Monday, June 30, 2014 

Reading for the day: 1 Kings 12, 13, 14 

Are you listening to “yes” men? To people who tell you what you want to hear even if it  is not true?

In our reading for today, we read of two examples of people following the advice of people who told them not what they should do, but rather what they wanted to hear. Rehoboam, who is a foolish, oppressive dictator, does what at first seems to be the “wise” thing to do. He seeks council with his father’s old advisors and they give him sound advice. But then Rehoboam doesn’t seem to like what he heard, do he goes to his cronies and asks them for their advice. They tell him just what he wanted to hear and so foolishly he follows their advice, becoming the oppressive and despicable dictator that scripture shows him to be.

The second one is a little harder to detect, but it is there as well. The “man of God” (we don’t have a name for him), comes from Judah to Bethel and condemns Jeroboam who is making a sacrifice that is not pleasing to God. (I don’t want to go into all the reasons why this is bad, just suffice it to say, he was wrong, very wrong it what he was doing).

Well, of course this condemnation makes Jeroboam very angry at the “man of God” and puts the “man of God” in danger. Even when Jeroboam sounds like he wants to welcome him into his home, the “man of God” is still listening to God and obeying him and refuses. God tells him don’t eat or drink anything and don’t go home by the same route. Unfortunately, this makes the next few days very difficult for the “man of God” and he finds himself hungry, thirsty and heading down a more difficult path towards home.

Now into the story comes a certain old prophet. One might think on the surface this is a good thing, but if you think about who this old prophet is, he has been serving King Jeroboam and so it makes sense to understand, he is not a prophet of God, but rather of the false gods that Jeroboam has put into place.  Another thing that points to the old prophet’s unworthiness is the understanding that he is lying to the “man of God”, he never consulted God and there was no angel that came and spoke to him. He is telling the “man of God’ what he wants to hear and so, rather than staying true to God and God’s message, he jumps on the chance to satisfy his hunger and thirst. And the rest of the story tells us what a bad decision it was.

So my question again is “are you listening to only people who will tell you what you want to hear or are you search for the truth?” It is up to us to determine if what someone is telling us is from God or not and how can you do that? Ask yourself is this in line with what the Bible tells us and the only way you’ll know what the Bible says is to read it. So I applaud all of you who are reading through your Bible and it is my prayer that we will not be deceived when someone tries to persuade us to follow false teaching.

Blessings

Pastor Kathy

Sunday,  June 29th
Reading for today:  Proverb 30-31 and 1 Kings 12-14


I read yesterday's passage from 1Kings at the same time as this one, and you can see the disintegration of the nation happening right before your eyes.   It seems so sad to have this beautiful kingdom, the result of all of David's hard fought battles, and the wonderful intricate designs and ornamentation that Solomon added handed over to people who don't respect it.    How sad is it that the man in whom God trusts, Jeroboam, takes the nation even further from him than Solomon did?    And Solomon's own son?  Even as he sees what is now the Northern Kingdom slipping away, he does the same ignorant things in the much smaller Southern Kingdom.

There are a couple of things to note:   King David had a wandering eye (Bathsheeba) which is magnified in his son.  Considering who his mom and dad were, it isn't a surprise that he had some issues with marital relationships.

I'm not sure how much counsel David gave to Solomon, given the instructions regarding the temple, I know that there had to be some, anyway.   But didn't he warn him about marrying other women?     And speaking of advice that fathers give their children, why wouldn't Rehoboam follow the advice of his fathers counselors?  They clearly had succeeded in the past.   The only thing that makes sense is that "this is from the Lord".   When we disobey God, and do not honor his law, we begin to make bad decisions that eventually cause our downfall.   The call to holiness cannot be any clearer than in these chapters.  Those who violate God's law regarding marriage, end up offering sacrifices that they shouldn't.  This results in incurring God's wrath, which leads to armed rebellion and challenges against the throne, and disharmony amongst the people.   Then the next step is commissioning of ungodly leaders, and then defeat in battle, and then complete apostasy.

It scares me to think of where we are on that chart.   Unless we repent from our ungodly behavior as a nation, we will see more uprising, more discontent and eventually overthrow and apostasy.    God will not be mocked.

On a somewhat lighter note, today we also read the very famous 31st Psalm, which is pulled out every Mother's Day to laud our much deserving mothers.    Solomon would have done well to marry fewer women and make wiser choices.    The combined reading of Proverb 31 with the results of disobedience are a powerful argument for longer engagements and premarital counseling.  We need to seek advice and make sure that the person we are "becoming one with" is a union that God will bless, and that will not pull us away from Him somewhere in the future.

PR

Saturday,  June 28th
Reading for today:  2 Chronicles 9,   1 Kings 10-11

The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon.   This account was recorded after Solomon's death apparently, since it says "nothing like it has ever been seen since..." in several places.   I am thinking that this account doesn't do much to add to the narrative of Solomon's life, but it underscores just how wealthy and popular he was.   It also might explain how items indigenous to one area ended up in others.   Solomon's wealth, along with relative peace on all sides made for a robust trading environment.

Sadly, the story of Solomon's life doesn't end on a high note.   Chapter 11 tells us that Solomon, even with all his wisdom, intermarried with royal women from other countries.   I am sure they were educated and beautiful, and that marrying them in some way helped keep good relations with all the countries around Israel.   The problem is that Solomon wasn't allowed to marry women outside of Israel.    His disobedience in this one area spells the beginning of the unraveling of Israels supremacy.     It sticks in my mind also that receiving horses or chariots from other countries was warned against....but I don't remember the reference right now.    In any case, Solomon knew better, but did it anyway.   Some would question his wisdom for behaving in such a way.  It is interesting that the wisest man to ever live would make such a rookie mistake.   But isn't that the exact mistake that many men in ministry make?   How many great leaders and statesmen have been toppled because they failed in this one area?    I can count dozens from just the last few years.

Perhaps the lust for relationships outside the confines of marriage is a more powerful temptation than we realize.   And maybe since it's so effective, satan uses it most often.   In football, if a play is working, however simple, you keep running it to help you move the ball.   By this time in human history we should be aware and prepared against sins of this nature.   And yet they still overtake us as if this is the first time we've ever encountered them.

We need to break this cycle of falling back into the same sins again and again.

PR

Friday,  June 27th
Reading for today:   Ecclesiastes 7-12


Pastor Kathy and I chuckled away our day yesterday as we shared our thoughts on Solomon's bleak outlook on the meaning and purpose of life.   He certainly disqualifies himself as an optimist.  

There are many curious things in todays reading that I would love to ponder (but deeper reflection isn't the intent of this reading program)   For instance,  why does Solomon say in Chapter 8 that he cannot find a single upright woman?  I find that hard to believe.  He must be trying to make a point, perhaps it's......well, I'm not going to get into THAT.

He says somewhere, maybe Chapter 9 that "the same fate awaits them all" speaking of the righteous and the unrighteous.  But that clearly is a reference only to the grave, and not to eternal life, because we all know from reading the rest of the Bible that eternity will be different for the righteous.   Sorrow, anguish and regret await the wicked in eternity, but peace, joy and love are the eternal fate of the righteous.

Solomon observes that "there isn't anyone who doesn't sin"  which is a good thing to remember when we start to become proud of how righteous we are.   In fact, he also says that even the wise cannot truly comprehend what God is doing, or has done.   I agree.   a quick look out the window at just a small part of all that God has created reminds me that His knowledge and skill are far beyond my understanding.

I laughed when I read "better a live dog than a dead lion".   My grandfather used to tell me that sometimes, I never knew it was in Ecclesiastes!

Certainly there is far more to see....    I'll leave to you to comment on..

PR

Thursday,  June 26th
Reading for today:   Ecclesiastes 1-6


Wow.  The first six chapters of Ecc. on a dreary, rainy morning.   I may have to medicate in order to have the energy to make it to lunchtime.     Okay, seriously...there are some real gems hidden just below the surface in these chapters.

Solomon says that all things are cyclical.  "what has been will be again".   I take some measure of comfort in knowing that fact, because it means there are "second chances" to improve, or try other things.   A barber once told me that the difference between a good haircut and a bad haircut is "two weeks".   Some cycles are short, like mowing the grass.  Others are long, like raising children.   I think I understand what Solomon is saying here.  I think he's saying "what's the sense in doing anything, whether right or wrong?   Because it's all going to end, and then begin new again anyway,  so what's the point?"

But then he gives us the point several times  in 2:24 and 3:22 he says "eat, drink and enjoy your work".  Find a job that you enjoy and work at that while you are here on earth.   This is our lot.   Homes will be built and they will crumble.  Kingdoms will be built, and they will crumble.  Fortunes will be won and lost, children will be raised, grow old and pass away.   This is the way of things.   So, find something that you enjoy doing, and invest yourself in that.

Does it mean that your labor will last forever?  No.   If you do something you enjoy will you be remembered longer than others?  No.   What's the point?   The point is:  this is the way God intended it to be.    Think back to the garden of eden.   What was the point of life there?   To work in the garden, enjoy time with conversing with God and being with your mate.

Nothing has changed.

Find a job that brings you satisfaction, and adds a sense of meaning and purpose to your life.   Don't obsess about the pay.   Rich and poor end up in the same place.   Don't obsess about fame,  history chooses who will be remembered, and it isn't always the person trying to be famous.    Remember the widow who put her mite into the collection?     Famous.

You know something?    I think the sun is coming out.     I'm going to mow the grass, rearrange some clutter, prepare a sermon that will soon be forgotten by most.... and enjoy every minute of it.

PR

Wednesday,  June 25
Reading for today:   Proverbs 27-28-29

To me, it seems that chapter 27 follows (more or less) the comments from yesterday, where the main theme is relationship and/or wisdom.

Without studying it intensively, I think the main theme in Chapter 28 and 29 is shifting toward those who follow the law vs. those who don't, and those who have money vs. those who don't.

It is absolutely not a sin to be wealthy, and if you look closely at the text, Solomon (a very wealthy man himself) isn't "down" on the rich.   He is commenting on HOW the wealthy become wealthy.   If you are wise and treat others fairly yet make shrewd deals and combine that with hard work, you are likely to become wealthy.   That's not a problem at all.   But if you take what doesn't belong to you, cheat others out of what is rightfully theirs (via bribes, lies, underpaying your workers) then you have drifted into sinful behavior.   Proverbs is reminding us that "cheaters never win"  (an old proverb my gym teacher used to repeat).

Before we try and use this passage to demand a higher minimum wage, or additional benefits from our employers consider this:   we have the option of leaving the job we are in, and there are many other job opportunities available.  No one is forcing us to work for low wages.   We want more money for two reasons   1: Our appetite (better car, larger house, more kids, x-box one, new clothes, remodel, 4 wheeler, phone upgrade, satellite TV, family vacation, dinner out,  prepackaged meals...should I go on?)    2:  Greed  (I see that others have more, or I find out how much money the company made last year)

Paul said "I have learned the secret of being content, whether in plenty or in want".  It has become a guiding principle for me.  And, I find that I need to check myself once or twice a month to make sure I am not becoming discontent.  The devil would like to gain a foothold in my life on the beachhead of greed.   I need to keep that area inaccessible, and I do that by reminding myself "there is no access to my life through desire for things"   That keeps the devil from landing there.

Secondly, there is a focus on the law, and obedience to the law in these chapters.   Solomon clearly understands that following God's law is directly connected to being wise, being healthy, being wealthy and being righteous.    For instance,  chapter 29:18 is often quoted from King James Version as saying "where there is no vision, the people perish"   And the implication is that someone needs to cast a vision for the future.  It's a common theme around building campaigns, etc.    But the NIV opens up the original meaning of the text slightly (and not surprisingly, it aligns more closely with the theme of the rest of the text)  "Where there is no revelation of the law the people cast off restraint".    Both are true, but what is actually being said is this:

Unless we make provision in our lives to be continually reminded of how God wants us to live, and how he wants us to behave, we will slowly forget.   And when we forget, we will gravitate toward the very type of behavior that the Bible warns against.   We are prone to drift away from God's law.   The idea that we will not be reminded or that we will not learn and yet still remain righteous is naive.   Even worse, it could be satan saying "you can skip devotions, or being in church...it won't affect you to miss once...twice...."
But Proverbs is saying that it will absolutely affect you.   No reminder means gradually declining good behavior, and then the eventual "casting off restraint", which is sin, and the wages of sin are death.   It's good for us to be reminded, and to be rebuked from time to time.      That's what 28:13 and 26 are talking about, along with 29:15-18

PR

Tuesday,  June 24th
Reading for today:   Proverbs 25-26


There's no question that Solomon was a wise man, perhaps the wisest man who ever lived.   Since he was so wise, his words are to be considered carefully.   The wiser you are, the more you can say with a few words.   We all have friends who have no problem making conversation, but if you listen carefully they aren't saying a great deal more than those who talk less.   I think that Solomon might have valued quality over quantity.

