Today's reading: I Chronicles 14, 15, 16; Psalm 30, 60, 90, 120, 150; Proverbs 30
I Chronicles 15:29, "And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart."
I have attended a lot of Churches in my life. Some of them have been traditional so to speak and others were far from traditional. It is interesting to see the differences in each one. They all have their own personality so to speak.
I have been in Churches where the men would shout a hearty "Amen!" I have been in some Churches that nobody but the Preacher said anything. I was the guy that broke the silence and let out a hearty "Amen!" That was kind of funny really.
There are times in life that you have to go against the grain so to speak. I am not saying that you are to disobey Scriptural principles. I am not saying to go against the clear teaching of the Word of God.
What I am saying is sometimes you just have to dance alone. David in our Scripture for today was at a place just like that. He danced in praise to God. I will assure you it was not the garbage that is called dancing today. I remember my wife and I attended a Messianic Jewish Church one time several years ago. They sang, clapped and a group of people even danced. Yes, they danced. It was very worshipful and honoring to the Lord. They were all dressed in white robes and you could tell the focus of the dance was praise to the Lord. When I was watching this I thought of this event in Scripture. I thought how David danced before the Lord and how his own wife despised him in her heart because of it. How sad. Sometimes you just have to dance alone. Psalm 30:11, "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;"
How are you doing? Do you have your dancing shoes on? I hope so.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
April 29, 2010
Today's reading: I Chronicles 11, 12, 13; Psalm 29, 59, 89, 149; Proverbs 29
I Chronicles 11:18-19, "And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD, And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest."
As I am writing this today there is an apartment building on fire on the northeast side of the city. The news broke in on everyone's favorite TV shows to report this tragedy. As the firefighters work so hard to save life and property the wind is blowing at about fourteen (14) miles per hour. This makes it hard to fight the fire because the wind spreads it furiously. No matter what they will not give up. They have called for a second alarm to get more equipment and more firefighters to help. These men and women are fighting their hardest to push back the fire and extinguish it.
I bet you are wondering why I am musing on this today. You see, these men and women are putting their lives on the line to protect the people and property involved. I wonder what would happen if you and I as God's people would do God's will for our lives with the fervor that these men and women are fighting this fire. I would imagine that we would make such a radical difference that the world would not know what hit them.
We need to be ready at any moment for God to call upon us to do His will. I like the words of I Chronicles 12:2, "They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin." Notice that these men could use either their right hand or their left hand. I am so jealous. No matter what came their way they were able to adjust and keep fighting. There are far too many people that just fold up and quit when adversity comes. Let me encourage you to keep going, keep fighting and do not give up. There is someone, somewhere that is counting on you to stand fast in the fight of faith.
So friend, how are you doing?
I Chronicles 11:18-19, "And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD, And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest."
As I am writing this today there is an apartment building on fire on the northeast side of the city. The news broke in on everyone's favorite TV shows to report this tragedy. As the firefighters work so hard to save life and property the wind is blowing at about fourteen (14) miles per hour. This makes it hard to fight the fire because the wind spreads it furiously. No matter what they will not give up. They have called for a second alarm to get more equipment and more firefighters to help. These men and women are fighting their hardest to push back the fire and extinguish it.
I bet you are wondering why I am musing on this today. You see, these men and women are putting their lives on the line to protect the people and property involved. I wonder what would happen if you and I as God's people would do God's will for our lives with the fervor that these men and women are fighting this fire. I would imagine that we would make such a radical difference that the world would not know what hit them.
We need to be ready at any moment for God to call upon us to do His will. I like the words of I Chronicles 12:2, "They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin." Notice that these men could use either their right hand or their left hand. I am so jealous. No matter what came their way they were able to adjust and keep fighting. There are far too many people that just fold up and quit when adversity comes. Let me encourage you to keep going, keep fighting and do not give up. There is someone, somewhere that is counting on you to stand fast in the fight of faith.
So friend, how are you doing?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
April 28, 2010
Today's reading: I Chronicles 8, 9, 10; Psalm 28, 58, 88, 118, 148; Proverbs 28
I Chronicles 10:13-14, "So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse."
So many people today think they can just live their lives with no consequences. This could not be further from the truth. Life is like a lake that is smooth. When you throw a rock into it you disrupt the smoothness of the water and ripples occur. They might be small or large depending upon the size of object that you throw into the water. One of my favorite pictures that I have taken over the years is a picture of a fishing (bobber)float in the water. I had been fishing the afternoon prior and my line had gotten caught on something. I did not dive into the water to see what I was caught on. I pulled and pulled but the line broke and there sat my bobber, bobbing up and down but not going anywhere. The next morning I went out to the same spot to try again. There it was. Yes, the bobber was still floating right where I had left it. The bobber stop had prevented it from floating away and it was still hooked on whatever had held it there the evening before. I took a few pictures of it and then got a heavier rod with heavier line. I threw it out just past the trapped bobber and began to reel in. I caught the line and began to reel. Sure enough I was able to bring it in: hook, line and sinker.
The point of my rambling today? No matter what we do it will have an effect of some kind. In our day it has become a big thing to "pay it forward". You know, do something nice for someone who will do something nice for someone who will do something nice for someone, etc...
Saul met death at this particular time in his life the Bible tells us because of his disobedience. Numbers 32:23 says, "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out." Obedience could be a life saver.
On the positive side of this look at Proverbs 28:27, "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse." We see that obedience is rewarded. The choice is up to us as to whether we obey or disobey. I wish I always chose to obey. My life would be so much better if I would just be obedient to what I know to be right. How about you? I bet we are the same in that area.
So how is your obedience?
I Chronicles 10:13-14, "So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse."
So many people today think they can just live their lives with no consequences. This could not be further from the truth. Life is like a lake that is smooth. When you throw a rock into it you disrupt the smoothness of the water and ripples occur. They might be small or large depending upon the size of object that you throw into the water. One of my favorite pictures that I have taken over the years is a picture of a fishing (bobber)float in the water. I had been fishing the afternoon prior and my line had gotten caught on something. I did not dive into the water to see what I was caught on. I pulled and pulled but the line broke and there sat my bobber, bobbing up and down but not going anywhere. The next morning I went out to the same spot to try again. There it was. Yes, the bobber was still floating right where I had left it. The bobber stop had prevented it from floating away and it was still hooked on whatever had held it there the evening before. I took a few pictures of it and then got a heavier rod with heavier line. I threw it out just past the trapped bobber and began to reel in. I caught the line and began to reel. Sure enough I was able to bring it in: hook, line and sinker.
The point of my rambling today? No matter what we do it will have an effect of some kind. In our day it has become a big thing to "pay it forward". You know, do something nice for someone who will do something nice for someone who will do something nice for someone, etc...
Saul met death at this particular time in his life the Bible tells us because of his disobedience. Numbers 32:23 says, "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out." Obedience could be a life saver.
On the positive side of this look at Proverbs 28:27, "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse." We see that obedience is rewarded. The choice is up to us as to whether we obey or disobey. I wish I always chose to obey. My life would be so much better if I would just be obedient to what I know to be right. How about you? I bet we are the same in that area.
So how is your obedience?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
April 27, 2010
Today's reading: I Chronicles 5, 6, 7; Psalm 27, 57, 87, 117, 147; Proverbs 27
Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Our Scripture for today brings back many good memories. At a Church where we were once members they had a men's group called "Iron Man". It is based upon this verse of Scripture. I loved it. The group was basically an accountability group for the men. The entire group would meet once a month and have some type of activity like a cookout or go to a local pizza place.
Every week on an appointed day smaller groups of about four or five would meet at a location decided upon by it's members. The smaller groups is where the rubber would meet the road so to speak. The leader would go around the group and ask each man a list of five or seven different questions designed to cause each man to evaluate where he was in his walk with Christ. I loved it. Some men did not like it so much.
This was a good time for men to grow in the Lord. If you were not keeping up on reading your Bible daily then others would make loving suggestions to try to help each member succeed.
I liked the name "Iron Man". It reminded me of someone sharpening an axe. I have only done that once in my life; but, I have seen it done many times over. This memory would come back to mind often.
It still applies today. That is a major reason that I write this blog. I want to "sharpen" people if the Lord will use me to just that. That is my goal. This is not just an outlet to blow off steam to me. I hope that every time someone reads my offerings here they are challenged to draw nearer to God than they ever have before.
So friend, how are you doing?
Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Our Scripture for today brings back many good memories. At a Church where we were once members they had a men's group called "Iron Man". It is based upon this verse of Scripture. I loved it. The group was basically an accountability group for the men. The entire group would meet once a month and have some type of activity like a cookout or go to a local pizza place.
Every week on an appointed day smaller groups of about four or five would meet at a location decided upon by it's members. The smaller groups is where the rubber would meet the road so to speak. The leader would go around the group and ask each man a list of five or seven different questions designed to cause each man to evaluate where he was in his walk with Christ. I loved it. Some men did not like it so much.
This was a good time for men to grow in the Lord. If you were not keeping up on reading your Bible daily then others would make loving suggestions to try to help each member succeed.
I liked the name "Iron Man". It reminded me of someone sharpening an axe. I have only done that once in my life; but, I have seen it done many times over. This memory would come back to mind often.
