Week 30: The Shekinah Glory

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

* Sunday: 2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10, Romans 7:14-8:8, Psalm 18:1-15, Proverbs 19:24-25
* Monday: 2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19, Romans 8:9-25, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 19:26
* Tuesday: 2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22, Romans 8:26-39, Psalm 18:37-50, Proverbs 19:27-29
* Wednesday: 2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14, Romans 9:1-24, Psalm 19:1-14, Proverbs 20:1
* Thursday: 2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34, Romans 9:25-10:13, Psalm 20:1-9, Proverbs 20:2-3
* Friday: 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37, Romans 10:14-11:12, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 20:4-6
* Saturday: 2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21, Romans 11:13-36, Psalm 22:1-18, Proverbs 20:7

Our SOAP for this week is from 2 Chronicles 5 verse 13 and 14

Scripture:
13 The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the LORD with these words: "He is so good! His faithful love endures forever!" At that moment a cloud filled the Temple of the LORD. 14 The priests could not continue their work because the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple of God.

Observation:
The glory of the LORD filled the temple. This glory is what the Jewish rabbis called "Shekinah glory" a form of a Hebrew word that literally means "he caused to dwell," denoting a divine visitation of the presence or dwelling of JEHOVAH God on this earth. The presence of God is so strong, that the priests could not continue their work. What's interesting to me is that the moment that God's glory filled the temple, was the moment that the Levites started to worship. When God's name was praised in His house (the temple), God came down and dwelt among the people.

Application:
Worship is an important part of our church services. Even today, we may expectantly wait for God's glory to fill the church, when we praise Him with our voices and instruments.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I praise you and adore you, for everything you have done in our lives. Thank you for your mighty blessings. I praise your Holy Name. I pray that you dwell among us on Sunday mornings, that your glory fills our church. I pray that you dwell in our hearts, so that your glory may shine through us. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Have a blessed week, and let His glory shine through you in all you do.

Dick

Week 28: On God's Side

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:





*Sunday: 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81; Acts 26:1-32; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 18:20-21

*Monday: 1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40; Acts 27:1-20; Psalm 7:1-17; Proverbs 18:22

*Tuesday: 1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14; Acts 27:21-44; Psalm 8:1-9; Proverbs 18:23-24

*Wednesday: 1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18; Acts 28:1-31; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 19:1-3

*Thursday: 1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17; Romans 1:1-17; Psalm 9:13-20; Proverbs 19:4-5

*Friday: 1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36; Romans 1:18-32; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 19:6-7

*Saturday: 1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17; Romans 2:1-24; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 19:8-9

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 5:25, 26

But these tribes were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors. They worshiped the gods of the nations that God had destroyed. So the God of Israel caused King Pul of Assyria (also known as Tiglath-pileser) to invade the land and take away the people of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh as captives. The Assyrians exiled them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the Gozan River, where they remain to this day.

Observation:

These verses speak of the tribes that opted to take their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River when the Israelites approached the Promised Land under Moses’ leadership. When they saw the expansive lands of Jazer and Gilead and how well suited they were for their flocks and herds, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh asked Moses if that could be their land inheritance, even though it was on the other side of the river, which formed a natural boundary for the Promised Land (and a natural barrier against invading enemies).  After much cajoling, Moses reluctantly agreed.  The problem is that these people were vulnerable to the influences of the surrounding (pagan) world.  In the final analysis, they were the first ones to become unfaithful to God…and the first to be taken into exile, never again to return to their homeland.

Application:

When we put ourselves in proximity of ungodly influences, we increase the likelihood that we will end up making the wrong choices and straying from God and God’s purposes for our lives. I am struck by the fact that these tribes went into exile first…and there is no doubt they did so because they “lived on the edge” in more ways than one. I want to place myself in the center of God’s will for my life…not on the periphery. I want to surround myself in the fellowship of God’s people rather than cavorting with the world. I want to spend my time with those who influence me for the good, rather than induce me to “get with the times.”  In the end, I want to be a light to the world...a light that is close enough to the world to be seen, and a light that is bright enough to shine and make a difference.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please help me be a light that shines brightly in a world of darkness, drawing people to you. I pray that your Kingdom would be manifest in my life. Please lead me from temptation and deliver me from evil, for Jesus’ sake and to your glory.  Amen!

Have a great week!

Faithfully,

Chuck

Week 27: "Trust Me!"

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:





*Sunday: 2 Kings 18:13-19:37; Acts 21:1-17; Psalm 149:1-9; Proverbs 18:8

*Monday: 2 Kings 20:1-22:2; Acts 21:18-36; Psalm 150:1-6; Proverbs 18:9-10

*Tuesday: 2 Kings 22:3-23:30; Acts 21:37-22:16; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 18:11-12

*Wednesday: 2 Kings 23:31-25:30; Acts 22:17-23:10; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 18:13

*Thursday: 1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17; Acts 23:11-35; Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 18:14-15

*Friday: 1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4; Acts 24:1-27; Psalm 4:1-8; Proverbs 18:16-18

*Saturday: 1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17; Acts 25:1-27; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 18:19

Scripture: 2 Kings 18:32b-35

“Don’t listen to Hezekiah when he tries to mislead you by saying, ‘The Lord will rescue us!’ Have the gods of any other nations ever saved their people from the king of Assyria? What happened to the gods of Hamath and Arpad? And what about the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Did any god rescue Samaria from my power? What god of any nation has ever been able to save its people from my power? So what makes you think that the Lord can rescue Jerusalem from me?”

