Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 20; 1 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3
Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Observation: These are beautiful verses which describe the interaction between believers in the local church. Notice that Paul, speaking to the people, instructs "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." In other words, we have to put on (like clothing) all these graces in our dealings with others in the church. We are to "bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another."
Application: The point of all this is that Paul obviously envisions a church family with interpersonal conflict and problems. Conflict is the only reason that you need to "bear with each other" and "forgive... grievances."
Unfortunately, my experience is that many church people do not follow this instruction. They either simply hold grudges or leave that church and go to another. The problem with this is that the working out of problems helps the church family to grow in Christlike character, forgiveness and love. Many people do not grow because they continually hop from church to church whenever a conflict or offense arises.
Bottom line: Commit yourself to a local church and work out the interpersonal issues that arise. It will produce a harvest of graciousness and character like nothing else.
Prayer: Thank You that You put us in church families so that we would have others to help us grow. Strengthen us to hang in there and let Your grace be formed in us no matter what struggles may arise. May our church family be an example of love, understanding, and forgiveness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Friday, June 16, 2006
Title: The Choice / Topic: Comittment
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 17; 1 Kings 18; 1 Kings 19; Colossians 2
Scripture: 1 Kings 17:20-21
20 So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him."
But the people said nothing.
Observation: Elijah asks a penetrating question: "How long will you waver between two opinions?" The people of Israel had been lead by a wicked king with an even more wicked wife. The worship of God had been quashed and the pagan idol Baal was the god du Juor. (850 pagan prophets were honored and fed at the royal tables.) Most of the nation had followed the wicked king in worshiping Baal.
But these were the people of Jehovah and He has not let them go in spite of their disloyalty. Elijah is sent to challenge them to return to the Lord. But in so doing, the people are put in an uncomfortable position. He asks them to choose before the contest starts. He has created a showdown. It's like the Battle of the Network Prophets: Elijah vs. the Prophets of Baal. (That's one Elijah vs. 450 prophets of Baal.) So the people do not answer Elijah's question. "But the people said nothing." Not a big surprise. They want to see the outcome before they make up their minds.
Application: We are all called to answer this question: Chose whom you will serve. Either God is God or He is not. If He is, then serve Him. If not, then don't. But get off the stinkin' fence!
I challenge you. What do you really believe. If you believe that God is God, then let us serve Him without holding back -- 100% -- no holds barred -- no reserve -- no Plan B.
Prayer: Lord, You have called us to follow You completely and unreservedly. Help us to do that. May we step up and lay our lives on the line for You 100%. Show us ways where we are hedging our bets or not giving You our all and help us to repent and seek You fully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Kings 17:20-21
20 So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him."
But the people said nothing.
Observation: Elijah asks a penetrating question: "How long will you waver between two opinions?" The people of Israel had been lead by a wicked king with an even more wicked wife. The worship of God had been quashed and the pagan idol Baal was the god du Juor. (850 pagan prophets were honored and fed at the royal tables.) Most of the nation had followed the wicked king in worshiping Baal.
But these were the people of Jehovah and He has not let them go in spite of their disloyalty. Elijah is sent to challenge them to return to the Lord. But in so doing, the people are put in an uncomfortable position. He asks them to choose before the contest starts. He has created a showdown. It's like the Battle of the Network Prophets: Elijah vs. the Prophets of Baal. (That's one Elijah vs. 450 prophets of Baal.) So the people do not answer Elijah's question. "But the people said nothing." Not a big surprise. They want to see the outcome before they make up their minds.
Application: We are all called to answer this question: Chose whom you will serve. Either God is God or He is not. If He is, then serve Him. If not, then don't. But get off the stinkin' fence!
I challenge you. What do you really believe. If you believe that God is God, then let us serve Him without holding back -- 100% -- no holds barred -- no reserve -- no Plan B.
Prayer: Lord, You have called us to follow You completely and unreservedly. Help us to do that. May we step up and lay our lives on the line for You 100%. Show us ways where we are hedging our bets or not giving You our all and help us to repent and seek You fully.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Title: Progressive Regression / Topic: Sin
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15; 2 Chronicles 16; Colossians 1
Scripture: 1 Kings 16:30-33
30 Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the LORD than any of those before him. 31 He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him. 32 He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. 33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than did all the kings of Israel before him.
