Title: Hot Headed! / Topic: Unrepentant Fools

Today’s Reading: Revelation 15; Revelation 16; Revelation 17; Revelation 18

Scripture: Revelation 16:8-9
8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. 9 They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.

Observation: These verses always make me shake my head, no matter how many times I read them. Here are people who are experiencing the judgment of God and they know it! And yet "they refuse to repent and glorify him." These stubborn people would rather face the painful consequences of resisting God than to humble themselves and turn to him.

Application: How sad this is. But it is true that there are many people who do not want to give in to God in any way and they will resist him to their grave. I don't understand this thinking but I believe it is a demonstration of sowing and reaping. People who sow to their pride and self and thus strengthen pride and self to the point that it would rather face destruction rather than give up. The message is: turn to God now!

Prayer: Lord, you are calling all people to yourself. I want to bow to you now and every day. Thank you for your mercy which you have given to me. Help me to lead others to bow to your name.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Time For Reverent Fear / Topic: Coming Judgment

Today’s Reading: Revelation 10; Revelation 11; Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Revelation 14

Scripture: Revelation 14:6-7
6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come..."

Observation: This angel, flying over the earth, has "the eternal gospel to proclaim." Since gospel means "good news" I would expect that he would be sharing something encouraging and hopeful. But what he says doesn't seem too encouraging: "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come..."

Application: When the time that this prophecy actually has arrived, this message will be good news. The situation on the earth will have become so dire that the phrase "the hour of his judgment has come" will bring hope for God's deliverance and the restoration of justice on the earth. And as God's intervention approaches, the only response that makes sense is to "fear God and give him glory." Mankind will become increasingly wicked and cruel and those who love the Lord will increasingly suffer persecution and death, so turning to God is the only logical thing to do. As he coming draws nearer, those who love him will gladly worship him in reverent fear while those who hate him will rage against him and those who honor him. This is no time for ambivalence -- it is an hour of decision. I choose to fear the Lord and give him glory.

Prayer: Lord, you are Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth and all that is in them. You are the Sovereign Lord and I honor you as my Lord and God. Keep me and those I love within the covering of your love and protection. Help your people to walk in holiness and dedication to you, shunning to indulge in any of this world's deceptive pleasures. Keep us on the narrow path that leads to life everlasting. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Compelling Passion/Topic: Love and Obedience

Today’s Reading: John 12; John 13; John 14

Scripture: John 14:15-24
15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command... 21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."... 23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.

Observation: Love and obedience. Jesus tells his disciples that obedience is the result of love. "If you love me, you will obey..."

Application: It seems to me that many who consider themselves Christians don't thoroughly obey Jesus -- that is, many are sloppy, undisciplined, and inattentive to full and careful obedience of his word. And, thinking about Jesus words in this passage, it is likely that this lack of obedience of Jesus is the result of a lack of love for Jesus. Love for Jesus should produce a passionate fervor that I see lacking in so many of my brothers and sisters -- and one that I myself need to fan into flame.

Prayer: Lord, help me to love you passionately so that I will obey you passionately as well. Stir your people to greater depths of love -- so many of us have forsaken our first love. Breathe a new freshness of your Spirit that we may be stirred with desire for you once again.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: What Chains? / Topic: Life Purpose

Today’s Reading: Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27; Acts 28

Scripture: Acts 28:30-31
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation: I love the closing verse of the book of Acts. "Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." Describing Paul's activities in Rome we read the words "boldly and without hindrance". Incredible! Why? Because we are told in previous verses (16 and 20) that during this time Paul was held as a prisoner of Rome, chained and continuously guarded by a Roman soldier! But to Paul, these things were mere inconveniences -- not limitations or hindrances -- and he continued to fulfill the call on his life, preaching and teaching the Gospel of Christ (Romans 15:20, 1 Corinthians 1:17, 23).

Application: I would ask him, "How do you do it, Paul? I mean, with those chains and all?" "What chains?" Paul would declare -- and that is how he saw it. His life mission compelled him to keep on doing what he was built to do -- through arrest and trial, through beating and shipwreck, and through chaining and imprisonment. Paul was the Energizer Bunny -- he kept going and going... Because he knew the real secret: his Source was true unlimited power.

Prayer: Lord, help me not to be a wimp but to be like Paul who didn't stop until his dying breath. He kept his eyes on you and no matter what came his way, he stayed the course. I want to finish well like Paul did, never allowing the obstacles to block or limit anything of your life purpose for me.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: They Never Stopped / Topic: Persistent Faithfulness

Today’s Reading: Malachi 3; Malachi 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5

Scripture: Acts 5:40-42
40 ...They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Observation: The apostles had been jailed, beaten, and threatened. And what is their response? To go on doing what got them into trouble in the first place: they kept on preaching. What were they thinking? Peter summed it up: "We must obey God rather than men!" They knew they had a Higher Authority that they must follow, and they were willing to accept whatever consequences would come as a result.

Application: What great courage and faith these men showed. How would I respond?

Prayer: Lord help me to be like Peter and the apostles who stood with resolve and faith to declare your Gospel in the face of persecution. Make me the best witness I can be.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Get Rid Of Thorns / Topic: Cultivation & Repentance

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 3; Jeremiah 4; John 11

Scripture: Jeremiah 4:3-4
3 This is what the LORD says...
"Break up your unplowed ground
and do not sow among thorns.
4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD,
circumcise your hearts...

Observation: God is speaking to Judah, his people that had been so unfaithful to him. He is telling them how they can be restored to relationship with him. The message is one of repentance and positive transformation. What I notice is that it takes work and determination. Breaking up hard earth that has not been plowed is really tough work. It's backbreaking. But the Lord tells them that they have to prepare the soil (their hearts) to receive the seed so that it may grow and produce a good result. "Do not sow among thorns," the Lord tells them. And he shifts the illustration to circumcision. We really must get rid of the thorns in our lives if we want to grow in God. And circumcision, the cutting away of the flesh, is the means that is required. There must be a cutting away of that which is not of God -- a removal of anything that is distracting or that draws us away from him.

Application: I must set myself to pay attention to anything in my life that is a thorn or snare and I must let the Lord cut it away. I must work hard to cultivate the soil of my life so that I am not taking what the Lord gives me and mixing in among unproductive and hurtful elements. It takes intentionality and vigilance and determination.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remove the thorns from my life that I may take your seed and put it in fertile soil. I want to be one in which you can sow good seed and produce an abundance.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: To The Rescue / Topic: God's Gracious & Merciful Help

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 29; Isaiah 30; Isaiah 31; James 1

Scripture: Isaiah 30:15, 18-19, 23-26, James 1:5
Isaiah 30
15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it...
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you...
23 He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. 24 The oxen and donkeys that work the soil will eat fodder and mash, spread out with fork and shovel. 25 In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill. 26 The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Observation: God's judgment against his wayward people is the theme of Isaiah 29-31. And throughout these chapters, God's verdict of harsh consequences is given in horrific detail. But throughout these accounts there is a sprinkling of verses that show the mercy of God toward his people. When the people return to him in repentance, God is ready to forgive and heal and bless them.

