Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

I Chronicles 22-29: Where Is Your Heart?

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(22, 28) What is David doing in these two chapters?

What instructions does David give to his son Solomon (22:6-16, 28:10-21)?

What do David’s actions and instructions tell us about his heart?

(22) What action should flow from our minds and hearts in v19a?  What would that action look like?

What are we to do with our minds and hearts to make this action happen (v19a)?  How might we do this?

(23-28) We are also to serve the Lord with a whole heart and a willing mind (28:9).  What are some ways that you serve the Lord?

Why is the heart so important in serving God?  How do our beliefs, desires, motives, and attitudes affect our service?

When are you tempted to serve grudgingly instead of joyfully?  How might you overcome that temptation?

Chapters 23-27 give us long lists of various people’s roles and responsibilities.  Everyone had a part to play.  How might that encourage you in your service?

(29) How does v9 describe their giving?  Why is the heart again so important?

(29) In v17, David has an upright heart.  What would that look like in your life?

(28-29) In what ways does God interact with our hearts in 28:9, 29:17, and 29:18?  How should we respond to these truths?

(29) David begins his prayer with praise (v10-13).  What do his words tell you about David’s heart?

How might David’s words about God spur us on to seek, serve, give to, and obey God more?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

The Joy of Walking with God – Tim Challies
The Christian’s walk is one of close fellowship with God and earnest obedience to God. Here are some of the joys we receive in this walk.

The Nail in the Coffin of Our Hearts: Five Hundred Years of Fighting Idolatry – Tony Reinke (DG)  Shallow thinking about God always replaces God, and sets in his place a fraudulent idol of security or sex or wealth or power or even of religion. 

Sanctification Is a Direction – David Powlison
We must have a vision for a long process (lifelong), with a glorious end (the last day), that is actually going somewhere (today).

Sunday Morning Is Not About Me: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness – Stephen Witmer (DG)
As we see our Lord for who he is, as we look away from ourselves to gaze upon him again, we will find true, lasting joy and contentment.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day walking with, thinking about, and gazing upon God!

Reformation Collection

On By BrianIn PASSION Collections

RefWall

Here are some good posts about the lasting importance of the Reformation:

What We Can Learn from the Reformation 500 Years Later – Stephen Nichols (Crossway)

What is Sola Scriptura Protecting Us Against? More Than You Think – Michael Kruger

Ten Lasting Fruits of the Reformation – Joel Beeke

The Luther Family and the Reformation of Marriage – Jeff Robinson (TGC)

The Reformation’s Evangelistic Impact – Gregg Allison (Crossway)

Reflections on I Chronicles 19-21

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

David continues to subdue his enemies, but then sins.

  • Trust – In II Samuel, Joab was known for his vengeful actions. Here we see him in a different light.  In battle, he trusts God to do whatever seems good to the Lord (19:13).  Do you have that kind of trust in the Lord?
  • Obedience – In chapter 21, David tells Joab to count the people – something David was not to do. Joab resists, finding the David’s sinful command to be abhorrent. Joab finally does grudgingly do it – an act of disobedience to God, but he still stands above David in this matter.  Do you find sin abhorrent to you?  Do you seek to obey God no matter who tells you otherwise?

Reflecting on the Five Solas

On By BrianIn Miscellaneous1 Comment

fivesolas

Soli Deo Gloria – To The Glory Of God Alone

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. – Ephesians 1:3-14 (ESV)

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! – Psalm 115:1 (ESV)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – I Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

Questions for Reflection
In whom are we saved?  So who gets the praise and glory?
How does God’s love and faithfulness to you encourage you to give him glory?
Are you seeking to live for his glory in all of life?  What would that look like?
In what ways are you tempted to live for your own glory?

Reformation Collection

On By BrianIn PASSION Collections

RefWall

Today’s batch of Reformation-related posts are all about preaching and singing:

The Real Engine Room of the Reformation – Michael Reeves (TGC)

Why Martin Luther’s Preaching Was So Offensive – Herman Selderhuis (Crossway)

6 Lessons from Luther on Congregational Singing – Matt Merker (TGC)

Martin Luther’s Shelter Amid the Flood of Depression – Ryan Griffith (TGC)

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God: Discovering the Power of Luther’s Original Lyrics – David Mathis (DG)

Reflections on I Chronicles 17-18

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

God makes a covenant with David.  Consider:

  • God Is Great – David acknowledges the greatness of God. There are none like God; indeed he is the only God.  According to his greatness, God has made promises to David, and called Israel to be his people.  Ponder God’s greatness, and his greatness to you!
  • God’s Promises – In 17:9-10, God promises to subdue their enemies that Israel might dwell in peace. In chapter 18, God fulfills his promise, giving David victory over his enemies (v6, 13).  We can trust his promises; he will not fail.  What promises of God do you need to cling to today?

Reflecting on the Five Solas

On By BrianIn Miscellaneous

fivesolas

Solus Christus – In Christ Alone

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6 (ESV)

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. – Acts 4:12 (ESV)

Questions for Reflection
What is the only way to come to God, the only way to be saved?
Are you looking to Christ alone?
In what ways are you tempted to look to yourself?

Reformation Collection

On By BrianIn Biography/History, PASSION Collections

RefWall

As we continue celebrating the Reformation this week, here are some good posts on women of the Reformation, as well as some posts recognizing that the Reformers were flawed – in need of a Savior just like you and me.

The Forgotten Women of the Reformation – Stephen Nichols (Crossway)

5 Lessons from Reformation Women – Rebecca VanDoodewaard (TGC)

Whitewashed Heroes: The Flaws in Our Reformers – Scott Hubbard (DG)

Thank God for Flawed Heroes – Brad Littlejohn (TGC)

Reflecting on the Five Solas

On By BrianIn Miscellaneous

fivesolas

Sola Gratia & Sola Fide – By Grace Alone Through Faith Alone

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it – the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.  For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. – Romans 3:21-24 (ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

Questions for Reflection
Do we receive the righteousness of God through faith or works?
Are we justified (declared righteous) by grace or by works?
Are you looking to Christ and resting in his grace?
In what ways are you tempted to try to earn your salvation?