August 20 - Habakkuk

What a fantastic lesson I learned from Habakkuk. This overview video is well worth a watch. See what God is teaching us through this Old Testament book.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree should not blossom

And there be no fruit on the vines,

Though the yield of the olive should fail

And the fields produce no food,

Though the flock should be cut off from the fold

And there be no cattle in the stalls,

18 Yet I will exult in the Lord,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

19 The Lord God is my strength,

And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,

And makes me walk on my high places.

 

August 6 - Zephaniah

 

August 4, 2021 - Nahum

 

July 14, 2021 - Micah

 

Isaiah 1-4, July 9

 

2 Chronicles 13-16, 1 Kings 15 – June 25, 2021

We get such a powerful message in these passages, that can be summarized in two verses:

2 Chronicles 15:2 … the Lord is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him …

and

2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

 

Abijah was ambushed and surrounded – Asa was outnumbered by the Ethiopians, but when God is trusted and honored, God delivers.

That is still a great lesson for us today. It still holds just as true as it always has.

 

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

 

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Kings 12-14 – June 23, 2021

1 Kings 14:24b They did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord dispossessed before the sons of Israel.

They eventually became just like the people who defied God. This is why God warned them to be careful about associating with them.

1 Kings 11:2  “You shall not associate with them, nor shall they associate with you, for they will surely turn your heart away after their gods.”

 Paul makes a very similar warning.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

 We, as Christians, must remain vigilant in our efforts to follow God. What the world deems allowable or moral, may not be.

 We must be certain that what we believe comes from God and not from man – even a religious man - as we see tragically ended the life of the “old prophet from Bethel”.

June 22 – Proverbs 30-31

Proverbs 30:7-8a: “Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me,”

 

Me: Oh, this is a prayer I should probably learn to pray every day.

 

Proverbs 30:8b “Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion,”

 

Me: Waaaiiiitt 

Proverbs 25-26 – June 17, 2021

26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him.

 Modern day translation should probably read this way: 

Do not type a response to a foolish post on Facebook, it only makes you foolish.

1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8 – June 16, Wed.

As we have been reading about Solomon building and dedicating the temple, I have found myself making comparisons to Gods modern day temple, me and you.

 

“1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

 

That causes me to get excited about a verse like 1 Kings 9:3, “The Lord said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your supplication, which you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built by putting My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.”

 

Wow, we must be a pretty big deal!

Psalm 134, 146-150 – June 15, 2021

Where is your value? Is it in your strength at a certain talent? Or your success in a certain business? Your likeability because of a certain characteristic? How you are perceived by others?

 

None of those things are necessarily bad; however, “(God) does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness,” Psalm 147:10-11.

Sometimes, I need to remind myself where my true value really comes from.

 

1 John 3:1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.

 

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

June 11, 2021 – 1 Kings 5-6

I am highlighting what the Lord says to Solomon in 6:11-13, “11 Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon saying, 12 “Concerning this house which you are building, if you will walk in My statutes and execute My ordinances and keep all My commandments by walking in them, then I will carry out My word with you which I spoke to David your father. 13 I will dwell among the sons of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel.”

 

It seems that on occasion, Christians tend to forget the covenantal aspect of our relationship with God. “If you keep your part of the covenant, I’ll keep my part.”

 

Salvation, thankfully is very free, but Christianity may cost us. Jesus is very clear about this and does not portray Christianity as a “seeker friendly” religion – loving, yes, but accountable.

 

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

 

Luke 9:62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Proverbs 1-3 – June 3

Here is another great video explaining the book of Proverbs. Notice the point that Proverbs does not equate to promises but more like possibilities. Also, our relationship with God is not a formula – it cannot be summed up with simple “do’s” and “don’ts”. It is a gaining of knowledge from a lifetime of commitment, experience, obedience, and relationship.

Overview: Proverbs - YouTube

  

1 Kings 3-4 – May 31, 2021

I am amazed to see the humility of the beginnings of such a great man and example in the Bible.

3:7 Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.

 

Solomon’s humility gained him even more blessings than he asked for.

It will be interesting also, to see how fame and fortune encouraged self-reliance, which is the opposite of humility.  When we can trust in our own abilities to provide, we may lose the need to trust in God for provisions.

 

Matthew 18:4 Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

 

Matthew 23:12 Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

Psalm 139 – Wednesday, May 26

Just this last Sunday, one of my biggest desires was to convince someone that their prayers were taken very personal. It is often too easy to view God as a distant Diety rather than an intimate Father. This causes our prayers to be more like a task rather than relational. There is value in the confidence of God’s desire for personal relationship.

