relationships (1 Chronicles 13:1-14) Having Good Intentions Aren't Enough

(1 Chronicles 13:1-14)  Then David consulted with the captains of the thousands and the hundreds, with every leader. 2 David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is from the Lord our God, let us send word everywhere to our kinsmen who remain in all the land of Israel, and to the priests and Levites who are with them in their cities with pasture lands, that they meet with us; 3 and let us bring back the ark of our God to us, since we did not seek it in the days of Saul.” 4 Then all the assembly said that they would do so, for this was right in the eyes of all the people.

5 So David assembled all Israel together, from the Shihor of Egypt to the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim. 6 David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim, which belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, the Lord who is enthroned above the cherubim, where His name is called. 7 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart. 8 David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and with lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.

9 When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, because the oxen nearly overturned it. 10 But the anger of the Lord burned against Uzza, so He struck him because he had put out his hand toward the ark; and he died there before God. 11 Then David became angry because of the Lord’s outburst against Uzza; and he called that place Perez-uzza as it is to this day. 12 David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?” 13 So David did not take the ark with him to the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house for three months; and the Lord blessed the family of Obed-edom and all that he had.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Even though David had good intentions and wanted God's approval, what I don't see is David actually consulting God or waiting for His answer regarding the first attempt to move the ark.  And David definitely didn't consult God after Uzza died.  And because David avoided God during his personal-pity-party, he missed out on having God's blessings for those three months.

It's classic human behavior:  we do something in our own strength thinking that we've got this, and because we think it's a good idea, and it feels right, then certainly God will make it all work out for us.  And then when it doesn't work out, we get angry and avoid God for something we have done.

Part of consulting God involves studying and knowing scripture!  If David would have looked closely at God's word, they would have observed God's directions as to how the ark was to be moved.  They obviously were careless about following God's will.  Such a tiny detail, but with a life-or-death significance.  

It is the same with salvation.  If one thinks that there are many ways to God, and all one has to do is follow a list of do's and don'ts to be "good enough" to somehow earn one's way to heaven, the intentions may be good, but the outcome won't be.  One has to take a closer more thorough look into the Bible.  It's all about Jesus saving us, and having a personal relationship with the Lord God.  

Once we are saved, we cannot lose our salvation.  But we will still make mistakes, so it is all about asking and allowing Jesus to help us, so we can enjoy having a close relationship with the Lord!  How is it that we allow ourselves to be angry - whether it is righteous anger or not, but we are surprised by the fact that God can be angry at our wrong attitudes and behavior?  Therefore, it is important to know that as we grow closer to God and following His will, we will not be disappointed!  It is when we seek to please the Lord in the way that He teaches us, He will bless us and work things out for good.

relationships (1 Chronicles 12:1-40) Maintaining Unity

(1 Chronicles 12:1-40)  Now these are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still restricted because of Saul the son of Kish; and they were among the mighty men who helped him in war. 2 They were equipped with bows, using both the right hand and the left to sling stones and shoot arrows with the bow; they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin. 3 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite, 4 and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and in charge of the thirty. Then Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad the Gederathite, 5 Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, Shephatiah the Haruphite, 6 Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, Jashobeam, the Korahites, 7 and Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

8 From the Gadites valiant mighty men went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness, men trained for war who could handle a large shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains. 9 Ezer was the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third, 10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, 11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, 12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth, 13 Jeremiah the tenth, and Machbannai, the eleventh. 14 These men from the sons of Gad were captains of the army; the one who was least was equal to a hundred, and the greatest, to a thousand. 15 These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month, when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight all those in the valleys, to the east and to the west.

16 Then some of the sons of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David. 17 David went out to meet them, and said to them, “If you come peacefully to help me, my heart shall be united with you; but if to betray me to my enemies, since there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers look on it and decide.” 18 Then the Spirit covered Amasai like clothing, the chief of the thirty; and he said,

     “We are yours, David,
     And are with you, son of Jesse!
     Peace, peace to you,
     And peace to him who helps you;
     Indeed, your God helps you!”

Then David received them and made them captains of the troops.