So the main topics appear to be the wise/righteous, the fool and the wicked.   It makes me think that you can be a wise christian, or an unintelligent one, and vice versa; you can be wise and wicked (crafty) or ignorant and wicked (brute).     Of course the goal is to be righteous above all else, because only the righteous will see God and spend eternity with Him.   So once I have established that I am going to live my life for Christ, then I need to work on being wise about it.    Last Sunday I spoke about "getting smart".  It seems that is the main theme in the first few chapters of Proverbs...perhaps for the whole book.

The wise person will think before they speak, not involve themselves as a third party in quarrels.  They will not make a nuisance of themselves, but instead will find opportunities to praise others, and will make an effort to refresh others as often as they can.   They will be people of restraint, not giving in to every temptation.   They will be generous and humble.      Okay, here's what strikes me about this section:   there isn't one thing in here about knowing calculus or solving complicated problems in your head.   Solomon's opinion about who is wise has more to do with knowing how to have a relationship than it does anything else.   I suspect that there are a few people who are wise in God's eyes that we have overlooked.   Hmmmm.

Now, will that same idea hold true for the fool?   Let's see.   The fool magnifies honor given to him, doesn't share well and does not show any restraint or self control.   The fool doesn't take instruction well and doesn't apply himself.   When it comes to communication, the fool thinks he is the smartest person in the room, he speaks without thinking, often hurting the people around him.  He gossips and whispers, and tries to get arguments started.      Okay, that hold true to the pattern.   What makes us a fool is the way we handle praise, how and who we praise, how quickly we learn to relate well to others, so on and so forth.

The malicious man seems to be clever, but evil deep within.   He lays a trap for others to fall into, and he moves the boundary stone in hopes that he will receive something he hasn't worked for.    Reserved for the crafty wicked person according to Solomon is the following judgment:   the snare you try and spring on others will end up catching you.

My friends,  above all, let's be honest, humble and hard-working.   (hey, there's a good three point sermon in there...)


Blessings,

PR

Monday,  June 23rd
Reading for today:  2 Chronicles 8 and 1 Kings 9

This is the account of Solomon building up the rest of the kingdom, after he built the temple and his own home.

I mentioned this blog during our church service yesterday, and I am curious to know how many people are making use of it.   Leave a name or a comment so we know that you are reading along....or at least checking up on us!

This passage, among other things reveals a discrepancy between accounts.   There are several of these in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament.   In this case, it's the number of supervisors.   In one place it says 250 supervisors, in another it says 550.   Is one wrong?  And if it is, then can we believe the rest of what is written?  How do we know there aren't other transcription errors?

Before you panic, and abandon your faith....this can be fairly easily explained.   We believe there are different levels of supervisors, and one author includes both upper and middle levels, and the other is counting only the highest level.   The reason for this is that the total number of supervisors listed in 1 Kings 5 is 3400, but in 2 Chronicles 2:2  the number is 3600.   Either way, using the numbers given you come up with a total of 3, 850 people who were directing the work in some way.    It really doesn't seem important, but I pause to mention it because the devil will attempt to exploit any opportunity to introduce doubt into your belief system.      I cannot say that the Bible is 100% error free.  Perhaps it is, and I simply don't understand how two differing accounts could both be true.   It does appear in some places that a tally, or some other small detail is in conflict.   However, nothing we believe about who Christ is, what he does for us, the presence of the Holy Spirit, the eventual second coming of Christ, the judgment, etc. are affected by these discrepancies.    If they weren't mentioned at all, it wouldn't change a thing that we believe.

Perhaps there's more to see in this passage than the number of supervisors. (of course there is!).    Solomon appears to be a good diplomat...   what do you see?

PR

Sunday,   June 22
Reading for today:   Psalm 134 and 145-150

The 150th Psalm is the last one in the book, but that doesn't mean we have read all the way through Psalms yet.    There are still several Psalms yet to read...maybe 8-10.   All things considered, we are nearly finished.

I notice that the first thing that David says in each psalm  (146-150) is "Praise the Lord".    Really, that's what these psalms are about.  Praising God.

God enjoys being praised.  It pleases Him to have us talk about his attributes and his actions.  God enjoyes hearing the ways in which we have recognized his goodness to us.  But more than that, He is pleased when we speak about the ways in which He should be honored.   Keep in mind that we cannot possibly know or understand everything that God has accomplished.   His power and authority, His wisdom and government go so far beyond our ability to understand, our feeble attempts at insight are simply not worth expressing on the matter.    But even though that's true, God is pleased with our attempts....and so we praise Him.

David says the heavens should praise, the earth should praise, the created things should praise, all people (young and old) should praise.   Let everything that has breath....and everything that doesn't....praise the Lord.     Give to God the credit that He is due.   The earth and all that is in it are His.  We are His.   Our present and our future belong to Him.  All our resources were His before we had them...and He gave them to us.   Our children were His before they were ours.  He knew them before we did.    Nothing happens without His permission.  If it's good He caused it.   If it's bad, He allowed it.   He is the center of it all, and the reason for it all.  In Him we find reason, purpose and direction for living.  In Him we find balance, strength and insight.

There isn't any created thing that we can give credit to God for that He doesn't deserve.   In James it says that "every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of the heavenly lights".   All good comes from God.   And we rightfully should praise Him for it.

Praise the Lord.


PR

Saturday, June 21   (First day of summer !!)
Reading for today:  2 Chronicles 6-7 and Psalm 136

Very similar to yesterday's reading.   The account of the dedication of the temple.   I notice a very famous passage in 2 Chronicles 7.   The Lord is speaking to Solomon in a dream and says (paraphrased)  "if my people are rebellious and incur my wrath, I will relent and heal them if they turn back to this place."

Solomon's prayer has been for forgiveness for the people.   If they are attacked, he asks that they be forgiven and then that God would defeat the enemies.  He assumes disobedience before defeat; probably because he cannot conceive of defeat while the people have God's favor.   Those who are unjustly accused may call out, and God will answer from this temple, punishing the guilty and exalting the innocent.

Our society seems to be struggling with its moral compass.  What behavior is right, and what's wrong in this era?   If it was bad 100 years ago, is it still "bad" today?   In some cases we believe that things that were at one time acceptable are no longer....slavery, for instance.  Or smoking..tobacco used to be very popular and no one knew it caused cancer.    On the other hand, the way we dress and appear in public has taken a turn liberally.   Women are wearing pants (big deal!), but that was unheard of 100 years ago.

The church has a moral compass, it hasn't changed since the day it was written.  The Bible is more than our account of the history of the human race, it's our guidance for everyday living.   It is the primer for developing and maintaining a relationship with the creator of the universe.   And as a corollary, it's guidance can also help us live more harmoniously together.    The temple may be gone, but the one who created it and lived within it's walls is still here.    The one who forgives sins, cares for the plight of the less fortunate and the unjustly accused is still with us today.