Observation: There has been a fairly constant downhill slide since the Kingship of David. David got it started, Solomon accelerated the pace, and it has been picking up steam pretty much without stopping, especially in the Israel part of the divided kingdom. David had concubines and many wives including Bathsheba whom he obtained through a sordid episode of adultery, betrayal, and murder. Solomon dialed it up with more wives and concubines including pagan women for whom Solomon built pagan places of worship, even joining them in their cultic practices. Their offspring took it even further and here we have the result. The new King of Israel, King Ahab "considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam." These sins were enough for Jeroboam to be cursed by God and his entire family line wiped out! These sins were very serious. But as time progressed, people got used to them and they were thought to be not so bad. Finally, Ahab gets to the position where they are looked at as "trivial" -- what's the big deal?
Application: Sin is progressive. What one generation allows, the next generation will approve. And there is also a progression in sin in the life of an individual. Something looked at as really bad the first time one does it becomes progressively less serious in one's thinking over time.
Bottom line: Sin is not something that can be contained or controlled. It is like wild fire. It predictably spreads in unpredictable ways. And those who follow us will be caught up in the flames. Keep yourself far from it.
Prayer: Lord, cleanse us and purify us. Help us to stay on Your path of righteousness and holiness and far away from the path of sin, and destruction, and death. May we do this not only for ourselves, but also to pass on a holy heritage to those who will follow in our footsteps.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Kings 16:30-33
30 Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the LORD than any of those before him. 31 He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him. 32 He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. 33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than did all the kings of Israel before him.
Observation: There has been a fairly constant downhill slide since the Kingship of David. David got it started, Solomon accelerated the pace, and it has been picking up steam pretty much without stopping, especially in the Israel part of the divided kingdom. David had concubines and many wives including Bathsheba whom he obtained through a sordid episode of adultery, betrayal, and murder. Solomon dialed it up with more wives and concubines including pagan women for whom Solomon built pagan places of worship, even joining them in their cultic practices. Their offspring took it even further and here we have the result. The new King of Israel, King Ahab "considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam." These sins were enough for Jeroboam to be cursed by God and his entire family line wiped out! These sins were very serious. But as time progressed, people got used to them and they were thought to be not so bad. Finally, Ahab gets to the position where they are looked at as "trivial" -- what's the big deal?
Application: Sin is progressive. What one generation allows, the next generation will approve. And there is also a progression in sin in the life of an individual. Something looked at as really bad the first time one does it becomes progressively less serious in one's thinking over time.
Bottom line: Sin is not something that can be contained or controlled. It is like wild fire. It predictably spreads in unpredictable ways. And those who follow us will be caught up in the flames. Keep yourself far from it.
Prayer: Lord, cleanse us and purify us. Help us to stay on Your path of righteousness and holiness and far away from the path of sin, and destruction, and death. May we do this not only for ourselves, but also to pass on a holy heritage to those who will follow in our footsteps.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Title: Fretting vs. Faith / Topic: God's Peace
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13; 2 Chronicles 14; Philippians 4
Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Observation: Anxiety is a common experience in our world today. Apparently it was common in Paul's day also. Paul presents a choice and a consequence. The choice is between being anxious or asking, between fretting and faith. We can either worry about whatever problem we are facing or we can bring it to God. The consequence? If we choose to worry, we get more worry. But the consequence of choosing to bring it to God is peace. But notice that it is not your garden-variety peace. No, God gives us His peace. It "transcends all understanding" or it is beyond figuring out.
Application: Isn't it great when you do this? When you get it and give whatever difficulty or problem to God. And there comes the sense of God's peace. The problem is still there -- but the stress is gone. Praise the Lord! Others may ask why you are not stressing about the problem but they cannot understand (unless they have previously given some problem to God). What a blessing -- what a relief it is!
Bring your problems to God. Let Him be your Burden Bearer. Rest in His everlasting arms. While there are many problems that are beyond my ability to deal with, there is no problem that He cannot bear and handle. Bring all your burdens to the Lord.
Prayer: Father, thank You for being our great Burden Bearer. How wonderful it is to have You available and accessible to help us at all times. Forgive us for all the situations where we forget to or simply choose not to bring our burdens to You. Thank You for the gift of peace that You bring to us as we surrender our stresses to You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Observation: Anxiety is a common experience in our world today. Apparently it was common in Paul's day also. Paul presents a choice and a consequence. The choice is between being anxious or asking, between fretting and faith. We can either worry about whatever problem we are facing or we can bring it to God. The consequence? If we choose to worry, we get more worry. But the consequence of choosing to bring it to God is peace. But notice that it is not your garden-variety peace. No, God gives us His peace. It "transcends all understanding" or it is beyond figuring out.
Application: Isn't it great when you do this? When you get it and give whatever difficulty or problem to God. And there comes the sense of God's peace. The problem is still there -- but the stress is gone. Praise the Lord! Others may ask why you are not stressing about the problem but they cannot understand (unless they have previously given some problem to God). What a blessing -- what a relief it is!
