Category: 1st and 2nd Chronicles-BibleTrekToday
Trek through 1st and 2nd Chronicles
Building God’s Eternal House!
Scripture reading for May 18th: 2nd Samuel 7-8, 1st Chronicles 17, Psalm 132, Acts 25
Key Scriptures: Acts 25:16-19 “I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charges laid against him. So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, Who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.”
The Jews came to Cesarea where Paul was imprisoned awaiting trial. Roman custom was for his accusers to face him and for him to give a defense. The Jews came but had no real charges that would break Roman law. Paul’s defense was his belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This confused Festus, the Roman governor. Paul had appealed his case to the Emperor Caesar. Festus shared the facts with King Agrippa and a hearing with Paul was set up. Another opportunity to share Christ was arranged at the highest levels of government. God was at work!
Psalm 132:1 “Remember, O Lord, in David’s favor, all the hardships he endured, . . .”
Faith confession and prayer: I understand that much conflict and many hardships await those who preach Your Gospel. Help me to boldly declare Jesus Christ and His eternal Kingdom.
2nd Samuel 7:12-13 “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish His kingdom. He shall build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever.”
Declare His salvation day to day!
Scripture reading for May 15th: 1st Chronicles 14-16, Acts 24
Key Scriptures: Acts 24:24-27 “After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him. When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.”
Paul was always sharing the Gospel. God put Paul in prison but the Gospel went forth, even to the Roman official in charge of him. As Paul shared, reasoning with Felix and his wife, about the coming judgment, they fell under conviction and became uncomfortable. Their real motive for talking with Paul was to obtain a bribe, not to listen to him preach! But God left Paul there for two years, for more opportunities to share with those He wanted to hear. Paul must be faithful and trust God for His plans to be worked out.
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, sometimes it is hard to understand Your timing and my need for faith and patience and faithfulness in a hard field You put us in. Fill me daily with Your Holy Spirit and joy and give me grace and patience to share with those whose motives may be contrary.
1st Chronicles 16:23-24 “Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!”
Testify to the facts of Jesus!
Scripture reading for May 14th: 2nd Samuel 6, 1st Chronicles 13, Psalm 60, Acts 23
Key Scriptures: Acts 23:8-11 “For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party stood up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks. The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about Me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.””
Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, testified of his hope in the resurrection. As a Pharisee, he was a believer in the supernatural but the Saducees did not believe. Paul used this to divide the Jews who had come to accuse him. The result was a great argument that brought the Roman officials to take Paul out of the courtroom. Jesus appeared again to Paul as he was under house arrest. Jesus instructed him to be courageous. He would be used to testify to the facts about Jesus in Rome as well.
Psalm 60:12 “With God we shall do valiantly; it is He Who will tread down our foes.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit and I will testify to the facts of Jesus Christ before all men. I will testify of Jesus Christ with all my might as an act of worship.
1st Samuel 6:14 “And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod.”
Jesus reveals His plans by His Presence!
Scripture reading for May 13th: 2nd Samuel 3-5, 1st Chronicles 12, Psalm 122, Acts 22
Key Scriptures: Acts 22:6-10 “”As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are You Lord?’ and He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, Whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the One Who was speaking to me. And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.'”
Paul was intent on finding Christ’s followers and locking them up. But Jesus met him and changed his plans. The risen and exalted Jesus confronted Paul in a great flash of light that knocked him to the ground. As he asked who Jesus was, Jesus revealed Himself to Paul and gave him instructions for the next steps needed on a new journey with new objectives. He would now work with Jesus, Son of David, Son of God and other Christ followers to share the Gospel he once berated and extend the peace of Jerusalem.
Psalm 122:6 “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!”
Faith confession and prayer: I am thankful that Jesus confronted me with who He is: Lord and Savior! I have committed myself to preach His Gospel of repentance and faith to all He directs me to. Lord fill me with Your love and the Holy Spirit.
2nd Samuel 5:10 “And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of Hosts, was with Him.”
God’s will be done!
Scripture reading for May 12th: 2 Samuel 1-2, 1st Chronicles 11, Psalm 96, 106, Acts 21
Key Scriptures: Acts 21:10-14 “While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'” When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.””
Paul was heading to Jerusalem where he knew that persecution and imprisonment awaited him, even possible death. A prophet, Agabus, warned Paul of what would happen to him but God had directed Paul in his mission. His friends tried to dissuade Paul from going, but Paul set his face towards Jerusalem and all agreed that God’s will must be done! Sometimes His will involves suffering, persecution, and eternal life through death!