And just like the days of old, if we will turn our face toward Him, and confess our sinfulness He will come and heal us.   He will forgive our sins, make us well, and put our country back on the right course.

I suspect that the attitude of independence, and it's cousins pride and arrogance are what keep us as a nation and as individuals from confessing our sins.   We don't want to acknowledge that there is one greater than us, because we secretly believe that we ourselves are the greatest.   Some go so far as to state there is no God.

I hope that you have the wisdom to realize the folly in such a position, and strive to remain humble before the Lord.  Turn your face often to Him and confess your sins.  It is not only the best way to remain in a right relationship with Him, it's the ONLY way.

Blessings,

PR

Friday, June 20
Reading for today:  1 Kings 8,  2 Chronicles 5

This is the account of the dedication of the temple.   Chronicles doesn't mention the prayer Solomon prayed, but it is recorded in 1 Kings.   Solomon is amazed that God would inhabit a small building on earth, when highest heaven cannot contain him.   I find myself wondering about that.  God is so great, that He is not contained by anything...not even the universe.   To our limited understanding,  the presence of God extends to .......well, it just extends.  There are no sides or edges to the presence of God.   There isn't a place anywhere that His presence isn't felt, or that He isn't aware of.   How foolish for men to assume that they can hide anything from God!

Solomon prays not only for his people, but for the foreigner that will one day turn his face toward the land of Israel, and to their God, and the temple.   That's us!   Solomon asked at the dedication of the temple that when we prayed, God would hear OUR voices, and OUR prayers, and that He would forgive OUR sins.   Of course, God had a greater plan in motion than what Solomon was aware of, but I find it satisfying that your and I were part of the plan of redemption from the beginning.

Sure, the disciples speak of us as "ingrafted branches" and in a sense that is what we are.  But in God's eyes, we were always part of the original plan.   The temple, which no longer exists was to be our focal point.  Something to fix our  eyes on to represent the presence of God.   Many in these days have adopted other items on which to fix their eyes.  Statues, crucifixes, stained glass or images of one kind or another.   But all of them, including the temple, fall short of God's presence.

Although the temple is gone, the presence remains.  We may turn our face toward Israel, (or at least figuratively) when we pray, but the God of all creation isn't limited to that country either.   When we pray, if we focus our attention on the idea that God is "everywhere present" then we are in the right place to converse with Him.

Perhaps some day the temple will be rebuilt, but it won't change anything for the Christian.

PS:  they only mention that the tablets are in the Ark.   I wonder what happened to Aarons staff that budded, and the jar of manna?

PR

Thursday,   June 19
Reading for today:   1 Kings 7 and 2 Chronicles 4

Today we read about the furnishings that Solomon had built, and the man he commissioned to do the work.   Just a couple of quick thoughts...
The author points out that Solomon spent more time building his house than he did the temple.  He also mentions a wife from Egypt...that wasn't allowed for Israelites.  They had to marry from their own religion/descendants.    I doubt anyone thought much about it at the time, including Solomon.   But looking back it's easier to see where the actual departure from what God wanted really began.    It sort of reminds me of the time I was trying to thread a needle.  I tried and tried and couldn't seem to get the thread to go through the needle..at the last minute it always drifted off to the left or right.   Then I put on a pair of glasses and realized that there was an almost imperceptible hair of string that was preventing the process.   I made sure that the hair was in alignment, and the thread went through quite easily.   Solomon's actions might betray a "wild hair" that will later result in his unwillingness to live in accordance with God's laws.

A brief second thought:   Solomon is now the wisest man who ever lived.  And he recognizes that even with all his wisdom there are people who are better equipped to do certain tasks.   He sends for a man to help cast and decorate the bronze work, and by all accounts that fellow was more skilled than Solomon (at that particular task).   It is a function of wisdom to recognize that you aren't good at everything, and that others can do some jobs better than you.   When you allow that to happen, everyone benefits.

Be blessed,

PR

Wednesday,  June 18
Reading for today:   2 Chronicles 2-3 and 1 Kings 5-6

Today we read the account of the building of the Temple.   This is the first temple ever built to house the presence of God.   Israel has been in existence for about 480 years at this point.   This temple was later demolished when the nation was taken over by the Babylonians.   It was then rebuilt in a smaller form by Ezra, and then increased in size and splendor by Herod the Great.   Some 70 years after the ascension of Jesus, the temple is destroyed a second time, this time by the Romans.   It has never been rebuilt.   However, the visitor to Israel today can still see the stones presumably from the original temple at the site.  They have been re-purposed to build the "Dome of the Rock" and the Muslim palace that is connected to the temple site.

All of this is important because Israel's history is broken into "temple periods".   Solomon's temple marks the beginning of the first temple period, and Ezra's temple marks the beginning of the second.   Today we are still in the second temple period, since a third temple hasn't been built.   Some people say that a third temple must be built before the Lord returns at the End of Days.

The temple Solomon built is ornate to say the least.  There would be no other building in all the world like it.   It's design is similar in some respects to other temples, but it is unique in furnishings and treasure.   Upon entering, you would see nothing but glittering gold, decorated and designed by the worlds best craftsmen.  Precious stones would sparkle from all areas, and the ceilings would rise high above you, inspiring awe.   It would truly be a one of a kind place, that would impress even the most stalwart unbeliever.

I read that there are three levels to the temple, and that piques my interest.   I don't see any stairs on different levels of the temple...so they must refer to the stairs from the porch to the portico?     In Herod's design there is a basement underneath the temple.  It's still in use today...the Muslims use it for teaching, even though the Israelites are in control of the temple mount.    Herod's design was larger, and made use of arches to build up the surrounding area, and make the base larger.   The basement is located inside the arches.   I don't see any arches needed in Solomon's design.  It was much smaller by comparison, and could have been built on the existing rock.   I think I will do a little research to see where these different levels of the temple could have been.