Application: God's mercy is rich and ready for anyone who will humble themselves and seek him. God promises blessing and healing for those who turn their hearts to him, no matter what their previous rebellious ways have been. And in James, the Lord even promises to give wisdom to anyone who is willing to ask, giving freely "without finding fault." How merciful our Lord is to his children. He watches us and stands ready to receive us back into full fellowship and blessing, like the father of the prodigal who saw his son's return from a great distance and welcomed him back with love and restoration. Let us turn to the Lord and receive restoration, grace, love, and fruitfulness.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your gracious nature. Your love truly reaches to the heavens. I want to be a man who stands close to you always. But, if I should stray, bring swift judgment to me that I may quickly return to you, and be restored to the place of your grace and blessing. Thank you for your gracious and merciful help.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Human Super-man / Topic: The Jesus Life (WWJD)

Today’s Reading: Hosea 13; Hosea 14; Psalm 100; Psalm 101; Psalm 102; Hebrews 5

Scripture: Hebrews 5:7-9
7 During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him...

Observation: These are amazing verses. Jesus, the Son of God, is described in such fascinating ways. First aspects of his prayer life are described. Notice that Jesus "offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears" and "reverent submission." Most of us nowadays don't pray with passion like this -- "loud cries and tears" -- and we tend to look upon those who pray like this as maybe a little too fanatical. But this is how Jesus, the perfect man, prayed. And his status as God incarnate was not a "free pass" into God's presence or graces. Verse 7 tells us that "he was heard because of his reverent submission." And verse 8 says that even though he was the Son of God, he still had to go through the learning and perfecting experience by way of suffering.

Application: How amazing this is. Jesus went through suffering and travailing so that he could identify with our human experience. He didn't use his "super-powers" to cheat his way through. He lived and walked as a man, and demonstrated how it can be done, walking with passion and purpose in God's continual presence. This inspires me to set out toward a more passionate expression in my prayer life and to fully commit myself to total submission to God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to lay aside anything of sin or self or fear or compromise that I have allowed into my life. Enable me to reverence you alone and to passionately pursue you with every fiber of my being. And may my prayer life be renewed and filled with energy and emotion as I seek you daily. I want to be done with anything less than all of me given over to all of you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Stuff To Go For / Topic: Worthwhile Pursuits

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 11; 2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-12
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Observation: Paul is writing to Timothy, his dear son in the faith. This is Paul's charge to Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy, calling him "man of God" to "flee from" materialism and desires and pursuits related to it. Timothy is instructed to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness," godly character qualities, and to "fight the good fight of the faith..." and to "take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..."

Application: Stick to the basics. That is what I hear Paul saying. We, especially leaders, can get wrapped up in all kinds of peripheral pursuits. As a pastor, there is a constant pressure for increasing church attendance, and there are thousands of ideas and gimmicks for producing greater numbers. As a 21st century American, there is constant pressure toward wealth. But Paul says, "don't let these things move you from the focus on the basics." So what are the basics? Godly character and eternal life. These are pursuits truly worth pursuing. Paul points out that those who seek worldly gain have "pierced themselves with many griefs." But pursuing godliness and eternal life are always good, always positive, always worthwhile.

Prayer: Lord, I want to pursue you and your character in my life. Help me in my many activities to maintain this focus. I don't want to try to gain the world. I want to gain you, your character, and eternal life. Help me to be successful in your ways and in your eyes.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: I Don't Much Like This God / Topic: God's Negative Side

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22; 2 Chronicles 23; 1 Timothy 5

Scripture: 2 Kings 10:30 The LORD said to Jehu, "Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all I had in mind to do, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation."

Observation: Jehu, King of Israel, is one of the bloodiest characters in the Bible. He is responsible for the slaughter of the entire family of Ahab, including 70 young royal sons, whose heads are put into two piles at the city gate of Samaria. As I was reading through the stories, I was thinking how horrible it all was. Then I came across verse 30 where the Lord commends Jehu and evaluates him quite favorably, "...you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes...", and promises him a reward for his butchery!

Application: Wow! There is more to our Lord than the "nice God" that has been portrayed in most of our churches. I will be honest to say that I am not totally comfortable with the harsh, retributional, and even vengeful aspects of God's nature. But whether or not I am OK with it, God is the way God is -- he doesn't ask or need our approval or endorsement. The fact is that there is nothing about God that needs to change, so if I don't like something about God, it is I who need to change. I think it was the great preacher Jonathan Edwards who penned the sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, over a hundred years ago. Most of us "modern Christians" don't relate to God as an "angry God", and subsequently we have lost much of the "fear of the Lord" in our churches and in Christians in general. "God is love." "His grace is sufficient for me." "By grace are we saved." These are the ideas that we most identify with God and the result is that the church is very casual about God and not at all worried about judgment from him for themselves. It would be a good idea if we modified our thinking to include attributes of God where his vengeance is meted out to those who are not careful to follow his ways. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Prayer: Lord, you are an awesome God. Help your people to understand and know you better so that we will conduct our lives with appropriate reverent fear.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Humble, Powerful Prayer / Topic: God's Sufficiency

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6; 2 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:12 "O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

Observation: I love the prayer of Jehoshaphat that ends in verse 12. He clearly lays out the problem and asks for God's intervention. I particularly love his humility. "We do not know what to do..." he says. This is a hard thing for a king (or any leader) to admit.

Application: But so often, leaders are confronted with new challenges and opposition. These are frequently situations that have not been faced before and the leader really does not know what to do. I love the fact that King Jehoshaphat just says it. So often, people, especially leaders, put on a good face and pretend they know exactly what to do, even as if they had anticipated the problem in advance. But God doesn't require that we know how to handle every problem -- he just requires that we know him, and take every problem to him. He delights in helping his children when they call on him.

Prayer: Lord, right now I do not know what to do in my own ministry. We are facing great opponents of apathy and lethargy within and other opponents without. Our eyes are upon you. Give us wisdom and deliverance so that we may gain the victory that is our destiny in our community.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Clueless King / Topic: No Discernment

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18; 2 Chronicles 19; Colossians 4

Scripture: 1 Kings 22:2, 4
2 ...in the third year Jehoshaphat king of Judah went down to see the king of Israel... 4 So he asked Jehoshaphat, "Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth Gilead?" Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, "I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses."

Observation: Jehoshaphat is naive. He appears to be a bit of a simpleton. He gets together with Ahab, his counterpart in Israel, who, encouraged by his evil wife, Jezebel, has been one of the most godless and wicked kings ever. Jehoshaphat is a godly king who has been seeking to lead the people of Judah toward the Lord, while Ahab has been the opposite, actively wiping out any remnant of godliness from Israel. But Jehoshaphat is clueless about the significance of this. And he makes the statement, "I am as you are...", thus identifying himself with Ahab. What a mistake. In fact, his naiveté almost gets him killed as the sly Ahab convinces him to wear his royal robes in the ill-fated battle while he (Ahab) goes in disguise. (Of course, Ahab gets his comeuppance as he cannot thwart God's justice and is killed by a "random arrow" that "just happens" to penetrate the seam between his body armor plates.)

