Isaiah 36-37
Original Post:  July 31, 2012

Chapter 36 seems to be a messianic chapter.  That is, it steaks of a time after the Messiah comes.   Historically we could say that the people were restored to their own land about 75 years after this was written, so it could pertain to that time....except that the blind weren't healed then, the lame didn't walk and the deaf didn't speak.    But that did happen when Jesus came.   In fact, when John the Baptist sent messengers to Jesus to ask Him if He was the one who was to come, Jesus replied "go and report to John what you hear and see:  The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor."  (Matthew 11:5)

However, even in Jesus' time there was war, and streams have not yet literally turned the deert into pools.   I believe that this chapter also eludes to a future time as well, when God will reign upon the 
earth in perfect power and peace will be over all the earth.   Only the righteous people of God will come and go from Jerusalem, which will be changed in some way to be more fertile than it already is.

Revelation tells us that when Christ returns the mountain upon which Jerusalem sits will be divided, and water will flow from there down to the Dead Sea, and the Dead Sea will become alive again, teeming with fish and other life.     I think this chapter speaks also of this time, and not just the immediate future.

From Christ's perspective the earth is still in bondage.  We are still oppressed.  The devil still has authority to move around and cause problems for humanity.    In a sense, even though we have repented of our sins, we are still in a foreign country looking forward to the day of our delivery.

Chapter 36 tells me that there is a day coming when I will live in peace as a free man in the kingdom of God, where evil will never again infect my thoughts or decisions, and where the evidence of the curse will be completely washed away.   In the meantime, I continue to serve and wait patiently for Christ to return and fulfill His prophecy.   Even when things look grim, as they begin to in chapter 37.

PR

Isaiah 31-34
Original Post:  July 30, 2014

Three events are mentioned in todays reading.  The impending fall of Israel and Judah, The fall of Assyria (who will eventually be conquered by Alexander the Great), and the final day of Judgement on the earth (the last days).

The theme of our devotions day after day seems to be judgment and justice.   God warns and punishes, and accepts back the repentant.    This account is revealing to us several truths about God.

First, it tells us that God expects obedience, and will punish those who do not follow his directions.   If you are reading along with our chronology, then you know we have discussed this part before.    Secondly it tells us that God isn't just angry with Israel, but with the whole human race.   It isn't just Israel that is arrogant and dishonest...it's everyone.   Israel will serve as an example, but judgment is going to be levied against all people at a later date.   Third, it tells us that God is loving and forgiving, and will not remain angry with his people (or all people) forever.   He will relent, He will forgive and He will restore.   Not only will God restore, but He will make it better than it was before.

I find myself imagining how this lesson is applicable to me.   I have sinned and become aware of it, accepted the reality of it, and believed that by confessing my state to God and asking Him for forgiveness I will be saved.   So what lies ahead for me?   Restoration.   I haven't yet seen all that God plans to do for me, and I won't see all of it until I arrive in heaven.

In heaven, the curse will be lifted, the effects of sin will be erased and the entire creation will return to the original glory that they had before Adam fell.   No, it will be BETTER than it was before, because that's part of what God is showing us here.   It's going to be more than it was originally.    Our bodies were created human and perfect...now they will be MORE.   They will be eternal and perfect.   We lived in a garden filled with human delights.   now we will live in heaven with God himself, filled with spirituals delights.

God told the people who were going into exile that they had a great hope to look forward to, if only they would repent.

The same is true for us today.    Any who are willing to repent, and live in obedience to Jesus will find themselves forgiven and one day glorified.  "made like his own glorious body"   Philippians 3:21

PR

Isaiah 28-30
Original Post:  July 29, 2012

As we continue to hear of the impending judgment that is coming upon Israel, we may say to ourselves "when are we going to read something interesting?  Why do we have to read about judgment of Israel and the coming of the Assyrian king day after day?"    The answer is very plain once you think about it:  God is about to do something that He really is reluctant to do.  He knows the pain and suffering that will be inflicted upon His nation.   This constant repetition is the historical evidence that Isaiah and his contemporaries spoke again and again, warning the people to repent.    They did not sound the alarm only one time, when no one was listening, but rather many times, and in popular places.

Today we see that the people rejected the warning intentionally.  Chapter 30:10-11 reveals the hardened heart of the people.

The lLord's charge against them (there are several) is found in 29:13.   The people say they love Him, but their lives don't line up.  This is enormously significant.   The modern equivalent would be a people who attend church (or at least profess to be christians) who give God credit for creating the earth, who may even tell others how wonderful God is....but don't obey His commands.     For instance, they may take his name in vain, not honor his day as holy, accept pagan practices such as abortion and same sex marriage.   Their priests may be just as bad as they are,  in their drunken (figurative) stupor, they offer confused advice about how homosexuality is acceptable, and evolution is not in conflict with the Bible.