Observation:

This was a dark day for the inhabitants of Jerusalem and their righteous king, Hezekiah. The Assyrian army, the most powerful force in the world at that time, surrounded the city.

The Assyrians had already destroyed all the surrounding nations. Now the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, had Hezekiah shut up in the royal city of Jerusalem “like a bird in a cage” (these words of Sennacherib are preserved in the ancient Assyrian records, which are housed at the Oriental Institute in Chicago). As the inhabitants of Jerusalem looked over the walls at the vast army that consisted of well over 200,000 soldiers, the situation appeared to be hopeless. But God was on their side…and appearances were therefore deceiving! As the story unfolds, God brought the Assyrian army and its king to naught and Jerusalem was spared destruction. No matter how hopeless things looked, there was cause for hope. God was on their side!

Application:

There are times today when Assyrians surround us. Whenever we are tempted to believe that the problems facing us in the present are greater than the God who said he would never leave us or forsake us, take note of the Assyrians! No matter what challenge or difficulty you are facing right now, rest assured that God will deliver you from it. When we face trials, God wants us to trust him. He wants us to stop trying to live by our own wits and rely on his power to get us through. I can think of three such challenges that I am facing right now, and what God is saying to me in today’s reading is simply this: “Trust me and everything will be okay.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I trust you, but I confess there are times when I do not trust you enough! As you were with Hezekiah and his people, I pray that you would be with me in these present circumstances. Please deliver me for Jesus’ sake, and I will forever praise you. Amen!

Have a great week!

Faithfully,

Chuck

Week 26: Great Role Models

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

* Sunday: 2 Kings 6:1-7:20; Acts 15:36-:16:15; Psalm 142; Proverbs 17:24-25
* Monday: 2 Kings 8:1-9:13; Acts 16:16-40; Psalm 143; Proverbs 17:26
* Tuesday: 2 Kings 9:14-10:31; Acts 17:1-34; Psalm 144; Proverbs 17:27-28
* Wednesday: 2 Kings 10:32-12:21; Acts 18:1-22; Psalm 145; Proverbs 18:1
* Thursday: 2 Kings 13:1-14:29; Acts 18:23-19:12; Psalm 146; Proverbs 18:2-3
* Friday: 2 Kings 15:1-16:20; Acts 19:13-41; Psalm 147; Proverbs 18:4-5
* Saturday: 2 Kings 17:1-18:12; Acts 20:1-38; Psalm 148; Proverbs 18:6-7

I'm writing this blog from my parents' home in the Netherlands where I grew up. My oldest daughter is sleeping in the same room where I used to sleep, under the same slanted roof. This is the home where I saw my mother read her Bible on a daily basis, and where my Father instructed me in the ways of the Lord. They have been great role models for me, and my wish is for me to become such a role model for my children. It all starts with delving into God's word every day. I hope you enjoy the readings this week.

In Him,

Dick

Week 25: Full Redemption

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

* Sunday: 1 Kings 18:1-46; Acts 11:1-30; Psalm 135:1-21; Proverbs 17:12-13
* Monday: 1 Kings 19; Acts 12:1-23; Psalm 136; Proverbs 17:14-15
* Tuesday: 1 Kings 20:1-21:29; Acts 12:24-13:15; Psalm 137; Proverbs 17:16
* Wednesday: 1 Kings 22; Acts 13:16-41; Psalm 138; Proverbs 17:17-18
* Thursday: 2 Kings 1:1-2:25; Acts 13:42-14:7; Psalm 139; Proverbs 17:19-21
* Friday: 2 Kings 3:1-4:17; Acts 14:8-28; Psalm 140; Proverbs 17:22
* Saturday: 2 Kings 4:18-5:27; Acts 15:1-35; Psalm 141; Proverbs 17:23

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:20
Then Elijah cried out to the LORD, "O LORD my God, why have you brought tragedy on this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die?"

Observation:
Elijah does not understand God. Why does the LORD kill the son of this widow, who has treated him so well? It doesn't make sense, and Elijah cries out to the LORD.

We don't know exactly why God does this, but verse 18 might hold an explanation. The woman had committed certain sins, and had kept those secret for Elijah. Perhaps she had been a prostitute to try to make a living for herself. She was a widow, and perhaps she had slept with different men, and the boy was a result of that. We don't know.

Application:
What we do know is that the woman has a lot of faith. She uses her last oil and flour to bake something for Elijah. Everything goes smoothly after that. The oil and flour do not run out, and she must enjoy this miraculous experience, until... until her son dies. Now she can no longer keep her past a secret.

