Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Apr 28 Psalms 76, 82, 84, 90, 92, 112, 115 Better is One Day in Your Courts - Is That True?

In Psalm 84, the Sons of Korah wrote, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere: I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." Do we all really hold that as a value? Do we live our lives like this is true?

If we all believed this, we would all probably schedule around Sunday Service. If we truly believed this, then absolutely ensuring that our service in ministry would be a paramount value - something highly sought. If we believed this, then we would have a lot more committed pastors and missionaries. If we believed this, then we would look forward to retirement as an opening of having a lot more time for ministry.

We sing these words in a popular song during church services. We all need to consider the implications of these words in our own life. Our church and WHO it represents would become the centering location in our lives.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Apr 27 Psalms 40, 49, 50, 73 Why We Must Testify in Public

I encounter so many people who are unwilling to give testimony in a public setting about the goodness of the LORD in their life. They are afraid to stand up in front of people and speak. I know others that say that they want to keep their life private.

Unfortunately, none of these objections are affirmed in Scripture. Psalm 40 say, "I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips." It goes on to say, "I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation." And it goes on with more consistent affirmation.

Saints, if we really love God and understand who He is and truly appreciate His goodness toward us, we will all want to sing His praises before the whole world.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Apr 26 Psalms 1, 14-15, 36-37, 39 Blind to Our Sin

In Psalm 36, there is a piece of interesting wisdom about the wicked - they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. I don't think this applies only to those other people - I think this applies to you and me, too. I think there are many sins in our lives that we are blind to - I suspect that we are blind to at least some of them because we flatter ourselves too much. I think this is probably the case when we get into conflict with others.

In conflict with others, I think we often get logs in our eyes - thinking we have the high moral ground and the other person is down in the mud slinging false hoods. But many times, we are blind to the error in our thoughts, words, and behaviors. I think we flatter ourselves often so that we don't have to admit how broken, selfish, or prideful we are being. We can talk ourselves into believing that we are 100% correct and the other person is totally wrong.

It takes a mature person in Christ to put his thoughts, words, and actions up to close Biblical scrutiny for their true morality. When we do this, we see things that are not always pretty - but in the long run, are really best for us, the other person, and the Kingdom of God.

Pray for the vision to see - to not be counted among the wicked.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Apr 25 Psalms 120-121, 140, 143-144 My Help Comes From the LORD

Let's focus on Psalm 121 and the bold proclamation of the psalmist - "my help comes from the LORD." God's protection is vigilant. God is close by. God stays by us. This psalm reminds us where our protection ultimately comes from.

Yes, a big army helps. Yes, a large police force helps. But as the Boston Marathon Bombers prove - those things can not completely protect us physically.

But we need to remember that we also need emotional, relational, and spiritual protection, too! Armies and police forces offer no help in these realms of our lives. The attacks in these areas can and do derail us.

Psalm 121 reminds us - "my help comes from the LORD." Let's remember that and pursue God's "shade."

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Apr 24 Psalms 88, 91, 95, 108-109 A Life of Steadfast Trust

No matter what is going on around us - to our right or to our left - we should always have steadfast trust in the LORD. The verses in Psalms 91, 95, and 108 that express the psalmist's confidence in God are the verses that have caught my attention - and most other days for that matter.

It is so interesting about the dichotomy in David's life - a man after God's own heart. No man has ever been more confident in God, yet how many times has he cried out in his soul with such great despair - sometimes FEELING like God has abandoned him. He is a great study in how we MUST be guided by God's truth - what we SHOULD know - and NOT by our feelings. Our feelings will lead us astray - as a pastor I see people following their feelings into deep destruction day after day. I also see people who don't really know God - so how could they possibly have confidence in him. Why would they do right - if it is hard - and they don't even know right - if they aren't confident in God?

Unfortunately, I am one of those who also fails to trust and obey God in every circumstance in life - moment by moment. The fix is for me to continue getting to know God's love better - not to try harder!

Apr 23 Pss. 70-71, 77, 83, 86 Great Occasional Psalms

Today we read a great mix of psalms for various contexts. Psalm 71 is a good psalm to meditate on when we are old or at least feeling old. It is also a great psalm to read to an elderly person that you are ministering to, especially if they are in pain, in the hospital, or feeling down.