 

That is why I love passages like Psalm 139. Apply these phrases to yourself and your Father God.

“O Lord, You have searched me and known me - You understand my thought from afar - And are intimately acquainted with all my ways - If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me”

 

Bonus result:

When I am convinced of God’s proximity, I then expect Him to take advantage of momentary encounters with those around me.

1 Chronicles 23-25 – Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Well, as expected, I love seeing the importance of musicians in the temple worship of God. Not only that, but the fact that they were “trained” and “skillful” (1 Chronicles 25:7). (I use this scripture when somebody wants to play tambourine in the audience but doesn’t want to come to rehearsal, haha!)

 

But what I really want to bring attention to is this verse: 25:3 …six, under the direction of their father Jeduthun with the harp, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising the Lord.

 

The phrase “prophesied in giving thanks” gave me pause.

 

Definition and translation for “prophesied”:

Naba - speak or sing by inspiration (e-Sword)

Naba - to flow, pour out, gush forth, spring, bubble up, emit, belch forth (Bible Study Tools Lexicon)

 

This is how “naba” is used in other scriptures in the Old Testament:

 

Psalm 119:171 Let my lips utter (naba) praise, For You teach me Your statutes.

Psalm 59:7 Behold, they belch forth (naba) with their mouth; Swords are in their lips…

Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,

      But the mouth of the wicked pours out (naba) evil things.

Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;

    The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling (naba) brook.

 

It seems that many Christians (myself included) had, at some point, a misconstrued understanding of the word “prophecy”. Because according to Proverbs 15:28, even the wicked prophecy (naba).

 

But it does seem to be an almost uncontrollable urge to proclaim something from our depths that can only originate from the supernatural.

 

I like how Vine’s Expository explains prophecy from the New Testament word “propheteia”: “Though much of Old Testament prophecy was purely predictive, … prophecy is not necessarily, nor even primarily fore-telling. It is the declaration of that which cannot be known by natural means, Matthew 26:68, it is the forth-telling of the will of God, whether that be past, present or future”.

 

Now let’s reapply that word in this verse 1 Chronicle 25:3.

Their musicians prophesied with thanks and praise to the Lord!

So, the next time you are in your praise and worship service, recognize when your musicians begin to prophesy the wonders of our God and join them and the angels of heaven in unified worship.

2 Samuel 16-18 – May 17, Monday

2 Samuel 18:7-8 The people of Israel were defeated there before the servants of David, and the slaughter there that day was great, 20,000 men. 8 For the battle there was spread over the whole countryside, and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

 What a story this has been of lives in our history. But this phrase really stops me, “the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured”. I am a very visual person and after reading this phrase, I immediately think of the tree people in “Lord of the Rings”.

Maybe God AND the forest trees were so upset with the Israelites who not only turned on God, but warred once again within itself. Okay, that maybe a stretch, but this is another reason I am hoping for a true live action video of our history when I get to heaven.

Psalms 32, 51, 86, 122 – May 14

In chapter 32, isn’t it interesting to hear David’s thoughts about his sin, keeping it secret, and then being freed from it?

:1 How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered!

 And remember, when David speaks of his sin being covered, he is talking about a much more involved process than we have today. He had to go to the high priest, confess, bring a sacrifice, etc.

 We also have a sacrifice of life and blood made for us, but it was done so perfectly that (thankfully) we have a much easier and greater way to achieve forgiveness and reconciliation. What an awesome, loving Father we have!

 

2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20 – May 13

2 Samuel 12:24-25 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her; and she gave birth to a son, and he named him Solomon. Now the Lord loved him 25 and sent word through Nathan the prophet, and he named him Jedidiah for the Lord’s sake.

 

What still amazes me about our Father is that even through our bad decisions, God works things out for good, if we’ll let Him. Bad decisions may come with a cost, but when we turn to God, like David did, He just may raise up a Solomon from it.

 

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

 

Psalm 65-67, 69-70 – May 12

 Psalm 67:2 That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.

 

I have seen this phrase a few times now in our readings, especially in Psalms – “Your way”. (ie. “Teach me Your way, O Lord” - Psalm 86:11)

“Way” comes from the Hebrew word “derek”. When used figuratively, it means “a course of life or mode of action”.

 

I remember reading that Moses prayed this prayer.

Exodus 33:13 Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight.“

And now I am seeing it often in Psalms.

