I saw it in my grandmother’s smile as she curled my hair for my first school dance. I caught a glimpse of it in my mother’s eyes as she dabbed away tears at my wedding. It welled up inside me as I stood on rocky riverbanks and sandy ocean shores, watching my husband baptize each of our sons. No matter when or how it comes, there are few moments as pure and precious as watching the next generation step into the new season God has for them.
David, the great king of Israel, had seen a giant’s head roll by his hand (1Samuel 17:51). He’d led armies toward spectacular victory (1Chronicles 18:1–13). He’d sat on the throne as God’s hand-picked king for forty years. But since the man after God’s own heart (1Samuel 13:14) was built of the same stuff we are, his heart must have swelled with particular pride when he watched his son take his place as the king of Israel.
It was likely a proud-papa move to call the nation’s leaders to leave their posts and assemble for Solomon’s coronation. Imagine the fanfare of tens of thousands of men standing at the ready in their military best, watching as their leader and king gave this passionate speech:
“[God] said to me, ‘Your son Solomon is the one who is to build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he perseveres in keeping my commands and my ordinances as he is doing today.’
So now in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, observe and follow all the commands of the LORD your God so that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance to your descendants forever” (1 Chronicles 28:6–8).
David had been saving for this moment (1Chronicles 29:2–4). And as much as he’d hoped to build God’s temple himself, David’s heart must have threatened to burst from his chest as he publicly acknowledged that sacred assignment would fall to his son.
Our God is a God of generations. The work He began in David’s heart lived on through Solomon, who built a spectacular and significant temple—we’ll read next week how God sent fire from heaven for the ribbon cutting (2Chronicles 7:1). What was true in David’s time remains true in ours.
We may not see every prayer answered in our day. God so rarely operates according to our timetable. But the work of God is not limited to your lifetime. He is doing something that will outlast you. A day is coming when you will witness His goodness in the lives of those who will rise up behind you (Psalm 145:4).
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66 thoughts on "David Commissions Solomon"
I love how Gods plan spans generations. That the freedom of Christ will extend beyond us. My dad was the first believer in his family for many generations. I am the next. My sons will carry that legacy on both sides…their dad is a first generation of many generations to also
Believe. While we struggle now…may God bless them as they move forward in faith.
I love how Gods plan spans generations. That the freedom of Christ will extend beyond us. My dad was the first believer in his family for many generations. I am the next. My sons will carry that legacy on both sides…their dad is a first generation of many generations to also
I love how Gods plan spans generations. That the freedom
This day’s reading really spoke to me as a mom. We have David requesting donations from the people to build the temple… just as today, people donate to charities to help those less fortunate or in need… which I believe, just like building the temple, promotes God’s kingdom. We also have David instructing his son Solomon, encouraging him and helping him to become the person God wants him to be. I feel as a parent, this is so important, to prepare your children for their future, to be involved in their lives and to be a constant source of strength and encouragement for them. And then we see David announcing his son as King at the coronation; a proud father moment I’m sure, just as we today announce our children’s accomplishments (through word of mouth and social media). There is just so much relatable content in todays reading; the Bible is really living word and true, even to us thousands of years later…
“He is doing something that will outlast you”….what an awesome hope we have!
Yes Libby I will pray for you.
How timely was this reading as I had spent some of the wee hours praying for my son and the choices he is making. I so desperately want to see him following the Lord with wholehearted devotion. It is my highest hope.
And then to read the verse from Psalms that was a part of my wedding ceremony! I thank God for reminding me once again that everything comes from Him and He is doing something that will outlast me.
My oldest is 6. Her wheels are turning as I read the Bible to her. It’s a beautiful thing the Holy Spirit is doing in her life right now. Keep fighting the good fight, friends. The Lord is with us.
I love David’s words to Solomon…be strong and do it. It lights a fire in my belly to do whatever it is the Lord is calling me to do right now!
♥️
For those having trouble with the podcast, try closing your podcast app and relaunching it. Lent Week 3 was released on March 6 according to my app.
I see this week’s podcast in my Podcasts app.
AT:ELIZABETH CARLOCK SAYS:
March 9, 2023 at 3:11 pm
I struggle with legacy because I do not have children. My family line with end with me and that is a heavy burden. Will I leave something behind as a generational legacy. Will the people I work with know Jesus because of me? These thoughts are hard.
Oh dear sister in Christ Elizabeth – do not struggle with legacy just because you do not have physical children. When you get to heaven you will be amazed at how many people come to you and say how you influenced them toward Christ by your example and lifestyle as a Christian. Only God knows who has been influenced by you and your Christian character and you will be blessed.
Good day she’s, I have been so behind this week and trying to catch up. Amen that God is the God of generations, He uses each of us now, strategically where we are, to ripple effects to many many generations. I remembered my grandma sharing her Catholic faith with me, in story form, teaching me to have faith in God. Nobody in our families, including my grandma’s family even went to Catholic church at all, but just her sharing stories of her hardships together with the “have faith in God” phrase every now and then, that very seed stuck with me for decades. What a generational impact God planted through my grandma to me- which has transformed me.
PRAYING….. (from reading comments past, I love love reading your stories so much!!)
@Dorothy: your daughter in law blood pressure to be normalized and for baby George.
@Sharon Jersey girl: praying for Jim and Beth and the whole family for the grief of their son, and their son’s classmates and friends who are missing/mourning him.
@Whitnee Mills: praying for the courage to keep going forth and trusting that God got you, may you keep watch what God is trying to show you in this season, and may His faithfulness in provision be revealed.
@Searching, @Susan: continued comfort and mercy for grief season, joy and relief/help to come.
@Kimberly Vohs: for your husband and your ministry work, and adjustment to long cold winter months (I struggle too with Canadian winters and limited activities cancelled due to weather)
@Rhonda J: hugs, I love you. Thank you for remembering me. Praise God for the lives you touched in jail ministry. That is incredible. Go Rhonda go! <3
@Molly R: thanks for updating about your parents, I wonder every now and then about them. Loved the chicken story you shared today. I will keep your family in prayers and the emotional transition out of the beloved family home <3
This week my heart has been heavy. May I ask for prayers for my dear mother? She has changed in the past five years and she is borderline acting as if with a narcissistic personality disorder :( I was hit hard with so many depression and condemnation thoughts (like a machine gun) last week from certain things she did and said, my brother Austin too who was a victim. I was grieving the mom I used to know (she was not at all like this). Please pray for my dear mother to be delivered from such twisted demonic personality change, and for me as well to be set free from despair and grief. Thank you dear sisters for your prayers and kind hearts.
I will sing of the loving kindness of the LORD forever. With my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1.
Be blessed dear sisters.
My daughters are so young, but I still pray that one day they would come to know Jesus and walk in the identity he has for them. ❤️
@Rebecca W- We grew up west of Paducah, then I lived in Lexington and graduated from UK! (So we don’t like you- hahaha jk) We are great rivals in basketball! My dad remarried after my mom passed away…so I know @Molly how hard that it is as he sold our house/horses/land that he loved with my mom. But now he lives in Greenville, outside Central City. It was lovely last week, and I will be visiting when it goes back down to 50’s….burrrr. Do you have a fb to connect on there? I am under Rhonda Johnson in Fort Myers Florida.
I loved reading through all the comments. It is very stressful having non-saved family members. Especially grandchildren growing up in this crazy world…but we try to talk about God when they are around and pray, but now that we don’t live close, I’m afraid I DO have to leave it in God’s hands…which you think- how in the world?? …well- I guess that is where faith comes in like every other thing going on in our lives, we look up, we call on the name of Jesus-from there we rely on his Sovereignty, all knowing, goodness. Thank you heavenly Father that we can turn all of our fear, and anxiety over to you, and listen and read your word and let you give us what we need! Amen
At jail yesterday…FOUR women got saved and we prayed over each one, all of us in tears!!! It was simply AMAZING!! Thank you God for the experience of YOU moving today…changing lives!! Hallelujah!