PR

Tuesday,  June 17th
Reading for today:   Proverbs 22-24

"a good name is more desirable then great riches"   I was passing through West Virginia and decided to find my ancestral home.  My family comes from a small town in WV formerly known as "Booger Hole" because if was believed to be haunted.  At least, that's the legend.   I couldn't find the remains of a homestead, where I could say "this is where my family came from" and that left me with unanswered questions.   Where did my family come from?   What kind of people were they?   So, I did a little research on the internet, and discovered that my family has been in the United States since long before it was the United States!   If my quick glance is correct, I am a decedent of a man named Patrick Hamrick, who migrated here from Ireland just before 1700.
I wonder if Patrick ever considered what the world would look like 400 years later?   Did he consider that the woman he married would become the matriarch of thousands?   Did he chose his words and actions carefully, knowing that generations would look back on his life and say "That's my relative"?
I doubt it.   Most of us don't give much thought to what the next generation will think or say, much less what three or four generations into the future will think.   But perhaps we should.
A few dollars invested now would be enough for grand kids to retire on, or great grand kids.   What if Patrick had invested in land, and had taught his descendants to do the same?   Perhaps the Hamricks would be wealthy land barons in the South.  Actually, some of them might be.
Here's a thought for today:   When your great grand children look back at your life, will they find anything remarkable enough to make them proud?  Will they find inspiration to keep going, and motivation to finish their tasks?   Will they feel the mantle of greatness, or of tenacity descend upon them?    What are you doing right now that will make future generations proud to be called by your name?
My grandfathers (both of them) were devout Christian men.  Stories are told about how they wouldn't bale the mown hay in the fields on Sunday, even if it was going to rain on Monday.  Or, about how one Grandfather traveled from church to church giving his testimony, encouraging others to accept Jesus as their Savior.    I don't think either of these men were thinking about what their actions would mean to me, but both of them inspire me.

Let's behave in a way that will inspire those around us, and those who come after us, to be devout and righteous.   Let's live in a way that will encourage others to follow the teachings of the Bible, and point them to a relationship with Jesus, which will profit them forever.

Speaking of legacy, we have a father in Jesus who WAS thinking of us when He lived here on earth.   His prayer in John 17 says "I pray for those who will believe in me through their (the disciples) message.."

The legacy of Jesus is what our faith is built upon.

Blessings,

PR

Monday, June 16
Reading for today:   Proverbs 19-21

As you may have noticed, there are several strong themes running through Proverbs.  Honesty, Generosity, Diligence and of course, pursuit of wisdom.   I'm sure there are others.  What do you find?

Twice in chapter 19 the author repeats the fate of the false witness, a testimony to the value of honesty.   Honesty seems to be lacking in current society.  When our political candidates run for public office they pledge to do many things, most of which never occur...and no one seems to be too upset.  We take for granted that we are electing people who aren't honest in the first place.   When the leaders of a country don't reflect the core values that make (or made) the country great in the first place, then problems are on the horizon.    Would you keep someone employed to babysit your children if you discovered that they lied on their resume?   What if they invited friends to the house, when they were told not to?   Of course, you would end their employment rather abruptly.   Proverbs is giving us the keys to success.   Be honest,  be faithful.  Be Generous..especially to those less fortunate than yourself.   These are the themes of the Christian life.   The life "well lived".    The person who takes these "nuggets" of wisdom to heart, and makes them their life values is the one who is truly wise.    As Proverbs says,  the dishonest will be successful for a time, but they will not endure.   Everlasting life is reserved for the righteous.

Be Honest!


Pastor Rick

Sunday, June 15, 2014
Readings for today: Proverbs 16, 17, 18


Happy Father's Day to all our dads. We have read 18 chapters of Proverbs so far this week and we still have a few more to go. I'm actually starting to like them (somewhat) but this happens to be one of my husband's favorite books of the Bible - go figure. Anyway I asked him what was his favorite proverb and he said, (without batting an eye) "Proverbs 21:9, 'Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.'" Guess who's sleeping on the roof tonight? LOL


Aren't you glad Pastor Rick will be back tomorrow?


Blessings
Pastor Kathy

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Reading for today: Proverbs 13, 14, 15

There are many recurring themes that we find in Proverbs and one of those is to be careful who you hang out with. Proverbs 13:20 says “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.” Remember your parents telling you “don’t hang out with that person, he’s/she’s a bad influence.” It was a prayer that I always prayed for my daughters (and now my grandchildren) that they would find good friend to influence their choices in life and for the most part I think they have. Friends go a long way to help or hurt us through this journey we call life.

So my question for today is this: “Who do you hang out with?” (I also, asked myself the same question.) Who am I friends with? Who do I want influencing me and really, influencing the rest of my family? Do you wanted your friends to be someone who brings drugs to your house or uses foul language in front of you or your kids or encourages you to go drinking with them? Are your friends people who distract you from God and the Church? Look around now and ask yourself, “Who are my friends? What kind of people are they?”

So like the proverb, if I hang around people who are wise, then their wisdom will rub off, and I will become wiser. On the other hand if I hang out with fools, their foolishness will rub off of them on to me and I will become more foolish.

Now don’t misunderstand me here, because I don’t want you to think that we should turn our backs on people who are "bad influences" or who make wrong choices, we are called by Jesus specifically to care for the lost and the hurting and the broken people in this world. Actually that is one of our church’s specific prayers; to reach the lost of the Brokenstraw Valley, and we can’t do that if we don’t spend time with them. But I think you can understand the difference. Befriending someone who needs to find Christ and being the example for them, is important, but not at the expense that we lose way in the process. I’ve been down that road and it can be a hard road to find your way back from.

So, who of your friends are “good” influences in your life and who are the “bad?” Prayerfully consider and then follow Jesus’ direction and choose what is better.

Blessings

Pastor Kathy

Friday, June 13, 2014

Reading for today: Proverbs 10, 11, 12


There are so many topics that one could focus on in reading Proverbs. Things like: be respectful to your parents (10:1) or be diligent in your work and don’t be lazy (10:4 and 27). be careful what you say (10:14), be honest (11:1), don’t gossip (11:13), don’t lie (12:17) and the list could go on and on. All wonderful words of wisdom, with an understanding that wisdom comes from more than just doing these things but to actually becoming the kind of person who puts their trust in the Lord and because of God living in them, can discern what is the best response to a particular situation. (The words of wisdom are truly written on their hearts, 7:3) 

But for today, I’d like to key in on the verse that is found in 10:12 that says “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” How do we respond to offensive situations? Do we try to make it worse - browbeat someone into submission? Or do we think, you know I’ve been there too, I should encourage, build up; rather than tear down.  

This reminds me of what Peter says in his first letter “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1Peter 4:8). I wonder if Peter is remembering this proverb as he is writing his letter. They were tasked with building up a community just like Solomon. A Christian community where we are more about edifying than criticizing; a Christian community that forgives wrongs rather than looking for revenge. It was Christ who modeled this behavior for us. Christ, who did no wrong, took on our sins and covered them with his love for us. 

As followers of Christ, we need to live by His example and that is to love as he loved. Sacrificially. We should measure everything we do in love. So, Christian, if we have Christ living in us, and He is love, then we should respond to every situation with that same love that covers all offenses.”