 

For some reason, I am finding it more interesting than before. It’s not simply wanting to know what to do right now and specifically, but it’s more about wanting to know God’s methodology – His process. It is what a great follower does in order to become a great leader. Don’t just teach me what to do each time, but teach me why You make that decision. Teach the “why’s” and I will be better at partnering with You to accomplish bigger things. Teach me Your ways, God.

 

I had to find other instances where this phrase was used to understand it better. Here are just a few.

 

Deuteronomy 10:12 “Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him,

 

1 Kings 2:3 Keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways,

 

2 Chronicles 6:31 that they may fear You, to walk in Your ways as long as they live

 

Psalm 25:4 Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.

 

Psalm 27:11 Teach me Your way, O Lord,

 

Psalm 77:13 Your way, O God, is holy;

 

Psalm 86:11 Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.

 

Psalm 119:33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, And I shall observe it to the end.

 

It actually seems like a huge responsibility and request! It’s like God training you for a leadership position! If God said, “We’re expanding our business and I need for YOU to be a store manager. Let Me teach you how We do this.”

Gulp! Hang on and pray this dangerous prayer with me today!

 “Teach me Your ways, God.” – Jeff Donaldson

2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalm 20 – Tuesday, May 11, 2021

1 Chronicles 12-13 He said, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the sons of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will help you. 13 Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the Lord do what is good in His sight.”

 As a church staff, we are reviewing the book “Extreme Prayers” by Gregg Pruett. Today, when discussing our prayers and our faith and the progression of both, and the responsibility that we feel for the result of our prayers, the verse was quoted, “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). God is teaching us to just be obedient so HE can take care of the results. “You, simply do what I told you to do”.

Why does it sometimes seem so difficult to simply obey and allow God to manipulate the results? It is not up to you to heal anyone. It is up to you to pray. Don’t worry about explaining why a prayer didn’t get answered. It is not your responsibility to answer prayers, why should you justify it?

 That’s what I get from this passage. This is a message to me as much as it was to Abshai.

“Be strong! Show yourself courageous for the sake of your people and the kingdom of God – let the Lord do what is good in HIS sight!”

 “Father, give me the strength to be recklessly bold – give me the wisdom to simply obey – give me the faith to leave the results in Your hands.”

 

2 Samuel 6-7, 1 Chronicles 17 – May 7

I love it when God says this to David, 1 Chronicles 17:7 “… I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be leader over My people Israel.”

Think about the space between following sheep and leading people. It seems too vast an expanse, but only God can fill that space to get us from sheep followers to leaders of people.

I also find it interesting that when Jesus spoke of Himself as a Shepherd in the New Testament, sheep follow Him.

 

John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;

Psalm 89, 96, 100-101, 105, 132 – Thursday, May 6, 2021

 

Challenge:

In today’s reading plan, I noticed that the Psalmist ascribed attributes of praise to God from the perspective of nature. For example:

89:12 “Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at Your name.” (Mountain tops near Nazareth and Lebanon)

96:11-12 … “Let the sea roar, and all it contains; 12 Let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.”

So, my challenge is this: think of a part of nature that you love and ascribe it with praise to God.

My example: The deep colors of an Oklahoma sunset sing praises to God.

Psalm 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, 68 – Wednesday, May 5, 2021

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9phNEaPrv8

1 Chronicles 13-16 – Tuesday, May 4, 2021

15:13, 14 – I thought that it was interesting that David learned his lesson about how careful to be with the ark of the covenant. The Levites were not assigned to carry it the first time (13:5-8), God was angered, and someone wound up dying.

The Levites were called, anointed, and trained to handle tabernacle related situations. They should be the ones to handle the Ark. We see it again in 15:22 “Chenaniah … gave instruction in singing because he was skillful”. Hey, anyone can sing (and should), but that doesn’t mean they should sing on stage, or lead a congregation, or/and especially teach others how to sing.

Maybe what we learn from this is that there should always be a reverence when handling our covenant with God. No matter how personal we get with God, He is still Sovereign and Holy. Our covenant and relationship with Him should always encompass the highest quality and standards.

 

Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Psalm 106-107 – Monday, May 3

“We are beset by troubles of our own choosing or making, but God rescues us from them all”. (Zondervan Handbook to the Bible, 2002) Zondervan also continues to explain a 4 word-picture example of this truth from the viewpoint of a traveler (4-9), the captive (10-16), the sick man (17-22), and the sailor (23-32). As different as all these individuals may be, as well as their circumstances, they all share a common theme. When they cry out to God, He hears them and helps them.

Regardless of your past or how different and out of place you feel about yourself, God is always willing to lead you to victory.

