David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?” -1 Chronicles 14:10

David heard that his enemies the Philistines were on their way to attack. How would he respond? Fight? Defend? Run? Negotiate? What was the right response?

The answer to David’s question was not to design a plan but to consult the Designer. When he did, God gave him an answer far better than he could have discovered on his own.

God commanded David to have his army attack from behind instead of from the front. When they did, they achieved a tremendous victory.

Each day, we face conflict, challenges, and issues where we need wisdom. Just like David, our answer is not found in providing our own response, but in seeking the Lord’s response. Let’s avoid the temptation of living life in our own strength. Let us ask God, the one who knows exactly how to provide our victory.

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Dillon Burroughs is the author and coauthor of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of all 31,173 verses of the Bible at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.

The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his household and everything he had. -1 Chronicles 13:14

When the ark fell, a man died. In fear, David refused to take the ark to Jerusalem, but left it with the family of Obed-Edom. The result? Obed’s family was blessed along with everything he had.

Sometimes, God simply favors a person or family by association. A non-Christian living next to a Christian should find his or her life better as a result of the Christian neighbor. The classroom led by a Christ-like teacher blesses all of his or her students regardless of their religious affiliation. The same can even be said of companies, communities, or even countries.

One convicting question from this chapter? Is my life bringing blessing to others? If not, why not?

Sometimes you are the answer to your own prayer. Be the answer to your prayer request today. Be a blessing to those around you, unconditionally, living like one who represents the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Dillon Burroughs is the author and coauthor of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of all 31,173 verses of the Bible at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.

All these were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks. They came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. All the rest of the Israelites were also of one mind to make David king. -1 Chronicles 12:38

How did a shepherd boy named David become king of Israel? God anointed him, yet much took place in the hearts of the nation’s people to support the effort. The desire God placed in the hearts of the people of Israel was for unity.

Unity can serve as a strong motivator. In David’s case, unity led thousands of men to volunteer as soldiers in his new movement. The families of these soldiers would have likewise often been of like mind to make David king. People gave their lives for a cause worthy of their devotion–a new goal of a unified Israel under the leadership of one whose heart pursued the Lord.

If such unity could bring together a nation under a new king, what could it do in our lives today? When we pursue God and join others who share a passion for him, we quickly find ourselves as part of a greater movement working together to make a greater impact in society and a legacy for eternity.

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Dillon Burroughs is the author and coauthor of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of all 31,173 verses of the Bible at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.

¹⁰ These were the chiefs of David’s mighty warriors—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the Lord had promised— ¹¹ this is the list of David’s mighty warriors: -1 Chronicles 11:10-11

Chronicles notes the lives of a small band of men whom David called his mighty warriors. These men both led Israel’s military as well as provided for his personal security. What did David value most about these men? It was not their muscles; it was their loyalty.

Readers often overlook this essential trait of the mighty men. Yes, their descriptions include killing hundreds of enemies, taking down most-warranted insurgents, and even killing a lion in a pit on a snowy day. But many men could fight; few could both fight and commit their lives to serving the king.

Still today, God seeks loyalty as one of his most important traits. The Lord has given us many skills, yet others can often accomplish the tasks we can perform. What cannot be copied is our loyalty to the Lord.

On a scale of one to ten, what level of loyalty do you have to the Lord? We all have room to grow; the goal is to live today the way you want to be remembered tomorrow.

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Dillon Burroughs is the author and coauthor of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of all 31,173 verses of the Bible at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.