It still applies today. That is a major reason that I write this blog. I want to "sharpen" people if the Lord will use me to just that. That is my goal. This is not just an outlet to blow off steam to me. I hope that every time someone reads my offerings here they are challenged to draw nearer to God than they ever have before.
So friend, how are you doing?
Monday, April 26, 2010
April 26, 2010
Today's reading: I Chronicles 2, 3, 4; Psalm 26, 56, 86, 116, 146; Proverbs 26
I Chronicles 4:9-10, "And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested."
Many of you have probably read the book, "The Prayer of Jabez". I know that I enjoyed reading the book. I hope that we have not read the book like the health, wealth and prosperity movement. There are those who think that they can command God and He will do as they say like some genie in a bottle. This is a gross error.
I wonder how many of us have spent time earnestly praying for some need recently. I know that I do not pray like I should. You would think that a guy who is unemployed would be like the Apostle John and be called "Camel Knees". No such adjectives here to my shame. Oh, if a relative were dying or some serious event had taken place we might get on our knees and throw up a prayer or two on behalf of the one in need. This ought not to be. We need to be fervent in prayer.
I like the rhetorical question in Psalm 116:12-14, "What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people." The reason that I like this so much is there follows a laundry list so to speak of what we can do. These apply so well.
One thing we do not think about is to die to self. The Apostle Paul said that he died daily. Wow! I believe if we die to self then when we pray we will be in a right relationship with Jesus and our prayers can be answered. Look at Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." I think this might have been a key in Jabez getting his prayer answered. He was walking with God in a right relationship with no known sin in his life and God mightily answered his prayer.
If I called you with a dire need could you get your prayers answered? Are you sure?
I Chronicles 4:9-10, "And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested."
Many of you have probably read the book, "The Prayer of Jabez". I know that I enjoyed reading the book. I hope that we have not read the book like the health, wealth and prosperity movement. There are those who think that they can command God and He will do as they say like some genie in a bottle. This is a gross error.
I wonder how many of us have spent time earnestly praying for some need recently. I know that I do not pray like I should. You would think that a guy who is unemployed would be like the Apostle John and be called "Camel Knees". No such adjectives here to my shame. Oh, if a relative were dying or some serious event had taken place we might get on our knees and throw up a prayer or two on behalf of the one in need. This ought not to be. We need to be fervent in prayer.
I like the rhetorical question in Psalm 116:12-14, "What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people." The reason that I like this so much is there follows a laundry list so to speak of what we can do. These apply so well.
One thing we do not think about is to die to self. The Apostle Paul said that he died daily. Wow! I believe if we die to self then when we pray we will be in a right relationship with Jesus and our prayers can be answered. Look at Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." I think this might have been a key in Jabez getting his prayer answered. He was walking with God in a right relationship with no known sin in his life and God mightily answered his prayer.
If I called you with a dire need could you get your prayers answered? Are you sure?
Sunday, April 25, 2010
April 25, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 24, 25; I Chronicles 1; Psalm 25, 55, 85, 115, 145; Proverbs 25
Psalm 55:3, "Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me."
Psalm 55:12-14, "For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company."
As I was reading our text for today many thoughts came to my mind. Many were remembrances of negative things in my past. There were far too many times in my life that I disappointed someone. I hate to say it; but, there were times that I even changed my opinion of someone and I turned on them. You see, I am no better than anyone else. We are all made of the same sinful flesh. The bad thing is that we yield to it and nothing good comes from a life yielded to the flesh.
I remember reading these very passages of Scripture several years ago. A short time later a co-worker came to me and related how he felt as if the top boss was doing him wrong. Immediately I thought about these verses. I shared them with him and he received comfort from them.
I guess we put our trust in our friends that they will be just that; friends, and not turn on us and become enemies. Unfortunately this happens and there is probably nothing we can do about it except pray for them and let God work on them. He is able.
So, how are you doing?
Psalm 55:3, "Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me."
Psalm 55:12-14, "For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company."
As I was reading our text for today many thoughts came to my mind. Many were remembrances of negative things in my past. There were far too many times in my life that I disappointed someone. I hate to say it; but, there were times that I even changed my opinion of someone and I turned on them. You see, I am no better than anyone else. We are all made of the same sinful flesh. The bad thing is that we yield to it and nothing good comes from a life yielded to the flesh.
I remember reading these very passages of Scripture several years ago. A short time later a co-worker came to me and related how he felt as if the top boss was doing him wrong. Immediately I thought about these verses. I shared them with him and he received comfort from them.
I guess we put our trust in our friends that they will be just that; friends, and not turn on us and become enemies. Unfortunately this happens and there is probably nothing we can do about it except pray for them and let God work on them. He is able.
So, how are you doing?
Saturday, April 24, 2010
April 24, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 21, 22, 23; Psalm 24, 54, 84, 114, 144; Proverbs 24
II Kings 21:1, "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah."
The name Hephzibah is defined in Strongs Hebrew dictionary #02657 - "my delight (is) in her;". I thought this was interesting. Many years ago we attended a Church that supported a ministry called "Hephzibah House". It was a home for troubled girls. The girls were brought there in order for God to work in their lives and for them to be transformed into the young women He designed them to be. It is a great ministry. We were treated very well as we toured the facilities.
The reason I liked this ministry so much was because they were teaching the young women a proper view of God and how He viewed them. Imagine being named "My delight is in her". What a privilege.
Actually, as I am writing and thinking about this I realized something. Everyone of us who name the name of Christ can be called Hephzibah. If we are in a right relationship with the Lord then He will delight in us. What a powerful thought!
Today as you go about your daily routine think about how God delights in you if you are one of His children. If you are not one of His children, please become one today before it is too late.
So what does God think of you?
II Kings 21:1, "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah."
The name Hephzibah is defined in Strongs Hebrew dictionary #02657 - "my delight (is) in her;". I thought this was interesting. Many years ago we attended a Church that supported a ministry called "Hephzibah House". It was a home for troubled girls. The girls were brought there in order for God to work in their lives and for them to be transformed into the young women He designed them to be. It is a great ministry. We were treated very well as we toured the facilities.
The reason I liked this ministry so much was because they were teaching the young women a proper view of God and how He viewed them. Imagine being named "My delight is in her". What a privilege.
Actually, as I am writing and thinking about this I realized something. Everyone of us who name the name of Christ can be called Hephzibah. If we are in a right relationship with the Lord then He will delight in us. What a powerful thought!
Today as you go about your daily routine think about how God delights in you if you are one of His children. If you are not one of His children, please become one today before it is too late.
So what does God think of you?
Friday, April 23, 2010
April 23, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 18, 19, 20; Psalm 23, 53, 83, 113, 143; Proverbs 23
II Kings 19:1, "And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD."
I was thinking about the day that we learned that we were going to be parents. It was an emotional day to say the least. I remember being scared to death and also excited at the same time. How would I... or What would I... My mind raced in a million directions.
It was at this point that I had a decision to make. I had to decide whether I would do things on my own. Did I want to do thing my way or would there be a better way? Should I get the advice of other or just go and do my own thing my own way?
I remember a big part of my reaction was to pray a lot. I prayed for everything concerning our child and the pregnancy. I made one vital mistake. By praying so specifically I had to pray for every little detail.
I did not think that if I missed one detail that it might make a huge difference. The one thing I did not pray for was that our child would talk. Our son was born autistic and non-verbal.
Once we came to grips with the fact that there was a problem our response was much like that of King Hezekiah in II Kings 19:14, "And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD." This was our only hope. Today, we still depend upon the Lord and we seek His face.
How do you respond? Sure about that?
II Kings 19:1, "And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD."
I was thinking about the day that we learned that we were going to be parents. It was an emotional day to say the least. I remember being scared to death and also excited at the same time. How would I... or What would I... My mind raced in a million directions.
It was at this point that I had a decision to make. I had to decide whether I would do things on my own. Did I want to do thing my way or would there be a better way? Should I get the advice of other or just go and do my own thing my own way?
I remember a big part of my reaction was to pray a lot. I prayed for everything concerning our child and the pregnancy. I made one vital mistake. By praying so specifically I had to pray for every little detail.
I did not think that if I missed one detail that it might make a huge difference. The one thing I did not pray for was that our child would talk. Our son was born autistic and non-verbal.
Once we came to grips with the fact that there was a problem our response was much like that of King Hezekiah in II Kings 19:14, "And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD." This was our only hope. Today, we still depend upon the Lord and we seek His face.
How do you respond? Sure about that?
Thursday, April 22, 2010
April 22, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 15, 16, 17; Psalm 22, 52, 82, 112, 142; Proverbs 22
II Kings 15:16, "Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up."
We live in a day that is capitalized by the utter disregard for human life. It is horrible. There is no sanctity in life. I never thought I would see such in my lifetime. Unfortunately, it is here. As I was reading our Scripture for today I could not help but think of all the lives that are being wasted in the name of convenience. It is not a child but a choice. Hogwash! Some go so far as to relegate the child to a bundle of tissue. Wrong! This is a child with a soul that Jesus Christ died for. This little person is a precious gift to those who receive it.