Application: Jehoshaphat is an example of well-intentioned believers who want to reach out to wicked people but compromise in the process. His desire not to offend anybody almost got him killed and did eventually bring judgment from the Lord.

Bottom line: Those who walk with God should never walk in fellowship with those who actively oppose him. There is a time for drawing lines between righteousness and wickedness. Discernment and courage are needed and not everybody will like you.

Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom and courage to not be afraid to demonstrate righteousness and challenge the wicked to repent. Help me not to me a hypocrite in my life but to be righteous and faithful.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Christians Alive And Well / Topic: Loving Fellowship

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 20; 1 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3

Scripture: Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Observation: This verse is vibrant! I see this group of believers that Paul is talking to and they are so alive as the "word of Christ" is alive among them. They are excited and interacting with one another -- contending with one another by teaching and having spirited debates correcting each other (that's what the word admonish means). These people are spiritually intimate with one another. The word has a prominent place in their lives and in their interaction -- it dwells among them richly. And there is music -- melodies of praise and worship fill their conversations and gatherings as they gratefully share of the goodness of God in song.

Application: I long to be a part of such a close group of believers. I see most Christians today retreating away from fellowship into their own worlds -- as our homes become more and more focused on entertainment and amusement. Many Christians don't seem to show a love for sharing their lives in deep, committed, accountable relationships like Paul describes here. I would like to be part of reversing the trend toward the isolated Christian where I live.

Prayer: Lord help us to get back to loving one another deeply -- from the heart. Lord, we are being seduced by a world of electronic entertainments that suck us in and captivate our attention, robbing our time until we have little or nothing left to give to our brothers and sisters. Help us to see that if we don't have the word dwelling among us richly, then I will not have the word living in me richly if at all. Your life must be shared to be fully experienced. Help your people to love one another and give their lives to and for one another.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Settle The Issue / Topic: The Heart

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 13; 1 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 12:14 He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD.

Observation: This is a description of King Rehoboam, King of Judah. Although he was not as despicable as King Jeroboam, King over Israel, his reign over Judah brought judgment from God. This verse is interesting because is gets to the heart of the matter. And the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart. King R did evil because his heart was "not set" on "seeking the Lord." He, at times, had good responses to God, as we read earlier in chapter 12. But because his heart was not firmly set on God, he allowed evil practices to persist in his kingdom. And the evil brought God's judgment.

Application: If I do not set my heart on seeking the Lord, my heart, and therefore my whole life, is divided. The Psalmist writes on this very subject: "My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. I hate double-minded men, but I love your law." (Psalm 119:112-113) The juxtaposition of these two things: a heart that is set on God and a double minded person clearly highlights the contrast between the two. I must be determined -- I must set my heart on God -- or my future will be in doubt. James, in his epistle, gives clear instructions on how to remedy this. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:7-10)

Prayer: Lord, this is how I want to conduct my life -- with a heart set on you -- seeking, hearing, following you. Keep any waver far from me. Bring to my attention any area in which I am in any way wobbly in this regard. I declare that I will serve you all of my days. Help me to stay on this solid path, dear Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Still Standing / Topic: Spiritual Warfare

Today’s Reading: Song of Solomon 1; Song of Solomon 2; Song of Solomon 3; Song of Solomon 4; Ephesians 6

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12-13
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Observation: What important truth is communicated here! First of all, Paul assumes that we are engaged in a struggle. His purpose is to shed light on the nature of the struggle and the response we are to make, but the fact of this struggle is not in question.

Paul tells us that this struggle is not against people, but is a spiritual battle against invisible enemies arrayed against us. And the picture he paints is of a significant enemy force, with ranks and organization and effectiveness.

In verse 13, Paul instructs us what to do because of this battle and these fierce enemies. He tells us to "put on the full armor of God." First we have to do something... "put on" the armor. Second, we must have the right armor, the armor "of God." And third, we must be thorough, putting on "the full armor."

The verse continues with the phrase "so that when the day of evil comes..." Notice that it doesn't say "so that if the day of evil comes..." No, the day of evil will come -- it is certain. The only uncertainty is whether of not we will be prepared. If we have been diligent to "put on the full armor of God," we can stand, but only if we have "done everything." Notice this phrase, "when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." The outcome of successful spiritual warfare is simply to be still standing at the end.

Application: Sometimes, if you simply survive, you are the victor! The battles we face are fierce and our enemies are strong and determined. We can get confused and see people as our enemies (and for certain, people can be used by our enemies to come against us). But we must not simply fight against the people. No, it is imperative that we recognize the power behind these attacks -- it is an invisible spiritual power. We will not be victorious by contending with man alone. We will only be victorious as we take the action of putting of the armor that God has provided for us -- the whole armor -- and then standing our ground -- doing everything possible. And if we do it all, we can be still standing at the end.

Prayer: Lord help us. Lord help me. I am still standing but I am continually taking blows. And I have seen many fall at my right hand and at my left. Teach me how to fully put on your whole armor. And teach me how to go to war in the spiritual realm so that the enemies of my soul and of your call on my life do not overwhelm me. And, Father, give us aid and support in this warfare. You are my God. It is in you that I trust. Defend me -- sustain me, o Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Peacefully Crushed / Topic: Deep Truth

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 28; Proverbs 29; Psalm 60; Romans 16

Scripture: Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet...

Observation: What an amazing verse! Let's examine it piece by piece:
"The God of peace..." Here Paul describes God as one whose very nature is peace, that is, promoting a conflict-free and stress-free existence.
"...will soon crush Satan..." So this God, this peaceful God will do some serious damage and violence against Satan, described as "crushing". (This doesn't sound too peaceful, does it?!)
"...under your feet..." the feet that will actually "crush Satan" are not God's feet, but the feet of God's people. God will use his people to crush Satan. Interesting.

Application: I make three brief applications.
#1 This passage is an example of how easy it is for us to misunderstand the nature of God and what is written about him in the Bible. When we read the "God of peace," we generally take it to mean a nice, easy-to-get-along-with kind of God. But that is clearly not what it means. So the phrase "God of peace" means something very different than what our first impression might be.
#2 For peace to truly exist, evil must be destroyed. And that means conflict and warfare. Warfare is a means to peace. Without warfare there can be no peace. This seems contradictory to us, but that just demonstrates our skewed understanding -- we get it wrong.
#3 God uses people to do his work. He will crush Satan under our feet. I suggest that means we have a part to play. We are not just passively sitting and tapping our toes or shuffling our feet and -- ta-da -- there appears Satan under there. Nope. We will have to be more involved in the warfare. We've got stuff to learn and stuff to do.

Prayer: Lord, show us our part. I truly don't understand all that I need to do to cooperate with your will and plan in this matter. Show your people, and the leaders, how to engage the enemy and defeat him in your strength and power.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Got Encouragement? / Topic: The Bible

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 25; Proverbs 26; Proverbs 27; Romans 15

Scripture: Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Observation: This phrase caught my attention: "the encouragement of the Scriptures." And in the next verse, Paul tells us that it is "God who gives endurance and encouragement."