This should send a shiver down the spine of every believer.  Those who foster a genuine relationship with the living God should rightfully wince as they look at society today.   Arrogance and informed non-compliance to biblical standards has become the norm.   To speak the very words of Scripture is considered hate speech.   The days are dark indeed.    And yet, the stock market climbs, the jobs report returns pleasant results, the military flexes it's muscle in new and fearsome ways.   Ungodly people (some of whom are very popular) say "tell us no more of what the Bible teaches"  and the masses applaud.

Don't be deceived.     God is aware of everything that is going on, and has warned us, and other nations just like us time and time again.    Unless we repent, and obey our fate will be just like those who have come before.

On the more pleasant side of the picture:   Isn't it wonderful that God gives so many warnings, and even in His wrath He tells the people that one day they will be accepted again?    I am so glad that I serve a God of second chances.    My prayer for our nation is that we will repent and turn from our ungodly practices and seek God's face earnestly again.  

PR

Hosea 7-8
Original Post:  July 28, 2012


Hosea continues his forecast of doom for Israel and Judah, but he also reveals something else of God's character.   Sure, God is going to bring destruction and misery upon the people, but He has also decided not to make it as violent as He first intended.   God loves, so he relents.  (11:8)   He also reveals through Hosea that His anger will not last forever, instead a time of renewal will come where the people are again humble, and focused on God.   They will be restored to the land and will prosper again.  In fact, Hosea tells them that people from all over the world will come to them to hear from God.

In the historical sense, this speaks of Assyria coming to overthrow the nation.   The captivity will last 70 years or so.  All of the idols that the people made for themselves will be removed.   I was getting all excited when I saw the passage about an eagle over them because I was thinking that the U.S. is the eagle, and we would be watching over them.  However, this is to be understood in context for the time it was written.   An eagle is a carrion eating bird, and will circle where dead bodies are found.   It is very similar to the vulture, and in fact, the word here can be easily translated "vulture".   Hosea is talking about judgment, not someone coming to the rescue.

The beginning of Chapter 11 is used in the New Testament to reference Jesus returning from Egypt when king Herod dies.  (Matthew 2:15)

Something else occurs to me today.   There are several prophets all saying pretty much the same thing to the nation.   In my mind's eye I have always envisioned the lone prophet addressing the king, or the people and being ignored.   One lone voice.    But there were several alive at the same time, repeating the same message.    It was largely ignored anyway, just as the message of salvation is often ignored today.

The last words recorded in Hosea are worth remembering:  "The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them."

PR

Hosea  1-7

Original Post:  July 27, 2012

Hosea is "famous" if you will, for having a wife that was unfaithful.   God tells him to marry a woman who will be unfaithful to him, and to name his children depressing names, like "unloved".   All of this is to prove a greater point:   Israel is guilty of "cheating" on God.  In this passage God is the husband and Israel is the wife.   Prostitution is described as the worship of other gods.   Just like unfaithfulness will erode trust and intimacy in a marriage, so worship of other gods will erode our relationship with Jesus.

Here in our little corner of the world we don't see shrines to other deities built very often.   Most families don't have wooden or stone images set up in their homes that they pray to, and look to for help.  You might think that we are innocent of false worship....    But Hosea takes our understanding of what God considers "prostitution" a step further.   Everything mentioned above is certainly part of it, but so is relying on human strength instead of God's strength.     Israel is guilty because they asked a foreign king for help, and didn't ask God himself.  They are making deals using gold and silver that God gave them to avoid being captured by this enemy king.    Hosea says, speaking for the Lord  "I'm the one who gave you the gold and the bountiful harvest in the first place....you should have come to me"    Since they didn't, they are guilty of prostitution.

In my way of understanding this, we are guilty of the same crime when we invoke evolution as the foundation of our species.   We are guilty of this when we authorize prayer to other (or all) deities in our schools.   We are guilty when we accept Buddhism, Islam or any other world religion as genuine, even though they conflict with the Bible.   We are guilty when we rely on our own resources, instead of on God's.

Speaking of resources, that would include keeping our tithe for ourselves, so we can pay bills or go on vacation....instead of asking God to make provision for us.   If we are spending our tithe on bills, then we have too many things.   Period.     Generally it's our expected standard of living that gets in the way of tithing, not our actual, physical needs.

In our reading,  the kingdom of Israel is about to come crashing down because the people haven't kept God at the forefront.    Let's not make the same mistake in our families, or in our church.

Several favorite verses:  4:6  "my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge"

6:6  "I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings."

PR

Reading for today:   2 Kings 18,  2 Chronicles 29-31, and Psalms 48
Originally posted:  July 26, 2014


I'll keep today's post short, since I am sitting in a meeting, and really should be paying attention.....