19 From Manasseh some also defected to David when he was about to go to battle with the Philistines against Saul. But they did not help them, because the governors of the Philistines sent him away after consultation, saying, “At the cost of our heads he might defect to his master Saul.” 20 As he was going to Ziklag, men from Manasseh defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of thousands who belonged to Manasseh. 21 They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all valiant mighty men, and were captains in the army. 22 For day by day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army like the army of God.

23 Now these are the numbers of the divisions equipped for war, who came to David at Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord. 24 The sons of Judah who carried shield and spear numbered 6,800, equipped for war. 25 From the sons of Simeon, valiant mighty men of war, 7,100. 26 From the sons of Levi, 4,600. 27 Now Jehoiada was the leader of the house of Aaron, and with him were 3,700, 28 also Zadok, a young valiant mighty man, and from his father’s house, twenty-two captains. 29 From the sons of Benjamin, Saul’s kinsmen, three thousand; for until now the majority of them had kept their allegiance to the house of Saul. 30 From the sons of Ephraim 20,800, valiant mighty men, famous men in their fathers’ households. 31 From the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, who were designated by name to come and make David king. 32 From the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command. 33 From Zebulun, there were fifty thousand who went out in the army, who could draw up in battle formation with all kinds of weapons of war and helped David with an undivided heart. 34 From Naphtali there were a thousand captains, and with them thirty-seven thousand with shield and spear. 35 From the Danites who could draw up in battle formation, there were 28,600. 36 From Asher there were forty thousand who went out in the army to draw up in battle formation. 37 From the other side of the Jordan, from the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, there were 120,000 with all kinds of weapons of war for the battle.

38 All of these, being men of war who helped in battle formation, came to Hebron with a perfect heart to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel also were of one mind to make David king. 39 They were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their kinsmen had prepared for them. 40 Moreover, those who were near to them, as far as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, brought food on donkeys, camels, mules, and on oxen, great quantities of flour cakes, fig cakes and bunches of raisins, wine, oil, oxen, and sheep. There was joy indeed in Israel.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Just as David was building his army and kingdom with God's help and direction, we need to be praying for our church, its leadership, the people serving, as well as those in the congregation, that God will keep us steadfast, striving with pure hearts in His unity.  

Believing the best in others is not saying that we shouldn't be watchful, but we shouldn't be skeptical.  Therefore, we should be praying that if there is anyone who should not be there or serving in some capacity because their intentions are only to divide and destroy, that God will weed them out.  Only God knows the hearts and true intentions of people.  

I've seen more division and destruction when believers have assumed things and then slandered people, and/or jumped down on people to judge them harshly and unfairly.  We all make mistakes.  And if we are all praying for God's unity, God will weed out the actual trouble makers.  So why create trouble, thinking that it is our job to weed out trouble makers???

We cannot and should never judge someone's motives!  We can only observe their actions, to see whether or not there is any spiritual fruit.  And if there is any bad behavior or major red flags, like a person is continuing on in some habitual sin, we first need to go to them in private, with Christ's love, and try to reconcile things.  Depending on what it is and what the person's response is, will determine what next steps should be taken.  And always, everything should be done in Christ's love, wisdom and guidance.

relationships (1 Chronicles 11:1-47) Rewards for Serving

(1 Chronicles 11:1-47)   Then all Israel gathered to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 2 In times past, even when Saul was king, you were the one who led out and brought in Israel; and the Lord your God said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and you shall be leader over My people Israel.’” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord; and they anointed David king over Israel, in accordance with the word of the Lord through Samuel.

4 Then David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there. 5 The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You shall not enter here.” Nevertheless David took the mountain stronghold of Zion (that is, the city of David). 6 Now David had said, “Whoever is first to kill a Jebusite shall be chief and commander.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. 7 Then David lived in the stronghold; therefore it was called the city of David. 8 He built the city all around, from the Millo to the surrounding area; and Joab repaired the rest of the city. 9 And David became greater and greater, for the Lord of armies was with him.

10 Now these are the heads of the mighty men whom David had, who remained faithful to him in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, in accordance with the word of the Lord concerning Israel. 11 These constitute the list of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam, the son of a Hachmonite, the chief of the thirty; he wielded his spear against three hundred whom he killed at one time.

