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?
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
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."
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