Application: I see so many people who are discouraged and who, as a result, give up on God or turn away from him. It's not that they stop believing in God. No, they just stop believing that God will do great things in their lives.
And they settle for the status quo. But it doesn't have to be that way. If anyone lacks encouragement, there is a place where they can get it: the Bible. So the question is, "Got encouragement?" If not, read the Bible. Through it, we gain courage -- that is the meaning of encouragement: "to put courage in." (In-courage = Encourage) So read the Bible and...

...in with courage
...out with doubt
...out with discouragement
...out with giving up
...in with endurance.

Read the Bible. Seek God. Ask him for help. Keep going, keep growing, keep seeking, keep believing, never give up. It all comes from him.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you are our source -- and a wonderful, unending source you are! You give and you keep on giving because our need does not stop. Help us to keep on seeking and receiving from you. Give us the spirit of "whatever it takes" that we may keep on going and growing.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Five Things for Faith-filled Living / Topic: Humility

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 22; Proverbs 23; Proverbs 24; Romans 14

Scripture: Proverbs 22:17-19
17 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you.

Observation: What great truths are in all of today's reading. It is hard to select just one passage to write on. The passage above sums it up for me. It is about God's wisdom based on the sayings of wise people. These sayings (and these people) require us to make a choice -- to heed or not to heed. If we heed, good for us -- blessing will follow. If we don't, bad for us -- we will suffer. So, when it comes to the "sayings of the wise..."

Application: ...pay attention, listen, apply, keep them, have them ready. If we will do these five things, there is a guaranteed result: our trust will be in the Lord. That's right, do these five things with the sayings of the wise and your trust will be in the Lord. So many people don't get this. They mistakenly think that it is possible to have a trust in the Lord that doesn't involve submission to "the wise," that is, to Godly authority. But that is wrong. To do these five things -- pay attention, listen, apply, keep them, have them ready -- requires humility and teachableness and an openness to God that he will always reward. (One reason that people have a hard time submitting to human authority is that it is always flawed. That's right, always flawed. But God doesn't say to do these five things to the sayings of "the perfect wise," he just says "the wise."

Bottom line: Find somebody wise, as demonstrated by a track record of godly character and healthy relationships, and do these five things.

Prayer: Dear Lord, make me truly wise in you, and give me wise people to follow.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Let The Word Speak / Topic: Hearing God's Voice

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 16; Proverbs 17; Proverbs 18; Romans 12

Today, so many verses popped out at me as I was reading. So I thought I would let the verses themselves be my post today. Let the word speak to you -- through these verses we can hear God's voice.

Scriptures:
Proverbs 16
2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to choose understanding rather than silver!
18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth,
and his lips promote instruction.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but in the end it leads to death.
28 A perverse man stirs up dissension,
and a gossip separates close friends.

Proverbs 17
1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
than a house full of feasting, with strife.
2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son,
and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.
9 He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment
more than a hundred lashes a fool.
14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
19 He who loves a quarrel loves sin;
he who builds a high gate invites destruction.
21 To have a fool for a son brings grief;
there is no joy for the father of a fool.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father
and bitterness to the one who bore him.
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Proverbs 18
2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
13 He who answers before listening—
that is his folly and his shame.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD.
24 ...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Romans 12
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought...
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your word. May I abide daily in your word. I ask you to speak to your people and transform us by it.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: No Denial / Topic: Faith

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 6; 2 Chronicles 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4

Scripture: Romans 4:18-22
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."

Observation: I love this section about faith. Paul gives us so many insights here. Verse 19 is awesome! Abraham had strong faith, yet did not deny the facts. But he didn't let the facts weaken his faith because he was "fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised."

Application: Faith is not psyching myself up through some kind of mantra. It is being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what he says he will do. And then faith is trusting God for the results. Abraham moved forward with his life -- he didn't get stuck wishing and hoping and praying for a son. And in due season, God brought these things to reality. Faith is trusting God to be God, both in the ability to do anything and everything, and in the directing of events and the bringing about of his will. This kind of faith lets me rest in the Lord and trust in him and not feel the need to make it happen myself. That is God's job.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that you do your job well. Help me to not waver in my faith regardless of the circumstances. I am convinced that you are able to do all that you have promised. Show me how to cooperated with your will so that I can receive your maximum blessing and greatest fruitfulness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Paul's "Prayer Request" / Topic: Challenge

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 4; 1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2 Thessalonians 3

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

Observation: I just love this prayer of Paul's -- actually it is a prayer request. (At least it starts out that way.) In verse one, Paul asks for prayer for effective and fruitful ministry. In verse two, Paul requests prayer for protection from human opposition, which is always something that must be contended with in any true Godly ministry. Then in verses three through five, Paul shifts into encouragement and affirmation sprinkled with a little "positive pressure," giving the Thessalonian Christians a gentle but firm reminder that what Paul has said is what God wants for them. Some would call claiming to speak for God presumption or arrogance. I call it being confident in your call and ministry.

Application: And desiring to be confident and effective in my own call and ministry, aspiring to the example of Paul, I would make the same request of you, my dear reader, to "pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored... and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men..." And I would also offer the same positively-pressured encouragement that "we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." May the Lord help me and you and all those who name the name of Jesus to conduct ourselves in these ways.

Prayer: Father, I so desire to see believers grow in obedience and fervor for you, laying aside the distractions of this world, which is passing away. Strengthen us in your Spirit and in your word that we would walk in a way that lifts Jesus up and draws others to him.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Two Vital Things / Topic: Spiritual Survival

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 22; 1 Chronicles 23; 1 Chronicles 24; 1 Thessalonians 3

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Observation: Paul has been speaking to the Thessalonians about their spiritual condition. He has shared his concerns regarding the fact that they were going through tough times and he worried about their spiritual survival. He sent Timothy to find out if they were going to make it and was greatly relieved when Timothy brought back good news about their faith. This is Paul's wish and prayer for them, that their love for each other increase, and that their hearts would be strengthened, so that they will continue to the point of holiness as long as it takes.

Application: I so relate to Paul. I think that these two things are keys to spiritual survival: 1) love for the church family and, 2) strong and firm hearts. In fact, it is the lack of these two factors that is contributing mightily to weakness in the church and in Christians in general.
So often, people don't have deep love for the church family, that is, they don't have deep affection and concern for their brothers and sisters, because they don't get truly bonded and connected to others in the church. Church has become something that you shop for (when you get around to it) and pick out (when you finally find a good one) and attend (when it's convenient) and leave (when the pastor or somebody else says or does something that you don't like). Church is like an article of clothing. You get it because you think it's a good deal and you wear it because you like it and you discard it because it got worn out. But few are the people who truly fall in love with each other and bond with a lasting bond. This lack of deep love makes it very easy to jump ship with the flimsiest of reasons: "I wasn't being fed" or "The pastor offended me" or "Nobody called me when I got sick." Thus the church, rather than being a coordinated body exerting force for good, is a disjointed blob, with a few dedicated individuals carrying the load and the majority just along for the ride. Deep love within the church family is the antidote for this. And it provides for so much of the life and vitality of the church. Without it, the church is an organization -- parts connected by titles and tasks. With it, the church is an organism -- alive and functional.
And strong hearts -- hearts that are firm in the Lord and growing in the Lord's love and purposes -- are essential if people are to be spiritually sound. All too often we just assume that church people are firm in the Lord. I've found out that some of these church people aren't even saved! So strong hearts are essential. How does one strengthen his heart in the Lord? I think it is by exercising our hearts in spiritual things. That means regular practice of spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible reading, fellowship, accountability, Bible study, meditation, fasting, sacrifice, tithing and other giving, expressive worship, submission to elders, etc. These are things that are not main characteristic in the lives of many American Christians. And without them, it is not possible to have a strong heart. Is it any wonder that the American Christian church is so ineffective?

