June 2, 2021
Praying Friends,
Thank you for your dedication to pray each Wednesday for our prodigals and for revival. "Through prayer we can reach into the future and with loving hands touch those beyond our reach." So said Andrew van der Bijl, more commonly known as Brother Andrew.
David also sought to “reach into the future” when he gave his son these words of advice in 1 Chronicles 28:9-10:
And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.
It was a challenge, a warning, a reminder, and a motivation, all bundled up together in a few sentences.
These were the words of a dying dad to his son, the words of one king to his successor, the words of King David to the soon-to-be-king Solomon.
David’s advice to his son started with a challenge to know and serve God with a whole heart and a willing mind. The order of the verbs are important: know and serve.
Knowing God is first and foremost. It is relational. And the more you get to know Him the more you will desire to serve Him. The one then flows from the other.
When you seek Him with all your heart and mind, He will allow Himself to be found by you. It is a beautiful truth that the eternal God is willing to make Himself real to those who pursue Him wholeheartedly.
To neglect and forsake Him is to shut yourself off from all His blessings and especially His presence.
God had a special work for Solomon, and his father David recognized and planned for it. A house for God needed to be built and Solomon was the man raised up for the task.
As Solomon moved forward in obedience, he had the words of his father ringing in his ears, “Be strong and do it.” These encouraging words are expanded further down the chapter in verse 20:
Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.
As with Solomon, so it is with you. God has given you a work to do and He wants you do wholeheartedly, courageously, and with a genuine sense of His presence. He wants your service to come from a heart of affection and devotion.
He wants you enthusiastic, excited, and happy to do His will. And as you do, He promises that His presence you will enable you to do all He has given you to do.
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel