God wants us to ask Him for things. But we need to have the right heart. Riches, honor, and power are worldly pleasures. They can be used for God’s glory, but they certainly bring glory to us.

When the laws are clearly spelled out and everyone knows there will be consequences for breaking them, mercy is optional, but justice is to be expected. No one should complain about getting what they deserve. The guilt is on them, not on the one who handed down the sentence. There is no reason for the judge, jury, or officer to feel guilty for the consequence they must impose because of another person’s crime and there is no reason for the guilty person to be angry about a punishment they know they deserve.

Being the leader doesn’t mean you get to do whatever you want, bossing around everyone who follows you. Good leaders submit themselves fully to God. They are servants first. Then, they lead with fairness and truth for the good of those who follow them and for the Lord.

Sometimes we may wish that God had chosen us for something bigger, more important, more public, or more lasting. We may even feel more qualified or like we deserve it more than the person serving in the role you want. But it is not for us to question the Lord’s choice for us or for others. He knows the plans He has for each one of us, and He has His reasons. Instead of wishing we had a different role to play, we should give our all to the purpose He has for us.

When you believe everything is given to you by God, when you recognize everything He’s done for you and you love Him, you will naturally want to give back to Him in every way you can.

Seek God and ask Him what He wants you to be doing, then commit to follow Him with a loyal heart and a willing mind. Do not fear or worry, and do not get discouraged. Then, bring the next generation along and teach them to do the same.

God gave the law to Moses, then instituted sacrifices. They were offered first in the portable Tabernacle where God’s Spirit dwelt and now David wants to build God a permanent home where sacrifices can be offered perpetually. This place is eventually where our forever sacrifice gave His life for all of us. Then, there was no longer a need for animal sacrifices or a Temple because His Spirit lives in every believer. Through our faith in the Perfect Lamb, we present ourselves now as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.

Like any loving father, God cares about our spiritual and moral character, and He wants to teach us right from wrong. He has the power to keep us from temptation. But sometimes He decides to use it to help us see our vulnerabilities and correct them. If we are attentive and recognize it early or heed the warnings He sends our way, then we could escape without any consequences. But sometimes we have to learn our lessons the hard way and that’s better than not learning them at all.

Do you truly love the Lord? Do know Him? Do you recognize His power in your life? Do other people know the things He’s done for you?

Our lives are precious to the Lord. Because we were created in His image, taking an innocent life is a grave sin that must be atoned for with blood. Thankfully, Jesus shed His blood for all our sins proving just how precious our lives really are.