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man whose life is characterized by these two things that Paul emphasized. I want to have deep love for your people and others as well as a strong heart. And Lord, I want to be a leader who assists others in growing in these vital qualities. Lord, strengthen your church.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: A Truly Bad Story? / Topic: Me vs. God (God wins!)

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 21; 2 Samuel 22; 2 Samuel 23; 1 Thessalonians 1

Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:1-14
1 During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the LORD. The LORD said, "It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death." ...
3 David asked the Gibeonites, "What shall I do for you? How shall I make amends so that you will bless the LORD's inheritance?" ...
5 They answered the king... 6 "let seven of [Saul's] male descendants be given to us to be killed and exposed before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul..." So the king said, "I will give them to you." ...
9 He handed them over to the Gibeonites, who killed and exposed them on a hill before the LORD. All seven of them fell together; they were put to death during the first days of the harvest...
14 ...After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land.

Observation: I must admit something. I truly hate this story. (Can I say that?) Here is my take on it: Seven innocent people are killed to neutralize the bad karma brought about by the actions of one of their relatives and, because of this mass killing, God says, "Well done. Now I'll answer your prayers." The whole thing is horrible. I don't get it at all.

Application: The application is simple. God is God and I am not. The fact that I don't get it doesn't make the story bad or God bad. It just means that I am missing something in my understanding. It must be that there are underlying issues and truths that are beyond me. But because I have made myself subject to the scriptures (and not the other way around), I simply have to put my confusion on the shelf and wait for further illumination from God. Someday I will understand why this happened and how it fits into God's good nature. Until then, I must wait and not let my own sense of right and wrong invalidate God. As the scripture says, "Let God be true and every man be a liar." I must remain in submission to God and his word, even when my mind doesn't understand every detail. To do otherwise is to elevate my mind above God and his word.

Prayer: Lord, open my understanding so that I can understand you better. Thank you for teaching me to exercise my will over my emotions and to keep myself moving forward based on faith and not on feelings. Keep me moving forward, Lord.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Deadly Curiosity / Topic: Temptation

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:2-3
2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her...

Observation: David didn't go to fight with his army -- he stayed home -- kind of a vacation from war. And one night he couldn't sleep. (Of course if you've just been laying around the palace all day, why would you be tired?) So he gets up and takes a little stroll around the balconies of the palace roof. From his high perch, he can look down on the whole city. And he sees a beautiful naked woman taking a bath. His desires are stirred. He should have gotten off the roof at that moment and taken a cold shower (by the way he had many wives that were available to meet his sexual needs). But he is curious. Actually he is lustful, but he acts curious and takes one small step to satisfy his curiosity. And this step leads to other steps and David ends up committing serious sins against God and horrible trespasses against others.

Application: One step at a time, we can get ourselves into some real bad situations. I once knew a woman who had an affair with someone who she first connected with by dialing a wrong number! Think about all the steps that lead from a wrong number to an affair. And think about the steps that lead David from a first glance to adultery, conspiracy, and murder. Don't indulge your curiosity -- to look, to hear, to know, to experience -- steer clear of sin.

Prayer: Lord, what a sad chapter in the life of David! Help your people to learn the lessons of this tragedy and maintain purity and holiness in their lives. Help me to be pure in thought, word, and deed.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Forgiveness Required / Topic: Giving God His Due

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 14; 1 Chronicles 15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

Scripture: Matthew 18:34-35
34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

Observation: This is a harsh passage. Jesus asserts that God will take the role of a torturer for those who do not forgive their brothers. God as torturer? Yikes! (This is a good example of the importance of interpreting a passage in its context.) The man in the parable had just had his multi-million dollar debt wiped out by the king. Then he went out and imprisoned a man who owed him only few bucks, even though the man begged for mercy. You see, the problem here is that the first man, since his large debt had been eliminated, had been given the means to write off this small debt by the king. But he took the king's gift and refused to share it. In fact, he caused others to find fault with both him and the king for his naked and monstrous hypocrisy.

Application: God gives us the grace to forgive others when they wrong us. If we do not forgive others when they wrong us, then we are resisting and refusing God's grace. An unforgiving heart is evidence of a heart devoid of God. But God doesn't just wipe us out. No, he tortures us! Now this may sound mean, but God is trying to get us to make the changes that will result in our ultimate salvation. In the story, the man refused and resisted God's grace, so God allowed him to suffer "until he should pay back all he owed." What does that mean to us? I think it means that since God has forgiven us, if we do not walk in forgivness toward others, God allows and even directs suffering in our lives. Once we settle our debt to God, that is accepting his grace to truly walk in the same forgiveness we have received, then this suffering will cease. (There will always be a certain amount of suffering in this life. But the suffering that is a result of God's judgment will cease once we have repented and reaped the harvest of our misdeeds.)

Bottom line: God is expecting that we will follow through with the grace he gives us. He does not give his grace simply for our ease or comfort. His grace is given to produce Godly character. He expects us to be the Christ-ians that we profess to be.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you give us everything we need to live this amazing kind of life. And thank you for not giving up on us when we fall short. Help me to pay attention to your corrections in my life so that I can get and stay right with you in every aspect of my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Burning Deception / Topic: Rebellion

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17

Scripture: Psalm 68:6
God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Observation: This last clause got me. "...the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." What a brutal way to live. Rebellious people think that by asserting their "right" to self-determination ("Nobody is going to tell me what to do."), they are truly free and unencumbered by the burden of demands from others. And the ultimate freedom, according to "the rebellious," is freedom from God -- from his expectations, judgments, and demands. The fullest expression of this freedom is to deny even the existence of God -- if not with words, with the way they live: they live as if God is dead. Thus, they are, according to their value system, truly free.

And now, the rest of the story: The reality of the rebellious is quite different from this. And this phrase from Psalm 68:6 shows God's perspective on their "freedom": "the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." This is an oppressive place with no relief. This picturesque description drives home the reality. Have you ever been in a place where the sun was so hot and no shade was to be found? I remember a time in a small fishing boat on a lake. When we first put out, the sun was just below the horizon and the air was cool. But a few hours later, the sun had risen and the air was stifling. The reflection of the glare off the water made the rays of the sun so oppressive. We had to row to get off the lake and it seemed like hours. This experience is etched on my memory as one of the most unpleasant environments I have ever been in. And the Psalmist tells us that it is this kind of place, "a sun-scorched land", where the rebellious person lives. It's really a tragic place, and way, to live.