Blessings
Pastor Kathy

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Reading for today: Proverbs 7-9

So when temptation comes our way, how do we resist it?  Solomon instructs his child over and over again to resist temptation. We see temptation here in chapter 7 in the form of an “adulteress”. In today’s world we’d call her a cougar, a woman who goes after a younger man. The underlying message is that temptation can come in very appealing ways. So what sin tempts you? Sin loves to make itself look very appealing but what ultimately results is anything but appealing. When we give in to sin things can actually get very ugly. 

So Solomon gives his child (and us) more helpful advice for resisting. Earlier in Proverbs we were told to, “hold on to prudence” (5:2). In other words think long and hard about what would happen if you follow this path and learn to say no to temptation.

Now in chapter 7 we get another tactic. Look at verses 1-3, “keep my words and store up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live, keep my teachings as the apple of your eye;  bind them on your fingers, write them on the tablet of your heart.”

What he is telling us is to fill our hearts and minds with the Word of God, so that when sin comes our way, we recognize it for what it is and can resist it. How do we fill our hearts and minds? by studying and reading and memorizing God's word.

I also think that when we are full of God’s truth, we are full of God. We can rely on His strength to help us combat the enemy. 

This reminds me of the song by Matt Maher, “Lord I Need”

“So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus You're my hope and stay”

June 11, 2014

Reading for today: Proverbs 4-6

What struck me about today’s reading was the first verse, “Listen, children, to a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight”. Very sound words. Children should listen to their fathers, but what if their fathers are not the wonderful people we want them to be. What if they are never around or to use a contemporary term “deadbeat dads” who do they listen to then?

I feel that as a parent, I should put my children first, I should not only be teaching them what to do and how to act, but I should also, be showing them by example. (A while back there was this public announcement that spoke against using drugs and the boy told his dad, “I learned it by watching you, ok.”) Very true words. What we say and what we do has great impact on how we are teaching our children to be good and to grow up to become godly men and women. But you already know that right? Now we just need to put it into practice to be wise.


I invite your comments on how we can help  instruct our children


Pastor Kathy

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Reading for today: Proverbs 1-3

A couple of days ago I posted about the “wisdom of Solomon” and today we get a picture of what that wisdom was all about and how it should be applied in our daily living. If you remember God gave Solomon the opportunity to ask him for anything, and Solomon asked for wisdom, which he was given. 1 Kings 4:29-30 says this about Solomon’s wisdom, ^“God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.” It also goes on to say how much wiser he was than a bunch of (apparently) smart guys of the day. Kind of like someone saying “he was smarter than Einstein”. (But remember being smart and being wise aren’t necessarily the same thing.)

After all this talk about wisdom, I thought I should ask myself just what I think wisdom is. So I said “Self, what do you think about wisdom?”  I think wisdom is knowing the difference between right and wrong and then choosing what is right. You can know what is right or wrong but if you fail to choose right, well, not so wise, but if you choose the right path or the right behavior, then you are….wise. Make sense? Being smart (intelligent) on the other hand is being able to acquire information and process it. Actually there’s a Proverb that speaks to it. (wouldn’t you know it) Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”   I’ve heard it summed up this way: knowledge is what you know; intelligence is how you acquire it, and wisdom is how you use it.  

So, with that in mind it was fun to start reading about some of the “wisdom” Solomon has to share with us and let’s face it, it all makes pretty good sense, if only we would use it.

Hey, just on a side note: isn’t interesting that “wisdom” is given the feminine pronoun. Hmmm.

June 9, 2014

Reading for today: Song of Solomon or Song of Songs

Well, quite an interesting reading for today. I am not even sure where to begin. There is much that can be said about the Song of Solomon. My first reaction is, “What is this doing in the Bible? seriously?” It doesn’t seem very Biblical (I’m trying to picture a puritan minister of the 17th century reading this in church on a Sunday morning – Ch 7:1-3) but then I asked myself, if all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16) then there has to be a good reason for it to be here.

So I read it literally (no underlying meaning) and I found it to be a celebration of love, love that is made complete within the sanctity of marriage. Then there is the spiritual aspect (Old Testament) – we see the relationship between God and Israel and (New Testament) Christ and the Church, or on a personal level, the love between an individual and Jesus.

What speaks to me though (after I get through all the similes and metaphors), is that how the God of love, teaches us how we should love. Yesterday’s message on abuse left me hurting for those who have been or are in abusive relationships and live daily with negative, hurtful talk, and then to be given this book of the Bible to read for today, well, just reaffirms that God, who IS love, can teach us how to love; purely and honestly and faithfully. What a great God we serve!

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Today’s reading: Psalm 119, “How I love your instructions”

So if today’s reading seems familiar it’s because it is. We also had this reading scheduled for last Friday. I think it should have been split between the two days, but if you’ve already read it, I certainly don’t think it would hurt to read it again.

This Psalm is such an awesome psalm that points to the importance of God’s holy word. To emphasis this point, the psalmist uses one of eight Hebrew terms to describe God’s revelation in each verse. We read words like, law and precepts, and decrees, promises, commands and statutes and of course, Word. Maybe some feel the repetitive nature of this psalm makes it tedious, but I like to believe (at least for me) that it helps to reemphasis the importance of learning and knowing and studying God’s word. Here’s the creator of the whole universe – speaking to us.

There are some very familiar passages in this reading. Verse 11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” God’s word is not found just in Bibles, but it has been written on our hearts. Verse 103, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Verse 105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Those who know God’s word need never stumble around in the dark.

For every situation you might find yourself in, it seems like there is a verse that will speak to it.

Learning God’s word, writing it on our hearts, memorizing it, meditating on it, if only we would.  I do love God’s instructions. I hope you do, too!

Saturday, June 7

Reading for today: 1^st Kings 3-4, 2^nd Chronicles 1, Psalm 72 

So, here I am at my first attempt to post a blog. I am always so amazed at the many changes that have taken place over the last 25 years with the onset of the internet and how we can communicate in new and creative ways. Most of the technology I am learning to use seems like “science fiction” but I have to say, that even though there are some down sides to the internet, there are a lot of wonderful positives about it too. Just like being able to communicate in this fashion to so many people. Well, anyway, on to today’s reading.  

King Solomon – the wisdom of King Solomon. Today’s reading explains to us why Solomon is always described in this way. 

King Solomon is given the opportunity to ask God for anything, and what does he choose? He decides to ask for something that makes God very happy. He chooses wisdom. I can almost hear God saying “good answer, Solomon” and so because he chose wisdom over wealth and riches, he actually will acquire wealth and riches beyond his wildest imagination. Then this passage of scripture goes on to show us just how wise Solomon is, by determining who the real mother was of the child brought to him.  