Psalm 77 is a great psalm to meditate on when we need a miracle - when things seem hopeless - when we finally realize that we need go to show up. I think that I will use it to open up the next prayer meeting that I lead.

Psalm 83 is a great prayer for praying against religious persecution - praying for God to protect the people who love Him.

I remember praying Psalm 86 when i felt like I was being personally persecuted. In the midst of that, We pray for learning to walk in God's truth with an undivided heart. Persecution is a great time to be personally cleansed.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Apr 22 Psalms 61-62, 64, 69 Honor from God

In Psalm 62, David says that his honor (and salvation) depend on God. I doubt that few of us live like our honor comes from God. I would guess that we assume that any honor that we have has been earned by our own hard work. In fact, I would guess that we strive to achieve honor.

David posits a very different attitude. He encourages his own soul to rest in God ALONE! he acknowledges that his hope is in God. His fortress (strength, safety) is God - not Himself. David encourages us to trust in God at all times - to pour our hearts (thoughts, emotions, wills) out to Him. He bases his pleas to us on a reality of life - God is our refuge.

Lord, my honor (and salvation - earthly and spiritually) depends on You.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Apr 21 Psalms 35, 41, 43, 46, 55 God Will Be Exalted - By All

Psalm 46 is an interesting psalm. It exalts the God who rules over all. It claims great comfort for those who refuge is the one, true, and living God.

It looks forward to the day when the whole world will exalt the LORD. This will be a glorious day for God's people. It will be a day of great fear and sorrow for God's enemies - those who followed other gods and disdained Him.

Let's all do our part and keep the number of people who will be put to shame as small as possible. Let's encourage people to glorify God and give thanks to God.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Apr 20 Psalms 13, 17, 23, 26, 28, 31 Crying Out to God in Confidence

David had a lot of intrigue in his life based on all of his psalms calling for deliverance. David always expressed confidence in God's ability and willingness to rescue him.

But for a moment, let's consider the self-reliant man. He is totally secure or insecure because it is him against the world. Think how alone and fearful that must be. Is there any wonder why our culture deals with so much depression?

But let's also consider the Christian who only calls out to God during times of distress. There is no communication during good times. It is so good that God is not a God who says, "You only call me when you need something."

David relied on God in deep dependence at ALL times. He understood his total dependence on God in ALL things and worshiped and gave thanks appropriately. Let's all learn from David - a man after God's own heart.

Yesterday, I fasted all day. It was an exceptionally tough day of constant hunger. I wanted to give in all day. It reminded me constantly of how much I need God on a moment by moment basis. I need God more than I need food. It was a great day of growing closer to God in a right relationship - me as a needy man before a magnificent God.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Apr 19 Psalms 5-7, 10-11 Psalms of Lament

Psalm 5 belongs to a genre of Psalms called laments. They all have a specified ancient form. But notice the psalmist pours out his feelings first. Many times the psalmist expresses feelings of doubt about God and His care for the psalmist. However, the psalms always end in what the psalmist KNOWS about God - that the psalmist can trust in God's goodness and righteousness.

Scripture always tells us to walk in faith - in what we know! We are never to be guided by our feelings. Feelings may (and often do) lead us astray. God's Word and what we know about who God is will never lead us astray.

So when we are deep in anguish like a psalmist in a lament psalm, let's always return to what we know. Romans 12:2 tells us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our MIND - the feelings follow from what we truly believe.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Apr 18 I Chronicles 26-29 Why I/II Samuel, I/II Kings and I/II Chronicles?

Did you ever notice that Chronicles covers the same time period as Samuel and kings? Chronicles shares a lot of material with the other books, but not all. Does anyone want to tell us why we have these overlapping books?

Go ahead and take a stab.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Apr 17 I Chronicles 23-26 Why 24?

In the Bible, 12 ususally is associated with the elective purposes of God - 12 tribes of Israel, 12 Apostles. Some presume that the 24 classes of Levites accords with the 24 elders praising God in Revelation - the bringing together of the New and Old Testaments.

One thing for sure - the continual gathered worship of God at a central place is important! We should all remember that each Sunday.

