27*


S) "³² Also Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a man of understanding, and a scribe; and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni tutored the king’s sons."

1 Chronicles 27:32 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Chronicles 27

O) This section has an accounting of various officials in David's court, and in this verse we gain a little more insight to David's progeny. It's worth noting that the name Jehiel appears a few times in the Bible, all around this time, but only this verse specifies "son of Hachmoni," so there's some possibility that this is a different man. However, based on common practices, and the relation to Hachmoni (making him a "Hachmonite"), it seems likely this tutor was a brother of one of David's mighty men (see 1 Chronicles 11:11). This is an important possibility, because I think it reveals some more of the king's mindset. Also, it should be noted that the word "tutored" literally means, "was with," making him a charged with the royal kids. If this was a brother of one of his Mighty Men, what that's telling us, is that David really trusted this guy. I don't think David was intentionally shirking responsibility, but he may have actually thought this was the best solution to a demanding life. We know, because the rest of the story is only a few chapters away, that David's kids ran amuck of the kingdom. It's easy to say, then, that David made a huge mistake by passing responsibility of teaching his kids, off to another man. Whoever this man was, though, I'm not sure he can be blamed (because the Bible doesn't really blame him, or even mention him, again). David also, cannot directly be blamed for the actions of his kids, although he no-doubt sewed some bad seeds (by setting a terrible president of rape, for example).


A) This verse isn't a surprise, and it's not a warning, exactly. What it is, is a reminder that another man cannot make up for the bad things I teach my kids, no matter how great a tutor he may be. I pray my kids have great youth pastors, and small group leaders, as they grow into their faith as young adults. However, if I am counting on other people to cover for my mistakes, I am gravely mistaken. I know I'll make mistakes in parenting (Lord knows I already have), but I can only pray that God's grace is also at work in them. It will only be through Jesus, that they heal from any wounds I unintentionally, or unknowingly, inflict on them. It will only be through their own knowledge of the Most High, learning in the Bible, that any gaps in my teaching them will be filled. It is only by the grace of God, that they will not repeat my mistakes. Another person certainly cannot bear that responsibility. To be sure, the same grace that must work in them, is already at work in me. I thank God that I am not who I was, and that Jesus has already begun changing me. I must lean on the Holy Spirit, to gain a "head start" of sorts, in raising them well. We homeschool our kids, in large part, because we feel a conviction to be more directly involved in the education of our kids. Having said that, I cannot rest on my laurels, letting my wife do all the work. She's not meant to do that alone, either.


P) Father, this afternoon, I feel the heavy weight of responsibility, teaching and raising my kids. I know what is at stake. I know how quickly faithfulness to You can evaporate from one generation to the next. For that reason, I pray all the more that Your grace would work upon my kids, and their kids, and in every generation after me. Let them know You, personally and intimately. Change their hearts. Help me to teach my kids well, to know Your ways, to seek Your face. Help me to teach every generation after me, as long as I have Your breath in my lungs. Don't let me ever rely on others to cover for my laziness. Help me take the most active role, when it comes to raising my kids. Help me to be united with Kristin in this endeavor, God. Help me engage with her, to plan with her, to parent with her. Let us be like-minded, finding unity in the Holy Spirit. As we both seek You and Your will for our kids, let us stay on the same page in our perspectives, prayers, and practices, as we raise kids to know and love You deeply. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/09/2016; 1 Chronicles 25:1a

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26*

S) "¹ Moreover, David and the commanders of the army set apart for the service some of the sons of Asaph and of Heman and of Jeduthun, who were to prophesy with lyres, harps and cymbals;"

1 Chronicles 25:1a (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Chronicles 25

O) The first thing I noticed, is that David, with the commanders of the army, set apart sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. Initially, it seemed a little peculiar that military commanders would be involved, but then reading that these chosen people were to prophesy, that made me a little suspicious. However, things got a little more peculiar when I read the end of v.3, that the "prophesying" they were doing was in giving thanks and singing praises to the LORD. So now, this whole process takes on a much different complexion. The commanders of the armies had concerned themselves with praising God and giving Him thanks. It's certainly possible that the commanders and King recognized that prophecies would sometimes come through writing a song, and there are certainly prophecies in the Psalms. However, maybe prophesying was more comprehensive than we typically think about it.

A) Whatever the case, I think there are three things for me to take away from this verse. First, is that wise counsel should be sought and kept. David didn't tend to make unilateral decisions, and when he did it typically hurt him. I would do well to seek godly advice, even for areas of my "own domain" where I might be "king" (e.g., my household). Second, I should constantly be seeking God's direction and words. I have the Bible as certainly holy, but I should also be in prayer, asking God to lead me by the Holy Spirit. Lastly, all along the way, with everything I endeavor to do, I should be giving God thanks and praising Him.