Some day we will all stand before God and we will all give account for our lives. I cannot imagine giving account for having done as Menahem and as the Scripture says, "and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up." There was no regard for human life whatsoever. We need to wake up and see what is happening. What man calls convenience, God calls murder.
I think that the people did not understand that Jesus Christ was who He said He was in His day and they still don't. Look at Psalm 22:8, "He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." These people did not acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God just like today. If you will not acknowledge who He is then you will not obey Him.
God help us!
II Kings 15:16, "Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up."
We live in a day that is capitalized by the utter disregard for human life. It is horrible. There is no sanctity in life. I never thought I would see such in my lifetime. Unfortunately, it is here. As I was reading our Scripture for today I could not help but think of all the lives that are being wasted in the name of convenience. It is not a child but a choice. Hogwash! Some go so far as to relegate the child to a bundle of tissue. Wrong! This is a child with a soul that Jesus Christ died for. This little person is a precious gift to those who receive it.
Some day we will all stand before God and we will all give account for our lives. I cannot imagine giving account for having done as Menahem and as the Scripture says, "and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up." There was no regard for human life whatsoever. We need to wake up and see what is happening. What man calls convenience, God calls murder.
I think that the people did not understand that Jesus Christ was who He said He was in His day and they still don't. Look at Psalm 22:8, "He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." These people did not acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God just like today. If you will not acknowledge who He is then you will not obey Him.
God help us!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
April 21, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 12, 13, 14; Psalm 21, 51, 81, 111, 141; Proverbs 21
II Kings 12:11-12, "And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD, And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it."
The past (2) two days I have been attending some training aimed at teaching firefighters how to remove people from cars after they have been involved in a crash. I learned so much that I could not even begin to tell you about it all.
As I was standing next to this car that had been put in place for us then the top smashed down like it had rolled over I began to feel a little bit intimidated. I was encouraged by the fact of knowing that, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13.
I remember standing next to the car and my officer giving me instructions on how to make the cut. I have known this guy since before I started to legally drive a car. I never in my wildest dreams ever thought he and I would ever work together like that. It was so awsome.
I put the cutter in place around the "A" post, which is by the windshield of the car and I pulled on the lever that started the blades moving. The adrenaline ran so high I think I could have snapped it in half by hand. Not really. When the blades made contact with the post I was told to let the tool move and do the work and not to fight against it. Then came the "bang!" and we were through the post. I shouted. Success!
I can only imagine how those we have read about today felt at the completion of the rebuilding of the temple. They had been provided everything they needed and the work just went on until it was finished.
So how are you doing? Are you letting the tool do the work or are you trying to fight against it and do it your way? Yield yourself to the Lord and let Him work through you today. I know He wants to. How about it?
II Kings 12:11-12, "And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD, And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it."
The past (2) two days I have been attending some training aimed at teaching firefighters how to remove people from cars after they have been involved in a crash. I learned so much that I could not even begin to tell you about it all.
As I was standing next to this car that had been put in place for us then the top smashed down like it had rolled over I began to feel a little bit intimidated. I was encouraged by the fact of knowing that, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13.
I remember standing next to the car and my officer giving me instructions on how to make the cut. I have known this guy since before I started to legally drive a car. I never in my wildest dreams ever thought he and I would ever work together like that. It was so awsome.
I put the cutter in place around the "A" post, which is by the windshield of the car and I pulled on the lever that started the blades moving. The adrenaline ran so high I think I could have snapped it in half by hand. Not really. When the blades made contact with the post I was told to let the tool move and do the work and not to fight against it. Then came the "bang!" and we were through the post. I shouted. Success!
I can only imagine how those we have read about today felt at the completion of the rebuilding of the temple. They had been provided everything they needed and the work just went on until it was finished.
So how are you doing? Are you letting the tool do the work or are you trying to fight against it and do it your way? Yield yourself to the Lord and let Him work through you today. I know He wants to. How about it?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
April 20, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 9, 10, 11; Psalm 20, 50, 80, 110, 140; Proverbs 20
II Kings 9:20, "And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously."
The other day I was talking with a friend. We talked about everything and solved all of the world's problems; but, nobody was asking us for our advice. He commented about how much our son looks like me. That is a real compliment to me. I have been told that I look like my father too. One time I remember at his second marriage that someone shook my hand as said that it was good to meet David's brother. I told him to keep trying that he still had not met him. It was quite funny.
I think it is also funny how we identify people by how they walk or what they do. I was know during my career as a dispatcher for some things I said on the radio or how I said different things. This was neither good or bad really. What are you known for?
In our Scripture for today Jehu was known for the way he was driving. How was it? The Scripture say, "for he driveth furiously". When people see you from a distance are you known for the way you walk or the way you talk?
We have to be careful to be different from the world. This principle of separation is looked down upon in this day and age but it is still important. Notice II Kings 10:23, "And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only." As I read this passage I thought how sad it was that they had to make sure there were none of God's servants in the crowd. I guess they could have been there evangelizing. Still they wanted to be sure that none of God's people were in with the wrong crowd that day. How sad.
So friend how are you know or what are you known for?
II Kings 9:20, "And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously."
The other day I was talking with a friend. We talked about everything and solved all of the world's problems; but, nobody was asking us for our advice. He commented about how much our son looks like me. That is a real compliment to me. I have been told that I look like my father too. One time I remember at his second marriage that someone shook my hand as said that it was good to meet David's brother. I told him to keep trying that he still had not met him. It was quite funny.
I think it is also funny how we identify people by how they walk or what they do. I was know during my career as a dispatcher for some things I said on the radio or how I said different things. This was neither good or bad really. What are you known for?
In our Scripture for today Jehu was known for the way he was driving. How was it? The Scripture say, "for he driveth furiously". When people see you from a distance are you known for the way you walk or the way you talk?
We have to be careful to be different from the world. This principle of separation is looked down upon in this day and age but it is still important. Notice II Kings 10:23, "And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only." As I read this passage I thought how sad it was that they had to make sure there were none of God's servants in the crowd. I guess they could have been there evangelizing. Still they wanted to be sure that none of God's people were in with the wrong crowd that day. How sad.
So friend how are you know or what are you known for?
Monday, April 19, 2010
April 19, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 6, 7, 8; Psalm 19, 49, 79, 109, 139; Proverbs 19
II Kings 6:16-17, "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
I remember growing up on the farm I would ride my bike a lot in the down time. It was not unusual for my friend and I to ride to the next town five (5) miles away. We would always ride through the country so as to avoid the main roads in hopes of not being killed. I remember one trip in particular we were riding casually along and as we began to go up a hill in the road three large dogs came after us barking and all of that. I was always the fat kid with glasses so I was also the slowest. I remember as I tried to ride up the hill I went slower and slower up the hill. My friend had made it to the top and he saw that I was not going to make it up to the top where the road would flatten out and we could ride like the wind. I still remember my friend dumping his bike in the road and running back down the hill and picking up rocks as he ran. He began throwing the rocks at the dogs to keep them away from me. One made it to me and after a second of sniffing me decided we were okay. It was a near death experience if I ever had one.
Our passage today reminded me of this. God has protected me all of my life and He was not about to stop at that moment, I am sure. However, He used my friend to ensure that I was protected and He allowed what we thought was a man eating dog to be pretty friendly.
Imagine the young man looking around and see the horses and chariots of fire. That makes me want to shout just thinking about that. God has provided protection for me and my family so many times that we could not even begin to count.
We are experiencing a dark time in our lives right now. I am thankful for this reminder to look up and keep my eyes on Him and see His horses and chariots of fire.
Are you looking? I hope so.
II Kings 6:16-17, "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
I remember growing up on the farm I would ride my bike a lot in the down time. It was not unusual for my friend and I to ride to the next town five (5) miles away. We would always ride through the country so as to avoid the main roads in hopes of not being killed. I remember one trip in particular we were riding casually along and as we began to go up a hill in the road three large dogs came after us barking and all of that. I was always the fat kid with glasses so I was also the slowest. I remember as I tried to ride up the hill I went slower and slower up the hill. My friend had made it to the top and he saw that I was not going to make it up to the top where the road would flatten out and we could ride like the wind. I still remember my friend dumping his bike in the road and running back down the hill and picking up rocks as he ran. He began throwing the rocks at the dogs to keep them away from me. One made it to me and after a second of sniffing me decided we were okay. It was a near death experience if I ever had one.
Our passage today reminded me of this. God has protected me all of my life and He was not about to stop at that moment, I am sure. However, He used my friend to ensure that I was protected and He allowed what we thought was a man eating dog to be pretty friendly.
Imagine the young man looking around and see the horses and chariots of fire. That makes me want to shout just thinking about that. God has provided protection for me and my family so many times that we could not even begin to count.
We are experiencing a dark time in our lives right now. I am thankful for this reminder to look up and keep my eyes on Him and see His horses and chariots of fire.
Are you looking? I hope so.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
Today's reading: II Kings 3, 4, 5; Psalm 18, 48, 78, 108, 138; Proverbs 18
II Kings 4:10, "Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither."