So this passage made me ask myself, if God where to say to me “What shall I give you, Kathy?” what would be my response? Hmmm. In light of this passage of scripture, it would be hard to say anything else but wisdom. James tells us in his letter in the New Testament in chapter 1 verse 5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”  

Wisdom, it would seem is a pretty good thing for us to ask for. Especially the wisdom that comes from God. This wisdom, as James goes on to tell us “is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17). Pretty awesome stuff to ask for. So why don’t we? Look around… there seems to be a lot of bad choices being made every day. Why don’t we seek God’s counsel first and look at situations through the eyes of God’s wisdom? I think life would be so much easier for all of us. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made my share of bad choices, and certainly should have spent more time in prayer asking for guidance and direction. But I also know that as I continue to draw closer to Jesus, I find myself making better choices and more wise decisions.  

Wisdom is so needed in our world today. But I also think that I would like to add one more thing to my request for wisdom and that would be to never lose my focus on who I have been called to put my hope in, who I have been called to serve, Jesus. So what would you ask for?  

Now here’s the good news, God does say to us, “ask and it shall be given to you.” So we have been challenged by God to ask for what we need. What do you need? Hopefully you will respond by first saying that “I need Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior,” and then follow that by looking to God for wisdom…

Blessings

Pastor Kathy

Friday,  June 6
Reading for today:  Psalm 119


Chronologically this Psalm is presented as if it were written around the end of David's reign and the beginning of Solomon's.  However, my Bible suggests that is was written much later, after the nation had gone into exile.   The reason I mention it is because I don't want to think that it's a Psalm written by David or Solomon.  In fact, the idea that it was written during or after great hardship seems to be reflected throughout the text.   The author has clearly been afflicted, (verse 71)  and is crying out to God.   Several things jump off the page for me:
1.  The author is or was afflicted, and rejected by "evil men".    2.  His suffering has caused him to express his trust in God, (this psalm) which has become a help to countless millions, and stands today as the thematic center of the Bible.  (obedience brings favor).   Jesus repeats the theme in the New Testament  "you are my friends if you obey my commands."   3.  Deep thought went into the writing of this.  It follows the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and each letter is given 8 stanzas.

The primary focus of the Psalm is to state the author's belief that obedience to God's Law will result in God's blessing, and all the rewards and intangibles that come with it.   It will also result in God punishing those who stand opposed to the faithful.

There are several sub themes, clues really, that are tucked away in the text.  For instance, verse 73 talks of how God himself formed and made us.  Verse 36 says that "selfish gain" is one way that we are tempted away from meditating on God's word.  Verse 96 and verse 176 remind me that no one on earth is perfect, even as we as Free Methodists stand for "Christian Perfection"  we should not assume "sinless perfection"
Verse 104 says that as we study, we begin to "hate" what is wrong.   Therefore, regular study causes me to "want" what is actually best, and it becomes easier to avoid evil....since I no longer "want" to do it.

Thursday, June 5th
Reading for today:  1 Kings 1-2,  Psalm 37, 71 and 94

1 Kings 1-2.  The account of the end of David's reign, and the beginning of Solomon's.    Even after publicly declaring that Solomon would be king (and gathering the officials to command them to help Solomon build the temple, etc.)  Joab still tries to wrestle the kingdom away from David's line...co-conspirator with David's own son. (again).    David was better at leading the nation than he was his own family.  I read today that David never really asked his boy "why are behaving like you do?".    Children who are given everything, and are never punished, reprimanded or challenged in any way become spoiled.  They become a difficulty to the whole of society, not just their own families.   I suspect that we are over-run with spoiled people in the US right now.   People who acknowledge no god but themselves, or a god of their own imagination.  People who believe that whatever you can grab becomes yours...it doesn't matter how you obtained it.   Be it political office or some power or authority.  The current thought seems to be that lying is okay, and squandering the public trust is okay, as long as it gets you what you want.
This passage reminds us (especially including the psalms) that a Holy God is watching, and is willing and able to punish those who do not obey His guidance.

Those who take advantage of others may flourish temporarily, but they will not survive.   As we well know, there is a life beyond this life, and a future awaiting us that is worth the sacrifices required here.

The evil prey upon the weak.  I see it in the elderly king, who is unable to leave his bed on most days.   Like a pack of wolves surrounding their prey, they wait for just the right moment to pounce.   I see evil men surrounding Israel even today, waiting for just the right moment.   The good news is that they will be unsuccessful.

Psalm 37, 71 and 94.  the common theme is all of these is the futility of the wicked, and the eternal glory of the righteous.   As I read David's description of evil people, I see that not much as changed in roughly 3,000 years.    There is no shortage of people who want to take advantage of others.  In fact, honesty is becoming so rare that an honest person is almost popular just because they are honest.

Todays readings encourage me to continue on the pathc of obedience to God's will.  They encourage me to follow Him, reassuring me that I will be rewarded for my obedience.   They encourage me to not become angry and vindictive when I see evil prospering.  It is a temporary anomaly, destined to die before it comes to fruition, like a weed in the garden.

Which brings me back to the first passage.   David was adamant that Solomon punish the few people who had been deceptive and wicked during David's reign.   I think the Lord was in that decision, because it underscores the fact that evil will be punished, and we aren't going to "get away with" bad behavior in God's eyes.

Wednesday,  June 4, 2014
Reading for today:  Psalm 111- 118

I forgot to add Psalm 127 to yesterday’s reading…I need to go back and include it.   If you are reading this seeveral days after the original post, it should be corrected by now.   Word of caution:  in our reading program there are times when the readings are listed on several lines, and the date is only on one line…it can trick you!

As I read through the Psalms this morning I felt that what David is saying is the real reason we remain in Christ.    God is our help and strength, our ever present resource.   He comes to our aid when no one else knows that we are even in trouble.He changes things that the rest of the world says cannot be changed…and all for our benefit!    The old hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”  begins like this  “come thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing,  Call for songs of loudest praise..”   Focus on God results in praise.  It results and awe filled wonder and amazement.

 When I read these psalms, I know that I am touching the well spring of praises for God.   This is why we praise.  This is why we rejoice.   God is awesome and powerful, and the litany of what He does for us and because of us goes on and on.   We are truly a blessed people to know the true and living God.

Tuesday,  June 3rd
Reading for today:  1 Chronicles 26-29
(and Psalm 127)

Having read Chapter 26, my first and only thought is "I'm glad that's over".   Actually, we learn something from all these genealogies and lists of names:  it wasn't just the task that was important to them, the people who did them were important.   Where they came from and who they were related to Ws talked about more than the actual job.   I am more task oriented.  I want to see how many hours they put in, what their job responsibilities were and things like that.   Instead I read "so and so did the work".   One more way that we are unlike the Israelites...which makes it harder to understand some parts of the biblical narrative.   Key thought "people are more important than projects".

