Today's reading: I Chronicles 23, 24, 25; Psalm 3, 33, 63. 93, 123; Proverbs 3
I Chronicles 24:4, "And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; and thus were they divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fathers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers."
I think we all know that how we raise our children is important. Christian it is imperative that we raise our children in the ways of the Lord. We all know that we are to train them and teach them the principles of the Bible. I am afraid that we are slacking on our God given responsibility. We know families that send their children to Christian school so they can get a Christian education. This is not enough.
Why is this not enough? If we let the Christian school raise our children then they will grow up to be mediocre at best. I am not slamming the Christian school movement. I am trying to get us who are Christian parents to wake up and see that for the most part we are shirking on our responsibility to educate our children. We need to teach them the principles of the Scripture from birth to the time they leave our home. We need to keep teaching them after they leave home if the opportunity presents itself.
God, please forgive me for not teaching my children the clear principles of the Scripture.
Will you join me in making a concentrated effort to teach and train our children in God's ways? I hope you will.
So, how are you doing?
Monday, May 3, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
May 2, 2010
Today's reading: I Chronicles 20, 21, 22; Psalm 2, 32, 62, 92, 122; Proverbs 2
I Chronicles 20:1, "And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it."
In a couple days we will go to the polls in the primary elections. We are at a critical time in our nation's history. It is very important that people get out and vote. Too many people will be like king David in our passage. They will stay home and just endure the same old same old. This should not be. We need to be proactive. If we want our nation to change directions then we need to do what we can to steer her in the right direction. This should include getting informed and voting.
Notice in our passage that it was the time when kings went out to war. Where do we find king David? He tarried at Jerusalem. He stayed home. Not only did the king stay home but he ended up numbering the people, which he knew he was not to do. King David had been caught in the downward spiral of sin.
When God judged the nation for David's sin he repented and God stopped the destruction of the people. We need to realize that our sin effects others no matter how big or small. There are consequences. We don't think about that. I think if we did think about it we would live our lives differently. At least I would hope that we would.
Is there anything you need to make right with the LORD? Think about it.
I Chronicles 20:1, "And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it."
In a couple days we will go to the polls in the primary elections. We are at a critical time in our nation's history. It is very important that people get out and vote. Too many people will be like king David in our passage. They will stay home and just endure the same old same old. This should not be. We need to be proactive. If we want our nation to change directions then we need to do what we can to steer her in the right direction. This should include getting informed and voting.
Notice in our passage that it was the time when kings went out to war. Where do we find king David? He tarried at Jerusalem. He stayed home. Not only did the king stay home but he ended up numbering the people, which he knew he was not to do. King David had been caught in the downward spiral of sin.
When God judged the nation for David's sin he repented and God stopped the destruction of the people. We need to realize that our sin effects others no matter how big or small. There are consequences. We don't think about that. I think if we did think about it we would live our lives differently. At least I would hope that we would.
Is there anything you need to make right with the LORD? Think about it.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
May 1, 2010
Today's reading: I Chronicles 17, 18, 19; Psalm 1, 31, 61, 91, 121; Proverbs 1
I Chronicles 19:3-4, "But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land? Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away."
I remember a number of years ago my wife and I attended a Church and I had the pleasure of teaching a Sunday School class. The class was a real joy to teach. I did have a couple students that would continually go to the Pastor and question him about something I said in class. Sometimes they would go to him about something that I did that they did not like. I remember every week I would go into the class and do my best and just let the chips fall where they may.
What is the reason for my trip down memory lane that appears to be not so pleasant? There is something that you and I need to realize. That is that sometimes we are misunderstood. It does not matter how hard we try to be genuine people will mistake what we are doing for the wrong thing.
In our passage, Hanun did a horrible thing to David's men. He did absolutely the most despicable thing to them that he could. He embarrassed them greatly. They could not help the fact that they were treated so horribly by this king. He received some bad counsel and I am sure he regretted it later.
Maybe you have been wronged by someone. What was your reaction? Was it vengeance? I hope that your reaction was one that would please the Lord. Mine do not always please Him and this hurts me greatly. I know it hurts Him greatly.
Maybe we should pray as the writer of Psalm 31:9, "Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly." Here is a man that is so overwhelmed that it is effecting his whole life. It has him so upset that it even effects his belly. Have you ever been physically sick over they way you have been treated. I know that I have been and I am sure that I am not alone.
I hope the next time that you and I are wronged or misunderstood that our reaction will be to run to the Lord.
So how are you doing?
I Chronicles 19:3-4, "But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land? Wherefore Hanun took David's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the midst hard by their buttocks, and sent them away."
I remember a number of years ago my wife and I attended a Church and I had the pleasure of teaching a Sunday School class. The class was a real joy to teach. I did have a couple students that would continually go to the Pastor and question him about something I said in class. Sometimes they would go to him about something that I did that they did not like. I remember every week I would go into the class and do my best and just let the chips fall where they may.
What is the reason for my trip down memory lane that appears to be not so pleasant? There is something that you and I need to realize. That is that sometimes we are misunderstood. It does not matter how hard we try to be genuine people will mistake what we are doing for the wrong thing.
In our passage, Hanun did a horrible thing to David's men. He did absolutely the most despicable thing to them that he could. He embarrassed them greatly. They could not help the fact that they were treated so horribly by this king. He received some bad counsel and I am sure he regretted it later.
Maybe you have been wronged by someone. What was your reaction? Was it vengeance? I hope that your reaction was one that would please the Lord. Mine do not always please Him and this hurts me greatly. I know it hurts Him greatly.
Maybe we should pray as the writer of Psalm 31:9, "Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly." Here is a man that is so overwhelmed that it is effecting his whole life. It has him so upset that it even effects his belly. Have you ever been physically sick over they way you have been treated. I know that I have been and I am sure that I am not alone.
I hope the next time that you and I are wronged or misunderstood that our reaction will be to run to the Lord.
So how are you doing?
Friday, April 30, 2010
April 30, 2010
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.
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.
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?
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