This lady wanted to provide for the needs of the man of God. How did she do that? She provided him:
A place to sleep - "... a bed," Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap or sleep. This way you get your battery recharged. We all need proper rest to be effective for God. This woman wanted to provide a place for the man of God to get proper rest.
A place to study - "and a table," She provided a place for the man of God to put his scrolls (Bible) and to study. I know there have been a few times in my life that I have gotten away and it was nice to have provided a table where I could put my Bible and note pad to study. The woman wanted the man of God to have a proper place to study.
A place to sit - "and a stool," She provided the man of God a place to sit down at the table. Not only did she provide him a place to study; but, she provided him a place to sit at the table. It could be hard to study without a place to sit. It would have been uncomfortable and that would have made studying unprofitable.
A place to see - "and a candlestick:" She provided the man of God a candlestick. Light was very necessary just to live. His ministry was enhanced because he had light. The light allowed him to study very early or very late depending upon his needs.
I love this story of God providing for His man. The reason I love it so much is because I know if God provided for the man of God He will also provide for you and I.
Count your blessings today and see what God has provided for you. Remember to name them one by one.
II Kings 4:10, "Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither."
This lady wanted to provide for the needs of the man of God. How did she do that? She provided him:
A place to sleep - "... a bed," Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap or sleep. This way you get your battery recharged. We all need proper rest to be effective for God. This woman wanted to provide a place for the man of God to get proper rest.
A place to study - "and a table," She provided a place for the man of God to put his scrolls (Bible) and to study. I know there have been a few times in my life that I have gotten away and it was nice to have provided a table where I could put my Bible and note pad to study. The woman wanted the man of God to have a proper place to study.
A place to sit - "and a stool," She provided the man of God a place to sit down at the table. Not only did she provide him a place to study; but, she provided him a place to sit at the table. It could be hard to study without a place to sit. It would have been uncomfortable and that would have made studying unprofitable.
A place to see - "and a candlestick:" She provided the man of God a candlestick. Light was very necessary just to live. His ministry was enhanced because he had light. The light allowed him to study very early or very late depending upon his needs.
I love this story of God providing for His man. The reason I love it so much is because I know if God provided for the man of God He will also provide for you and I.
Count your blessings today and see what God has provided for you. Remember to name them one by one.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
April 17, 2010
Today's reading: I Kings 22; II Kings 1, 2; Psalm 17, 47, 77, 107, 137; Proverbs 17
I Kings 22:8, "And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so."
As I was reading this today I could not help but think of people that I have talked with that do not like this or that Preacher or Pastor. When you inquire as to why they do not like them you find out that they have preached against something that the person holds dear.
I have heard many person who is born-again say that before they were saved that they thought the Pastor or Preacher was preaching right to them. They think that he somehow knows their lifestyle and is saying certain things just because they are in attendance that day.
This could not be further from the truth. What they are experiencing is Holy Spirit conviction. God is convicting them of their sin. They have an opportunity to confess and forsake their sin; but, so many times they just go on and do the best they can to suppress this conviction.
Sometimes it is because of this that people will not go back to _____ Church. They will not go back because they think the Pastor is preaching at them when it is God lovingly trying to draw them to Himself. The next time the Holy Spirit says something to you listen really close and see what He has to say.
Are you listening? I hope so.
I Kings 22:8, "And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so."
As I was reading this today I could not help but think of people that I have talked with that do not like this or that Preacher or Pastor. When you inquire as to why they do not like them you find out that they have preached against something that the person holds dear.
I have heard many person who is born-again say that before they were saved that they thought the Pastor or Preacher was preaching right to them. They think that he somehow knows their lifestyle and is saying certain things just because they are in attendance that day.
This could not be further from the truth. What they are experiencing is Holy Spirit conviction. God is convicting them of their sin. They have an opportunity to confess and forsake their sin; but, so many times they just go on and do the best they can to suppress this conviction.
Sometimes it is because of this that people will not go back to _____ Church. They will not go back because they think the Pastor is preaching at them when it is God lovingly trying to draw them to Himself. The next time the Holy Spirit says something to you listen really close and see what He has to say.
Are you listening? I hope so.
Friday, April 16, 2010
April 16, 2010
Today's reading: I Kings 19, 20, 21; Psalm 16, 46, 76, 106, 136; Proverbs 16
I Kings 19:4, 6, 8"But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. "And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God."
As I sit here I am waiting to go to graduation tonight. I have worked for the past 4 (four) months at becoming a firefighter. I am too old to get into the pension program so nobody will hire me full-time. I would be eligible to work part-time if I can pass the state exam coming up later this month. This class was no cake walk. We actually went into a building that had a fire built in it and had to extinguish it three times. The class finished with 15 (fifteen) total students. We started out with 20 (twenty).
There are 2 (two) experiences that I remember from this class. One was that actual training burn. It was awesome! I could feel the heat through my personal protective equipment. I was charged with adrenaline. The other experience was a training I took part in that simulated a firefighter that had fallen through a floor and was injured and trapped. I still hear the one team calling out to the victim and assuring him that they were on the way to get him. The tears stream down my face still and this was two months ago. It was very realistic. My group did not fare too well. I was chosen by one of the full-time guys to be his partner. We worked together pretty well until that moment. The moment I ran out of air in my bottle. I was 6 (six) feet from the enormous bay door that was standing wide open. Thankfully my partner rescued the victim that last little bit by himself; but, then he came back for me. Our face masks were blanked out with paper towels so we could not see. Thankfully, I never wanted to stop. All I knew was one of my "brothers" was hurt and needed to get out of the building now. This was so real to me.
I am thankful that I was not alone. You see our Prophet Elijah thought he was all alone. God reminds him in I Kings 19:18, "Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." What a feeling of security to know that someone has your back. Just like my partner came back for me that day so God will never leave you nor forsake you. He will carry you to the "door" if need be.
Maybe you know someone who is falling behind because they feel all alone. My challenge to you to go get them. Go to them and be there for them.
Everybody goes home!
I Kings 19:4, 6, 8"But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. "And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God."
As I sit here I am waiting to go to graduation tonight. I have worked for the past 4 (four) months at becoming a firefighter. I am too old to get into the pension program so nobody will hire me full-time. I would be eligible to work part-time if I can pass the state exam coming up later this month. This class was no cake walk. We actually went into a building that had a fire built in it and had to extinguish it three times. The class finished with 15 (fifteen) total students. We started out with 20 (twenty).
There are 2 (two) experiences that I remember from this class. One was that actual training burn. It was awesome! I could feel the heat through my personal protective equipment. I was charged with adrenaline. The other experience was a training I took part in that simulated a firefighter that had fallen through a floor and was injured and trapped. I still hear the one team calling out to the victim and assuring him that they were on the way to get him. The tears stream down my face still and this was two months ago. It was very realistic. My group did not fare too well. I was chosen by one of the full-time guys to be his partner. We worked together pretty well until that moment. The moment I ran out of air in my bottle. I was 6 (six) feet from the enormous bay door that was standing wide open. Thankfully my partner rescued the victim that last little bit by himself; but, then he came back for me. Our face masks were blanked out with paper towels so we could not see. Thankfully, I never wanted to stop. All I knew was one of my "brothers" was hurt and needed to get out of the building now. This was so real to me.
I am thankful that I was not alone. You see our Prophet Elijah thought he was all alone. God reminds him in I Kings 19:18, "Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." What a feeling of security to know that someone has your back. Just like my partner came back for me that day so God will never leave you nor forsake you. He will carry you to the "door" if need be.
Maybe you know someone who is falling behind because they feel all alone. My challenge to you to go get them. Go to them and be there for them.
Everybody goes home!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
April 15, 2010
Today's reading: I Kings 16, 17, 18; Psalm 15, 45, 75, 105, 135; Proverbs 15
I Kings 17:1-9, " And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee."
So many people today are hurting in our society. As you look everywhere there are people like me that have been unemployed for long periods of time. The politicians will tell you that things are getting better. Hogwash! There is no political power that can solve the problems that we face here in our nation. The only answer is to rely upon God. Our nation does not want to even acknowledge the existence of God. How sad. God is alive, in heaven and is active in the lives of His people and others if they will acknowledge it. Look at 3 (three) things God provided for Elijah:
God used a river to provide the needed water for Elijah. I Kings 17:4, "And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; ..." I don't know about you but I like water and it is needed to support life as we know it. Water is vital. So, it would be safe to say that God provides our most vital needs. Amen!
God used a raven to provide the needed bread for Elijah. I Kings 17:4, "... and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there." Bread is another thing that we need. When I think of bread I think of daily meals. I am a meat and potatoes kind of guy and I like bread to go with it. Notice a common thread here? God is providing the most important, most basic needs of Elijah.
God used a righteous widow to provided the needs of Elijah. I Kings 17:9, "... behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee." God used a righteous widow who listened to God and obeyed Him. God provided for his spiritual needs too. This is a very important basic need. God worked through this woman to provide for Elijah. Then God worked through Elijah to provide healing for the widow's son. God is so good all the time!
What need do you have in your life that only God could meet? Do you know Him as your Saviour? I hope so.
I Kings 18:24, "And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken."
I Kings 17:1-9, " And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee."