12 After him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men. 13 He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines were gathered together there to battle, and there was a plot of land full of barley; and the people fled from the Philistines. 14 But they took their stand in the midst of the plot and defended it, and defeated the Philistines; and the Lord saved them with a great victory.

15 Now three of the thirty chief men went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam, while the army of the Philistines was camping in the Valley of Rephaim. 16 David was then in the stronghold, while the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 17 And David had a craving and said, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” 18 So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water from the well of Bethlehem which was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David; however, David would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord; 19 and he said, “Far be it from me before my God that I would do this. Shall I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives? For they brought it at the risk of their lives.” Therefore he would not drink it. The three mighty men did these things.

20 As for Abshai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the thirty, and he wielded his spear against three hundred and killed them; and he had a name as well as the thirty. 21 Of the three in the second rank he was the most honored, and he became their commander; however, he did not attain the reputation of the first three.

22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a warrior of Kabzeel, mighty in deeds, struck and killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and struck and killed a lion inside a pit on a snowy day. 23 And he killed an Egyptian, a man of great stature five cubits tall. Now in the Egyptian’s hand was a spear like a weaver’s beam, but he went down to him with a club and snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. 24 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada did these things, and had a name as well as the three mighty men. 25 Behold, he was honored among the thirty, but he did not attain the reputation of the first three; and David appointed him over his bodyguard.

26 Now the mighty men of the armies were Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, 28 Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite, 29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, 30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite, 31 Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the sons of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, 32 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, 33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, 34 the sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shagee the Hararite, 35 Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur, 36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite, 37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai, 38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Hagri, 39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, 40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai, 42 Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him, 43 Hanan the son of Maacah and Joshaphat the Mithnite, 44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, 45 Jediael the son of Shimri and his brother Joha the Tizite, 46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite, 47 Eliel, Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Humbly guiding, serving and caring for people in a honorable way is what we should strive to do, whether we are promoted or not, whether we are honored or not, whether we are recognized or not.  Even if no one notices, God sees everything, and every good deed done with pure motives will be rewarded in heaven.  The question to ask ourselves as we serve, is: are we serving to please people, or to please the Lord?  And, are we serving in our own strength and wisdom, or are we serving in the Lord's strength, wisdom and in His love?

relationships (1 Chronicles 10:1-14) Finding Fulfillment

(1 Chronicles 10:1-14)   Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from the Philistines but fell fatally wounded on Mount Gilboa. 2 And the Philistines also overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. 3 The battle became severe against Saul, and the archers found him; and he was wounded by the archers. 4 Then Saul said to his armor bearer, “Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, otherwise these uncircumcised Philistines will come and abuse me.” But his armor bearer would not, for he was very afraid. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. 5 When his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell on his sword and died. 6 So Saul died with his three sons, and all those of his house died together.

7 When all the people of Israel who were in the valley saw that they had fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled; and the Philistines came and lived in them.

8 It came about the next day, when the Philistines came to strip those killed, that they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9 So they stripped him and took his head and his armor and sent messengers around the land of the Philistines to carry the good news to their idols and to the people. 10 They put his armor in the house of their gods and impaled his head in the house of Dagon.

11 When all Jabesh-gilead heard everything that the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all the valiant men got up and took away the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh; and they buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted for seven days.

13 So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he committed against the Lord, because of the word of the Lord which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of her, 14 and did not inquire of the Lord. Therefore He killed him and turned the kingdom over to David, the son of Jesse.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

With the recap of events above, we are reminded that Saul made drastic sinful mistakes, but the biggest sin was not repenting and desiring God's guidance!  Whether our sins are "big" or "small", we should resist the urge to just sweep those under a rug.  As believers, we won't lose our salvation, but it benefits us to go straight to God, as soon as possible, to confess and ask Him for wisdom and guidance going forward.  In nurturing our relationship with the Lord, we allow the Lord to nurture us, and guide us in life.  Even while going through tests and trials, we will find blessings and fulfillment in His peace, joy and strength.