Psalm 96:3 “Declare His glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to live faithful to Your Word and will, even if it will bring hardship. I believe Your grace is sufficient for every trial and Your will is always best.
Psalm 106:47 “Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to Your Holy Name and glory in Your praise.”
Declaring the whole counsel of God!
Scripture reading for May 11th: 1st Samuel 30-31, 1st Chronicles 10, Acts 20
Key Scriptures: Acts 20:24-28 “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood.”
Paul was meeting for a last time with the Ephesian elders that he had ordained and set over the congregation. He shared his view of life and ministry. He wanted to complete what Christ Jesus had laid out for him. In Ephesus Paul had declared the full and whole counsel of God to the church there. He had done his part and was therefore innocent of their blood. They must continue in the Word and be watchful over themselves and the flock of God there. Paul knew there would be trouble arising from within the church from Satan and warned them.
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I ask to be like Paul the Apostle, fully preaching the whole counsel of God to each congregation to rescue sinners. I will be diligent to speak Your Word as You direct.
1st Samuel 30:7-8 “And David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue.”
Confronting Evil Spirits
Scripture reading for May 8th: 1st Samuel 28-29, 1st Chronicles 9, Acts 19
Key Scriptures: Acts 19:16-20 “And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the Name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the Word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.”
The disciples of Jesus were performing many miracles of healing and deliverance from evil spirits in the Name of Jesus. Certain Jewish exorcists tried to use the same “formula” and suffered a great beating by the possessed man. This became widely known and brought conviction on many who brought their demonic materials to the apostles and they burned them up. The stronghold of demonic activity was brought down by the Word of God and the Name of Jesus.
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Name and authority over evil spirits. Help me to walk in faith and power to see Your Word increase and prevail in this region and time. May I never seek help from evil spirits, but confront and overthrow them.
1st Samuel 28:7 “Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a medium at En-dor.””
Fear Not!
Scripture reading for May 7th: 1st Samuel 26-27, 1 Chronicles 8, Acts 18
Key Scriptures: Acts 18:5-10 “When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the Word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles. And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are My people.””
Paul was experiencing opposition from the Jews in Corinth. He followed Jesus’ advice and shook out his garment and went to the Gentiles. In spite of this, the Jewish leader of the synagogue was saved along with his own household! Jesus spoke to Paul in a vision telling him to speak out without fear because He was with him. Many more were “His people” in Corinth and needed to hear the Gospel preached.
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to not be silent or afraid to boldly share the Good News and reap the harvest You desire from my city. I believe You have many that You will save!
1st Samuel 26:24 “Behold, as your life was precious this day in my sight, so may my life be precious in the sight of the Lord and may He deliver me out of all tribulation.”
An appointment for judgement!
Scripture reading for May 6th: 1 Samuel 25, 1st Chronicles 7, Acts 17
Key Scriptures: Acts 17:26-31 “”And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him. Yet He is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In Him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed His offspring.’ Being then God’s offspring, we out not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed; and this He has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead.””
Paul spoke plainly about the one true God, creator of man. God is in control of all men’s life spans. He determines the exact places they live and time they dwell there. He wants all men to find Him and is near to them. He sent His Son, Jesus as the way to know Him, raising Him from the dead as proof of His divinity. In fact, we are all God’s offspring. It’s time for all to repent of our ignorance of Jesus before the Day of judgment comes and Jesus, raised from the dead, is the appointed judge!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, I trust in You and am thankful for Your boundaries in my life. In You I live and move and have my being! Help me to declare Your mercy before our appointment with Jesus!
1st Samuel 25:33 “Blessed be your discretion, and blessed by you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation by my own hand.”
Spared by faith!
Scripture reading for May 5th: 1st Samuel 23-24, 1 Chronicles 6, Psalm 54, Acts 16
Key Scriptures: Acts 16:25-31 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all of the prison doors were opened and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.””
Paul and Silas had been beaten and put in stocks in the dungeon of a Philippian prison. They were praying and praising God at the darkest hour–midnight, with other prisoners listening in amazement. In response to their faith, God sent a special earthquake that loosed their bonds and opened the doors! The jailer fell under conviction, asking what he needed to do for salvation. Paul’s response was simple: “Believe on the Lord Jesus!” He could and would be spared by faith, and his whole household if they too believed!
Psalm 54:4 “Behold, God is my Helper; the Lord is the Upholder of my life.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, I put my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and receive salvation, for me and for my whole household! I stand in faith for each one’s personal act of trust in the Lord Jesus.
1st Samuel 24:10 “Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.'”