Psalms 73, 77-78 – April 26

 As we read some poetry/songs of Asaph, I am very impressed with his transparency regarding his faults. He found himself envious of people that seemed to have it all – wealth, easy life, power, do what every they want, etc. - and yet they doubted God. Honestly, I can relate to that. I have had that thought. “Those people don’t go to church or even claim to be Christian, and yet their life seems so great.”

 

But then he uncovers his concluding realization.

Psalm 73:16-17 When I pondered to understand this, It was troublesome in my sight   17 Until I came into the sanctuary of God; Then I perceived their end.

 

What a change of perspective that can happen when we consider the end as opposed to the present. I desire to bear the attitude that I find in verse 28, “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good…”.

 

What matters the most is …

1 Chronicles 3-5 – April 25

I love it when I find spiritual nuggets in the Bible, especially when I don’t really expect to. Yesterday, I found such a nugget in 1 Chronicles 5:20 in the middle of genealogy business.

“They were helped against them, and the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hand; for they cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him.”

 

He answered their prayers BECAUSE they trusted Him!

Trust came before the answer.

Trust came before the answer.

Trust came before the answer. (repeated for dramatic effect)

 

Are you seeking an answer from God today? I am. If I truly am trusting God for this answer, then it is no longer something for which to be anxious.

Do not allow stress or anxiety in your life.

 Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

 Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

 

1 Chronicles 1-2 - April 23

 

Psalms 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, 21 – April 22, 2021

Chapters 9 and 10 are created to be an acrostic, where the initial letters of successive verses follow the order of the Hebrew alphabet, perhaps to aid in the memorization process.

 

Chapter 16 stood out to me as a particularly beneficial chapter. It gives us a hint of the resurrection of Jesus in verse 10 … “Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.” This verse is also quoted in Acts 2:27 when Paul was trying to convince the men of Israel of Who Jesus was.

 

I especially love the reassurance of verse 11.

16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy;

I think I will include this in my morning prayers, because I find myself praying a great deal about the path of my life, ministry, family, etc. Sometimes I simply need to remember that He will make known to me all that I need to know about my path, if I will just listen.

 

James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

 

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,…

2 Samuel 1-4 - April 21

 

Psalms 17, 35, 54, 63 – April 18

Psalm 17:2 Let my judgment come forth from Your presence; …

I get the sense more this time than ever before that David had problems with people spreading lies about him, especially to Saul. I can see people in Saul’s camp continually putting negative information in his mind that caused him to repeatedly change his opinions about David. Perhaps, even Satan wished for David’s demise, since David would be setting up the name for the lineage of Jesus.

 But David prayed many times about this, as we see here in 17:2.

Too often and too greatly, people’s opinion of us matter. We unknowingly allow others’ thoughts of us to influence our mood or actions. But what does God think of you?

Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

Ephesians 1:4-5 …just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

THAT’S YOU! Today, more than the perceived opinions of people, allow God’s opinion of you dictate your attitude.

“Let my judgement come from YOUR presence.”

1 Samuel 25-27 – April 17, 2021

Interesting point #1:

In chapter 27, we read that David, his family, and 600 of his men are now living with Achish, the son of the king of Gath, hometown of Goliath. These are the Philistines that were horribly defeated when David killed Goliath. Yet, David feels safer here than in his own country, where he has been claimed and proven a hero.

Interesting point #2:

26:23 …but I refused to stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed.

 Was Saul still anointed? We read that like Samson, the Holy Spirit had left Saul.

1 Samuel 16:14 Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him. Judges 16:20… But he (Samson) did not know that the Lord had departed from him.

 Yet, we know that the role of the Holy Spirit is to be with us forever.

John 14:16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; (also Ephesians 1:13-14)

 Originally, anointing was a term used for applying oil to sheep and shields and they would have required occasional applications. But, Biblically, anointing was a term used as “to set apart”, “to empower”, and “to protect/heal”.

 Because of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, we can experience the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit through all trials, whether we fail or succeed. How blessed we are to experience this anointing and presence in our lives everyday! It makes me feel special, set apart, protected, and safe.

 1 John 2:27 As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.

 Today, realize and enjoy your anointing!

 

Psalms 56, 120, 140-142 – April 16

I found a similarity in every chapter of today’s reading assignment.

 56:5 All day long they distort my words;

120:2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, From a deceitful tongue.

140:3 They sharpen their tongues as a serpent; Poison of a viper is under their lips.

141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

142:1 I cry aloud with my voice to the Lord; I make supplication with my voice to the Lord.

 

Did you catch it? Oh, the danger, the trouble, and the blessing that can be caused by such a simple thing – speech.