So many people today are hurting in our society. As you look everywhere there are people like me that have been unemployed for long periods of time. The politicians will tell you that things are getting better. Hogwash! There is no political power that can solve the problems that we face here in our nation. The only answer is to rely upon God. Our nation does not want to even acknowledge the existence of God. How sad. God is alive, in heaven and is active in the lives of His people and others if they will acknowledge it. Look at 3 (three) things God provided for Elijah:
God used a river to provide the needed water for Elijah. I Kings 17:4, "And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; ..." I don't know about you but I like water and it is needed to support life as we know it. Water is vital. So, it would be safe to say that God provides our most vital needs. Amen!
God used a raven to provide the needed bread for Elijah. I Kings 17:4, "... and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there." Bread is another thing that we need. When I think of bread I think of daily meals. I am a meat and potatoes kind of guy and I like bread to go with it. Notice a common thread here? God is providing the most important, most basic needs of Elijah.
God used a righteous widow to provided the needs of Elijah. I Kings 17:9, "... behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee." God used a righteous widow who listened to God and obeyed Him. God provided for his spiritual needs too. This is a very important basic need. God worked through this woman to provide for Elijah. Then God worked through Elijah to provide healing for the widow's son. God is so good all the time!
What need do you have in your life that only God could meet? Do you know Him as your Saviour? I hope so.
I Kings 18:24, "And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken."
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April 14, 2010
Today's reading: I Kings 13, 14, 15; Psalm 14, 44, 74, 104, 134; Proverbs 14
I Kings 13:4-6, "And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him. The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD. And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before."
I have a friend that gives an account that when he was a young Christian that the place he worked had a very antagonistic person working there. He tells how the man would speak badly against Christ and Christianity. He was so hostile toward the Lord and anything Christian that the man would nearly pick a fight with my friend. One day my friend came to the breaking point and could no longer stand the taunts, jeers and personal attacks by the giant of a man. He said that the man dared him to prove the Bible to be true. My friend reached up and grabbed the man by the nose and twisted or "wrung" the man's nose until it began to bleed. My friend then quoted Proverbs 30:33, "Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife."
This man not only stopped harassing my friend; but, became pretty close. I believe that he said that he did not know if the man ever trusted Christ as his Saviour; but, he heard from my friend how to be saved.
Just like this wicked king in our passage, others around us who know we are a Christian will ask us to pray for them. This king had an urgent need. His hand was withered and he could not use it. He needed a miracle and he asked the man of God to pray for his healing.
If someone asked you to pray for an important need in their life would you be able to get to God on their behalf? I hope so.
I Kings 13:4-6, "And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him. The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD. And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before."
I have a friend that gives an account that when he was a young Christian that the place he worked had a very antagonistic person working there. He tells how the man would speak badly against Christ and Christianity. He was so hostile toward the Lord and anything Christian that the man would nearly pick a fight with my friend. One day my friend came to the breaking point and could no longer stand the taunts, jeers and personal attacks by the giant of a man. He said that the man dared him to prove the Bible to be true. My friend reached up and grabbed the man by the nose and twisted or "wrung" the man's nose until it began to bleed. My friend then quoted Proverbs 30:33, "Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife."
This man not only stopped harassing my friend; but, became pretty close. I believe that he said that he did not know if the man ever trusted Christ as his Saviour; but, he heard from my friend how to be saved.
Just like this wicked king in our passage, others around us who know we are a Christian will ask us to pray for them. This king had an urgent need. His hand was withered and he could not use it. He needed a miracle and he asked the man of God to pray for his healing.
If someone asked you to pray for an important need in their life would you be able to get to God on their behalf? I hope so.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
April 13, 2010
Today's reading: I Kings 10, 11, 12; Psalm 13, 43, 73, 103, 133; Proverbs 13
I Kings 10:1, "And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions."
I remember several years ago at the Church we were attending at the time the Pastor started a men's group called "Iron Man". I loved it so much. It was a group of men that would keep one another accountable. We met monthly as an entire group. The bigger group was divided up into smaller groups of 4 or 6. These groups would meet every week. We had a group of about six (6) questions that we would ask one another to determine how we were doing each week. I liked it because I did not want to disappoint the Lord or anyone else by not doing my daily Bible reading or having daily prayer time. There were other important things that were in the accountability questions also.
I remember one man in the Church that I wanted to join the group because I really liked him; but, he refused. He told me that he made a vow to God as a younger man and it was all he could do to keep those vows and he did not want to make more that he would have to keep. This was not his exact words; but, I understood what he was saying.
I loved to go into the meetings and be able to say that I had read my Bible everyday and prayed everyday. It was such a satisfying feeling. Some of the other questions were not as easy to answer because I had usually failed them and I did not want to admit that I had failed. Such is life I guess.
So, if I asked you the hard questions today could you answer them? I hope so.
I Kings 10:1, "And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions."
I remember several years ago at the Church we were attending at the time the Pastor started a men's group called "Iron Man". I loved it so much. It was a group of men that would keep one another accountable. We met monthly as an entire group. The bigger group was divided up into smaller groups of 4 or 6. These groups would meet every week. We had a group of about six (6) questions that we would ask one another to determine how we were doing each week. I liked it because I did not want to disappoint the Lord or anyone else by not doing my daily Bible reading or having daily prayer time. There were other important things that were in the accountability questions also.
I remember one man in the Church that I wanted to join the group because I really liked him; but, he refused. He told me that he made a vow to God as a younger man and it was all he could do to keep those vows and he did not want to make more that he would have to keep. This was not his exact words; but, I understood what he was saying.
I loved to go into the meetings and be able to say that I had read my Bible everyday and prayed everyday. It was such a satisfying feeling. Some of the other questions were not as easy to answer because I had usually failed them and I did not want to admit that I had failed. Such is life I guess.
So, if I asked you the hard questions today could you answer them? I hope so.
Monday, April 12, 2010
April 12, 2010
Today's reading: I Kings 7, 8, 9; Psalm 12, 42, 72, 102, 132; Proverbs 12
I Kings 7:13-14, "And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre. He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work."
I liked our verses for today. Hiram was recognized by Solomon not only because of who he was but because of his ability to work in brass. Today so many people are promoted and such because of who they know and not what they are able to do. It does not matter if you are qualified for the job if you know someone high up enough in the company. This is frustrating.
I tried to get a job recently at a local pizza shop and was turned down because I was "overqualified". I guess it is better to be less qualified? Such is life.
How about ministry? I hope you have found your niche in the ministry of the Lord. I hope you are serving Him to your fullest capacity. I enjoyed teaching the teen Sunday School class last week and I get the opportunity to do the same again this week. (Last week was to check me out I think.)
You are never more safe than in the middle of God's will for your life. Now, it us up to you and I to pray, read and seek God to know what His will is for our lives. I hope you will do that. It is the most fantastic place in the world. You have God's word on it.
How are you doing?
I Kings 7:13-14, "And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre. He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work."
I liked our verses for today. Hiram was recognized by Solomon not only because of who he was but because of his ability to work in brass. Today so many people are promoted and such because of who they know and not what they are able to do. It does not matter if you are qualified for the job if you know someone high up enough in the company. This is frustrating.
I tried to get a job recently at a local pizza shop and was turned down because I was "overqualified". I guess it is better to be less qualified? Such is life.
How about ministry? I hope you have found your niche in the ministry of the Lord. I hope you are serving Him to your fullest capacity. I enjoyed teaching the teen Sunday School class last week and I get the opportunity to do the same again this week. (Last week was to check me out I think.)
You are never more safe than in the middle of God's will for your life. Now, it us up to you and I to pray, read and seek God to know what His will is for our lives. I hope you will do that. It is the most fantastic place in the world. You have God's word on it.
How are you doing?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
April 11, 2010
Today's reading: I Kings 4, 5, 6; Psalm 11, 41, 71, 101, 131; Proverbs 11
I Kings 5:5, "And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name."
If you could do anything at all and you could not fail at it, what would it be? Hudson Taylor said, "Attempt great thing for God. Expect great things from God." Such wisdom! Hudson Taylor was one of the greatest modern day missionaries. He won so many in China because of his philosophy. It is correct because it is in line with the teaching of the Bible.
If you remember king David wanted to build God's house and God forbid him because he was a man of blood. He did promise him that his son Solomon would build it. Solomon's temple is a fantastic sight I am told. What a huge task to undertake. I don't think I could do it.
You see it has not been put in my heart to build it. There are things that I desire to do for God. If I do not get motivated and do them I will one day look back and my life will be gone and all I will have is, "I was going to...". How sad.
Again I ask, If you could do anything for God and know you could not fail, what would it be? Have you started yet?
I Kings 5:5, "And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name."
If you could do anything at all and you could not fail at it, what would it be? Hudson Taylor said, "Attempt great thing for God. Expect great things from God." Such wisdom! Hudson Taylor was one of the greatest modern day missionaries. He won so many in China because of his philosophy. It is correct because it is in line with the teaching of the Bible.
If you remember king David wanted to build God's house and God forbid him because he was a man of blood. He did promise him that his son Solomon would build it. Solomon's temple is a fantastic sight I am told. What a huge task to undertake. I don't think I could do it.