DOROTHY, thank you for sharing.
I have chismeen who do not want to know the Lord, and grandchildren who are taking after them. I pray continuously that their hearts will be softened to seek God above all else. I pray that the love I have for the Lord, and the love, my mom has, and my grandmother had, and my great grandmother had, etc. will be passed on to my children and grandchildren.
I pray this for all of us. To God be the glory.
MARGARET W there was no podcast this week.
David wanted to build a house for God . It was honorable. God had other plans. The door was shut for what David planned to do. He continued to praise his God and he accepted what God had said . He moved on . May we follow that example. When things don’t work out the way we had envisioned… we trust God and praise him and know that he is watching over us . We trust him. Amen
I struggle with legacy because I do not have children. My family line with end with me and that is a heavy burden. Will I leave something behind as a generational legacy. Will the people I work with know Jesus because of me? These thoughts are hard.
I don’t have children either and prayed a prayer that I may have “spiritual” children. That I can somehow, by God’s grace, impart something to those around me that they would follow Jesus.
What great motivation to pursue the Lord- to leave my children and those He gives me to spiritually mother a rich inheritance in God. Lord let my ceiling be their floor!
Wow what rich passages today, so many highlights!
8 Observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever. – 1 Chronicles 28:8.
What great motivation to follow and seek the Lord- to leave my children with a rich spiritual inheritance. Lord let my ceiling be their floor!!
Wow what rich passages today, so many highlights! 8 Observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever. – 1 Chronicles 28:8. What great motivation
It seems as though they have not updated it
Is it just me, or is it a problem with the app? I still can’t see this week’s podcast up? I’m an iPhone user if that matters.
@ronda- where in Kentucky is your father? I live in Louisville. Just curious.
@Sundayschoolteacher- lifting your husband in prayer!
Just wow! The work of God is not limited to your lifetime. This passage really resonated with me today as I have a son who is in his first year at Virginia Military Institute. It has been so “pure and precious” to watch God work in this new season of his life! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, my son has been salt and light on that post. It hasn’t been easy for sure, BUT God has sustained him. Definitely excited to see all that God has in store for him!
“Our God is a God of generations….We may not see every prayer answered in our day. God so rarely operates according to our timetable. But the work of God is not limited to your lifetime. He is doing something that will outlast you.” WOW!!! So much to take in. Erin said so much in these words. “A God of generations” isn’t that sooo true. How many generations do I go back — well I remember my paternal grandma teaching me in Sunday School at the age of 5. I also remember hearing stories of how my paternal grandparents met at church. My maternal grandparents also went to church every Sunday.
While reading the Scripture in my devotional Bible I came across three devotions related to these Scriptures, of which I would like to share some with you. “Let go of whatever is distracting you, and you will begin to see your life through My (God is supposed to be talking) eyes. Then you will have the ability, in My power, to live it out.” In another devotional in my Bible, again God is supposed to be speaking, “Your passion for Me will be contagious, and your joy will overflow into the lives of those who watch you dance through this life with Me. Look up to the Heavens and live a life driven by eternity.” And yet in a third one, again God is supposed to be talking, “I love it when you enjoy creation but if you hold too tightly to created things, you will miss out on the journey of faith. Remember what’s around you will go away but that what’s above you will last forever. Live through this day with deep adoration of Me.”
Father God, HELP me to not be distracted by the things others have put in my way. Help me to give joyfully to You and those around me. MOST OF ALL help me to remember that Your Heavenly Realm is the most important thing after You, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sisters be blessed and realize our faith is our priority.
Sorry about the length.
