1 Chronicles 17 recounts David’s desire to build a house for God.  As in 2 Samuel God states that he doesn’t want a house. God tells David that he will be great and that his line will raise up a ruler whose kingdom will be established by God to last forever. This humbles David that God would honor him in such a way. He recognizes God’s greatness and power and is awed that God would choose him and the people of Israel for redemption and honor. David prays that God’s name will be established and magnified forever through this promised kingdom.

In 1 Chronicles 18 David wins many battles. He takes large amounts of bounty and receives many tributes. All of this he dedicates to the Lord. God gave him victory wherever he went. David ruled with equity and justice.

God’s blessings should humble us. Who are we that God should think about us? God has chosen us to be his people. He redeems us to walk in His ways. He blesses us with all that we have. The only suitable response to God’s great expression of love is gratitude and humility.

Galatians 1 a new letter we are starting today is short but is jammed-packed with challenges to live a life worthy of God’s calling. This is another strong letter form Paul. The people of Galatia are leaving the gospel they received from him and accepting another gospel.

Paul gives an account of his testimony, how he persecuted the church until he was called by God. The gospel he brings is not his own but that of God. He has been traveling throughout the Gentile world proclaiming the gospel.

We are constantly being presented with gospels that are not true to the one proclaimed in the Bible. We need to check the credentials of those presenting it to be certain that they are truly speaking God’s word and not just their own. They may be popular and successful but they are also leading the faithful astray.