July 2: The Builder

Lots of us Christians desire to do or build something grand for God (that is, if we can ever get our wits about us and stop worrying about our own problems). At the least, we want to build a life and family that honors God, and leave a legacy pointing the way to Him for those who come after us. David was no different. Once the great king was settled in his own house, he came up with the grand idea to build a house for God. It seemed like a very humble aspiration. “Now it came to pass, when David was dwelling in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, ‘See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under tent curtains’” First Chronicles 17:1 (NKJ).
God had other plans and flipped the script. In essence, God replied to David’s desire by telling him He never asked for a house. Instead, He told David, “Furthermore I tell you that the LORD will build you a house. And it shall be, when your days are fulfilled, when you must go to be with your fathers, that I will set up your seed after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son; and I will not take My mercy away from him, as I took it from him who was before you. And I will establish him in My house and in My kingdom forever; and his throne shall be established forever” First Chronicles 17:10-14.
Perhaps David was thinking of this incident when he penned Psalm 116:12 and asked, “What shall I render to the Lord, for all His benefits toward me?” There is no grand thing we can do or build for God. He has a corner on the market for doing grand things: parting the Red Sea, crumbling the walls of Jericho, raising Jesus from the dead, creation—just to name a few. Isn’t it just amazing to realize that it is God who wants to build for us? If we plan to build anything for God, may it be our trust, our love, and our obedience to Him. Worship God today for being the gracious builder of our lives, families, and legacy.
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©2014 Sharon Norris Elliott. Feel free to forward this devotion in its entirety, including this copyright line. Leave comments, ask questions, read past devotions, or subscribe to receive these devotions daily in your e-mail at www.sanewriter.wordpress.com. Also, periodically check in at www.LifeThatMatters.net to see what’s going on in the ministry.

Pick up a copy of Sharon’s newest release,
Boomerangs to Arrows: A Godly Guide for Launching Young Adult Children
available from Judson Press (http://www.judsonpress.com/product.cfm?product_id=17387),
at bookstores, and on all major online book buying sites.
Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2JH_gbinMk
Also still available:
Power Suit: The Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame
from New Hope Publishers (http://www.newhopedigital.com/2010/08/power-suit/)