David Praises the Lord

Today I read 1 Chronicles 29 where David praises the Lord and acknowledges that Solomon is the new king.  I can definitely see why so many people feel that David is the Psalmist.  He definitely does a lot of song writing and poem writing in the scriptures and frequently will praise the Lord in lyrical style.  Personally I don't feel it's very important to know who the Psalmist is, however some do and I think David is as good a guess as any.  And so once again we end the story of David and move on to his son Solomon and we really didn't learn anything new from the book of 1 Chronicles that we didn't already know from 1 and 2 Samuel.  But it is always good to have the information and I'm sure it was included for a reason.  If nothing else it helps Historians, for which I am glad.  Until tomorrow.

David Prepares Solomon

Today I read 1 Chronicles 23 - 28.  Most of the chapters were more information on the census of Israel and what their various functions are.  David spent some time with his son Solomon talking to him about what God expects of him and how to go about building the temple.  It's not wonder to me that Solomon starts out so good in the eyes of the Lord, David really took the time it seems to work with him and help him understand how to be a good king and do what is right before the Lord.  What a world it would be if every Father took the opportunity to do that with his children.  Although, in all fairness Satan can still wreak havoc, after all, I don't think anyone would dispute that Adam taught his children the right way to go and look what happened to Cain.  Still, one can dream.  Until tomorrow.

David Prepares Materials to Build the Temple

Today I read 1 Chronicles 22 where David prepares materials for the building of the temple of the Lord for his son, Solomon.  That's pretty cool in my opinion.  David was forbidden to build the temple himself and so he did the next best thing, he prepared all the necessary materials for building the temple and got everything ready for his son, Solomon.  I had often wondered why David was forbidden to build a temple and in this chapter he tells his son Solomon it was because of all the wars he had waged in his time.  Heavenly Father did not want his temple, His house, built on a foundation of blood and war.  That makes perfect sense to me, the temple is the building where the most sacred ordinances of all time are performed, it should not be built on the blood and bones of others.  You can't fault David for his good intentions though, he was the Lord's man through and through.  It was just not his fate to build the temple, or to have peace without war.  Until tomorrow.

David Sins and Repents

Today I read 1 Chronicles 21 which contains a story that makes absolutely no sense to me.  David orders a census taken of his people, and for some reason that I cannot being to fathom, that angers the Lord and his chief captain, Joab.  For the life of me, I cannot understand why taking a census of his people would anger the Lord. 

The real part of the story that intrigues me however is that after David suffers for his decision he makes an offering to the Lord.  However, he goes to a man named Ornan and wants to use his land to build an altar.  Ornan wants to just give the land to David to use for making the offering, however David refuses to take the land from him since it is meant to be used for burnt offerings to the Lord and pays him full price for the value of the land.  David then makes a burnt offering and the Lord sends fire down from heaven to consume the burnt offering.  What a way to know that your offering was accepted!  If only everything we did for the Lord was accepted in such a dramatic fashion.  Until tomorrow.

The Ammonites Insult David

Today I read 1 Chronicles 19 and 20 which tells the story of how the Ammonites snub David's good will gesture and insult him.  In a way it is a little funny because I'm sure when the Ammonites were shaving David's messengers and cutting off their clothes, it was very funny to them and they thought they were big and strong.  However it is almost like they were surprised that David reacted the way he did.  Maybe it's just the way it is written and that's not really the case, but that is how it read to me.  And I kind of wish I had been there to just ask them, what did you expect to have happen?

Chapter 20 continues the story of the battle and offered very little extra in the way of reading.  Although it was interesting that another giant of Gath appeared and this one had 6 fingers on each hand and 6 toes on each foot.  This statement stood out to me and made me wonder if perhaps this man, and Goliath also, had some form of disorder and that is why they were so tall?  Little nuggets like that are part of what make reading the scriptures fun to me.  It is a little challenging to feel the Spirit while reading the Old Testament at times, but it sure does have a lot of very interesting facts in it.  Until tomorrow.

David Goes to War

Today I read 1 Chronicles 18 where David goes to war against several different people.  David is blessed of the Lord and conquers everyone he goes to war with.  I have said before that the only good reason to go to war is because God commands you to.  Otherwise it is a sin in my opinion and we will be held accountable to it.  Now, in the past God has had a standing commandment that as long as we are not guilty of the first offense we may defend our lands, family and liberty.  I can only assume that this has been the directive from the beginning. 

