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
Monday, June 25, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
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
* 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
Sunday, June 10, 2012
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
* 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
Sunday, June 3, 2012
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
* 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
Monday, May 28, 2012
Week 22: Being One
This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:
* Sunday: 2 Samuel 12:1-31; John 16:1-33; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 16:4-5
* Monday: 2 Samuel 13:1-39; John 17:1-26; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 16:6-7
* Tuesday: 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22; John 18:1-24; Psalm 119:97-112; Proverbs 16:8-9
* Wednesday: 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23; John 18:25-19:22; Psalm 119:113-128; Proverbs 16:10-11
* Thursday: 2 Samuel 17:1-29; John 19:23-42; Psalm 119:129-152; Proverbs 16:12-13
* Friday: 2 Samuel 18:1-19:10; John 20:1-31; Psalm 119:153-176; Proverbs 16:14-15
* Saturday: 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13; John 21:1-25; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 16:16-17
Today we celebrate Memorial Day. This morning as I was reflecting on the men and women, who laid down their life on the altar of freedom, it occurred to me that Jesus laid down his life on the altar to give us eternal freedom. Freedom from bondage to sin and eternal condemnation. What a wonderful Savior we have!
This week's SOAP scripture is from the gospel of John:
Scripture: John 17:20-21
20 "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. 21 My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father -- that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me."
Observation:
Chapter 17 of the gospel of John is a beautiful chapter that records Jesus' prayer to his Father, right before his death. It's the prayer of Jesus, the high priest, interceding for his disciples. In verse 20, Jesus prays not just for the eleven disciples, but for all who will ever believe in him because of the testimony of these 11 disciples. That includes you and me. Jesus is prayer here for us, which is totally amazing! His prayer is that we will all be one just as He and the Father are one.
Application:
In the past days, we've seen Jesus talking to his disciples in a different way than he did early on in his ministry. He talks like someone who has very little time left, yet still has so much to say. Knowing that he is only hours away of being captured, he brings things down to their bottom line: abide in me! How? By obeying my commandments. What are my commandments? Love one another. Be one, just as Jesus and the Father are one.
Wow, that's it? Yes, pretty much. The truth is, though, that "loving one another" and "being one" seem to be some of the most difficult commands for us. At least they are for me... I can "love another person" and "be one" for a little bit, but it doesn't take long before something or someone gets in the way of it, and I have to be reminded again. But I also trust and believe that as I get older, I'm getting better at it. It will probably take a lifetime to perfect it, but when it does happen, it is one of the most rewarding things.
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, what is there to say after reading your prayer in John 17? Lord I echo all you are saying, and I pray that you help me to love others the way you loved them. Give me your eyes, your hands, your feet, and your heart to love them, and to strive to be one. You promise that whatever we ask in your name, you will give to us. I trust and believe you will answer this prayer. In Your Holy Name I pray. Amen.
Have a wonderful week.
In Him,
Dick
* Sunday: 2 Samuel 12:1-31; John 16:1-33; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 16:4-5
* Monday: 2 Samuel 13:1-39; John 17:1-26; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 16:6-7
* Tuesday: 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22; John 18:1-24; Psalm 119:97-112; Proverbs 16:8-9
* Wednesday: 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23; John 18:25-19:22; Psalm 119:113-128; Proverbs 16:10-11
* Thursday: 2 Samuel 17:1-29; John 19:23-42; Psalm 119:129-152; Proverbs 16:12-13
* Friday: 2 Samuel 18:1-19:10; John 20:1-31; Psalm 119:153-176; Proverbs 16:14-15
* Saturday: 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13; John 21:1-25; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 16:16-17
Today we celebrate Memorial Day. This morning as I was reflecting on the men and women, who laid down their life on the altar of freedom, it occurred to me that Jesus laid down his life on the altar to give us eternal freedom. Freedom from bondage to sin and eternal condemnation. What a wonderful Savior we have!
This week's SOAP scripture is from the gospel of John:
Scripture: John 17:20-21
20 "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. 21 My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father -- that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me."
Observation:
Chapter 17 of the gospel of John is a beautiful chapter that records Jesus' prayer to his Father, right before his death. It's the prayer of Jesus, the high priest, interceding for his disciples. In verse 20, Jesus prays not just for the eleven disciples, but for all who will ever believe in him because of the testimony of these 11 disciples. That includes you and me. Jesus is prayer here for us, which is totally amazing! His prayer is that we will all be one just as He and the Father are one.
Application:
In the past days, we've seen Jesus talking to his disciples in a different way than he did early on in his ministry. He talks like someone who has very little time left, yet still has so much to say. Knowing that he is only hours away of being captured, he brings things down to their bottom line: abide in me! How? By obeying my commandments. What are my commandments? Love one another. Be one, just as Jesus and the Father are one.