Bring your problems to God. Let Him be your Burden Bearer. Rest in His everlasting arms. While there are many problems that are beyond my ability to deal with, there is no problem that He cannot bear and handle. Bring all your burdens to the Lord.
Prayer: Father, thank You for being our great Burden Bearer. How wonderful it is to have You available and accessible to help us at all times. Forgive us for all the situations where we forget to or simply choose not to bring our burdens to You. Thank You for the gift of peace that You bring to us as we surrender our stresses to You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Title: Deadly Deceit / Topic: The Word Of The Lord
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 13; 1 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3
Scripture: 1 Kings 13:16-19
16 The man of God said, "I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17 I have been told by the word of the LORD : 'You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.' "
18 The old prophet answered, "I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD : 'Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.' " (But he was lying to him.) 19 So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.
Observation: What a shame! This young prophet has daringly followed the word of the Lord in bringing a sharp rebuke to the king. And he has been careful to follow exactly the instructions the Lord gave him -- until now. Here, the young prophet repeats the Lord's instructions. "'You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.'" But he allows himself to be deceived by the old prophet who uses a carefully crafted canard to draw the young man away. Why the old prophet did this is unclear. Maybe he just wanted to spend time with a real man of God. Maybe he had grown so jaded that he thought that the instructions of God didn't matter, or that God wouldn't care. But whatever the reason, the old prophet lied. And the young prophet listened to the lie and was drawn aside even though it was a direct contradiction to what the Lord had spoken to him.
Application: Listen to God and don't waver on His clear word. There are many people who will challenge you, "Has the Lord really said that?" but you must stick with the word of the Lord.
The word of the Lord is precious and should be treated as such. It can be a tricky business to truly differentiate between what is God's word to us and what is our own thought. Of course, there is the written word of God that you can take to the bank. But when we receive a word from the Lord in the form of a still small voice, or the inner witness of the Spirit, it is not always easy to be sure. In today's scripture the young prophet was sure and he had the confirmation of the miraculous signs that accompanied the message he gave. This is why he could be 100% certain that he had received a message from God and why he should have followed it to the last jot and tittle.
Bottom line: When God speaks clearly, pay attention and follow closely. To fail in this can spell disaster.
Prayer: Lord, bring us Your clear word. And we will follow, with Your divine enablement. We desire to be faithful in our obedience to what You have spoken to us. May we put every word from You into practice in our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: 1 Kings 13:16-19
16 The man of God said, "I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17 I have been told by the word of the LORD : 'You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.' "
18 The old prophet answered, "I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD : 'Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.' " (But he was lying to him.) 19 So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.
Observation: What a shame! This young prophet has daringly followed the word of the Lord in bringing a sharp rebuke to the king. And he has been careful to follow exactly the instructions the Lord gave him -- until now. Here, the young prophet repeats the Lord's instructions. "'You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.'" But he allows himself to be deceived by the old prophet who uses a carefully crafted canard to draw the young man away. Why the old prophet did this is unclear. Maybe he just wanted to spend time with a real man of God. Maybe he had grown so jaded that he thought that the instructions of God didn't matter, or that God wouldn't care. But whatever the reason, the old prophet lied. And the young prophet listened to the lie and was drawn aside even though it was a direct contradiction to what the Lord had spoken to him.
Application: Listen to God and don't waver on His clear word. There are many people who will challenge you, "Has the Lord really said that?" but you must stick with the word of the Lord.
The word of the Lord is precious and should be treated as such. It can be a tricky business to truly differentiate between what is God's word to us and what is our own thought. Of course, there is the written word of God that you can take to the bank. But when we receive a word from the Lord in the form of a still small voice, or the inner witness of the Spirit, it is not always easy to be sure. In today's scripture the young prophet was sure and he had the confirmation of the miraculous signs that accompanied the message he gave. This is why he could be 100% certain that he had received a message from God and why he should have followed it to the last jot and tittle.
Bottom line: When God speaks clearly, pay attention and follow closely. To fail in this can spell disaster.
Prayer: Lord, bring us Your clear word. And we will follow, with Your divine enablement. We desire to be faithful in our obedience to what You have spoken to us. May we put every word from You into practice in our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Title: No Whining / Topic: Behavior
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10; 2 Chronicles 11; Philippians 2
Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...
Observation: It's a simple instruction: "no complaining -- no arguing." But complaining and arguing are everywhere around us. (I especially see it in younger people. OK, there's plenty of it in older people too.) I think it is interesting that Paul says that if we can get rid of the complaining and arguing we will stand out like bright stars against the blackest of night skies. Ain't it the truth! If you could produce a group of people who did not complain, they would really stand out! Why, people would think they were from another planet! And the same is true for arguing. It is hard to imagine a setting with people where there is not complaining and arguing -- but it's nice if you can. And it's even better if you can find such a place.