Chapter 27.  It would seem the divisions took turns being on active duty.  One monh out of every year.   That sounds like the National Guard!  When the United States was young we didna't have a large full time military force, instead we trained men who then took their weapons home with them, and waited to be called to duty.  We called them "minute men".  They could be ready within "minutes".   Sounds like David had the same idea.

Chapter 28.  David wasn't allowed to physically build the temple, but is looks like he did everything else but that.   Including measuring out how much each fork would weigh in gold.   Having recently experienced a building project myself, I can attest to the fact that a well thought out plan (blue print) is necessary to complete the project smoothly and efficiently.   David provided the "prints" for the building.  Now, Solomon took it much further than the sketches that David provided, but the groundwork and basic design came from David.    And the amount of gold and silver he provided...wow!
There is a great leadership lesson here:  David first demonstrates to the people how dedicated he is to the project.  He commands that the royal treasury be used to build the temple, and then he says "I'm opening up my own checkbook, and writing out a check for ___"  (which was beyond what anyone else could do individually).   Then,  he steps forward and offers this challenge  "Who is willing to dedicate themselves with me?"   I have to tell you, if I had been there I think I would be all in.   When the king puts it all on the table and says "I'm all in, who's with me?"  that's when you act.    As a leader, I must lead by my example.  I can't ask the Church to go somewhere that I am not willing to go myself, or to adopt a task or workload that I am not willing to shoulder as well.   If the leader isn't in, then he/she doesn't have the right to expect others to buy in either.

Thinking of that,  I see Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane saying to the Father  "Ok, I'm all in".  That's leadership.  That's sacrifice for the greater good.  That's love.    That's worth getting behind with everything you've got.   Jesus, if you put it all on the table for us, then 100% of who and what I am is now on the table with you.   I'm all in.   Let's do this.


Psalm 127 includes a familar line for me:  "unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it"  I first encountered this passage when it hung on a plaque in the machine shop where I worked.  It was a reminder to the CEO that God is always in charge, and He is the one who is deserving of credit for what is built.   It doesn't matter your skill level, or your resources...unless God is involved, it's a fools errand.
On the other hand, if God IS involved, then your skills and resources (or lack thereof) will not limit the project.   The Lord is able, and willing to bring whatever He wants to happen to completion.

Monday,  June 2nd
Reading for today:  Psalm 131, 138-139 and 143-145

Psalm 131.  David is the king, responsible for all matters great and small and yet he doesn't feel that he has to concern himself with anything.   Such is the state of the person who rests in Jesus Christ.  The yoke is easy and the burden is light.  They are filled with a peace that goes beyond all understanding.   I don't know that this is a perpetual state, I suspect from reading the other Psalms (even some of today's readings) that there are times when we do worry and become afraid.   But those are temporary fears, that do not replace the permanent peace that becomes the foundation of the Christian's life.

Psalm 138.  Unlike earthly kings,  God looks with love and concern upon the downtrodden.  Concern for those less fortunate is a hallmark of genuine Christianity.

Psalm 139.  This psalm is often quoted, and very familiar.  It speaks of the omnipresence and omniscience of God (ever present and all knowing).   There's something comforting about the knowledge that I will never be out of God's sight, even if I am out of His favor.  I will never get myself into a predicament that He is unable to get me out of, and I will never be lost in a place where He cannot find me.   Not only does God know who I am, He knew who I was before I was born.  He isn't trapped inside time, He created time itself.  Nothing is beyond Him.  I may not understand how my body was created, or what causes it to function, but God is the designer, and He understands me beyond the molecular level.  There is always an air of mystery in my understanding with regard to how God operates, and what God knows.  But there is never a mystery to God about what I know and how I operate.   He is beyond understanding, and I am completely understood.
The verses in  139:13-16 are often used to support the claim that life should never be aborted, because God always knows, and always knew who we were.     Verse 16 leads us to believe that the length of our lives is predetermined.   I wouldn't want to expand that much further here, but since God knows everything, he certainly knows how long we will survive in these bodies.  

Psalm 143-145.   More often than not, David's greatest moments come when he is in his deepest trouble.   Goliath was about to rout the army,  Saul was ready to kill him, Absalom had taken over the country, on and on it goes.   I think the secret to David's success is his unwavering devotion to God.  God seems to rearrange human events so that David is favored...and David expects that God will do it.   He prays that God will crush enemies, and fight on his behalf.   If the Psalm was written all at one time, then David is praising God for what He has done before it has actually happened.   That means David is praising God for what God can do, and that kind of faith in the New Testament is counted as righteousness.    David wasn't always right...but he was always 100% sold out to God.   Completely devoted.   I pray that I am no less devoted, so that I praise who God is and what He is capable of, not just what He has done on my behalf.

Sunday,  June 1st
Reading for today:   1st Chronicles 23-25

Yes....I read every name.   Most of them didn't catch my eye at all.   Here are men who are leading the country, and have the respect and perhaps the admiration of a nation around them...and their names don't even look familiar.   I think it's the 103 Psalm that reflects on this, saying "the life of life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like the flowers of the field, the wind blows over them and their place remembers them no more".    I noticed something else that I stored away...   David assigned the Levites jobs.  24k to supervise, 6k as judges, etc., 4k as gatekeepers and 4k as musicians.    Who did the actual work?    It must have been the rest of the people.   It wasn't the job of the Levite to do everything apparently.  Why would you need 24, supervisors?   Wow.  That seems like a lot to me.   They must have been supervising all of Israel.   There's no way that 2/3rds of the people would supervise the other 1/3.

I was wondering about why they would cast lots for jos, and something I read in the margin gave me the idea that they were casting lots for "on duty" time.   If it was impartial, no one could pick the best time of year (when they weren't planting, etc.).   The levites had their own fields, and their own homes to manage.  If you were on duty during the planing season, that would make it hard.   Casting lots allowed it to be fair.

That probably answers part of the first question as well.   Not all 4,000 people guarded the gates at the same time, nor did all 4,000 play music, or supervise, etc.   They took turns.   That's a novel idea.   I think they were still doing this in early New Testament times in the local synagogue.   Each family had a turn at reading the Scripture for the day, and the schedule was planned out in advance...so was the passage.
Here's something incredible from Luke 4:21.  Jesus, following the reading/family plan laid out in advance reads a passage prophesying about himself, and then sits down and says "today this passage has been fulfilled in your hearing".   Boom.

That doesn't have much to do with 1 Chronicles, but it's still cool.