Hezekiah is one of my favorite kings, because he was also a builder.   Sadly, even though he was a righteous man, there was a time that he tried to " buy off" an opposing king, instead of going to the Lord.   Had he trusted in the Lord initially, he might not have stripped all the gold off the temple walls to give to a pagan king.

This gives us more detailed information on the reign of Hezekiah, that isn't found in Isaiah, where we have been reading the last couple of days.

The two things that I take away from todays reading are:  1.  God has a special place in his heart for Jerusalem, and most likely always will.   Those who attack it and speak against it do so at their own peril.
2.  It is possible to be righteous and still have a weak moment and make a bad decision.    Just because we are Christians doesn't mean that we can't have a momentary lapse in faith.   I think it's good for us to surround ourselves with other christians who can "back stop" our decisions, and alert us to possible weaknesses.    I think that's one reason why having accountability partners is a good idea.    Also, we should always pray for our leaders, because their decisions affect us all.


PR

Isaiah 23-27
Original Post:  July 25, 2012

Isaiah continues to prophecy in these chapters about the fall of different cities and "states".   Each time we see some of the same elements:  confidence in self, arrogance, neglecting the relationship with God,  and generally, ignoring the words of the prophet.  

Today, I am going to pull out several verses that stuck out to me and comment on them.   This is an accepted practice of study, even though it is different from what most people do.   Often we read the whole passage, try to keep the passage in context for the time it was written, and listen for lessons that God would be teaching the people of THAT day.    Today however, I am looking for parts of the "living text" that speak directly to me.

23:9     Sometimes the Lord does plan for bad things to happen to me.   It seems to happen when I have become too proud and arrogant, and have forgotten the power and authority of God.

23:17-18    Tyre is to return to sinful behavior and be profitable, but all the profit will go to the Lord's people.   God has said so ahead of time.     This tells me that God isn't opposed to me using the profits of less than reputable businesses for His glory.   Of course, it doesn't mean that I should support their business or lend my support in any way.    Often the church refuses goods and services based on where they came from.   We should at least consider that God might be ordaining the whole matter.

24 - 27    I know this is about ancient times, but many parts of it seem to speak accurately about today, and about the United States.  ie:  24:15   "from the west they proclaim the Lord's glory..."    What was west of Jerusalem?   The Mediterranean.    If this were end times prophecy, it could well be speaking about us.

26:3      "you will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."    What a great verse to earmark in my Bible, so I remember to "be content in all situations".

27:12-13    Again, this passage reminds me of the "last day".   A trumpet sounds.   Now, that generally means there is a rallying cry, and the people respond.   The trumpet may be a person making a decree.    In that case, it would be Cyrus making a decree that the people could return and build the city.      Or, it could have a second meaning:  one day a trumpet will literally sound, and God's people will fill the city of Jerusalem with singing and praising unlike anything that has ever been seen before.

Have a great day!       PR

Isaiah 18-22
First Posted on July 24, 2012


Today we read Isaiah's prophecies about the fall of Israel, Judah, Egypt and eventually Babylon.  I ask myself "what does all this mean to me?"   After all, I didn't live in those times, and while it's nice to know, is it really necessary for me to understand it?    And, (continuing my argument with myself) if it really isn't necessary for me, then why did God make sure that it was included in the Bible?

I come to the conclusion that there must be some value in my knowing the history of Israel.  (of course).
So, today let's take a look at what we know from reading this passage.
1.  Israel was forewarned of the disaster that was about to overtake them.
2.  Instead of crying out to God, they were confident in their own abilities and stockpiles.   They surmised that they would eventually perish, so they had a feast to enjoy their last few days of freedom.
3.  The Lord was watching their behavior, and wanted them to grieve and be repentant.   When they didn't he became even angrier than He was before
4.  These messages came one at a time, over a period of years.   Isaiah apparently walked around in something resembling a thong bikini for 3 years before God told him why he was doing it.
5.  Even though the people tall and smooth skinned who are aggressive and live in a land divided by waters SOUNDS like the United States, it is almost certainly Egypt that is being mentioned.

Having mentioned that last point...  The United States has the privilege and advantage of seeing what happens to a people who reject the Creator.   There can be no argument for ignorance (which is probably why God made sure we have the text).    Looking on a much smaller scale, a family cannot plead ignorance either.   God's laws cannot be ignored without consequences.   We learn from the 10 commandments that God is jealous and isn't willing to share his glory with anyone.   He is not willing to share the credit for what He has done either.   Therefore, when we advocate creation by chance (evolution),  remove prayer from schools and legislate that all religions and beliefs are valid and worthy of respect, we bring judgment upon ourselves.   Perhaps it will take many years to come, perhaps it will come overnight.   But make no mistake, God will not overlook disobedience.    Make every effort to be in a right relationship with Him.