You see it has not been put in my heart to build it. There are things that I desire to do for God. If I do not get motivated and do them I will one day look back and my life will be gone and all I will have is, "I was going to...". How sad.
Again I ask, If you could do anything for God and know you could not fail, what would it be? Have you started yet?
Saturday, April 10, 2010
April 10, 2010
Today's reading: I Kings 1, 2, 3; Psalm 10, 40, 70, 100, 130; Proverbs 10
I Kings 1:1-2, "Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat. Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat."
Tomorrow morning I will teach the teen Sunday School class. I am so excited for the opportunity! I was glad to come across this verse today as I was reading. Daily Bible reading is so important as God speaks through His Word. I will use this verse as I talk to them about different things. One thing I will mention is proper relationships with members of the opposite sex. This is needed today desperately! Just look around and you can see that.
May I add that it is not only for the teenagers; but, for the adults. I know that the teens in our Church are a great bunch of young people. A large portion of them are the Pastor's children; but, they too need to be reminded of how to have a proper relationship with the opposite sex.
Notice that the young virgin was only to help the king get heat. She was there to serve the king in what capacity she could serve him. This was to simply lay in bed and allow the heat that her body produced naturally warm the king who could no longer produce enough heat of his own.
What is the product of the relationships that you and I enjoy each day? Is it godly? I hope so. Men we need to be careful at how we show attention to the fairer sex. Ladies we need to be careful how we speak to and dress around the other sex. We need to protect one another from falling to temptation. We owe it to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
How are your relationships?
I Kings 1:1-2, "Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat. Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat."
Tomorrow morning I will teach the teen Sunday School class. I am so excited for the opportunity! I was glad to come across this verse today as I was reading. Daily Bible reading is so important as God speaks through His Word. I will use this verse as I talk to them about different things. One thing I will mention is proper relationships with members of the opposite sex. This is needed today desperately! Just look around and you can see that.
May I add that it is not only for the teenagers; but, for the adults. I know that the teens in our Church are a great bunch of young people. A large portion of them are the Pastor's children; but, they too need to be reminded of how to have a proper relationship with the opposite sex.
Notice that the young virgin was only to help the king get heat. She was there to serve the king in what capacity she could serve him. This was to simply lay in bed and allow the heat that her body produced naturally warm the king who could no longer produce enough heat of his own.
What is the product of the relationships that you and I enjoy each day? Is it godly? I hope so. Men we need to be careful at how we show attention to the fairer sex. Ladies we need to be careful how we speak to and dress around the other sex. We need to protect one another from falling to temptation. We owe it to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
How are your relationships?
Friday, April 9, 2010
April 9, 2010
Today's reading: II Samuel 22, 23, 24; Psalm 9, 39, 69, 99, 129; Proverbs 9
II Samuel 24:24, "And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver."
Today I went and visited a neighbor to get some advice on fishing line. I know that he fishes in tournaments and I figured that he would have a great amount of experience to draw from. While I was there he offered me great advice and I appreciated it so very much. He also gave me a brand new tackle box and put a lot of spinner baits, crank baits and plastic worms. Wow! I was humbled at his gift. Words were not adequate to say, "Thank you!" You see all of this great equipment (it is far better than just "stuff") was a gift. It was free. It cost me absolutely nothing. Thank you Jesus! All that my neighbor asked me is that when I catch a really good fish with my new equipment that I take a picture and send it to him. I can do that. Now all I need is for someone to call me and invite me to go fishing.
In our passage of Scripture today we see that David wanted to offer a sacrifice to the Lord to stop the judgment that was upon them. He came to the place where he wanted to offer the sacrifice; but, it belonged to someone else. The owner; a man named Araunah owned the property. When he heard that the king wanted to offer a sacrifice to the Lord he offered to give the king everything he needed to make the offering. What a giving man. I love the words of David, "neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing."
How often do you and I just give to God our leftovers? If we do it at all we do it far too often. I know that I am guilty of giving God seconds. Lord, forgive me for giving to you anything less than my very best.
What are you giving to God?
II Samuel 24:24, "And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver."
Today I went and visited a neighbor to get some advice on fishing line. I know that he fishes in tournaments and I figured that he would have a great amount of experience to draw from. While I was there he offered me great advice and I appreciated it so very much. He also gave me a brand new tackle box and put a lot of spinner baits, crank baits and plastic worms. Wow! I was humbled at his gift. Words were not adequate to say, "Thank you!" You see all of this great equipment (it is far better than just "stuff") was a gift. It was free. It cost me absolutely nothing. Thank you Jesus! All that my neighbor asked me is that when I catch a really good fish with my new equipment that I take a picture and send it to him. I can do that. Now all I need is for someone to call me and invite me to go fishing.
In our passage of Scripture today we see that David wanted to offer a sacrifice to the Lord to stop the judgment that was upon them. He came to the place where he wanted to offer the sacrifice; but, it belonged to someone else. The owner; a man named Araunah owned the property. When he heard that the king wanted to offer a sacrifice to the Lord he offered to give the king everything he needed to make the offering. What a giving man. I love the words of David, "neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing."
How often do you and I just give to God our leftovers? If we do it at all we do it far too often. I know that I am guilty of giving God seconds. Lord, forgive me for giving to you anything less than my very best.
What are you giving to God?
Thursday, April 8, 2010
April 8, 2010
Today's reading: II Samuel 19, 20, 21; Psalm 8, 38, 68, 98, 128; Proverbs 8
II Samuel 21:8-9, "But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite: And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest."
I was caught by the phrase, "and they fell all seven together". Last week I went to the city and participated in some training for firemen. It was awesome to say the least. One group of men went into the training house to put out the fire that had been set for them. They worked together as one. Then one of the men began to run out of air. At this time they began to get out of the house. The problem was that they left their captain behind. Three men went in and only two came out. When one of the instructors saw the two leave the captain he took the captain by the shoulder and told him to set tight (his air was not running out) and wait for them to come get him when they figured out he was not with them. When they came out of the house they received a stern chewing out from the instructors outside and rightly so.
When you work as a team you have to stay together. I love the saying that became so popular after September 11, 2001: "Everyone goes home." This is how we must operate as a team. Remember there is no "I" in team. If someone on your team is hurting then the whole team needs to go to that member and see what needs to be done to heal or help them.
In the realm of the Church and Christianity it should be the same way. Far too often we tend to "shoot the wounded" so to speak. This ought not to be.
Remember, "Everyone goes home". We also must be like the Marines, "Semper Fi".
How are you doing?
II Samuel 21:8-9, "But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite: And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest."
I was caught by the phrase, "and they fell all seven together". Last week I went to the city and participated in some training for firemen. It was awesome to say the least. One group of men went into the training house to put out the fire that had been set for them. They worked together as one. Then one of the men began to run out of air. At this time they began to get out of the house. The problem was that they left their captain behind. Three men went in and only two came out. When one of the instructors saw the two leave the captain he took the captain by the shoulder and told him to set tight (his air was not running out) and wait for them to come get him when they figured out he was not with them. When they came out of the house they received a stern chewing out from the instructors outside and rightly so.
When you work as a team you have to stay together. I love the saying that became so popular after September 11, 2001: "Everyone goes home." This is how we must operate as a team. Remember there is no "I" in team. If someone on your team is hurting then the whole team needs to go to that member and see what needs to be done to heal or help them.
In the realm of the Church and Christianity it should be the same way. Far too often we tend to "shoot the wounded" so to speak. This ought not to be.
Remember, "Everyone goes home". We also must be like the Marines, "Semper Fi".
How are you doing?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
April 7, 2010
Today's reading: II Samuel 16, 17, 18; Psalm 7, 37, 67, 97, 127; Proverbs 7
II Samuel 17:23, "And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father."
Our topic for today is not something that anyone wants to really talk about. Unfortunately, it needs to be discussed. As I was reading our Scripture today I could not help but be drawn to the fact of Ahithophel taking his own life. This is so sad. I hope you do not think that I am being unkind or anything as I discuss this important topic.
There are so many families that have been touched by this tragedy. I call it a tragedy because it is a permanent solution to a problem that is more than likely temporary. I do not know what drives people to take their own life. I thought of two tragic situations where people that I knew took their own lives. As I think about it I begin to weep all over again.
One instance, a man who was in a position of leadership in the community took a gun and put it to his own head and sealed his own destiny with the trigger pull. I remember it like it was yesterday. His young children found him. I do not know how you can make it through a situation like this if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Saviour.
The second instance is one that is very close to me. A cousin to be exact. Nobody on this side of eternity knows "why". From this unfortunate instance there has come a book, "Suicide: how God sustained a family". You should read it (yes, I am prejudice as I know the author).
Parents, you need to talk with your children about this. We need to know our children so well that we see the signs. We need to pray for our children that God will protect them from this. It is not the unpardonable sin to commit suicide. It is tragic, however. We need to teach our children to delight in the Lord and His ways. Look at Psalm 37:23, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way."
I hope this tragedy never strikes your family; but, if it does I know that Jesus Christ will be there for you if you will lean on Him.
How are you doing?
II Samuel 17:23, "And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father."