It must be hard to be a leader, to be responsible for not only your actions but for the actions of all those under you.  I certainly have a challenge with it at work sometimes with my employees I could not imagine being in charge of an entire country.  I don't think I will have to worry about that personally.  I have no ambitions to be President of the country or a leader of anything really.  Unless the Lord steps in and has something different to say, I think I am safe from that burden.  And I certainly won't start any feuds of any kind on my own so I think I am safe from the problems of war for myself.  Until tomorrow.

The Lord Forbids David From Buliding a Temple

Today I read 1 Chronicles 17 where David wants to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant.  It is interesting to me that the Lord is so adamant that David not build the temple, rather that it is Solomon's place to build it.  I wonder what God knew that we didn't?  However, you can't fault David's heart.  He did not want to build a temple for his own glory, but rather he felt that the Ark of the Covenant should have a permanent resting place.  The Lord did not want David to build the temple for him however.  God always has his reasons it is just interesting to me is all.  Until tomorrow.

David Praises the Lord

Today I read 1 Chronicles 16 where David sings a Psalm to the Lord.  I have wondered in the past and again today if the Psalms that David wrote were sung to the people or if he just wrote them literally to praise God?  Given what we know about David I would imagine that this was wrote with the intent to praise the Lord and he probably shared it with those around him so that they too can praise the Lord.  And that is the best way to praise the Lord I think.  You handle it in your own way and then if others want to join in, so be it.  Until tomorrow.

Levites Given Care of the Ark

Today I read 1 Chronicles 15 where David prepares the Levites for the safe keeping of the Ark.  I have always likened the Ark to the temple in my own mind and so when the Lord wants certain people only to handle the Ark, to me that is similar to being called as a temple worker.  Sure lots of people, Latter-day Saints, can do it, but you have to be called and set apart to perform the ordinances with authority. 

The Lord has always led His people when His church has been on the earth.  I think the only time in history that He was not in communication with His people were during the dark ages.  Anytime His people, who have had the proper authority, or the Priesthood, have gathered together to worship Him, He has guided them through His prophets.  Now that I think about it, a thought occurs to me, during the Dark Ages, were people still able to receive personal revelation?  If a person truly had faith in God and prayed, was he still able to get an answer to that prayer?  I would think so, but I honestly don't have an answer for that question.  It will have to be one I ponder on and may not get an answer to until the next life since it really doesn't matter to my eternal progress here and now.  Just a fun fact to ponder on.  Until tomorrow.

God Lives and Wants to Help Us

Today I read 1 Chronicles 14 where David seeks the will of God in fighting his enemy the Philistines.  I have to say that after months of reading the Old Testament and how fickle the Israelites are it is a comfort to see someone, anyone who still relies on the Lord.  Having been raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I have known that God lives my entire life and have known that I could pray to Him for anything, anything at all and get an answer.  I have put this to the test many times and I have received answers to prayers that could have come in no other fashion other than another entity intruded into my thoughts and gave me the information I was looking for.

Given my background, it is very sad to read the Old Testament how entire generations of Israelites, God's chosen people, have no faith in God and openly mock Him by worshiping idols instead of turning to Him as they should.  It is a small part of what God Himself feels I am sure.  I can only think that that people have never had to rely upon God for anything.  If they had relied on Him, even once, and known that He was real and had a testimony, they would not have turned away from Him.  At least that is how I feel and like most people I have a tendency to think that most people are like me.  So perhaps I am way off base here and they had a testimony and they were just weak willed.  I am not sure honestly. 

What I am sure of, is that God lives, and He wants to be involved in our lives and when we let Him in, amazing things happen.  I speak from experience on this point because I have seen His miraculous hand in my life and I know He lives.  Everyone can have this knowledge if they only ask.  He is ready and waiting for us to reach out to Him.  Until tomorrow.

David Retrieves the Ark

Today I read 1 Chronicles 11 - 13.  These chapters concern David and his taking of power and his mighty men and their deeds.  However chapter 13 deals with the bringing home of the Ark of the Covenant and the death of Uzza who tried to steady the Ark when the oxen stumbled.  As I stated when we read this account earlier in the Old Testament that this story has always confused me why the Lord would kill someone who was trying to be helpful.  David apparently felt the same way as the scriptures state he was displeased with how the Lord handled it.  So instead of taking the Ark to Bethlehem as he had planned, he instead took it to Obed-edom. 

