1 Chronicles 16 - 2 Chronicles 1: Silver & gold as common as rocks

"He's on His way to set things right! Give thanks to God--He is good and His love never quits" (1 Chronicles 16:33-34).

- Facts and figures:  Much of this passage is a roster of names and administrative details for the running of a country and the building of a temple.

- Before he died, David stockpiled construction materials for the temple his son Solomon would be building. He set Solomon up for success. He also gave Solmon detailed blueprints and specs. In addition, the people donated large quantities of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious jewels (1 Chron 28:10). The result? "The people were full of a sense of celebration--all that giving!" (1 Chron 29:9).
- Now that's a worship band:  There were 4,000 Levitical priests assigned to the orchestra alone to carry out "the work of worship" (1 Chron 25:6).
- Level playing field:  The Levitical priests were directed to draw names out of a hat for their particular work assignment. "Nobody, whether young or old, teacher or student, was given preference or advantage over another" (1 Chron 25:8). This must be a very important point, as it's repeated. I do know this principle goes so against human nature--we're always looking for the advantage, the short cut, or the fast pass so we don't have to stand in line like everyone else.
- Organized to a tee:  This passage spells out a highly organized administrative system including orders for a vast security force, army, government of tribes, storage and supply, farming, wine growing, ranching and herding, and childcare (of the king's sons).
- God never judges a book by its cover:  "God examines every heart and sees through every motive" (1 Chron 28:9).
- David prays:  "Everything comes from You--all we're doing is giving back what we've been given from your generous hand" (1 Chron 29:14).
- A parent's prayer:  David prayed this about Solomon:  Give Solomon "an uncluttered and focused heart so he can obey what you command, live by your directions and counsel," and carry out your plan (1 Chron 29:19). Lord, I pray this for my children today.

- This is how rich Solomon was:  "The king made silver and gold as common as rocks" (2 Chron 1:15).

Elena's verse of the day:  "Be confident, and never be afraid of anything or get discouraged. The Lord my God will help you" (1 Chronicles 28:20)