Day 140

1 Kings 2:13-3:15; 1 Chronicles 29:23-25; 2 Chronicles 1:1-13; Psalm 83. “Wheels of Justice”

Justice is one of the topics addressed today.  The passages in Kings and Chronicles describe the justice Solomon laid forth.  His justice was fair and took into consideration the counsel of his father, David.  It was also necessary in order to prevent chaos from coming.  
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice.”  Psalm 83 focuses on how God brings justice to the enemies of His people.  God’s justice is fair, pure, and certain.  “Though the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceedingly small.  Though with patience He stands waiting, with exactness He grinds all” (Friedrich Von Logau, 1650).
The wheels of justice don’t always turn at the speed we would like.  In fact, sometimes we may wonder if God’s wheels went flat.  It is a wonderful thing that God’s wheels turn as they do and not at our speed.  His wheels are turning, but what a blessing that He is so patient (see 2 Peter 3:9).

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?

Bible Discussion Guide:

Journals can be a great tool for recording thoughts, prayers, and emotions (whether fears or wonderful things).  Journaling can be a form of worship.  It’s an expression of our heart.  It is a great compliment to our daily devotions with Him.  It is not just a place of expressing, but also a place to listen, to hear God’s whispers.

How would you describe the “depth” of the Psalms?

What specific ways could a person be encouraged by the Psalms?

Other than the obvious part music plays in the Psalms, what other uses of music in Scripture can you think of?

Genesis 4:21 tells us about Jubal, the first musician.  The Ark of the Covenant was accompanied by musicians.  Jesus and His disciples sang after the Last Supper.  Paul and Silas sang in jail.  So, what about the importance of music?  What about the importance of music in worship?

The Psalms are so full of worship.  How could journaling be considered meditative worship?  What other benefits are there to journaling?

The following are a few initial thoughts for your journal:
Reflect…
Who are you?
What is your background?
What experiences brought you to this time and place in your life?

Release…
What life changing mistakes have you made?
Are there any buried mistakes in your life that still hold you back?
Have you released your mistakes to God, so you can experience His true blessings for your life?

Surrender…
What event or series of events in your life brought you to your knees?
Where did you focus your thoughts and efforts during crisis?
When did you turn it all over to God?

Praise…
What victories have you experienced in your life?
What blessings has God brought your way?
Think about God's role in your life, and give Him thanks for all you have?

Deepen Your Relationship With God!  (from www.allaboutgod.com)