Apr 16 II Samuel 21, 24; I Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30

Notice the world of difference between David and Saul - David repented of his sin, Saul did not.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Apr 15 II Samuel 19-20 When the Bible is Silent

Some detractors of the Bible claim that they are against all of the bloodshed and intrigue that the Bible advocates. They might point to our readings today. But notice, God does not condone all that is going on. In fact, the Bible's veracity is enhanced because it does NOT sugarcoat the sinfulness of man - it documents it.

When the Bible is silent in its commentary about the events, the rest of the Bible has to be used to judge the action. Silence does not mean God advocates.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Apr 14 II Samuel 16-18 Building Your Kingdom Instead of God's

Absalom really didn't care about God - he cared about having David's kingdom for himself. So he tried to steal it. He was unsuccessful. God frustrated his efforts.

Unfortunately, Absalom's self-centeredness hurt a lot of people, not just himself. It hurt his family, his father, many who lost their life, and upset a whole kingdom.

Our self-centeredness hurts others, too. Perhaps, we don't hurt a whole kingdom, but we usually hurt our families, our parents, our spouse, our children, those we work with, etc.

Whose kingdom are you building?

Friday, April 12, 2013

Apr 13 II Samuel 14-16, Psalm 3 Relying on the LORD

Psalm 3 reveals David's heart concerning reliance. He doesn't rely on his own smarts or his army. David relies on the LORD.

When we get in a tight spot, do we muster up all of our resources to address our situation. There is nothing wrong in doing this unless it is all we do. Our 1st move and our continuing move is to seek God's help. As he leads, we should muster resources as led. Perhaps, God will lead us to just hold and wait for Him to address the situation.

This is all a matter of whether we are self-reliant or God-reliant.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Apr 12 II Samuel 12-14 Keeping Sexual Sin Quiet

Sexual sins are the sins that we just don't talk about. I have never seen on a prayer sheet that we should pray for so and so's pornography problem, or attraction to his/her neighbor, etc. Sexual temptations gain power in secrecy and lead to greater and greater sexual sins and more.

Ammon raped Tamar. Tamar was told to keep it quiet. Absalom never addressed it with Ammon or David. David found out about it and never said anything. Absalom eventually kills David and more ensues after that.

It was also likely that the "whole" kingdom figured out that David got Bathsheba pregnant while Urriah was still living. They could all see her belly, do the math, and come to the right conclusion. No one would have confronted David had the word of the Lord not come to Nathan.

Any of us that struggle with sexual sin need to bring it to light with one or two others for transparency and accountability. Also, we preachers need to be talking about sexual sin way more that we do - as much as the Bible does .

Thoughts? Please let me know.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Apr 11 II Samuel 8, 12, 23; I Chronicles 11, 18 Do Children Go To Heaven?

According to, "The Hope of David," the answer is Yes! David fasted for his sick child, but when he died, people saw that he was no longer distraught and ended his fast. It seems as though David had the hope that he would see his child again - "I will go to him, but he will not return to me." Most theologians believe that David was referring to heaven, where David will go to his son.

Some theologians disagree. They think David meant into the ground (death). They don't necessarily mean that his child is going to hell, just that they don't see this verse indicating heaven.

Most Protestants (especially pastors speaking to parents who have just lost a young child) believe that there is an age of accountability when someone must receive Christ or be destined for hell. No one is willing to give that age. This belief comes from anyone less than 20 years old was allowed to go into the Promised Land. Most think the age of accountability is less than 20, but is probably person-specific. You can only imagine what we would "get out of our system" if there was a stated age.

Also, the verse at the end of Jonah leads us to think there is an age of accountability, also an allowance for the mentally impaired - Jonah 4:11 But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Apr 10 II Samuel 8, 10-12, 21; I Chronicles 19-20, Psalms 51, 60 David And His Problem with Lust

David had many wives - many theologians believe that he had a lust problem that his passed onto Solomon. This is a bit of supposition, but not speculation based on David's history.

Let's assume that David had a lust problem in his heart. Lust + opportunity can lead to sin. David did not deny himself the opportunity - he probably knew about Bathsheba and her bathing patterns. He should have been with his men at war. He shouldn't have been on his roof lusting after Bathsheba - grand daughter of one of his trusted advisers and wife of one of his Mighty Men (totally devoted to David).