Application: The only answer is to live a crucified life. Our flesh, or self nature, cries out for respect, protection, attention. Its demands are incessant: "take care of me, don't let anybody step on me, don't let me be put down, etc." And the biggest lie that your flesh will tell you is this: "I (the flesh) am you." But this isn't true. Your flesh (sin nature) is not you. It is a part of you, but you (the essence of who you are) is much more than the flesh. In fact, the flesh is like a cancer on who you are. It is a part of you, but it is deadly and is, in fact, killing you. The only way to be free is to kill it first. We must cut the flesh out of our lives. But it is fast growing and you can never get it all. So we must go through a daily intentional process of execution. Jesus said, "if anyone would be my disciple he must take up his cross [instrument of execution] daily and follow me." This is the only way to be truly free.

The second biggest lie that our flesh offers is that its demands are easy in comparison with other masters. But the flesh is not an easy master. No, the flesh is the cruelest master of all. It is never satisfied, never gives peace, never ceases its demands. And it won't quit until it kills you -- like a parasite destroys its host.

In contrast, we can have Jehovah God as the master of our lives. Yes he is demanding, but he himself actually grants us the means to fulfill the demands he places on us. And he gives comfort, and peace, and encouragement all along the way.

Bottom line: Serve the Lord, kill the flesh. This is the only road to a truly happy life and the greatest freedom that human can know.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your loving ways. May I be one who always embraces you and shuns the selfish demands that originate in my fallen nature. Please continue to cultivate your life in me and assist me to live in full cooperation with this process in my life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Soil Analysis / Topic: Personal Evaluation

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13

Scripture: Matthew 13:3-9
3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."

Observation: This whole chapter of Matthew is marvelous! So many rich truths as Jesus teaches in parables. This parable, commonly known as the Parable of the Sower, is actually the Parable of the Soils. And when I read it, I usually think of the different people I have met over the years and how they did or did not respond to the gospel. I apply this parable to the "them." But this morning, as I read, I began to think of the soil of my own life. How receptive am I to the seed of truth that God plants in my life?

Application: That is the main point of this parable. Not to look at others and try to figure out who is what kind of soil. But to examine myself -- to do personal soil analysis to see how the seed that God is planting in my heart is doing. Is it bringing forth fruit? Or is the seed just sitting there dormant? Or has the seed been removed by forgetfulness, or inaction, or other distractions? I want to be fruitful for the Lord. I want his truth to penetrate deep into my heart and to spring forth in new life and bring forth fruit. So I must do some personal evaluation. When I read the word, I must ask myself, "How do I put this into practice?" When I hear a teaching, I must evaluate my heart: "Am I doing this or do I need to change something to begin to do this?"

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a man who is good soil for your truth -- with abundant fruitfulness evident in my life. I want to be a good place for you to plant your richest seeds of wonderful truth.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Nowhere Else To Turn / Topic: God's Help

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 30; 1 Samuel 31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:3-6
3 When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive... 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Observation: What a tough situation. David and his men return home to discover their town destroyed and their families taken. What heartache! And on top of this, David's men turn against him and talk of stoning him! When he needs someone to stand with him, there is no one there. That is why the last phrase in verse six is so significant: "But David found strength in the LORD his God." When there is nowhere else to turn, David turns to God. And he finds great strength there. Because he is does this, he is able to keep his composure and his wits about him and inquire of the Lord. When he gets a favorable response through the priest, he rallies his men to recover those that were taken.

Application: In the final analysis, God is the only one we can trust in. He is always there, always trustworthy, always up to the challenge, NO MATTER WHAT! Every other thing or person that we place our trust in will fail us at one time or another, but God will never fail us. He will always be there.

Prayer: Lord, I trust in you. Thank you for being there even in the darkest hour. When I am at my weakest, you show yourself strong. You are more than adequate for anything that life can bring. Thank you for your love and your power and for your availability and accessibility to me. May I always abide in your strength and your presence.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Desperate For Answers / Topic: Spiritual Gifts

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 28; 1 Samuel 29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11

Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:5-7
5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. 7 Saul then said to his attendants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her."

Observation: This is such a sad and tragic scene. Saul had turned away from the Lord and the Lord had turned away from Saul. And now, Israel was under attack. Saul was terrified because he knew that God was not with him. He sought for answers from the Lord but got nothing. There was no response: "the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets." So Saul turns to another source to know anything about the spiritual realm: a medium.

Application: This makes me wonder about people who are fearful in their lives and who are seeking some kind of answers about what is happening to them. Sometimes these people actually come to church looking for those answers. And I wonder if they might come up empty as Saul did. Sadly, I think that this might happen to them, particularly since so many of our church people are not conversant in the spiritual gifts such as word of knowledge or word of wisdom, and so forth. And when these seekers come up empty at church, getting nothing from "dreams or Urim of prophets" (or pastors, teachers, and Christians), they might turn to alternate sources, like the occult. I think that it is more important than we know for us to be hearing from God. People are searching for answers. Will they find those answers from Jesus, from his Body?

Prayer: Lord, make me a source for people to find the information and answers they are seeking. Help me to be empowered in the spiritual gifts that I may be the vital link that answers the burning questions that people are asking.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: What Is God Seeking? / Topic: Worshippers

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 27; Psalm 141; 1 Chronicles 9; Matthew 10

Scripture: Psalm 141:2 May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Observation: David is a worshipper. He prays to the Lord and worships as a regular and vital part of his life. David asks the Lord that his prayer would rise to God like the offering of incense in the Tabernacle and as he raises his hands in worship, that the Lord would receive it as the sacrifice offered each evening.

Application: This Psalm reminds me that our simple acts of worship have great significance to God. Last evening in our Bible study we discussed the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman (aka the woman at the well). He tells her that the Lord is seeking worshipers who worship in spirit and truth. This means that our worship is sincere and comes from sincere hearts. So the Lord is looking around for those whose worship of him comes from the core of our being. David is such a person. And I want to be such a person as well. How about you? Join me in daily offering prayers as incense and lifting our hands as sacrifice to the Lord. When I do it with joy and from the heart, the Lord looks upon me and finds a worshipper that he is seeking.

Prayer: Oh Lord, gracious Father! I love you and thank you that you are looking for me -- and that you found me! May the worship and praises that I lift to you be as sweet and beautiful sacrifices that please you. May my worship be acceptable to you and may it be contagious to others who are seeking you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Shepherds Needed / Topic: Nurturing Leadership

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 25; 1 Samuel 26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9

Scripture: Matthew 9:36-38
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Observation: Jesus sees the people and they need help. Specifically he sees them like sheep who need a shepherd. These needy people need caring and nurturing leadership. Jesus says that workers are needed to meet the need. These workers are shepherds who will help the people.

Application: What an honor it is to be a worker for the Lord. And the calling of those who would lead is work -- it is not a white-collar job. It is a get-your-hands-dirty calling. The shepherd is to help the sheep who are harassed and helpless. (Now many of these sheep resist the help that the shepherd would bring, but that is another topic for another day.) The other thing that is needed is prayer to God to supply more workers -- we need more shepherds, more caring and nurturing leaders to help bring the fullness of God into people's lives.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the calling to be your worker, your shepherd. You are my shepherd. May I follow you well and may I receive from you all the care and nurture that you have for me. And help me to be a good shepherd to those you have called me to lead.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Key To Effective Prayer / Topic: Forgiveness

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17; Psalm 35; Matthew 6

Scripture: Matthew 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Observation: This is in a section where Jesus is teaching about prayer and this is an obvious key to prayer. If we want our prayers to have any effect, we must walk in forgiveness. If I harbor unforgiveness, I effectively cut myself off from God.