It is true that certain things of the Lord have to be done a certain way.  Saving ordinances come to mind immediately.  It is just so hard to imagine the Lord slaying someone for trying to be helpful, for doing something noble and right, if that is in fact what Uzza was trying to do.  We don't know the mind of Uzza and only have the account of those that saw, or think they saw what happened.  At least I assume that is how we have the story.  We will know the full story one day and I assume the reasons behind why Uzza was slain, but then again, perhaps we won't.  Perhaps we just need to trust in God and have faith.  Until tomorrow.

Genealogy and the Lesson of Saul's Life

Today I read 1 Chronicles 2 - 10.  I started this blog with the intent to write something meaningful and my impressions based on what I read that day.  Most of Chronicles it would seem is comprised of lists, be they genealogy or the deeds of mighty men.  As such, I will be reading this book in chunks and blogging about what I read when I find something of substance. 

Chapters 2 - 9 chronicle the descendants of the various tribes of Israel.  Very useful for those who are doing their genealogy, but not so much for those looking to be fed spiritually.  Chapter 10 details the dead of king Saul.  As I have mentioned before, I feel sorry for King Saul.  He was a very good young man so the scriptures state and obeyed the law of the Lord until he was made king.  He could not handle the pressures of being king though and disobeyed the Lord's commands to him.  Despite his worldly pressures, Saul has no one to blame for his fall from grace except himself.  A harsh lesson for all of us to learn.  No matter what excuse we may offer others or even tell ourselves, the reality is that we can follow the Lord's commandments no matter what and if we don't, there will be consequences.  Until tomorrow.

The Genealogy of Adam

Today I read 1 Chronicles 1 where the history of Adam is given all the way up to Duke Magdiel.  It is nice to know that the history of so many is set forth for those who are doing their genealogy work.  If they can get to a certain point, all the work is done for them!  By design if I had to take a guess.  Until tomorrow.

Jerusalem is Destroyed

Today I read 2 Kings 25 where Babylon destroys Jerusalem.  I wonder how many people felt like Laman and Lemuel, that Jerusalem was too great a city to be destroyed?  I wonder how many people felt that God had forsaken THEM when Babylon took over?  I wonder how many people knew the truth, that they had been destroyed because they forsook God, not the other way around?  I'm sure there were some righteous still in Jerusalem, at least I think there were.  Perhaps not, maybe they were ripe for destruction.  They did chase out Lehi for his prophecies.

The Lord uses the wicked to punish the wicked.  He has often used war as a way to stir up the memories of those who should be faithfully serving Him.  People often look towards heaven when things are going poorly.  It is a lot harder to look to heaven when things are going great.  That is true discipleship.  Do you stay true to your covenants and to your faith when things are going fine?  Several people have said that what you do when no one is watching is a true measure of your character.  Do you live your covenants when no one is around, or only when someone is watching?  Perhaps Jerusalem lived their covenants in public, but not private too.  Food for thought.  Until tomorrow.

King Zedekiah Takes Over and Lehi Leaves Jerusalem

Today I read 2 Kings 24 which is more of the same as the rest of the book.  This one is special however in that it contains a link to the Book of Mormon.  This chapter starts the reign of king Zedekiah, which is the year that Lehi and his family left Jerusalem.  There is something about the Book of Mormon, it brings the Spirit in a way none of the other Standard Works can.  The New Testament contains the words or our Savior, however, even the New Testament cannot bring the Spirit in quite the same way as the Book of Mormon.

I sometimes wonder what life would be like if all the world read the Book of Mormon and followed the principles it taught.  Life would probably be much like what I imagine the Millennium will be like one day.  People who care about one another and have no thought at all to hurt someone else.  A place with no poor among them.  I look forward to a day like that someday.  Part of me hopes to live to see it in person, another part doesn't want to live through the horrors that will happen before that day.  Either way, I long for it.  Until tomorrow.

Josiah Cleanses Judah

Today I read 2 Kings 23 where Josiah the King of Judah really cleans house and it is a pleasure to read!  He doesn't just do as kings in the past have done he really spring cleans.  He casts down the high places, he empties out sepulchers and burns the bones inside.  He banishes the wizards and those who consort with the powers of the devil.  The scriptures state that Judah never had such a king before him and not one after him.  But sadly it was not enough.  His own son returns to the sins of those before them.

I've said it before, not following the commandments is such an easy path to take.  Most of those so called "gods" involve sex and fertility as part of their "rites".  It makes perfect sense why Israel and some individuals would be drawn away to it.  It is easy to understand, but it is not acceptable and it is not a good enough reason when they stand before God and have to answer to that all seeing gaze.  Their excuses will sound very hollow in their ears then.  We need to make sure that we are not falling into the same trap as them of old in our modern day with our false gods of pornography, television, sports, video games, or whatever it is that you give your devotion to.  Your excuse will sound just as hollow I promise.  Until tomorrow. 