Our topic for today is not something that anyone wants to really talk about. Unfortunately, it needs to be discussed. As I was reading our Scripture today I could not help but be drawn to the fact of Ahithophel taking his own life. This is so sad. I hope you do not think that I am being unkind or anything as I discuss this important topic.
There are so many families that have been touched by this tragedy. I call it a tragedy because it is a permanent solution to a problem that is more than likely temporary. I do not know what drives people to take their own life. I thought of two tragic situations where people that I knew took their own lives. As I think about it I begin to weep all over again.
One instance, a man who was in a position of leadership in the community took a gun and put it to his own head and sealed his own destiny with the trigger pull. I remember it like it was yesterday. His young children found him. I do not know how you can make it through a situation like this if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Saviour.
The second instance is one that is very close to me. A cousin to be exact. Nobody on this side of eternity knows "why". From this unfortunate instance there has come a book, "Suicide: how God sustained a family". You should read it (yes, I am prejudice as I know the author).
Parents, you need to talk with your children about this. We need to know our children so well that we see the signs. We need to pray for our children that God will protect them from this. It is not the unpardonable sin to commit suicide. It is tragic, however. We need to teach our children to delight in the Lord and His ways. Look at Psalm 37:23, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way."
I hope this tragedy never strikes your family; but, if it does I know that Jesus Christ will be there for you if you will lean on Him.
How are you doing?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
April 6, 2010
Today's reading: II Samuel 13, 14, 15; Psalm 6, 36, 66, 96, 126; Proverbs 6
Psalm 66:18-20, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me."
I often have people ask me to pray for them. I am humbled by this. To think that someone would stake important things on the fact that they think I can pray and have my prayers answered is very humbling to me. I have been asked to pray in some dire situations. The sad reality is that if I were to have sin in my life that had yet to be confessed this would have been an exercise in futility. It would have been worthless.
To regard iniquity is to approve it. We see every day iniquity abounding and people approving it. People are trying to get laws passed to legalize things that God calls an abomination (something that makes God want to vomit). If I approve of this God will not hear my prayers. Wow! You cannot have your prayers answered and be living against God. It just will not work that way. God is Holy and He cannot be touched by sin. Because of this, He cannot hear the prayers of someone who is not righteous. How do we become righteous? Confess and forsake sin and iniquity. Keep a short account with God and you can know that you will have access to Him at any moment. You never know when you might need to get in contact with God in an emergency situation and there is no time to confess sin.
Are you keeping short account?
Psalm 66:18-20, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me."
I often have people ask me to pray for them. I am humbled by this. To think that someone would stake important things on the fact that they think I can pray and have my prayers answered is very humbling to me. I have been asked to pray in some dire situations. The sad reality is that if I were to have sin in my life that had yet to be confessed this would have been an exercise in futility. It would have been worthless.
To regard iniquity is to approve it. We see every day iniquity abounding and people approving it. People are trying to get laws passed to legalize things that God calls an abomination (something that makes God want to vomit). If I approve of this God will not hear my prayers. Wow! You cannot have your prayers answered and be living against God. It just will not work that way. God is Holy and He cannot be touched by sin. Because of this, He cannot hear the prayers of someone who is not righteous. How do we become righteous? Confess and forsake sin and iniquity. Keep a short account with God and you can know that you will have access to Him at any moment. You never know when you might need to get in contact with God in an emergency situation and there is no time to confess sin.
Are you keeping short account?
Monday, April 5, 2010
April 5, 2010
Today's reading: II Samuel 10, 11, 12; Psalm 5, 35, 65, 95, 125; Proverbs 5
II Samuel 11:1-2, "And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon."
Some people have a misconception about sin. They think their sin will not have an impact upon other. This is wrong. Think of it like throwing a rock into a calm lake. When the rock hits the water it forms ripples and they go on and on and on. This is how sin works. It keeps having that ripple effect.
In our Scriptures today we see David committed a sin. He stayed home instead of going out to battle like he should. This seems like it could have been okay. He would not be killed in battle and other thing that might seem like good things. However, disobedience is never the right thing to do.
After David disobeyed by not going he was looking around and saw a woman and we all know about his great sin with Bathsheba. What a tragedy! As a result of this seemingly small sin of looking upon this woman as she was bathing, David got into deeper and deeper sin. He even involved other people too. He had Joab bring Uriah to him. When Uriah would not conform to his convoluted plan, David had him killed. David stooped from looking at a naked woman to committing murder and enlisting innocent people to do the "dirty work" for him.
Look at another result of David's sin. Look at II Samuel 12:22-23, "And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." Yes, she became pregnant and as a result of sin the child died. Sin has far reaching consequences and we need to remember that.
How are you doing?
II Samuel 11:1-2, "And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon."
Some people have a misconception about sin. They think their sin will not have an impact upon other. This is wrong. Think of it like throwing a rock into a calm lake. When the rock hits the water it forms ripples and they go on and on and on. This is how sin works. It keeps having that ripple effect.
In our Scriptures today we see David committed a sin. He stayed home instead of going out to battle like he should. This seems like it could have been okay. He would not be killed in battle and other thing that might seem like good things. However, disobedience is never the right thing to do.
After David disobeyed by not going he was looking around and saw a woman and we all know about his great sin with Bathsheba. What a tragedy! As a result of this seemingly small sin of looking upon this woman as she was bathing, David got into deeper and deeper sin. He even involved other people too. He had Joab bring Uriah to him. When Uriah would not conform to his convoluted plan, David had him killed. David stooped from looking at a naked woman to committing murder and enlisting innocent people to do the "dirty work" for him.
Look at another result of David's sin. Look at II Samuel 12:22-23, "And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." Yes, she became pregnant and as a result of sin the child died. Sin has far reaching consequences and we need to remember that.
How are you doing?
Sunday, April 4, 2010
April 4, 2010
Today's reading: II Samuel 7, 8, 9; Psalm 4, 34, 64, 94, 124; Proverbs 4
II Samuel 7:5, "Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?"
Psalm 4:4, "Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah."
It is so sad to me as I look around and see such irreverence and disdain for God. My wife played the piano for a wedding this weekend of someone whom we have known since she was a child. The bride was great with child and still wore a white dress. It was cut very low in the back also. Her brother who was an usher refused to take off his hat in the sanctuary. It was so sad to us. The really sad part was that these children grew up in a Christian home and know what it right. Now that they are young adults they seem to be rebelling against everything they have been taught. I was nearly in tears.
If you and I have a correct view of God it will cause us to do certain things. One thing this verse says it to "Stand in awe". Have you ever just thought about God and His goodness to us? If you seriously meditate on the Scriptures and think about God it will bring you to a place of awe. I hope so anyway. It also says that we are to "sin not". If we are in love with God the way we should be we will have a desire not to sin against Him.
Next we are told to "commune with your own heart upon your own bed". I think this is a good thing. Sometimes I cannot sleep at night so I pray for people that I know and love and I do some soul searching. This is a good time to do such activities. It is quiet and there are less distractions. You should try getting alone in the quiet and just let God speak to you. It is truly awesome!
Lastly we are told to "be still. Selah." This is something that we do not do. It relates to what I just said. We need to get alone and be still so that God can speak to us. I like the word "Selah". It means to pause. We need to be still and contemplate what God is telling us. We live in a world with instant technologies so that we can be bombarded with information every minute of every day and we need to leave some of this stuff and get alone with God. Try it, you might like it. I know I do.
So, how are you doing?
II Samuel 7:5, "Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?"
Psalm 4:4, "Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah."
It is so sad to me as I look around and see such irreverence and disdain for God. My wife played the piano for a wedding this weekend of someone whom we have known since she was a child. The bride was great with child and still wore a white dress. It was cut very low in the back also. Her brother who was an usher refused to take off his hat in the sanctuary. It was so sad to us. The really sad part was that these children grew up in a Christian home and know what it right. Now that they are young adults they seem to be rebelling against everything they have been taught. I was nearly in tears.
If you and I have a correct view of God it will cause us to do certain things. One thing this verse says it to "Stand in awe". Have you ever just thought about God and His goodness to us? If you seriously meditate on the Scriptures and think about God it will bring you to a place of awe. I hope so anyway. It also says that we are to "sin not". If we are in love with God the way we should be we will have a desire not to sin against Him.
Next we are told to "commune with your own heart upon your own bed". I think this is a good thing. Sometimes I cannot sleep at night so I pray for people that I know and love and I do some soul searching. This is a good time to do such activities. It is quiet and there are less distractions. You should try getting alone in the quiet and just let God speak to you. It is truly awesome!
Lastly we are told to "be still. Selah." This is something that we do not do. It relates to what I just said. We need to get alone and be still so that God can speak to us. I like the word "Selah". It means to pause. We need to be still and contemplate what God is telling us. We live in a world with instant technologies so that we can be bombarded with information every minute of every day and we need to leave some of this stuff and get alone with God. Try it, you might like it. I know I do.
So, how are you doing?
Saturday, April 3, 2010
April 3, 2010
Today's reading: II Samuel 4, 5, 6; Psalm 3, 33, 63, 93, 123; Proverbs 3
II Samuel 4:4, "And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth."
