Blessings Come From The Presence Of God

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 12 & 13

And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had. (1Chronicles 13:14)

The context of today’s passage reveals that David had just been recognized by the entire nation of Israel as the king of the land. David wanted to unify the nation even further; and he desperately wanted the blessings of God for the nation: so he sought to bring the ark back into its proper place. While bringing the ark back to Jerusalem, the oxen stumble which caused Uzza to reach back and steady the ark. You know the story, God kills Uzza instantly: he was not supposed to touch the ark.

My purpose for this writing is not to discuss what David did wrong in how he transported the ark; but rather to notice how God blessed the house of Obededom simply because the ark of God was temporarily placed in his house, under his care, for safe keeping. The ark represented the presence of God; and God will always bless the house that has God present in it.

Is God’s presence clearly apparent in your life and family. Perhaps there are things in your house (and mine) that quench and grieve the fullness of God’s presence. Maybe it’s time to clean out our houses and make a home for God to dwell in; a place that God can bless abundantly; a place where God is in control.

By the way, the ark of God only physically rested in the house of Obededom for three months; but apparently Obededom wanted more of God’s presence because we read later in chapter 16 that Obededom became a porter in the house of God. He wanted to be as close to the presence of God as he could. How about you? Do you desire the presence of God in your life and in your home?

Obededom – A Doorkeeper for the Lord

May 11, 2011

In "Thoughts from 1 Chronicles"

Obededom – A Doorkeeper for the Lord

May 11, 2021

In "Thoughts from 1 Chronicles"

God’s Will, God’s Way

Today's Passage - 1 Chronicles 13 - 15 (Second Milers also read - John 13 - 14; Psalms 51 - 55; Proverbs 11) Scripture Memory for May - Psalm 51 Listen to this morning's Scripture song - Psalm 34 Read "Subversion of Marriage" by Pastor Paul Chappell Read last…

May 11, 2012

In "Thoughts from 1 Chronicles"

Phil Erickson

Pastor Phil Erickson has been the pastor of Jersey Shore Baptist Church since January of 2002. Having grown up in Ocean County, Pastor Phil has always had a burden for the south Jersey area. After graduating from Bible College in Longview, Texas, he and his family moved to Galloway Township with the vision of digging in and serving the Lord and the people of Atlantic County. Pastor Phil and Cindy Erickson have been married since 1985. They have four children and ten grandchildren. Their oldest son, Phil Jr. and his wife Katelyn are serving the Lord in Egg Harbor Twp., NJ. Their oldest daughter, Melissa, is married to Wesley Clayton who is in the Air Force and is currently stationed in New Mexico. Samantha, their third child, is married to Justin Mears and they are both serving the Lord at the church in Galloway. Hannah, the youngest, is married to Lucas McCollum, and they are also serving here in Galloway. In preparation for ministry, the Lord led him through a variety of educational experiences that have equipped him to serve the Lord and His people. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgian Court University, a Bachelor of Biblical Studies in Pastoral Theology from Texas Independent Baptist Seminary (formerly Texas Baptist College), a Master of Religious Education in Bible from West Coast Baptist College, and a Master of Biblical Studies from The Crown College. More recently, he completed a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Counseling and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Veritas Baptist College. He is thankful for these opportunities to study God’s Word more deeply, and counts it a privilege to use whatever knowledge the Lord has given him for the building up of His church. In addition to pastoring, the Lord has given Phil the wonderful privilege of teaching as an adjunct professor at Vision Baptist College in Berlin, NJ and Veritas Baptist College.

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Rich Frick says:

May 14, 2010 at 7:45 am

There my be things I need to clean out but don't see them as needing to go (excluding the things that are in me). I really need to bring things in. FAMILY and PERSONAL DEVOTION time is a big area I need to get into my house. I'm sure the more of the Word that gets into my house the more I'll find what needs to go out.