relationships (1 Chronicles 8:1-9:34) Being Organized and Prepared

(1 Chronicles 8:1-40)  And Benjamin fathered Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, 2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. 3 Bela had sons: Addar, Gera, Abihud, 4 Abishua, Naaman, Ahoah, 5 Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram. 6 These are the sons of Ehud: these are the heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Geba, and they took them into exile to Manahath, 7 namely, Naaman, Ahijah, and Gera—he exiled them; and he fathered Uzza and Ahihud. 8 Shaharaim fathered children in the country of Moab after he had sent his wives Hushim and Baara away. 9 By Hodesh his wife he fathered Jobab, Zibia, Mesha, Malcam, 10 Jeuz, Sachia, and Mirmah. These were his sons, heads of fathers’ households. 11 By Hushim he fathered Abitub and Elpaal. 12 The sons of Elpaal were Eber, Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod, with its towns; 13 and Beriah and Shema, who were heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who put the inhabitants of Gath to flight; 14 and Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth. 15 Zebadiah, Arad, Eder, 16 Michael, Ishpah, and Joha were the sons of Beriah. 17 Zebadiah, Meshullam, Hizki, Heber, 18 Ishmerai, Izliah, and Jobab were the sons of Elpaal. 19 Jakim, Zichri, Zabdi, 20 Elienai, Zillethai, Eliel, 21 Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath were the sons of Shimei. 22 Ishpan, Eber, Eliel, 23 Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, 24 Hananiah, Elam, Anthothijah, 25 Iphdeiah, and Penuel were the sons of Shashak. 26 Shamsherai, Shehariah, Athaliah, 27 Jaareshiah, Elijah, and Zichri were the sons of Jeroham. 28 These were heads of the fathers’ households according to their generations, chief men who lived in Jerusalem.

29 Now, Jeiel, the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon, and his wife’s name was Maacah; 30 and his firstborn son was Abdon, then Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab, 31 Gedor, Ahio, and Zecher. 32 Mikloth fathered Shimeah. They also lived with their relatives in Jerusalem opposite their other relatives.

33 Ner fathered Kish, Kish fathered Saul, and Saul fathered Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal. 34 The son of Jonathan was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal fathered Micah. 35 The sons of Micah were Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. 36 Ahaz fathered Jehoaddah, Jehoaddah fathered Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri fathered Moza. 37 Moza fathered Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah, his son, and Azel, his son. 38 Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. 39 The sons of his brother Eshek were Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. 40 The sons of Ulam were valiant mighty men, archers, and they had many sons and grandsons, 150 of them. All these were among the sons of Benjamin.

(1 Chronicles 9:1-34)    So all Israel was enrolled in genealogies; and behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile to Babylon for their infidelity.

2 Now the first inhabitants who lived on their own property in their cities were people of Israel, including the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants. 3 Some of the sons of Judah, some of the sons of Benjamin, and some of the sons of Ephraim and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem: 4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, from the sons of Perez the son of Judah. 5 From the Shilonites were Asaiah the firstborn and his sons. 6 From the sons of Zerah were Jeuel and their relatives, 690 of them. 7 From the sons of Benjamin were Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah, 8 and Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah; 9 and their relatives according to their generations, 956. All these men were heads of fathers’ households according to their fathers’ houses.

10 From the priests were Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jachin, 11 and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the chief officer of the house of God; 12 and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; 13 and their relatives, heads of their fathers’ households, 1,760 competent men for the work of the service of the house of God.

14 Of the Levites, there were Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari; 15 and Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal; and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph, 16 and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the settlements of the Netophathites.

17 Now the gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives (Shallum the chief 18 being stationed until now at the king’s gate to the east). These were the gatekeepers for the camp of the sons of Levi. 19 Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives of his father’s house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, doorkeepers of the tent; and their fathers had been in charge of the camp of the Lord, keepers of the entrance. 20 Phinehas the son of Eleazar was supervisor over them previously, and the Lord was with him. 21 Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was gatekeeper of the entrance of the tent of meeting. 22 Those who were chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds were 212 in all. They were registered by genealogy in their settlements, those whom David and Samuel the seer appointed in their official capacity. 23 So they and their sons were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, the house of the tent, in their divisions of service. 24 The gatekeepers were on the four sides, to the east, west, north, and south. 25 Their relatives in their settlements were to come in every seven days from time to time to be with them; 26 for the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, served in an official capacity, and were in charge of the chambers and in charge of the treasuries in the house of God. 27 They spent the night around the house of God, because the watch was committed to them; and they were in charge of opening it morning by morning.