We all can deal with lust at times and to varying degrees. As a safeguard, develop strong boundaries to eliminate your opportunities to fall.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Apr 9 II Samuel 6-9; I Chronicles 16-18 Knowing Our Role in the Kingdom

David asked Nathan if he should build a house for the Ark of the Covenant. Nathan says to do whatever David thinks right. THEN, the word of the Lord comes to Nathan. Nathan first answered David based on on his own opinion, without inquiring of the LORD. The LORD had a different plan.

How often do we set off on our own direction w/o inquiring of the LORD? If you are like me, the answer is - way too often! There is nothing too small for us to ask God about. Hold off, pray, and then wait for an answer. Life will go more in God's will - great place to be.

Then God tells David what He plans to do instead. David realizes that it all isn't about him. He says, "For the sake of Your Word and according to Your will, You have done this great thing." Let's all remember that God's blessings aren't for our fame, happiness, and good pleasure ultimately - He usually has a bigger purpose and we should remember that and seek it/them out.

Knowing our role in the Kingdom of God as servants makes life so much easier and so much more satisfying.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Apr 8 I Chronicles 15-16, Psalms 96, 105 Make Known Among the Nations

Israel was called to be missional, I Chronicles 16:7 is one example. This verse is still good for us today - 'Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done."

As I said on Apr 7 in my sermon, if we had the cure for cancer, we would find a way to convince every cancer patient to take it. We wouldn't take no for an answer. Well, we have the cure for a much bigger problem - our sin problem. Its cure - Jesus.

We give thanks to the LORD for curing us by being used by the Holy Spirit to cure others. Be used!!!! Don't let anyone die in their sin.


Saturday, April 6, 2013

April 7 Welcome Russia and Germany

I have noticed that people from Russia and Germany are following this blog. What drew you to our blog?

We are blessed to have you with us. Tell us about yourselves.

Apr 7 II Samuel 5-6, Psalm 18 For Whose Sake?

II Samuel 5:12 says, "And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel." This is one of the most important things that we can learn about David - especially as we contrast him with Saul. David knew his kingdom was given to him by God and he would be king for only as long as it pleased God. David also knew that it was not about him - it was about God's purposes for the people of Israel. See Psalm 18 as it drips with David's praise of God for all the victories that God has given him.

By contrast, Saul thought his kingdom was for him and his family and was all about him. Saul grew to NOT be a servant of the LORD.

What about you? Do you have a position of authority? Don't forget these:

  • God gave me this position!
  • I will have this position for only as long as it pleases God.
  • God gave me this position to serve some purpose for His kingdom. What is the purpose(s)?
In my quiet time this morning, I will go through this exercise for my two positions of leadership - as Pastor of Calvary Church and as leader of my family. I encourage all of you to do the same. It may change your perspective on your position(s) and realign your view with reality (God's view).

Friday, April 5, 2013

April 6 II Samuel 2-5 Providence of God

In our reading today, we can see clearly the free will of sinful men jogging for power. Even King David acts in a weak manner toward his murdering general, Joab. We also see fulfilled through the sovereignty of God, David coming to be king over all Israel - not in what we would consider a timely manner. The providence of God is the sovereignty of God (in control of all things) using the free will will of man to achieve His purposes.

Many people dismiss the Bible as a Holy Book because of all the distasteful things that happen in it. However, this is exactly why the Bible can be trusted - because it depicts man in reality - as sinful beings in need of God's grace. Man is not exalted in the Bible - God is!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Apr 5 I Samuel 28, 31; II Samuel 1 The Downward Spiral of Saul

Saul began as a humble man chosen by God and empowered by God for great service. Over time Saul forgot that his victories were completely of God and that his future victories and prosperity were totally dependent on the continued blessing of God. Instead, he began to become prideful, self-dependent, and a people pleaser - in short, disobedient. God began to discipline Saul. Instead of repenting, Saul drew further from God culminating with consulting a diviner and having a fellowship meal with her.

Meditate on Saul's fall!!!!! It can happen to you and me.

Stay close to the grace of God and seek Him always - even after you fail Him miserably. God loves repentors. God is the God of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. chances. However, as Samuel said,"Rebellion is like the sin of divination and arrogance like the evil of idolatry."