Application: We have work to do in our thoughts and words. Complaining and arguing originate in critical and selfish minds. We need to deal with our sinful and selfish nature and ask God to help us to become more contented with the way things are instead of the constant complaining that is so common. We need to change our thinking and our speech.
[I encourage you to determine to avoid complaining and arguing (this is a dare if you are a teen) for a 24 hour period. Try it and let us know how it went.]
Prayer: Lord, help us to work on this negative communication. Help us to become positive in the way we think and the way we talk. May we deal a death blow to complaining and arguing and become positive people instead. We want to reflect the joy of the Lord in every aspect of our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...
Observation: It's a simple instruction: "no complaining -- no arguing." But complaining and arguing are everywhere around us. (I especially see it in younger people. OK, there's plenty of it in older people too.) I think it is interesting that Paul says that if we can get rid of the complaining and arguing we will stand out like bright stars against the blackest of night skies. Ain't it the truth! If you could produce a group of people who did not complain, they would really stand out! Why, people would think they were from another planet! And the same is true for arguing. It is hard to imagine a setting with people where there is not complaining and arguing -- but it's nice if you can. And it's even better if you can find such a place.
Application: We have work to do in our thoughts and words. Complaining and arguing originate in critical and selfish minds. We need to deal with our sinful and selfish nature and ask God to help us to become more contented with the way things are instead of the constant complaining that is so common. We need to change our thinking and our speech.
[I encourage you to determine to avoid complaining and arguing (this is a dare if you are a teen) for a 24 hour period. Try it and let us know how it went.]
Prayer: Lord, help us to work on this negative communication. Help us to become positive in the way we think and the way we talk. May we deal a death blow to complaining and arguing and become positive people instead. We want to reflect the joy of the Lord in every aspect of our lives.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Title: The Leader's Joy / Topic: Faithful Followers
Today’s Reading: Song of Solomon 5; Song of Solomon 6; Song of Solomon 7; Song of Solomon 8; Philippians 1
Scripture: Philippians 1:3-8
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Observation: Paul shares his affection for the Philippian believers. They bring him joy because of their "partnership in the gospel." Paul's heart has been knit together with theirs because of the time spent together working for Jesus. Think what they spent their time doing: meeting together and studying the word, praying, worshiping; going out and sharing the gospel by personal witnessing and outdoor preaching; breaking bread and fellowshipping. It doesn't sound that remarkable. It's basically the same things we do in our church family. But they stuck together and hung in there with Paul and that is what touched his heart.
Application: I can totally relate to Paul. I have been blessed with an amazing group of faithful co-laborers in the ministry. When I think of them, I thank God with great joy. Some of these have been with me for five, ten, even fifteen years and more! And they have not only loved Jesus and served Him faithfully, they have loved me and served me faithfully too! That's what amazes and blesses me. Thank You Jesus!
Prayer: Father, I am so grateful for the many faithful men and women You have placed into my life. When I consider my many failings and my many lacks, I am so humbled that these gifted and spiritual people have given of themselves with such steadfastness and excellence of spirit. Lord, pour out blessing on all these who have been such a blessing to me and my bride -- may they be truly drenched in Your blessing on every area of their lives. Help me to lead them well as we powerfully advance together into the great destiny You have for all of us.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Philippians 1:3-8
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Observation: Paul shares his affection for the Philippian believers. They bring him joy because of their "partnership in the gospel." Paul's heart has been knit together with theirs because of the time spent together working for Jesus. Think what they spent their time doing: meeting together and studying the word, praying, worshiping; going out and sharing the gospel by personal witnessing and outdoor preaching; breaking bread and fellowshipping. It doesn't sound that remarkable. It's basically the same things we do in our church family. But they stuck together and hung in there with Paul and that is what touched his heart.
Application: I can totally relate to Paul. I have been blessed with an amazing group of faithful co-laborers in the ministry. When I think of them, I thank God with great joy. Some of these have been with me for five, ten, even fifteen years and more! And they have not only loved Jesus and served Him faithfully, they have loved me and served me faithfully too! That's what amazes and blesses me. Thank You Jesus!
Prayer: Father, I am so grateful for the many faithful men and women You have placed into my life. When I consider my many failings and my many lacks, I am so humbled that these gifted and spiritual people have given of themselves with such steadfastness and excellence of spirit. Lord, pour out blessing on all these who have been such a blessing to me and my bride -- may they be truly drenched in Your blessing on every area of their lives. Help me to lead them well as we powerfully advance together into the great destiny You have for all of us.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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