28 Now some of them were in charge of the utensils of the service, for they counted them when they brought them in and when they took them out. 29 Some of them also were appointed over the furniture and over all the utensils of the sanctuary, and over the finely milled flour, the wine, the olive oil, the frankincense, and the balsam oil. 30 Some of the sons of the priests prepared the mixing of the balsam oil. 31 Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the responsibility for the baking of cakes in pans. 32 Some of their relatives of the sons of the Kohathites were in charge of the showbread to prepare it every Sabbath.

33 Now these are the singers, heads of fathers’ households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free of other duties; for they were engaged in their work day and night. 34 These were heads of fathers’ households of the Levites according to their generations, chief men who lived in Jerusalem.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

There are those times when we can say, "As the Lord leads us in this moment..."  but that doesn't mean we are not to prepare or organize.  God is organized.  Therefore, "as the Lord leads" can also be about how He is leading us to be prepared and organized.  But what does this have to do with relationships?  

The need to be organized and prepared becomes more obvious for bigger families, groups or organizations.  Knowing who does what, when, where and how - definitely helps things to run smoother.  It helps the group know about how much money will be needed per month and year to operate without stress.  It also gives people a sense of peace and confidence that the right things are getting done, and are being done in the correct manner.

Now, I'm going to share ideas of why and how we can be organized within smaller entities.  As a single person, I had my routines and my methods, as well as my short term and longer term goals and desires.  When I suddenly found myself with a roommate (my second cousin and friend who is a very spontaneous type)... we established a few ground rules after we found an apartment cheap enough for both of us to manage.  I thought that because she was a lot of fun to hang out with, it would be fun to live with her.  And there were moments, for sure.  But hindsight showed me: we should have discussed our lifestyles and routines BEFORE finding an apartment, because within several months, things became very frustrating.  

I was the one who had to conform to her style, which lacked structure.  Sure, in some ways, this was a good experience for me.  But it definitely became contentious when I found myself doing all the dinner preps, cleaning and tidying.  And it was debatable about which foods were shared, and which foods were off-limits.  I finally decided to just cringe, do it and get through it, knowing that there was a light at the end of the tunnel.  Our apartment lease was up after a year, and then she was getting married, while I was going to have to move into my parents' house - temporarily - until I figured out my next steps.

When I met the man who would become my husband, I wanted to get to know him as best as possible.  We both saved ourselves for marriage, and in doing so, we could be confident of each other's faithfulness, self-control and integrity.  He was a Christian, but I wanted to see if and how he lived what he said he believed!  As well, I wanted to get to know his lifestyle patterns, habits, likes, dislikes, needs, wants and desires.  How were we going to merge and mange the finances?  How many children did we want?  How was the household going to operate?  How were we going to split the housework - EACH TASK - so that it was fair (considering how many hours we were working outside of the home)?  

Besides figuring out the very "unromantic" and practical details, so we could understand what to expect, we were both interested to know how we were going to continue "dating each other" and nurturing our relationship once we were married.  One doesn't have to spend money to have a date.  Even now, near retirement age, we set aside every Wednesday, create a cozy corner in the house somewhere, and start the evening with just sitting and talking.  And then we have fun preparing and eating a meal together.

More importantly, we have kept the Lord at the front and center of our relationship!  Jesus is our foundation, and our pillar of strength!  And it is in God's love, unity, wisdom and strength that we strive in, which incorporates: grace when we make mistakes, apologies when we are wrong, forgiveness when we are hurt, and prayer and encouragement when there are struggles, questions or - just life.  In all things, we seek to have the right balance of being organized and prepared, while staying focused on God and carrying out His will.

relationships (1 Chronicles 7:1-40) As Pilgrims

(1 Chronicles 7:1-40)  Now the sons of Issachar were four: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron. 2 The sons of Tola were Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Samuel, heads of their fathers’ households. The sons of Tola were valiant warriors in their generations. Their number in the days of David was 22,600. 3 The son of Uzzi was Izrahiah. And the sons of Izrahiah were Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah; all five of them were chief men. 4 And with them by their generations according to their fathers’ households were thirty-six thousand troops of the army for war; for they had many wives and sons. 5 Their relatives among all the families of Issachar were valiant warriors, registered by genealogy, eighty-seven thousand in all.