The Power of a Righteous Mother

Today I read 2 Kings 22 and it has reinforced how important mothers are in the rearing of their children.  In our day and age, especially in the last 10 years or so, we have been hearing how important it is on a child's psyche to have their Father in the home, how necessary it is to the child's development and so forth.  But if there is one thing the scriptures teach us, is that a righteous mother can make ALL the difference.  And I think that is the main problem we are seeing, is that the children who come from "broken" homes, did not have a righteous mother.  This is not always the case of course, but I will wager it's 80% of the time if not more.

I bring this up in this entry because in this chapter we read about Josiah, a righteous king of Judah, who started ruling at the young age of 8 years old.  Now, if he is ruling, that means his father is not around most likely and he is left to be raised by his mother, who obviously did a great job if he reigned in righteousness.  Like the People of Ammon, whose mothers raised up a generation so righteous that when they went into battle under the title of Helman's Stripling Warriors, their faith was SO great that not a single one of them died, despite numerous armed conflict!  A father is very necessary for the overall mental health of the child, however, for true spiritual growth and faith, I'm not sure anything can compare to a righteous Mother who teaches her children the right way to live!  Until tomorrow.

Judah Has Wicked Kings Again

Today I read 2 Kings 21 where a king named Manasseh reigns in wickedness.  It is so hard to read this up and down of spiritualness in Israel over and over again.  I think I feel a slight amount of the sadness and frustration that God must have felt over these wayward children.  It has to be very frustrating indeed.  

Sadly, I will most likely experience this feeling with my own children one day.  I really wish it were otherwise but the chances of all my children having strong testimonies and sticking with the church their whole lives if I have multiple children is small indeed if my own families' history is anything to go off of.  However, I will trust in the promises of the Apostles and Prophets and God Himself have made that all children born in the covenant, or sealed to their parents, have a hold on them.  But I also will do my best not to worry about it until/if, that time comes.  Until tomorrow.

The Lord Lengthens Hezekiah's Life

Today I read 2 Kings 20 where Hezekiah was told that he would die by Isaiah.  He asked if it were possible to live a little longer and serve his people.  The Lord agreed to allow Hezekiah to live another 15 years.  It is interesting that Hezekiah wanted a sign and the Lord through Isaiah allowed Hezekiah to pick his own sign.  Hezekiah was asked if he wanted the shadow to go down 10 degrees or back up 10 degrees.  Hezekiah wisely chose the one that was not natural and wanted to see the light go backwards.  I have to agree that if I had been in Hezekiah's shoes I would want to see the light go backwards as well.

I have a feeling that the Lord would not have allowed a wicked king to lengthen out his life, only one that was willing to serve him.  Most likely the reason the Lord allowed Hezekiah to live is because He knew that Hezekiah would serve him and do what was right in His sight.  I believe it was President Spencer W. Kimball that taught a righteous man will not be taken before his time.  So we can know for certain that when someone who serves God is taken to rest in His bosom, it is the right time for that person to pass on.  There is comfort in that.  Especially when we lose someone who is close to us.  It is sad for us, but we can have comfort in knowing that we are fulfilling the plan of our Heavenly Father.  When we allow our will to be swallowed up in His it opens up a whole new world of opportunity to us.  We will find ourselves losing ourselves for His sake.  And as we know, that is never a bad thing.  Until tomorrow.

Hezekiah Seeks Help From Isaiah and the Lord

Today I read 2 Kings 19 which continues the story of Hezekiah in his fight against Assyria.  In order to get help from God, Hezekiah approached Isaiah, the prophet.  Few prophets are as well known as Isaiah, he's almost like a superhero!  He tells Hezekiah not to worry that He will smite the armies of the Assryians, and he does.  In the night, the destroying angel slays 185,000 of the Assyrian army which causes their king to flee back to Nineveh where his son kills him.

We will of course read more about Isaiah later when we read his own book.  But he is definitely one of the people out of history that I am looking forward to meeting one day.  Along with Nephi and Moroni and a few others.  It is always neat to imagine what these men of God were like in real life.  I know they were righteous but were they as humble as they appear to be in the scriptures?  What did they look like?  Were they as humble as President Monson?  It would be really neat I think to know their history and know them personally I think.  Maybe I'll get to meet them one day.  That would be really awesome!  Until tomorrow.