P) Father, You have always been so good to me. Your grace preceded my faithfulness, and Your goodness to me has been evident from my beginning. May Your good works be ever on my lips, Lord. Help me be humble, to seek wise and godly counsel. Create a hunger within me, to seek Your words ravenously. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, that I would find Your will and do it. Be glorified in my life, and have Your way with me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/08/2016; 1 Chronicles 24:4

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 15, 16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25*

S) "⁴ Since more chief men were found from the descendants of Eleazar than the descendants of Ithamar, they divided them thus: there were sixteen heads of fathers’ households of the descendants of Eleazar and eight of the descendants of Ithamar, according to their fathers’ households."

1 Chronicles 24:4 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Chronicles 24

O) David was in the middle of assigning, or reassigning, temple duties for the Levites. He was going to have twenty four officers in the temple, selected by casting the lot. Eleazar and Ithamar were the two surviving sons of Aaron, who served as priests after their father. After time, the families that descended from Eleazar were larger that those from Ithamar, so they took more officers from that side of the family. All of them were still Levites. All of them were still descended from Aaron.

A) This verse seems to warn me, because it seems to be included as an explanation. This verse seems to be answering a whiny question, "Why do they get more officers from their family?" Even the public recording of the names, as noted in v.6, seems to be a matter of covering liability, or something. Ultimately, when it comes to a choosing of any kind, I must be humble enough that not getting picked is not going to ruin me. If another family has more than me, even twice as much, that should never be an issue. As long as I am in relationship with Christ Jesus, nothing else should matter. It's tempting to compare and contrast, but that only leads to bitterness or arrogance, and I don't want either of those things.

P) Father, You are perfect and holy. Your judgments are sure and righteous. You never call someone by mistake, and Your plans are beyond scrutiny. Let me always be content in my relationship with You, God. Let me always be humble, that I am never bothered by the successes of others. Let me always be humble, that I am never thinking more highly of my own successes than I ought. In Christ, I am chosen to be conformed to His image, and there is no greater destiny that I could ever have. Let Your will be done, and let me be content with my place in it. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/07/2016; 1 Chronicles 23:25-26

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 13, 14; Matthew 24*

S) "²⁵ For David said, 'The Lord God of Israel has given rest to His people, and He dwells in Jerusalem forever. ²⁶ Also, the Levites will no longer need to carry the tabernacle and all its utensils for its service.'"

1 Chronicles 23:25-26 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Chronicles 23

O) The ark of the covenant had been brought into Israel, and David had just completed a census of the Levites. He just ordained the services of gatekeepers, singers, etc. and he noted that many of the Levites would no longer have the same tasks which they had been given. Moses was given instructions for the tabernacle of God, for the manufacturing, construction, and maintenance of the tent of meeting. At that time, a great number of the Levites had jobs, related to the assembly and disassembly of the tent, and how to carry it when the people were traveling. Now, these people would need new roles, because the old form of their ministry was no longer a concern.

A) There are a couple of cautions that I must remember, right from the top. These changes were not moral issues, or changes to law. These were vocational changes, they were evolving roles. Also, these were, in a sense, cosmetic changes. The same work was being done, just in different ways. Nothing about the sacrifices changed. Nothing about the commandments changed. Having said that, this passage is an excellent reminder, to be careful about identity. It's very easy to get wrapped up into thinking that what I do defines who I am. This is not biblical, though. Even with the most positive things, like ministry work, if what I am doing is defining who I am, then when that role is changed I will feel an identity crisis on some level. I must be willing to change what I do, according to need. If my church needs a youth pastor, then that's what I will do. If they no longer need that, but instead need a Bible teacher, then that's what I'll do. God moves and circumstances change. That won't affect who God is, or what He expects morally speaking. However, practically speaking, needs change. I must be willing to serve Him however I can, also according to need.

P) Father, thank You for using me, Lord. I know that there is grace at work, changing me, as I am used for Your purposes. My heart is to spread the gospel, to teach of Your love and mercy. I want to help people, I want to see marriages thriving, I want to see young people learning to love You. I want to see people healed of broken hearts. How the need looks may change, but I know there is always need. Direct me, God. Put me to work. If I need to carry something, let me carry it to Your glory. If I need to open doors, let me open them to Your glory. Use me, however You want. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.