I could not help but think while reading this passage how we are like Mephibosheth. Notice that he was injured as a child. He could not help the fact that his nurse had fallen and caused his injury. It was a tragic thing that affected him for the rest of his life. Why would I think that this person represents you and I? It is simple really. Mephibosheth was injured as a child. You and I were born with a sin nature. We are not sinners because we sin. We sin because we are sinners. You see; our father Adam has handed down a sin nature to all of us that we get at conception. We are sinners at birth. This makes us unable to make it to heaven on our own. It takes a sinless Person to pay the penalty for our sin (the sin of Adam).
Mephibosheth was helpless in and of himself to do what needed to be done. He was assigned a nurse to care for him. You and I have been given Pastors, teachers and godly friends and acquaintances to help us. I am so thankful for godly friends and family members who help us in our walk with God. It is the same way with salvation. We cannot save ourselves. We need Jesus!
I hope the next time you read this passage you will take a little time and learn from Mephibosheth and not just breeze over his seemingly difficult name.
How are you doing?
II Samuel 4:4, "And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth."
I could not help but think while reading this passage how we are like Mephibosheth. Notice that he was injured as a child. He could not help the fact that his nurse had fallen and caused his injury. It was a tragic thing that affected him for the rest of his life. Why would I think that this person represents you and I? It is simple really. Mephibosheth was injured as a child. You and I were born with a sin nature. We are not sinners because we sin. We sin because we are sinners. You see; our father Adam has handed down a sin nature to all of us that we get at conception. We are sinners at birth. This makes us unable to make it to heaven on our own. It takes a sinless Person to pay the penalty for our sin (the sin of Adam).
Mephibosheth was helpless in and of himself to do what needed to be done. He was assigned a nurse to care for him. You and I have been given Pastors, teachers and godly friends and acquaintances to help us. I am so thankful for godly friends and family members who help us in our walk with God. It is the same way with salvation. We cannot save ourselves. We need Jesus!
I hope the next time you read this passage you will take a little time and learn from Mephibosheth and not just breeze over his seemingly difficult name.
How are you doing?
Friday, April 2, 2010
April 2, 2010
Today's reading: II Samuel 1, 2, 3; Psalm 2, 32, 62, 92, 122; Proverbs 2
II Samuel 1:10, "So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord."
David met an Amalekite and asked him how the battle went. Sadly this man chose to put his own spin on the situation. He very well might have been trying to gain favor with David. For some reason he chose not to tell the truth. He even brought the king's crown and bracelet to try to substantiate his "story".
So, what really happened? Look at I Samuel 31:4, "Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it." This man had a real lapse in character. He had the opportunity to tell the truth and he chose not to do that.
How many times do we do the same thing? This is a practice that should not be in the lives of those who name the Name of Christ. We are people of the truth and we should always tell the truth. Deception should not be a part of the Christian's life. Unfortunately, it is.
Notice David's reaction to the story of the Amalekite. Look at II Samuel 1:14-16, "And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed? And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died. And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed." Was David wrong for killing an innocent man? Yes; but, he did it based upon the admission of so called guilt by the man himself. So, ultimately he was not guilty. I am sure that if this man knew that lying would bring him to a place of being executed he would have reconsidered his decision to lie.
I hope you are a person of truth in all of your dealings. If you are one of God's children then you must be a person of truth. Remember, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32. How sad that this man was killed because of his serious moral failure. No matter what the reason for doing it was; he still lost his life because he lied.
Do you tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?
II Samuel 1:10, "So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord."
David met an Amalekite and asked him how the battle went. Sadly this man chose to put his own spin on the situation. He very well might have been trying to gain favor with David. For some reason he chose not to tell the truth. He even brought the king's crown and bracelet to try to substantiate his "story".
So, what really happened? Look at I Samuel 31:4, "Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it." This man had a real lapse in character. He had the opportunity to tell the truth and he chose not to do that.
How many times do we do the same thing? This is a practice that should not be in the lives of those who name the Name of Christ. We are people of the truth and we should always tell the truth. Deception should not be a part of the Christian's life. Unfortunately, it is.
Notice David's reaction to the story of the Amalekite. Look at II Samuel 1:14-16, "And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD'S anointed? And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died. And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed." Was David wrong for killing an innocent man? Yes; but, he did it based upon the admission of so called guilt by the man himself. So, ultimately he was not guilty. I am sure that if this man knew that lying would bring him to a place of being executed he would have reconsidered his decision to lie.
I hope you are a person of truth in all of your dealings. If you are one of God's children then you must be a person of truth. Remember, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32. How sad that this man was killed because of his serious moral failure. No matter what the reason for doing it was; he still lost his life because he lied.
Do you tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
Today's reading: I Samuel 29, 30, 31; Psalm 1, 31, 61, 91, 121; Proverbs 1
I Samuel 30:1-2, "And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way."
I remember in high school a young man had a very nice car. It was a Dodge Charger and it was nice. I also remember the day he came to school and told us that he did not have the car anymore. We were all deeply saddened by this fact. We all loved his car. Why did he no longer have his car? He was out for a drive and decided to see how fast it would go. Oops! The police stopped him going over one hundred (100) miles per hour. They called his father and he came to the place where he was stopped. After a scalding, one sided discussion between the student and his father the car was hooked to a wrecker and towed to a local wrecker yard. It was at this wrecker yard the car met with destiny. The car was put into the crusher and crushed into a metal cube of twistedness (pardon my english skills). You see the father of this young man was also a police officer with the same department as the officers that stopped his son. This young man never saw his prized car again. I think it became pop cans just to spite him even further. This way ever time he had a pop he could think about his car and his great transgression.
In this chapter of Scripture the men that followed David were angry with him and wanted to stone him because their possessions and wives were stolen from them. What was David's reaction?
First, David encouraged himself in the Lord. I Samuel 30:6, "And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God." Sometimes you fee like everyone has deserted you; but, there is still One who will not. The Lord will always be there for His children.
Second, David enquired of the LORD. I Samuel 30:8, "And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all." Notice that David's first response after being distressed was to seek the Lord. This needs to be our reaction also. I wish I could say that it has always been my first reaction. Most of the time my first reaction is poor, pitiful me. I remember a Preacher one time saying, "RRRuuun to the Lord" (run to the Lord). This needs to be our reaction every time. God help us!
Thirdly, David effected a recovery. I Samuel 30:18, "And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives." If you notice the last phrase of verse 8 also says, "and without fail recover all." This was God's response to David when he sought God. David did things God's way and reaped a great reward. So many times in our lives we try to do things our own way and we cannot accomplish what we want. That is the problem; it is what we want and not what God wants. If we walk with God and seek His face in prayer and Bible study we will be in tune with Him and His wants will become our wants and His likes will become our likes. You see where we are going here? I hope so.
Have you lost it all? If so, how did you respond?
(Author's note: As I was typing this today the website flashed and I lost everything I had written. The post was completely done and ready to publish. Then in a flash it was gone. There was over an hour of work gone. This David did not recover all in this situation so I just started over. God is so good!)
I Samuel 30:1-2, "And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way."
I remember in high school a young man had a very nice car. It was a Dodge Charger and it was nice. I also remember the day he came to school and told us that he did not have the car anymore. We were all deeply saddened by this fact. We all loved his car. Why did he no longer have his car? He was out for a drive and decided to see how fast it would go. Oops! The police stopped him going over one hundred (100) miles per hour. They called his father and he came to the place where he was stopped. After a scalding, one sided discussion between the student and his father the car was hooked to a wrecker and towed to a local wrecker yard. It was at this wrecker yard the car met with destiny. The car was put into the crusher and crushed into a metal cube of twistedness (pardon my english skills). You see the father of this young man was also a police officer with the same department as the officers that stopped his son. This young man never saw his prized car again. I think it became pop cans just to spite him even further. This way ever time he had a pop he could think about his car and his great transgression.
In this chapter of Scripture the men that followed David were angry with him and wanted to stone him because their possessions and wives were stolen from them. What was David's reaction?
First, David encouraged himself in the Lord. I Samuel 30:6, "And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God." Sometimes you fee like everyone has deserted you; but, there is still One who will not. The Lord will always be there for His children.
Second, David enquired of the LORD. I Samuel 30:8, "And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all." Notice that David's first response after being distressed was to seek the Lord. This needs to be our reaction also. I wish I could say that it has always been my first reaction. Most of the time my first reaction is poor, pitiful me. I remember a Preacher one time saying, "RRRuuun to the Lord" (run to the Lord). This needs to be our reaction every time. God help us!
Thirdly, David effected a recovery. I Samuel 30:18, "And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives." If you notice the last phrase of verse 8 also says, "and without fail recover all." This was God's response to David when he sought God. David did things God's way and reaped a great reward. So many times in our lives we try to do things our own way and we cannot accomplish what we want. That is the problem; it is what we want and not what God wants. If we walk with God and seek His face in prayer and Bible study we will be in tune with Him and His wants will become our wants and His likes will become our likes. You see where we are going here? I hope so.
Have you lost it all? If so, how did you respond?
(Author's note: As I was typing this today the website flashed and I lost everything I had written. The post was completely done and ready to publish. Then in a flash it was gone. There was over an hour of work gone. This David did not recover all in this situation so I just started over. God is so good!)
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