6 Benjamin had three sons: Bela, Becher, and Jediael. 7 The sons of Bela were five: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri. They were heads of fathers’ households, valiant warriors, 22,034 registered by genealogy. 8 The sons of Becher were Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these were the sons of Becher. 9 They were registered by genealogy according to their generations, heads of their fathers’ households, 20,200 valiant warriors. 10 The son of Jediael was Bilhan. And the sons of Bilhan were Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. 11 All these were sons of Jediael, according to the heads of their fathers’ households, 17,200 valiant warriors who were ready to go out with the army to war. 12 Shuppim and Huppim were the sons of Ir; Hushim was the son of Aher.

13 The sons of Naphtali were Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah.

14 The sons of Manasseh were Asriel, to whom his Aramean concubine gave birth; she also gave birth to Machir, the father of Gilead. 15 Machir took a wife from Huppim and Shuppim, whose name was Maacah. And the name of the second was Zelophehad, and Zelophehad had daughters. 16 Maacah the wife of Machir gave birth to a son, and she named him Peresh; the name of his brother was Sheresh, and his sons were Ulam and Rakem. 17 The son of Ulam was Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh. 18 His sister Hammolecheth gave birth to Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah. 19 The sons of Shemida were Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam.

20 The sons of Ephraim were Shuthelah and Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, 21 Zabad his son, Shuthelah his son, and Ezer and Elead, whom the men of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down to take their livestock. 22 Their father Ephraim mourned for many days, and his relatives came to comfort him. 23 Then he went in to his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to a son, and he named him Beriah, because misfortune had come upon his house. 24 His daughter was Sheerah, who built lower and upper Beth-horon, as well as Uzzen-sheerah. 25 Rephah was his son along with Resheph, Telah his son, Tahan his son, 26 Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, 27 Non his son, and Joshua his son.

28 Their possessions and dwelling places were Bethel with its towns, and to the east, Naaran, and to the west, Gezer with its towns, and Shechem with its towns, as far as Ayyah with its towns, 29 and along the borders of the sons of Manasseh, Beth-shean with its towns, Taanach with its towns, Megiddo with its towns, and Dor with its towns. In these regions lived the sons of Joseph the son of Israel.

30 The sons of Asher were Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah, and Serah was their sister. 31 The sons of Beriah were Heber and Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith. 32 Heber fathered Japhlet, Shomer, and Hotham, and their sister Shua. 33 The sons of Japhlet were Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These were the sons of Japhlet. 34 The sons of Shemer were Ahi and Rohgah, and Jehubbah and Aram. 35 The sons of his brother Helem were Zophah, Imna, Shelesh, and Amal. 36 The sons of Zophah were Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, 37 Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera. 38 The sons of Jether were Jephunneh, Pispa, and Ara. 39 The sons of Ulla were Arah, Hanniel, and Rizia. 40 All these were the sons of Asher, heads of the fathers’ houses, choice, valiant mighty men, and heads of the leaders. And the number of them registered by genealogy for service in war was twenty-six thousand men.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Back in history, pilgrims heading out into new and strange lands realized the dangers and the risk of death.  And with many struggles in efforts to survive, they didn't have much time to think about how fair or unfair a death might be.  Even from how my grandmother spoke, these things just happened... you mourned, and you moved on.  These days, with what we think is "superior" healthcare, and law and order, we almost have an entitled attitude that no one should ever get sick or die.  

Because we were created to have a relationship with God and live forever, we will feel this sense - and this desire for longevity and purpose.  Hence, most people wonder and search for answers and/or the fountain of youth.  Especially the more time one has on their hands, the more introspective one becomes.  People will do almost anything to figure these things out on their own.  Maybe this explains why pilgrims were so willing to take the risk of moving to new and strange lands???

The only thing that will fill the void in our soul - is Jesus - who gives eternal life and purpose.  So those who believe in the Lord will live forever... just not here on earth.  This is not our home.  In a sense, we are pilgrims in a strange land with dangers and risk of death.  But having a personal relationship with God - being on God's side - fearing only God - we can be valiant warriors with the purpose of giving and bringing glory to God as we work to help build His kingdom;  and we can be confident that one day we will get to go home and live in perfection.