 

Father, please help me to

 - think prior to speaking –

- pray prior to thinking –

- and love through it all!

 

Psalms 7, 27, 31, 34, 52 – April 15

I have to post such a powerful passage as Psalms 27:3-5:

 

Psalms 27:3 Though a host encamp against me,

My heart will not fear;

Though war arise against me,

In spite of this I shall be confident.

4 One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the Lord

And to meditate in His temple.

5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;

In the secret place of His tent He will hide me…

 

David knows that simply the proximity of his God, is what saves him.

The presence of God is truly the only salvation we need.

If I live everyday as if the presence of God was the one thing keeping me alive and at peace, seeking His presence would be my highest priority. Before air, I need the very presence of God! From my first waking moment till I sleep again, I am making certain I know where God is.

 

1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

 

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

 

Hebrews 11:6 … for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

1 Samuel 21-24 – April 14, 2021

Interesting trivia:

David has Moabite blood in his veins, as we learned from his great grandmother, Ruth. (Ruth 1:4) Some believe that David knew that his family would be kept safe in Moab so that is why he asked the king of Moab to allow his family to stay there.

 

1 Samuel 22:3 And David went from there to Mizpah of Moab; and he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and my mother come and stay with you until I know what God will do for me.”

 

Christianity is communal. Even the great biblical hero, king David needs to rely on his family and his countrymen for help in time of need. We are not designed to take this journey alone. Trust and rely on your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. They may not be perfect, but they would be very difficult to be around if they were!

 

Hebrews 10:24-25 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

 

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

 

Romans 12:13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

 

 Today, be someone’s Moab king!

1 Samuel 18-20 – Psalms 11, 59 – April 13

 Rarely in our country is someone considered an enemy and receive death threats simply because the Lord is with them. It is happening in some countries, but thankfully, not in America. But because of its scarcity, I have to ask, would we be able to love and serve that same person or leader like David loved and served Saul, even after he threatened his life?

 

Matthew 5: 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

1 Samuel 15-17 – April 12

1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

 This verse stood out to me in a big way. Can I learn to be so much like my Father, that I too will consider only the possibilities of the heart of a man beyond physical appearance? Even in the most innocent way, I cannot allow myself to make preconceived ideas about someone because of outward appearance.

 Then I thought, “Does outward appearance include what people say?” “Are we able to look at the heart of a man by listening to his words?”

 Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.

Matthew 15:18 But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.

Surprisingly, yes, it appears that we can see the heart through accompanying words. Of course, I am not condoning judgment by Christian (Matthew 7:1), but I am learning two lessons from this.

1 - Learn and practice seeing people through the eyes of God only.

2 – Examine my own heart by listening to my own mouth.

1 Samuel 9-12 – April 10

1 Samuel 10:27 But certain worthless men said, “How can this one deliver us?” And they despised him and did not bring him any present. But he kept silent.

 They just requested a king, God gave them a king, and now some of them complain! I immediately thought, “You really can’t please everyone.”

I had just read a chapter in Francis Chan’s book, Letters To the Church, that addressed this danger of trying to be people pleasers. I would like to quote some of it for you.

“The Trap of Avoiding Criticism

People say harsh things to pastors. No matter what is preached, there are people on both sides anxious to criticize. The harshness or sheer amount of criticism often causes a politicizing of the pulpit. They sound less like prophets and more like they are running for office. The leader becomes overly aware of how people respond and starts teaching in a way that avoids criticism rather than fearlessly preaching the truth.

The Trap of Meeting Expectations

People come on Sunday mornings expecting coffee, good parking, music they enjoy at a preferred volume, a thirty-minute sermon, a good nursery, children’s ministry… etc. They are too busy creating what people expect to actually pursue what God commands.” (Letters to the Church, Francis Chan, 2018)

 

I stopped to pray a prayer like this: “Father, please guide me every step of my life and ministry so that I seek always and only to please YOU. Give me a boldness that shows Your love in all situations, even if it makes me uncomfortable.”

I believe that this should be adopted by all Christians in these days of wanting to be accepted by those around us, to a fault.

Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.

 

1 Samuel 4-8 – April 9, 2021

Greetings from Florida. What a great lesson we learn today in 1 Samuel.

1 Samuel 7:3 Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the Lord and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”

10 Now Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, and the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day against the Philistines and confused them, so that they were routed before Israel.