@ SEARCHING. I landed on 1 Chronicles 28:9 as well. Especially the Lords understanding all the intents of the thoughts
“God of generations” we may not see all our prayers answered in this life but God’s work is not limited to our lifetime. Oh but His glorious day will come! Are we ready?
@Molly R. I’m glad to hear that you have found a good place for your parents. I can only imagine the amount of overwhelming feelings you guys must have. I remember my mom going through her parents house and the feelings that come with it. Putting it up for sale and what not. My grandpa built his house with his next door neighbor who was also his brother. Every thing in that house even the cupboards and trim were built by them with love. Praying for you and your family. @Taylor I’m so sorry you feel overwhelmed by your new position! Everyday will get a little easier and I’m praying God will guide you through it. @Sunday School Teacher so sorry for your husband I pray he will make a full recovery! @Michelle Patire hang in there! Praying things get easier.
Be strong and courageous and do the work. There are so many times I’m like alright I prayed now let’s go. I will be the first to admit I don’t always do the work being strong and courageous. So often I get angry and bitter and frustrated. Praying I can be better.
My comment posted without me finishing corn correction *accepted*
But I’m sure you knew that. I wanted to finish by saying we all have loved ones who walked away from the faith and what better time than this to lift one another up for those loved ones to come back. Praying for all of you sweet sisters!
I hope I’m not sounding selfish. I would love prayer for my son as he is revisiting some thoughts about a relationship. Please please as a mother, I just want God‘s will for him and that he will hear HIS voice for whatever the outcome.
I too was the wayward lost sheep for several years and I was not a very good example for my daughter. But I know that deep inside she knows the truth. Like so many others here I pray that the Spirit moves inside of her as it did in me to give her heart to the Lord.
BUT GOD, I give this up to you.
I pray for all of our children and for all of you my Sisters. ❤️
Wow!! This was an amazing devotional. Again. I’m loving, loving this Lent season. Good morning, beautiful sisters. This morning I took time to read the comments before commenting myself and It’s so GOD How many of us can relate to each other at this very moment. I too, Have siblings who excepted Jesus in their heart as teenagers they are no longer serving HIM. One of them went as far as to say, she doesn’t believe anymore. Lifting all of us up here as we have
I love how everyone seems to agree that we pray for our family and leave them in God’s hands. I used to get so stressed over my family. One day when I was praying for them, God reminded me that Even though I love them, He loves them better than I ever could! It gave me such a new perspective on something I already knew! If we remain faithful, pray, and living for God, He is always faithful.
@Rebecca, Rhonda J, and Searching (and anyone else who prayed !) Thank you so much for all your encouragement. I was touched by each of your comments. It’s funny I am still a “young person” yet I am 30 years old! I feel young, thankfully, so praise God. :) it’s a good thing age and physical wear&tear won’t be a thing in heaven.
@Rebecca– your words esp comfort me. Thank you for speaking life over me so frequently. The Lord has by me through so much already in these 30 short years, so all wisdom and glory go to Him. Praying peace to your aunt and cousin. May the Lord strengthen and be so near to your cousin who has given so much to her mother.
@Sundayschoolteacher- Praise the Lord for His comforting presence! May you and your husband (&family) continue to see Him in this time. May your husband rest in the Comforter’s arms in this recovery process.
@Taylor- hope you are doing well today at work. We are thinking of you :)
@Mercy – yes, we are thinking of you, too!
@Ally M- glad you have stayed consistent in reading despite the business of your current season! God bless you.
I am praying for you!
I have so much to share today, but I’m running out of time this morning- but this was a great devotional and scripture reading today! Happy Thursday to you all—Hope it is a GLORIOUS day!
@Traci– Yay, my niece had a baby and I call her “my baby!” I love her so much and am so excited to get to spend time with her, and family (my sister! yay) next week, as we go to Kentucky to see my Daddio!