God doesn't want her to keep her past a secret. He doesn't want us to keep our pasts a secret. God wants full redemption.. He wants this for the woman and for us as well. Elijah performs a miracle by raising the boy from the dead. The woman gets a second chance with her boy, and with her life. Now she knows it for sure: God is real, and Elijah is his servant (v.24).

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that you are a God who wants full redemption and retoration for us. Thank you that you offer that redemption through your Son, Jesus Christ. He too, offered this redemption to the woman at the well, just like you did through Elijah to this widow. You don't want half redemption for us, but full and complete redemption. Thank you for giving us that. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Have a blessed week.

Dick

Week 24: Three Key Truths

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

* Sunday: 1 Kings 7:1-51; Acts 7:30-50; Psalm 128:1-6; Proverbs 16:31-33
* Monday: 1 Kings 8:1-66; Acts 7:51-8:13; Psalm 129:1-8; Proverbs 17:1
* Tuesday: 1 Kings 9:1-10:29; Acts 8:14-40; Psalm 130:1-8; Proverbs 17:2-3
* Wednesday: 1 Kings 11:1-12:19; Acts 9:1-25; Psalm 131:1-3; Proverbs 17:4-5
* Thursday: 1 Kings 12:20-13:34; Acts 9:26-43; Psalm 132:1-18; Proverbs 17:6
* Friday: 1 Kings 14:1-15:24; Acts 10:1-23; Psalm 133:1-3; Proverbs 17:7-8
* Saturday: 1 Kings 15:25-17:24; Acts 10:24-48; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 17:9-11


Scripture: Proverbs 16:31-33
Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained by living a godly life.
Better to be patient than powerful;
better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
We may throw the dice,
but the LORD determines how they fall.

Observation:
These verses capture three distinct truths by which to live life: (1) gray hair is a crown of glory (in my case, a wreath of glory) – i.e., long life is a gift, (2) self-control is one of the greatest of all human achievements, and (3) we may make decisions, but God ultimately is in control.

Application:
The older I get, the more thankful I am for the gift of life. I want to cherish this day for the blessing it is and seek to be a blessing to those around me. I want to become more attuned to the opportunities that each moment presents to be the person God wants me to be. That requires constant attention to how I conduct myself (i.e., self-control). Finally, I want to seek to realize God’s will in every decision...and trust that God will work with whatever decision I make. In the end, God is in control...and I am grateful for that!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for this day of new life. The older I get, the more I realize how blessed I am to experience life this side of eternity. Please give me the wisdom and self-discipline I need every waking moment of the day, so that I can represent you well in every context of life. And open my eyes to see the many ways you are at work all around me, willing and working for your good pleasure. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Have a great week!

Faithfully,
Chuck

Week 23: Look Up!

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

* Sunday: 2 Samuel 20:14-21:22; Acts 1:1-26; Psalm 121:1-8; Proverbs 16:18
* Monday: 2 Samuel 22:1-23:23; Acts 2:1-47; Psalm 122:1-9; Proverbs 16:19-20
* Tuesday: 2 Samuel 23:24-24:25; Acts 3:1-26; Psalm 123:1-4; Proverbs 16:21-23
* Wednesday: 1 Kings 1:1-53; Acts 4:1-37; Psalm 124:1-8; Proverbs 16:24
* Thursday: 1 Kings 2:1-3:2; Acts 5:1-42; Psalm 125:1-5; Proverbs 16:25
* Friday: 1 Kings 3:3-4:34; Acts 6:1-15; Psalm 126:1-6; Proverbs 16:26-27
* Saturday: 1 Kings 5:1-6:38; Acts 7:1-29; Psalm 127:1-5; Proverbs 16:28-30

Scripture: Psalm 121:2, 3
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!
He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.

Observation:
These verses emphasize the fact that God and God alone is the One who helps us through life. In verse 1, the Psalmist asks whether his help comes from the distant mountains. It is not uncommon for us to look to "the horizon" for help – in other words, to look for help on the earthly, horizontal plane. When our focus is flat, the highest our sight can take us is the distant mountain range. Here the Psalmist says that in time of need we must look up...to the One who made heaven and earth.

Application:
Sometimes I've been in need of help and not known it. That's the worst of all scenarios! If I had known I was really in trouble, perhaps I would have sought help from the Maker of Heaven and Earth. As it was, I thought my problems were manageable – easily fixed through my own efforts. The outcome has never been good when I've looked no higher than the hills for help! When I "look up" as my first response, I seek the Lord's help in all its forms; directly from God and from godly counselors who won’t tell me what I want to hear but what I need to hear. They speak truth in love. But when I avail myself only of the resources on the horizontal plane, my choices are limited to food, drink, money, material possessions, worldly vices, and ungodly counsel. So in light of today's reading, my goal...under any and every circumstance...is to look up!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you and you alone are the source of true help and deliverance. My help comes from you! You watch over me constantly. You never slumber! You are my ever-present help in time of trouble. Please give me the wisdom to know when I start to take my focus off of you and let my gaze fall back to the horizon. And when that starts to happen, please quicken me by your Spirit and bid me to look up, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Have a great week!

Faithfully,
Chuck