Application: Stay sweet. Only by forgiving others am I able to keep my relationship with God wide open. Unforgiveness becomes a choke point that progressively reduces the flow of life between me and God. And unforgiveness which is nurtured can actually jeopardize my standing as a forgiven person before the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, may I never withhold forgiveness, no matter what the offense against me. Help me to operate in your Spirit and power of forgiveness.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: How To Do The Impossible / Topic: I Need God!

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 20; 1 Samuel 21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven... 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Observation: Jesus says to you and me, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Wow! It's impossible. That is, it is impossible for me without the assistance of God. Without God's help, I may be able to restrain the hate I express toward my enemies, but to actually love them requires the help of God. In fact, I believe that loving one's enemies is a true proof of salvation. It could be reworded as follows: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, for this proves that you are the sons of your Father in heaven... In this way, you can demonstrate how to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Application: God commands the impossible so that I can never be tempted to try it on my own. When I really understand the expectations that my Father has of me, it drives me to my knees -- to seek his empowerment. It is in the realization that I am absolutely incompetent to fulfill God's requirements in that my own "strength" falls so far short that it truly is weakness, that I seek his enablement and receive strengthening in my inner man to become that unstoppable servant of God that actually can do God's work.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you do not need my help. But I sure need your help! Empower and enable and fill me with all of you, dear Lord. I want to walk in your strength and not in the mirage of my own resource.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Spirit-Filled Leader / Topic: Intensity

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 11; 1 Samuel 12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11

Scripture: 1 Samuel 11:6-7
6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. 7 He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel."

Observation: The people of Jabesh Gilead are under siege and they only way that can avoid destruction is to allow their enemies to gouge out the right eye of each man as the price for peace. They send word to their countrymen for help and the people weep when they hear the terrible news. Except for Saul. He doesn't weep. He gets mad -- really mad. "...He burned with anger." And this is the right and righteous response. It is the truly spiritual response. How do we know? Because the verse tells us that "the Spirit of God came upon him and he burned with anger."

Application: Some people want leaders who are all touchy-feely and super sensitive. But Saul was right on with an intensity of anger and a strong and demonstrative response that called the nation to action in the strongest of terms. He cuts up a pair of oxen and sends the pieces to the tribes with a threat. This doesn't seem like the actions of a spiritual leader.

Bottom line: A leader has the right to respond strongly. People may not like it -- but I think God does.

Prayer: Lord, help me to lead with intensity and sensitivity to you. May I be a man of action.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Two Kinds Of Men / Topic: Character & Response

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 8; 1 Samuel 9; 1 Samuel 10; 2 Corinthians 10

Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:26-27; 2 Corinthians 10:7-8, 12
1 Samuel 10:26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some troublemakers said, "How can this fellow save us?" They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent.
2 Corinthians 10:7 You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he. 8 For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it... 12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise...

Observation: In both of these passages we see leadership that causes a response. In the passage from 1 Samuel, Saul has just been anointed king and there are two kinds of men described. The first is "valiant men whose hearts God had touched" and the second, "troublemakers" -- and, based on their character (valiant men or troublemakers), they have different responses. The valiant men get a touch from God and follow Saul, willing to relocate to do so. The troublemakers critically and cynically question Saul's authority and, with others (implied by the text), despise him and refuse to acknowledge and honor Saul as king.
In the passage from 2 Corinthians, Paul is the leader to whom there are different responses. There are those who willingly follow Paul (implied by the context), and those who criticize and question his authority, having challenged his right to exert authority over the Corinthian church. These critical people rely on comparisons, using their own opinions as a standard of judgment, comparing Paul and themselves to each other. They have found things in Paul that they believe to be deficient and thus they reject his authority. Apparently, they do not like the fact that Paul presumes to act as if he has a role in their maturation process by speaking to them with rebukes, corrections, and direction. They don't want Paul telling them what to do or how to live, and they feel as though he is tearing them down. Paul asserts that indeed he does have a legitimate role in directing their lives, but it is to build them up, not to tear them down -- to help anyone who is willing. But because they have a critical spirit, they don't get it. Paul tells them that they are "only looking on the surface of things." And he refuses to join into their foolish comparisons.

Application: Each of us sets his own path in responding to authority. Some people reject authority because of flaws in the people exercising authority. But all human authority that God establishes is flawed, and God expects us to follow it just the same. We are to submit to authority in the same way we submit to God himself. And the way we respond to authority, with submission or rejection, willing cooperation or critical challenge, is a reflection of the character of our lives: the valiant person follows (not blindly but willingly and fully engaged) and the troublemaker criticizes and rejects (and gets others to join in their group).

Prayer: Lord, I want to be a valiant man, not seeking my own way but willingly and happily responding to the human authority you have placed in my life. May I submit to authority in such a way that you are pleased with me and that those over me may be aware of my love and support for them.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: You Can't Outgive God / Topic: Giving And Receiving

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 6; 1 Samuel 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work... 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Observation: In this last section of 2 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul deals with the offering that he is to collect from the Corinthian church. He makes the point that they had promised to give significantly and they need to deliver on that promise! One point that Paul makes is found in the above verses: as we give, God gives to us -- and in more ways than one!

Application: When we give in obedience to God, he gives back to us in so many ways. We receive grace to do good works (verse 8), additional seed for future harvests and an enlargement of the righteousness in our lives (verse 10), comprehensive richness which redounds to greater generosity and causes people to thank God (verse 11).

Bottom Line: Giving to God is a wonderful deal! We receive so much that whatever we give, God gives us more in return. The old saying is true: You can't outgive God.

Prayer: Father, I thank you for your giving nature. You are such a loving Lord and you express your loving through giving. I have been richly blessed because you have delighted to bless me by giving to me. Help me to be a conduit of your grace and generosity in my own practice of giving. I want to cause people to know you and your truly amazing grace.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Faithless Leaders -- Faithless People / Topic: Spiritual Leadership

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 3; 1 Samuel 4; 1 Samuel 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1 The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.

Observation: This last statement is made in a very matter-of-fact manner. But no reason is given for the rarity of the word of the Lord and visions. But the reading from yesterday clues us in. The sons of Eli were wicked in the function of their priestly office to the point where they caused people to despise the experience of the sacrifice. This caused a general turning away from seeking the Lord. When we see a nation that is turned away from seeking the Lord, is it any surprise that the Lord doesn't speak much to that nation?

Application: Sins and abuses by spiritual leaders can turn a people away from seeking the Lord which can result in a dearth of spiritual experience. When those who are supposed to lead any people fail to honor the Lord, they not only cause people to dishonor them, but they cause people to dishonor the Lord as well. There will be great judgment and punishment for such leaders.