Wow, that's it? Yes, pretty much. The truth is, though, that "loving one another" and "being one" seem to be some of the most difficult commands for us. At least they are for me... I can "love another person" and "be one" for a little bit, but it doesn't take long before something or someone gets in the way of it, and I have to be reminded again. But I also trust and believe that as I get older, I'm getting better at it. It will probably take a lifetime to perfect it, but when it does happen, it is one of the most rewarding things.
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, what is there to say after reading your prayer in John 17? Lord I echo all you are saying, and I pray that you help me to love others the way you loved them. Give me your eyes, your hands, your feet, and your heart to love them, and to strive to be one. You promise that whatever we ask in your name, you will give to us. I trust and believe you will answer this prayer. In Your Holy Name I pray. Amen.
Have a wonderful week.
In Him,
Dick
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Week 21: Low Self-Esteem
This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:
* Sunday: 1 Samuel 26:1-28:25; John 11:1-54; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 15:22-23
* Monday: 1 Samuel 29:1-31:13; John 11:55-12:19; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 15:24-26
* Tuesday: 2 Samuel 1:1-2:11; John 12:20-50; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 15:27-28
* Wednesday: 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39; John 13:1-30; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 15:29-30
* Thursday: 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23; John 13:31-14:14; Psalm 119:17-32; Proverbs 15:31-32
* Friday: 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18; John 14:15-31; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 15:33
* Saturday: 2 Samuel 9:1-11:27; John 15:1-27; Psalm 119:49-64; Proverbs 16:1-3
Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:15
"Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?" Samuel asked. "Because I am in deep trouble," Saul replied. "The Philistines are at war with us, and God has left me and won't reply by prophets or dreams. So I have called for you to tell me what to do."
Observation:
This passage in scripture is somewhat obscure, mainly because Saul, who is desperate, commits evil by calling up the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel through a medium. You might argue whether or not it is even possible to consult someone who has died, but the truth is that God warns not to do these things in Deuteronomy 18:11. Apparently these things did happen, and judging from the response of the particular woman (medium) in this story, I believe she did call forth the spirit of Samuel.
Samuel asks Saul why he has called him back, and Saul tells him he is in deep trouble. Saul rightly concludes that God has left him, and Samuel reiterates this is indeed the case because Saul did not obey the Lord (vs. 18). He also tells Saul that he and his sons will die the next day, and they will be where he is. This news drains every last bit of energy out of Saul.
Application
When reading through the passages in 1 Samuel in the past week, it struck me that Saul most likely had a very low self-esteem. When Samuel tells Saul he will be king, he replies: "But I'm only from Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?" (1 Samuel 9:21). Then later, when he is anointed as king, some men despised him and refused to bring him gifts, saying "How can this man save us?" Saul ignores them.
Saul felt lowly of himself, and I believe that continued to hunt him throughout his life. When David defeats the giant and later on defeats every Philistine army he encounters, Saul becomes jealous of David, because the women are singing "Saul defeats his thousands, but David his tens thousands". (18:7). Instead of rejoicing over David's success, which would have been a more godly response, he becomes jealous. He measures his self-worth against the success of others instead of relying on the fact that his worth is found in God alone.
The only person Saul trusted was Samuel. When Samuel dies, he has no one to rely on. Instead of humbling himself in the sight of the Lord, admitting his guilt and asking for forgiveness, he falls back on his own inadequacies, and even adds to his guilt by calling up Samuel from the dead. As a result, his life is cut off the very next day.
I'm reminded that I should not measure my self-worth against the success of others. When others have success, I need to (and will) rejoice with them. If God gives me the "thousands" and someone else the "ten thousands", my response is to thank the Lord for that other person, and to thank Him for what He has given me.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I thank you for the fact that you know my innermost being. I thank you that in your eyes I'm worth so much that you would lay down your life just for me. Thank you Lord Jesus for paying that price on our behalf. Help me to always maintain an attitude of gratefulness and thanksgiving, and help me to rejoice with others for their successes. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Have a great week.
Dick
* Sunday: 1 Samuel 26:1-28:25; John 11:1-54; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 15:22-23
* Monday: 1 Samuel 29:1-31:13; John 11:55-12:19; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 15:24-26
* Tuesday: 2 Samuel 1:1-2:11; John 12:20-50; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 15:27-28
* Wednesday: 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39; John 13:1-30; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 15:29-30
* Thursday: 2 Samuel 4:1-6:23; John 13:31-14:14; Psalm 119:17-32; Proverbs 15:31-32
* Friday: 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18; John 14:15-31; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 15:33
* Saturday: 2 Samuel 9:1-11:27; John 15:1-27; Psalm 119:49-64; Proverbs 16:1-3
Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:15
"Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?" Samuel asked. "Because I am in deep trouble," Saul replied. "The Philistines are at war with us, and God has left me and won't reply by prophets or dreams. So I have called for you to tell me what to do."
Observation:
This passage in scripture is somewhat obscure, mainly because Saul, who is desperate, commits evil by calling up the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel through a medium. You might argue whether or not it is even possible to consult someone who has died, but the truth is that God warns not to do these things in Deuteronomy 18:11. Apparently these things did happen, and judging from the response of the particular woman (medium) in this story, I believe she did call forth the spirit of Samuel.
