Aug 8, 2010 I Chronicles 12

Where does one jump in and start a blog for a daily reading of the bible? I would dare to guess some books of the bible are well read and others are not because ...... insert your answer here. I decided not to procrastinate and wait until Jan 1. I am starting today with my blog. This is the 3rd year 8th month and 8th day of the bible reading plan I use. I am following God's leading and starting this blog, both as me being accountable to reading Gods word daily, and also to encourage others to join me in daily bible reading. And as we read today's scripture - well it is a good place to start, so lets begin.

A little background on I Chronicles.
I Chronicles is in the Old Testament, and it parallels 2 Samuel in the Old Testament.
The time period for I Chronicles is 1000-960 BC.
The author is Ezra according to Jewish tradition, and was written approx 430 BC.
The book was written for all of Israel
The purpose of the book was to unify God's people.
The key people in this book are David and Solomon.
Key place is Hebron, in Israel.
(This information was obtained from my NIV study bible).

I Chronicles 12 - if you don't have a bible please go to this link to read today's scripture.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Chronicles%2012&version=NIV

What did I learn from this chapter?
David was banished from Saul, son of Kish, and found himself surrounded by many great warriors. Both left handed and right handed men who could use slings and bows. These warriors were from the tribe of Benjamin, kinsmen of Saul. Verse 8 states that they were ready for battle, and able to handle shields and spears, their faces were the faces of lions and swift as gazelles. The rest of the chapter gives a listing of all the other warriors that came to David's defense, from the 12 tribes of Israel, and surrounding towns. Verse 37 says 120,000 men joined David's army. Verse 38 - all were volunteers. Verse 39 says that the warriors families supplied them with provisions. The purpose of the warriors joining David was to make him King over all of Israel.

I am not a lover of history, especially wars and battles, so reading this part of the bible is difficult for me. As I read this chapter, I realized that David the leader has been surrounded by 120,000 experienced warriors!
I personally am not going off to battle to become king of a country, but we all have our own battles in life. Who do I surround myself with both in my personal life and in my professional life? Are the people in my life Christians, and do they share my convictions?  Do they laugh at the same silly jokes, and watch with me as summer thunder storms rumble across the sky?  And the other side of the coin - am I a good employee doing my best for my company? Do I support my friends and family with whatever battle is going on in their lives?

A side note - I don't know if I will always do this but I will if I have the time. I am a lefty and I noticed verse 2 mentions left handed warriors. Left handed people in years past have been thought of as evil, or of the devil, so I was curious why this was in the mentioned in today's scripture. My footnote lead me to Judges 3:15. Judges 3:15 mentions Ehud who was a left handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, and he helped the Israelites be delivered from its enemies. Many Benjaminites were left handed. Even though some may perceive left handedness as evil or a handicap,  God does not allow handicaps to be a deterrent  for being able to use us to advance his kingdom.

Father God we thank you for all the warriors who come to our aid today. To fight for the cause of Christ. We ask that WE be good warriors for others today too, and that the leaders of our country, businesses and head of each family household surround themselves with Godly experienced warriors.
Amen

Thinking of the song Onward Christian Soldiers right now :-)