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?
Monday, April 26, 2010
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?
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