Amen
I have a rich legacy of family who loved the Lord. My grandfather was a minister and two uncles as well. Some of my most precious memories are of times spent together. Their love of Jesus was always front and center. All this to say, that is why the pain of my own children’s waywardness can weigh heavy on my heart. In many ways I blamed myself, asking what I did wrong or what could I have done differently? But after years of praying, pleading, begging-Jesus has quieted my heart. I mostly feel at peace that He has them and it is the spirit’s job to save them and not my own. It is my job to pray without ceasing, show them by example, and love them. So I continue on and pray that I will see the miracle of my prodigal children returning to their faith. I lift all our children and grandchildren who are wavering in their faith.
I ask for prayer for my aunt, who is in hospice care, that she would enter heaven peacefully, and for comfort for my cousin (her daughter) who is now the only one left in her family. She never married and her brother died many years ago and her father as well. She has been her moms caregiver for the last several years. Her faith is strong but this will be hard.
@TAYLOR – How was your day yesterday?! God be with you…one reassuring moment, one victory, one day at a time ❤️
❤️
My nephew, who I am very close to, is having a baby in a few weeks. I am so excited. This child will be like a grandchild to me. They are raising her in the church. I am so thankful for their faithfulness. I pray God will use me to be a light in this little girls life.
Praying for your daughters, @Jill and @Libby. I was the lost teenage sheep for many years and I can relate to them. My mom prayed for me in those years and about 2 years ago, God saved me. It was one moment, unexpectedly, that I felt called to pray, and after that moment I knew that I believed, and I placed my faith in Jesus. God is SO GOOD! I pray that you would be filled with peace knowing that all things are in His hands. ♡
@Sundayschoolteacher – praying for your husband – may God fully restore him to good health and give those who are treating him wisdom and discernment. And may you feel the love and prayers of others wrapped around you today.
Jill, this is EXACTLY the struggle I’m having with my daughter. It’s so difficult to lay her at the feet of Jesus and not try to interfere with His work. I’ll be praying for you. Would you part for me to?
1 Chron 28:20 caught my attention as the be strong and courageous is other scriptures. I know God said it to Joshua. it is also in Deuteronomy 31:6 as that was my centering verse for a major exam in my life. It made me pause and wonder how many times that phrase is found in scripture. It also had me thinking about why God has to remind us so often to be strong and courageous. Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 tell us God goes with us. I’m encouraged to know God is with us and that His strength and courage are there for us.
“We may not see every prayer answered in our day. God so rarely operates according to our timetable. But the work of God is not limited to your lifetime.” This gives me hope, that even though I may not see it in my lifetime doesn’t mean it won’t happen. @Jill Ford – I too have adult children that have walked away from the faith they once knew. It breaks my heart that they do not seek God and follow Him. But God. Because of Him, there is always hope! Praying that your daughter will say yes to Jesus, with her whole heart!
It’s truly mind boggling to think about the far, far, future – the one when I’m long gone and in heaven. I wonder if God will give us a little “window” so we can see our grands, great grands, great great grands and on & on – to see them choose to follow God. I pray for them, even though I don’t have any yet, because God already knows them – their names and who they will become. My prayer – may my two wayward sons, my future grand children and all who come after me, love God and follow Him whole-heartedly.
Have a blessed and thankful Thursday!
May I serve you Lord whole heartedly and with a willing mind. Please pray for my husband who is in the hospital. Pray for a complete recovery from his illness. Pray for the Lord to give wisdom, discernment and knowledge for the physicians and caregivers in regards to his plan of care. My family and I appreciate the prayers. I know the Lord is with us as I can feel his presence. The Lord is good all the time. Praise His name.
Amen! Praying this over our girls this morning!!
Aimee, I loved your prayer. Thank you. Sisters have a blessed day ❤️.
1 Chronicles 28:9 ……. know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts.
Know Him, serve Him – and do these things willingly – are there things I’m doing “for the Lord” where outwardly I look willing, and inwardly I’m grumbling? Lord, help me in my weakness and shortsightedness.
TINA – ❤️ congrats on your great grand on the way!
MARI V – praying for your upcoming court date
MOLLY R – praying as your family works through this transition. Wonderful that the siblings are working together, and undoubtedly a relief that your parents will be together and taken care of as their needs change.
RHONDA J – praying for pain relief! Mornings are the worst for sure.
MICHELLE PATIRE – praying for you. I hear your weariness in the situation, and pray for patience, wisdom and guidance.
CARLY LEWIS – thank you for sharing about the cattle! It brought back memories from many years ago when they didn’t behave :)
TAYLOR – praying as you adjust to your new job! You would not have been offered the position if you weren’t qualified so I know you can do it! I was in a similar situation many years ago – took a job that was offered (not realizing the chaos that awaited) and it was an eye opener to get things organized, manage and lead. One day at a time, figuring out priorities, working out solutions, laying out long term goals – you’ve got this!!!!
ALLY M – welcome back :)
JUST A THOUGHT – your comment yesterday sent me back to the devo for another look. I agree that we are faced with evil every day as a part of this troubled world. It is so important to remember the Lord loves us beyond what we can comprehend, to study His word, know His voice and do our best each day to walk in His will – while knowing we will still have to deal with evil. In the face of that evil, we can lean on Christ and Scripture to walk us through the valley, to victory in a challenge, toward a different path He has for us.
Coming to mind are John 16:33 –
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJV
John 10:27-29 –
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. NKJV
And 1 Corinthians 10:13 –
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. NKJV
As mamas there is so much we want for our children—but nothing is more important than walking with the Lord. The best thing that we can do is to pray scripture over their lives and to trust that God is working even when we don’t see it.
God may we remain faithful, even as you are faithful, in our prayers and example and faith.
For our children who know the truth but are not living the truth, would you draw them near and show yourself faithful.
Lord that Your blessing goes before me and behind me and beside me and around me and within me for a thousand generations. In Jesus name, Amen
I pray this for my children, Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.
Do the work. I love this! We may not see the fruits of our labor in this lifetime but we can leave a legacy for those who come after us. I am seeing my grands come to know the Lord and it makes me so happy to know they will continue to pass down their heritage as members of God’s household.
Very meaningful to me personally as my son is getting married next. I think. Lovely devotional!
I’m praying for my daughter that she will say yes to Jesus wholly. She put her faith in Christ as a young girl but the world has her heart as a young woman. Please pray with me that God would grab ahold of her heart. I know I might not ever see it but I am trusting God because he is faithful to generations. Thank you everyone for lifting her up.
May our families be saved and live a life worthy of that calling by His grace and mercy! Amen!
“We may not see every prayer answered in our day. God so rarely operates according to our timetable. But the work of God is not limited to your lifetime. He is doing something that will outlast you. A day is coming when you will witness His goodness in the lives of those who will rise up behind you.”
Hallelujah! One day Lord, I will see things from Your perspective. Until that day, may I rest in the knowledge that all things are in Your hands.
ERIN DAVIES, THIS devotion right here, had my heart. So beautifully written, it took me on a journey of my life, literally.. those shoulders I have stood on and continue to do so, in my bringing up of my children and the next generation who stand on my shoulders, who, also now, have theirs standing on their shoulders..
As one blessed to have and see two nearly 3 generations (yep, God willing I am looking to be a great grandma by the end of summer. Crazy right?) now as I live and breathe, I can see the hope and prayers and blessings of God, carried over from those that have gone ahead.. those who had their assignments that praised, worshipped and glorified our one true God..
May I, and those that follow be as dedicated and committed to the Lord in our actions and deeds…
All this and more.. because of God..
His faithfulness.
His grace, love and mercy..
BUT GOD..
Amen.
Happy Wednesday my dears, so tight wrapped in love and hugs this day the Lord has made.. Hallelujah!❤
Amen
Amen!!