Samuel asks Saul why he has called him back, and Saul tells him he is in deep trouble. Saul rightly concludes that God has left him, and Samuel reiterates this is indeed the case because Saul did not obey the Lord (vs. 18). He also tells Saul that he and his sons will die the next day, and they will be where he is. This news drains every last bit of energy out of Saul.
Application
When reading through the passages in 1 Samuel in the past week, it struck me that Saul most likely had a very low self-esteem. When Samuel tells Saul he will be king, he replies: "But I'm only from Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?" (1 Samuel 9:21). Then later, when he is anointed as king, some men despised him and refused to bring him gifts, saying "How can this man save us?" Saul ignores them.
Saul felt lowly of himself, and I believe that continued to hunt him throughout his life. When David defeats the giant and later on defeats every Philistine army he encounters, Saul becomes jealous of David, because the women are singing "Saul defeats his thousands, but David his tens thousands". (18:7). Instead of rejoicing over David's success, which would have been a more godly response, he becomes jealous. He measures his self-worth against the success of others instead of relying on the fact that his worth is found in God alone.
The only person Saul trusted was Samuel. When Samuel dies, he has no one to rely on. Instead of humbling himself in the sight of the Lord, admitting his guilt and asking for forgiveness, he falls back on his own inadequacies, and even adds to his guilt by calling up Samuel from the dead. As a result, his life is cut off the very next day.
I'm reminded that I should not measure my self-worth against the success of others. When others have success, I need to (and will) rejoice with them. If God gives me the "thousands" and someone else the "ten thousands", my response is to thank the Lord for that other person, and to thank Him for what He has given me.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I thank you for the fact that you know my innermost being. I thank you that in your eyes I'm worth so much that you would lay down your life just for me. Thank you Lord Jesus for paying that price on our behalf. Help me to always maintain an attitude of gratefulness and thanksgiving, and help me to rejoice with others for their successes. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Have a great week.
Dick
Monday, May 14, 2012
Week 20: Avoiding Snap Judgments
This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:
* Sunday: 1 Samuel 14:1-52; John 7:31-53; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 15:5-7
* Monday: 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23; John 8:1-20; Psalm 110:1-7; Proverbs 15:8-10
* Tuesday: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4; John 8:21-30; Psalm 111:1-10; Proverbs 15:11
* Wednesday: 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24; John 8:31-59; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 15:12-14
* Thursday: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15; John 9:1-41; Psalm 113:1-114:8; Proverbs 15:15-17
* Friday: 1 Samuel 22:1-23:29; John 10:1-21; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 15:18-19
* Saturday: 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44; John 10:22-42; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 15:20-21
Scripture: John 7:50-52
"Then Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, spoke up. 'Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?' he asked.
"They replied,'Are you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself—no prophet ever comes from Galilee!'"
Observation:
The religious leaders rejected Jesus, partially at least, because they were ignorant of his place of birth. They failed to recognize the fact that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in fulfillment of Micah 5:2.
Application:
It's so easy to make snap judgments without having all the facts. I need to be quick to listen and slow to speak. I have learned the hard way that whenever I jump to conclusions, I am usually wrong. This week I will make a point of slowing down and taking my time whenever I feel the tickle of a snap judgment coming on!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please help me not be so quick to judge. I know it grieves your Spirit when I do so. Please forgive me for Jesus’ sake and help me be more circumspect in my attitudes and actions. Amen!
Have a great week!
Faithfully,
Chuck
* Sunday: 1 Samuel 14:1-52; John 7:31-53; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 15:5-7
* Monday: 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23; John 8:1-20; Psalm 110:1-7; Proverbs 15:8-10
* Tuesday: 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4; John 8:21-30; Psalm 111:1-10; Proverbs 15:11
* Wednesday: 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24; John 8:31-59; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 15:12-14
* Thursday: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15; John 9:1-41; Psalm 113:1-114:8; Proverbs 15:15-17
* Friday: 1 Samuel 22:1-23:29; John 10:1-21; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 15:18-19
* Saturday: 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44; John 10:22-42; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 15:20-21
Scripture: John 7:50-52
"Then Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, spoke up. 'Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?' he asked.
"They replied,'Are you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself—no prophet ever comes from Galilee!'"
Observation:
The religious leaders rejected Jesus, partially at least, because they were ignorant of his place of birth. They failed to recognize the fact that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in fulfillment of Micah 5:2.
Application:
It's so easy to make snap judgments without having all the facts. I need to be quick to listen and slow to speak. I have learned the hard way that whenever I jump to conclusions, I am usually wrong. This week I will make a point of slowing down and taking my time whenever I feel the tickle of a snap judgment coming on!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please help me not be so quick to judge. I know it grieves your Spirit when I do so. Please forgive me for Jesus’ sake and help me be more circumspect in my attitudes and actions. Amen!
Have a great week!
Faithfully,
Chuck
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