There is power in submission, sacrifice, and trust. This power is so great that there may be times that you do not even have to see the battle or the outcome. How many battles have we won by interceding that we may not even know about because God fought and won the battle for us? When the Israelites turned back to God, many times He alone fought and won their battles without them even stepping onto the battlefield physically. Today, I will thank God for all of the times that He fought and defeated my enemy without me even realizing it.

2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

Romans 8: 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

Proverbs 20:22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.

1 Samuel 1-3 – April 8 part 2

I found it interesting that Samuel was “ministering to the Lord” (3:1) before he even knew the Lord (3:7). It was reinforced to me that knowing about God is so much different than knowing Him. Now, Samuel was just a young boy, but once again, we are reminded of the importance of a personal relationship with God. It would be like me researching information about my wife, Jill, yet never stopping to simply talk to her. Research and information are important but only if it accompanies a personal connection. Even in service for God, if I get so busy that we never talk, I am going to miss it big time.

Be inspired by Moses’ relationship and Jesus’ prayer for relationship.

 

Exodus 33:13 Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight.

17 The Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.”

 

John 17:3 This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

 

James 4: 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

 

1 Samuel 1-3 - April 8

This is another fantastic video that will help you understand this book of Samuel and make reading it more valuable.

Ruth - part 2

Ruth 4:7 Now this was the custom in former times in Israel concerning the redemption and the exchange of land to confirm any matter: a man removed his sandal and gave it to another; and this was the manner of attestation in Israel.

 This is then considered a legal transaction by the removing and giving of the sandal. This was done for land transactions and family rights matters. One writer said that the shoe was probably immediately returned to the owner. It was only the symbolism of the physical act that made it legitimate.

 

But what I get the most out of this beautiful story is the importance of what initially seems insignificant.

Naomi says, “Why should you go with me?” and “for the hand of the Lord has gone forth against me.”

Ruth says, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”, and "I am not like one of your maidservants” (lower actually).

 Would Naomi ever think that she would be in the lineage of the Messiah, and the great grandmother of Israel’s greatest Old Testament king?!

One writer said in the Zondervan Handbook, “When God steps in, the ordinary events of life take on extraordinary significance.”

Ruth - April 7

 This is a great video about the book of Ruth and God's providential work throughout their lives and decisions. And by the way, did you know that Ruth is King David's great Grandmother?

Judges 19-21 – April 6

Such a sad season for the Israelites because of their rebellion. Even the priests had idols! It should be a reminder for all peoples that when we allow ourselves to conform, the slippery slopes become traps of sin and failure.

Heed the advice in Judges 19:30 Consider it, take counsel and speak up!”

 Judges 21: 25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

 Thankfully, we do have a King, and I want to do what is right in His eyes only.

 Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

 Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Judges 16-18 – April 5

Once again we see the term Nazarite – a Hebrew word meaning “consecrated” or “separated” which during this time, one was not to cut his hair or drink wine. However, it seems that normally, a Nazarite is only for a period of time but with Samson, we see that it can also be for a lifetime. Another thing that I am just now getting a picture of and that is that Samson was actually a judge for Israel. Even during all of his battles and carousing, Samson had to be a judge for his people. And how do you trust a woman that has 3 times tried to hand you over to the enemy?

 But the phrase that caught my attention was, “the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily” (14:6, 19, 15:14). In his consecrated state and when the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily, Samson not only defeated his attackers, but he went after them. With that kind of power, he went looking for a fight.

 I am encouraged, because I know that that same Spirit dwells inside of me when I also maintain consecration. I separate myself from things that are contrary to God and His Word, then I can not only defeat my attackers but I can go on the offensive as well. I picture this as interceding. Intercessors go looking for a spiritual fight because they know that the Spirit of the Lord moves IN them mightily. Don’t forget and don’t underestimate your God given abilities!

 Ephesians 3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,

 John 14:12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.

 James 5:16 The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Judges 8-9 - April 2

We have another story of what happens when power hungry, evil hearted people seek and gain control. And we have a very early version of a parable in 8:7-21. The trees ask decreasingly lower plants to rule over them. It seems fitting on a few levels. But my curiosity landed on Gideon’s ephod.

Judges 8: 27 Gideon made it into an ephod, and placed it in his city, Ophrah, and all Israel played the harlot with it there, so that it became a snare to Gideon and his household.

It seems that we do not have enough information about the ephod to be certain of what exactly it was and what exactly was its purpose. Originally, God had the Israelites make an ephod for the priest (Exodus 28:6-14). It was probably a vest or breastplate type of wearable. It was also mentioned several times in 1 Samuel. In this case however, some translations and scholars believe it to be an image of a god, perhaps due to the familiarity of the golden calf incident at Sinai.

