PRAISE THE LORD!! We have now completed the 13th book of the Bible.

First Chronicles chapter 29. How to succeed.

In this chapter King David is very concerned for the success of his son Solomon. He wants Solomon to succeed as a king. I think it's a parent thought process for I know that Karin and I want our kids and their families to succeed. It's something that I think about a lot. But when I think about success I don't think so much about money as I do about doing the will of the father.

6 Bible passages that come to mind are:

1. Mark 3:35 and 2. Luke 8:21 which both say that if we want to be a part of God's family we need to do his will and not our own.
2. Romans 12:1-2 states how to discern God's will…… Don't conform to the pattern of this world.
3. Luke 11:27-28 a woman in this passage yells out blessings to Jesus's mother and Jesus responds by saying blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and Obey it.
4. John 9:31 is a passage emphasizing the value of worshipping God and doing his will.
5. 1st John 2:17 says the world is passing away along with it's desires but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying money is not important. It is important and we should strive to be the best that we can using the minds that God has given us to be able to make the money necessary for our families. But if that becomes our number one priority then we miss out on what's really important and that's our relationship with Christ and following him. We must realize that as we follow God's will he is our provider and he will provide what is sufficient for us. With however much God enables me and my mind to bring in financially, I must keep remembering that it's God's money and he is the provider. And with whatever He blesses me with I must not forget to be a giver of that money for his purpose. I must be willing to give back a portion of what he has given me.

So to re-emphasize what I see in this chapter:

1. Doing God's will is more important than chasing after things that don't matter.
2. Striving to be the best that we can with the spirits help and guidance is important. Making money is important just don't let it become your god.

Matthew 6:33 says it really well that we are to seek God and his righteousness beyond anything else and when we do that he will take care of our needs. Including our finances.

Jesus must be first and when he is, it will affect how we pursue our job, how we treat our families, how we spend time with the Lord and the church and ministries. It just plain affects our everyday life.

Jesus help me to do Your Will!