I believe these assertions are true but that does not excuse the people from their responsibility to seek and honor the Lord. Leaders indeed bear a heavier responsibility but every person must also take responsibility for his own spiritual condition.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a faithful leader and to draw every open and receptive person into a deep relationship with you. May the culture of our spiritual environment be rich and deep, with everyone seeking and finding you in a ever deepening way.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: What A Mess! / Topic: No Moral Code

Today’s Reading: Judges 19; Judges 20; Judges 21; 2 Corinthians 4

Scripture: Judges 21:25 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.

Observation: The story in today's reading from Judges 19-21 is probably my least favorite in the whole Bible (yes, there are things in the Bible I don't like). What is obvious is this: moral confusion reigns. The closing verse, Judges 21:25 (above) gives the underlying cause. The situation was without leadership and had degenerated into a "anything goes" situation. However, it is clear that though there was a great deal of moral confusion, some semblance of a sense of right and wrong prevailed. The men of Israel were outraged by the actions of those who brutalized the woman. And the ghastly demonstration by the Levite surely stunned them.

Application: But the problem is not that Israel needed a king to rule over the nation -- at least not a human one. They needed a King, that is, God, over their hearts. God had led them through Moses and had imparted a code of morality but the people had apparently long-forgotten it. Though Moses has explicitly warned them and instructed them to write it down and to rehearse it to one and another and to their children and grandchildren, it had fallen from their awareness. "Everyone did as he saw fit." There were no standards. This brings me back to this truth: it is vital that each person instill God's truth into their own heart. A leader, whether a king or an pastor or a parent, cannot keep others on the right path. We each need God as our mentor and, thankfully, that is easy to do. We only need to spend time in reading and study of his word. It is readily available to us and within its pages we find the keys to life as God intended it to be lived. So the only question is, "Will we make it happen?"

Prayer: Lord, you did not leave us without guidance, to guess or feel our way forward. You gave us a clear code of principles on which to live. Thank you. Help me to regularly study it, to imbed it into my awareness, and to follow it carefully. And help me to lead others in this right and righteous path.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Wise Example Rejected / Topic: Singular Weakness

Today’s Reading: Judges 13; Judges 14; Judges 15; Judges 16; 2 Corinthians 2

Scripture: Judges 13:8-12, 14:6
Judges 13:8 Then Manoah prayed to the LORD : "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born." 9 God heard Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman while she was out in the field; but her husband Manoah was not with her. 10 The woman hurried to tell her husband, "He's here! The man who appeared to me the other day!" 11 Manoah got up and followed his wife. When he came to the man, he said, "Are you the one who talked to my wife?" "I am," he said. 12 So Manoah asked him, "When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?"
Judges 14:6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.

Observation: I am so impressed with Manoah and his wife. Manoah has real faith and humility -- in verses 8 and 12 we see it clearly. His prayer to the Lord and his question of the angel reveal that he did not doubt the promise of God to his wife and his desire to seek and follow God's instruction regarding the fulfillment of this promise. Look at these expressions of faith (italicized) and humility (bold): "O LORD, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born."... "When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?"

I am also impressed that even though Samson's parents have a true faith and humility, Samson did not pick it up. Though he has this amazing encounter with: 1) God (being filled with spiritual power and physical strength); 2) a lion (which attacked him); and 3) satan (who empowered the lion to kill him -- though Samson did not discern this), he doesn't mention it to his parents! This inclination not to open up to them -- to deal with his life privately and on his own -- persists throughout his life and is one of his downfalls. What might have happened, had he shared the lion encounter with them? Who knows? One thing is for certain -- had he shared his other private struggles with them, the horrible consequences of his life could have been avoided.

Application: For me the bottom line is that I must have people with whom I can share my private battles. This is something that I must intentionally make happen: finding others who know what I am going through and dealing with. I must have these comrades because this can help me from making truly disastrous choices in isolation.

Prayer: Lord, keep me connected to others that will speak your wisdom in my life. May never rely only on what I think and believe. And like Manoah, give me faith and humility that trusts in you without question and is open and teachable.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: The Leader's Thankless Lot / Topic: Leadership

Today’s Reading: Judges 11; Judges 12; Psalm 50; 2 Corinthians 1

Scripture: Judges 12:1-3
1 The men of Ephraim called out their forces, crossed over to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, "Why did you go to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We're going to burn down your house over your head."
2 Jephthah answered, "I and my people were engaged in a great struggle with the Ammonites, and although I called, you didn't save me out of their hands. 3 When I saw that you wouldn't help, I took my life in my hands and crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave me the victory over them. Now why have you come up today to fight me?"

Observation: Jephthah has been sought out to fight against Israel's enemies and he has won a great victory. Sadly, he made a rash vow which brought him great sorrow. (Read about this in the previous chapter.) Now, on top of that heartache he is threatened with death by his fellow Israelites from the tribe of Ephraim. Why? Because he didn't get their help in the battle. I can't quite figure out this logic: "Congratulations on defeating our enemies. We wanted to help you fight. But we didn't get to. So now we are going to kill you!" With friends like these who needs enemies.

Application: Leadership is tough. Those brave souls who stepped forward to lead Israel as judges had a difficult job. Not only did they have to fight against Israel's enemies, but, more often than not, they had to defend themselves from attacks by their own countrymen. And being a church leader today has similar situations. The key is to remember who it is that I am serving. I am serving the Lord. If I please him, that is all that matters. If I displease him, nothing matters.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have called me to your service. Give me strength, determination, and stamina to stay strong and stay sweet as I serve by leading your people. And I thank you for those faithful ones who stand by me in love and loyalty, no matter what. Give them a special blessing for their service.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Title: Got Submission? / Topic: True Spiritual Authority

Today’s Reading: Judges 6; Judges 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:36-38
36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.

Observation: Paul is mocking those Corinthian believers who don't want to listen to Paul. They are just "too spiritual" and "too enlightened." They are way beyond Paul! Paul challenges them in verse 36: "Are you the originators of God's word? Did you get it before anybody else? Does it all stop with you? Is God restricted to you?" As far as these psuedo-spiritual, self righteous, and inflated spiritualists were concerned, it was all about them. But Paul puts the kibosh on that. In verse 37, he states an eternal principle: to have authority, one must be under authority. If a person does not recognize and respect the authority that God has ordained (i.e. the Bible, the Church and it's God-given leaders), then that person is not to be recognized or respected. That person is a phony -- do not listen to such a person.

Application: True spiritual authority is not independent. It does not stand alone.* It is connected to and submitted to authority -- the authority of the Word and the authority of the Church. Those who claim to have authority but refuse to submit to authority are to be ignored as false. It takes great faith to recognize that God will work through the flawed human leadership of the Church and even greater faith to submit to it when I think it is in error. But it takes no faith at all to fly solo, relying only on my own mind and interpretations.

Bottom line: Submit to God and demonstrate true faith by staying submitted to your leaders. This is where true spiritual authority is forged and honed.

Prayer: Lord, keep me submitted to the authorities you have placed in my life, that is your Word and my leaders and elders. May I be a man who functions in true submission and true spiritual authority.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

*In some cases in the Bible, prophets of God did have a solitary role, but their ministries were based on God's word and consistent with the traditions of their past.