 Regardless, this ephod - made from the gold awarded to Gideon for his victory – placed in his city - served as a snare for him and his family. I wonder if it may have been part of the cause of Abimelech's evil and the murder of Gideon’s 70 sons.

Judges 6-7 – April 1

 Gideon happens to be one of my favorite warriors to read about. His name, synonymous with war victories despite overwhelming odds, has been used throughout history for various battle campaigns We see his name used in a Venezuelan military operation in 2020 called Operation Gideon, as well as a character on the video game “Call of Duty”. This heroic leadership and faith are certainly not recognized in his beginnings in chapter 6. God truly can use anyone!

 Here is something I just learned. Many scholars believe that the Midianites who oppressed the Israelites in Judges 6 were descendants of Abraham (Genesis 25:1-4).

 Another thought - 

Through Judges, I continue to think about the danger of allowing certain evils, habits, or pollutants to remain in our lands! And I do not mean your physical land, but your spiritual land. How often do we cycle through bondage and deliverance all because we never completely clean out our lands – our spiritual dwelling places – of things contrary to God’s presence!? Think about some things in your life that are contrary to the presence of God that you may have allowed in or never cleaned out – anxiety, worry, fear, bitterness, anger, pride, gossip. Are these normal everyday experiences possibly the cause of a cycle of battles in our lives that are ultimately unnecessary?

 Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…

Judges 3-5 – March 31, 2021

Judges 3:1 Now these are the nations which the Lord left, to test Israel by them (that is, all who had not experienced any of the wars of Canaan; 2 only in order that the generations of the sons of Israel might be taught war, those who had not experienced it formerly).

Could this be similar to the food situation when the Israelites first arrived in the promised land? Many of them had not farmed before but only gathered manna, but now they had to work a farm. Many of the battles so far were won solely on the power of God. Would they fight like they have never fought before, to remain faithful to God? Were they willing to work for their food and were they willing to fight for their freedom?

1 Peter 2:16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.

Galatians 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. - 13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

 

Only when a challenge becomes difficult, will it render a valuable and lasting ability.

Judges 1-2 - March 30

 

Map of the Land of the 12 Tribes

 

Joshua 16-18 – March 27

Let me bring to your attention Joshua 18:2, 3 “There remained among the sons of Israel seven tribes who had not divided their inheritance. 3 So Joshua said to the sons of Israel, “How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?”

I wondered if perhaps that some Israelites were so accustomed to living like nomads for forty years, that they were hesitant to settle in the promises God gave them. Then, I also have to ask my self that same question. Do I ever get so normalized in my current situation (disease, stress, anxiety, depression, conflict, habits) that I do not enter into my very own promised land?!

I believe there are times that we must act as Zelophad and his daughters.

Joshua 17:4 They came near before Eleazar the priest and before Joshua the son of Nun and before the leaders, saying, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So according to the command of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers.

Remember what God has promised to YOU! Claim it and go get it!

“Take possession of the land”

Don’t get so accustomed to less, when God has promised you more!

 

Joshua 12-15 – March 26

I noticed two stories of Caleb in today’s reading.

First, Caleb seems to be a real man’s man - tough and strong – great warrior - never giving up!

14:11 I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in.

And he still had to drive out the enemy of the territory that he was given (15:14). Sometimes when the promised land is right there – you can see it - you have the deed in hand – but you still have to fight the enemy and clean it out. Don’t abandon the battle until you have homesteaded the place!

 But then later we see Caleb’s weakness – one he probably doesn’t mind having – his daughter. I am reminded of a very familiar encounter between a teenage daughter and her dad. 15:18 So she alighted from the donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?”

This strong warrior and man of God seemed softened by the love of a daughter. Or at least that is how I like to see it. But here is the interesting thing (perhaps the most interesting thing in several chapters): the recording of the mapping and allotment of the new promised land to the Israelite tribes are interrupted but for a small glimpse of a very personal and humanistic story of a mighty warrior and his daughter. In the middle of legal descriptions, Township, and Range, we find a very normal and familiar family scene. This just reminds me that God is personal and intimate.

 (side note)

She married her cousin by the way, her father’s nephew. Obviously, this custom was far more acceptable of cousins than it is today. And just so you know, I will not tolerate any jokes about any particular state in the US in the comments. :)

Joshua 9-11 - March 25

The “No-Brainer”

9:4 So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord.

 Of course, we should give these poor souls some of our provisions and make a treaty with them. Just look at them. Totally a “no-brainer”. OOPS That didn’t turn out well.

 Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

 James 4: 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”

Always include God. He probably has a better way to achieve even the “no-brainers”.

 Here is a beautiful verse in the next chapter about 1 man and his God, working in tandem.

10: 14 There was no day like that before it or after it, when the Lord listened to the voice of a man …

5-8 - March 24, Wednesday

5:11 On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 12 The manna ceased on the day after they had eaten some of the produce of the land, so that the sons of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate some of the yield of the land of Canaan during that year.

 I almost let these verses fly by too quickly. For 40 years, God had provided food that only had to be gathered from the surface of the ground. Now, they were planting and harvesting and able to provide food for themselves, no longer requiring God’s mobile food drops.

But think about this. Most of the people that had experience farming of any kind, was dead. I suppose that perhaps Joshua and Caleb (along with supernatural intervention) began teaching the skills of farming.

I even wonder if perhaps there were a certain number of people that complained about gardening and instead wished for the good ole days of heavenly manna.

 Our lesson from this:

There are times spiritually that our main objective is to travel, trusting God to provide the needs that we cannot due to our mobility. But then there are times spiritually, that we settle down and focus more on our work – sowing and reaping.

Just remember not to complain too much about having to change a 40 year lifestyle!

Joshua 1-4 - March 23

 This is the best video yet regarding a book of the Bible.

Joshua 

Deuteronomy 30-31 – March 21

What a beautiful picture of God’s heart and His love that we read in chapter 30. Regardless of what they have done or where they are, God mercifully continues to seek relationship with man. He may demand obedience, but He is always there to welcome back.

I love Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

And notice what God gave them to remember this covenant of blessings and cursings – a song!

Deuteronomy 31:21 Then it shall come about, when many evils and troubles have come upon them, that this song will testify before them as a witness…

Deuteronomy 28-29 – March 20

 Chapter 28 – Covenant Blessings and Cursings

Obviously, we read about Israel’s benefits of adhering to the covenant with God as well as the consequences of straying from it. Their part of the covenant was basically obedience (28:1, 2, 9, 13, 14).

I think I have probably told my sons the same thing. “Just do what I tell you.” Don’t read too much into it, but don’t take anything out of it either. Simply obey.

But in comparing this with my covenant with God, I realize that I am an overanalyzer. Sometimes God has to stop me and remind me to simply obey the commands He has given me. At this point, that is all that I am responsible for. I may not understand how He is going to work out some of the details about my ministry tomorrow, but I know what He has called me to do today! When He is ready and when I am ready and listening, God will instruct me further.

I am reminded of the parable of the kingdom of heaven as compared to the ten virgins and their oil lamps, in Matthew 25.

 Matthew 25:1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

Now remember, Matthew 10:7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

To be ready for God’s next instructions, simply obey what He has given you today.

Deuteronomy 24-27 – March 19

27:2

It was customary for a town to record the laws of that town on rocks and display them where all could see them and know exactly the laws that were to be enforced. Interesting that God wanted this to be done first.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 further displays God’s emphasis for His laws with words like: They will be on your heart, teach them, talk of them, walk by them, bind them on you, write them on your doorposts, write them on your gates. And now, Deuteronomy 27:2 So it shall be on the day when you cross the Jordan to the land which the Lord your God gives you, that you shall set up for yourself large stones and coat them with lime…

 On day 1, make sure these laws are clearly displayed. This ensures a code of conduct and creates a culture.

We discussed the other day in chapter 10 about “What does God require from you?” This emphasis encourages me to take that answer, carve it stone, and put it on personal display, priority one! I then will never have good excuse to give Him anything less.

 This is another example building my dwelling place on the rock. Those “rocks of requirements” dictate my actions and decisions. Jesus said in Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

 Also, remember that this is not legalism, this is obedience. My rocks may look differently than your rocks.

 ----- Part 2 ------

 25:4

Part of the reward of the ox when he was threshing was being able to also eat of the grain. It may have been extra work for the ox, but it included benefits. You could even say that this ox was allowed special favors during this extra work.

Compare this with:

1 Corinthians 9:13-14 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.

 So, if you leave doughnuts at the church, I’ll just chalk that up to a benefit!

 ----- Part 3 ------

27:18

Who would mislead a blind person on the road?!?!?!?  That’s just cold hearted.

 ----- Part 4 ------

 27:9 … “Be silent and listen, O Israel! This day you have become a people for the Lord your God.

I believe it is important to realize that although we are reading about all of these commandments and the setting up of this Godly culture – God still has one result in mind. God desires relationship!

 Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 Matthew 22:37-38 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment.