One of the greatest promises in the greatest book ever. “If you seek him, he will be found by you.”

1Chronicles 28:9
And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind,

for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.

Bible Gateway link: 1 Chronicles 28:9 (ESV)

Jesus simplified the commandments given to Moses to: *“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” We couldn’t do this perfectly if we tried really, really hard. We CAN test our thoughts, decisions and actions against that simple criteria. With help, we can find riches unimaginable. “Fear not; do not be dismayed.”

1 Chronicles 22:13 

Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.

Bible Gateway link: 1 Chronicles 22:13 (ESV)

*Bible Gateway link: Matthew 22:37-40

You can be excused from reading the long genealogy of Simeon in First Chronicles, but then you would miss this lovely tribute to the descendants of Ham. Just a little gem in a boring(?) list of names.

1 Chronicles 4:39-40

A broad, quiet and peaceful place in Israel

They journeyed to the entrance of Gedor, to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks, where they found rich, good pasture, and the land was very broad, quiet, and peaceful, for the former inhabitants there belonged to Ham.

Bible Gateway link: 1 Chronicles 4:39-40 (ESV)

Sign me up! Not one of us can make it through this without His ‘gentle and lowly heart’ leading us to rest.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Bible Gateway link: Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

Matthew 5:3-10 -

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

As humans we never see the big picture, but one doesn’t have to see it to know the wisdom in this verse. Whatever the endeavor, if it comes from God, it will succeed, if not it will fail. Christianity prevails.

Acts of the Apostles 5:38-39

The Pharisee Gamaliel

(Gamaliel the Pharisee)

“...So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,

Bible Gateway link: Acts 5:38-39 (ESV)

“Thy God my God.” This verse fills my heart every time. It is so loving and faithful, the perfect description of any true commitment to another human being. Sometimes it is awkward, but this and many other verses cry out for the old King James Version.

Ruth 1:16-17 

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

-Bible Gateway link: Ruth 1:16-17 (KJV)