We are ready for a godly king - David - albeit flawed. We won't be satisfied until our true king returns - Jesus.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Apr 4 I Samuel 25-27, 29-30; I Chronicles 12 God Guides Us Through Others

David was spared from battles that would have spoiled his rise to the kingship by all of Israel. God worked through Abigail and even the Philistine rulers. Abigail prevented David from massacring an old fool. The Philistine rulers were used by God to prevent David and his men from fighting against his Jewish brothers.

Although God's Word is the primary way of God speaking to us, we should not disregard the voices of others. We need discernment, but sometimes God guides us through the words and actions of others. We should reflect on what others do and say that might affect us. Is God speaking?

Apr 3 I Samuel 22-24, Psalms 52, 54, 63, 57 Communing With God During Hard Times

One of the reasons that I really like this chrono Bible is that it places the Psalms in with the narrative. In this way, we see David's relationship with God on display while he encounters life. I talk often about Christianity being a relationship, not a religion. This section of the chrono Bible illustrate the relationship between God and David - a man after God's own heart.

I am drawn to David's conversations to God moreso than the narrative. In Psalm 52, David compares himself to an olive tree. We tend to keep reading. Don"t!! Find out what an olive tree is like. It is one of the most hardy living things on this planet - it can live thousands of years and withstand all kings of calamities. In the house of God - in relationship to God - David is like an olive tree!

In Psalm 62, David says:

  • My soul thirsts for You
  • Your love is better than life
  • I think of You through the watches of the night.
I want my relationship with God to be like that. Read Psalm 63 again and hold your relationship with God up to David's. How are you doing? What or who are you trusting? David trusted only in God.

In Psalm 54, David says, "the LORD is the one who sustains me." I want to live like I believe this.

In Psalm 57, David says, "My heart is steadfast." Be assured that it is nothing in David that makes him steadfast - it is all God - "For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the sky."

Get to know God like David did and we can have the same relationship. It wasn't about David!!!!!!!

Monday, April 1, 2013

Apr 2 I Samuel 21-22: I Chronicles 12:8-18; Psalms 56, 34, 142 Taking Who God Gives You

When I first came to Calvary Church, at first, it didn't seem to me that the people that we had in the church were the "right" base of people to build a church upon (that included me!). In our small group, we were studying David and how "those in distress" began to join with him - later they became known as his mighty men. God spoke to me and said to build HIS church with those He sends. I heard Him and embraced all of our people as God's potential "mighty men."

Well here we stand on Christ five years later - a very strong healthy church three times the size it was then. We all know that Calvary church is completely a work of God. Five years ago, we all were "those in distress."

Apr 1 I Samuel 18-20, Psalm 59 God - Our Fortress

Saul is now determined to kill David. So who does David rely upon? Jonathan? No. Himself? No.

David relies on God. In Psalm 59, David refers to God as his fortress. Let's dwell on this analogy a bit. A fortress is a place of refuge. When under attack, it can bring safety. In a fortress is all of our allies - those committed to stand with us. A strong fortress instills confidence against those trying to destroy us.

David saw God as his place of refuge - his place of safety - his place of confidence - his place where his enemies could not get at him.

Do you see God as all of these things for you? God is always with you, but do you ALWAYS sense His presence to give you strength and to keep you safe? If not, then what is your fortress? Many people are always attacking in their own strength or always retreating from the challenges in life to nowhere.

March 31 I Samuel 16-17 Character Counts More Than Countenance

The people of Israel wanted a king like the nations around them. So God gave them Saul - the biggest man in Israel (but unwilling to take on the biggest of the Phillistines, Goliath), good looking, self-centered, prideful, and angry. But he turned out to be unspiritual, which is what God wants. So God rejects Saul and picks David. Even Samuel fell into the outward appearance trap at first. God had to remind him that the heart of a king is what makes him a good or bad king. So God chooses David, young and ruddy.

This should be a good corrective for us when we have to choose people - spouse, business partner, pastor, elders, other church leaders, etc. Choose people with a heart for God.

Do you work out to look good? Do you eat right to stay trim? Do you go to college to get a good job? All those things are of earthly vale and worthy of our doing. But shouldn't reading our Bible, being in fellowship (for the purpose of building each other up) with other Christians, and cooperating with the Holy Spirit to be transformed infinitely more important? It should be!

Since today is Easter - a day of resurrection to new life - wouldn't this be a great day to properly arrange your priorities?