I also find it interesting the manner in which God begins to bring about his judgment.  He confuses the wisdom of the leaders, He causes them to fear even the smallest of things, and He limits the bounty of the land.      In modern times, that would probably look like a high unemployment rate,  broadcasting small events as if they were large ones.  (I was thinking of the flag that someone put on the Brooklyn Bridge to replace the US flag.) and shortages of food because of blight, bad weather, etc.

As my good friend and confidant Pastor Kathy is fond of saying  "I'm just sayin'....."

PR

Isaiah 13-17
First posted on July 23, 2012


As the Lord speaks through his prophet Isaiah, he doesn't limit himself to revealing only what will happen to Israel.   The Lord goes on to tell what will happen to Babylon some time after they have conquered Israel.  Studying history hasn't been one of my hobbies, or of great interest to me....so as I read these lines I have to force myself to remember a couple of things:  The Babylonians conquered much of the middle east and ruled for around a hundred years, they were then overthrown by the Assyrians who ruled for about two hundred, then Alexander the Great comes along and conquers the region.    These are three of the kingdoms that God reveals will have charge of the land in the coming days.    He shares this knowledge with Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Babylonians, through his prophet Daniel elsewhere in scripture.

So much for the history lesson.  What's the point?

God is in control of the future.  He loves His people, and even though they are to be punished, those whom he uses to punish them will be punished themselves (for the brutal way they treat the captives).   The Lord is grieved that this pain and suffering is coming upon his people.  That tells me that God hurts when we are hurt, even if we are the cause of our own suffering.

14:12 sounds like it might be describing the fall of Lucifer from heaven.  Although that is disputed by some, the point remains valid.  Lucifer became proud and arrogant and so did Nebuchadnezzar.   Both of them were cast down from their positions of power.

I take a lesson from the plight of the Moabites as well.   Moab has treated Israel with contempt for years.   Recently we have read that they would invade and oppress the Israelites.   In return the Israelites would attack and oppress them.   There was certainly no love between these two groups.    Yet the Lord is directing the Israelites to accept the Moabites into their land when their own land is conquered.   There is a time when humanitarian concerns overrule our political views.   I wonder if there is a principle to be applied here to the many people showing up on our southern border?   or to the nations surrounding the Gaza strip as the Palestinians flee that area?

Ruth was a Moabite.   She eventually marries Boaz, and one of their descendants is David, and eventually Jesus himself.      

Sometimes I think part of our problem is our memory.  We don't remember that we are all related.  It isn't realistic to think that God loves one group more than others....He created us all, and loves us all.    As members of the body of Christ, we should try a little harder to get along with each other, instead of being quick to "go to war".   We should focus on honoring Christ, and avoid the complications that follow disobedience.   And when God chooses to remind us that He is sovereign, then we should accept the punishment with humility, or celebrate our victory with humility.

  As is seen in this passage, He may use one group to rebuke another, but His love remains for both groups.    It isn't an easy concept to grasp, but it's true, nonetheless.

PR

2 Kings 16-17  and 2 Chronicles 28
Published on July 22, 2012

2 Kings 17 beginning with verse 7 is an excellent summary of why the nation of Israel crumbled.   It would not become a autonomous again until 1947.     The people  returned after captivity, but were subject to the Babylonians, and the Persians, and the Greeks, and the Romans, etc.

What Ahaz did (putting a different altar into the temple, and removing the bronze sea from it's stand, and changing the structure).....simply causes me to cringe.   How anyone could be so unintelligent is a mystery to me.    Then I think of the ungodly practices in this country.   We routinely put unborn children to death, we declare that homosexuality isn't wrong, and we teach many different religious beliefs and practices to our children.  We make TV shows and movies with plots and story lines that directly violate the tenets of the faith, and even further, we idolize the people who act in them.    We pass laws saying that the Bible cannot be taught in our schools, and teachers are not allowed to pray, or influence their students in any way to believe in Jesus.    The biblical accounts of creation are not to be taught, but rather mocked as false and ridiculous.

As a result, our children take the name of God in vain, they listen to music and chant lyrics that defy all the specific teachings of the Bible, and they behave as ungodly pagans, instead of as righteous, God fearing young adults.    They watch their parents imbibe too much alcohol, in in some cases they observe them using illegal drugs...and they imitate, and then exaggerate the behavior.
The downward spiral of this country cannot be denied.  Although we sit atop the world with the most powerful weapons and the largest bank account we cannot escape the judgment of God Almighty.    If we do not repent of our ungodliness, we will travel the road that nations before us have traveled.   Our wealth will evaporate, our armies will become ineffective and no longer feared.   Our position of respect will be taken from us.

My heart grieves when I think of the uninformed way of living that our nation, and our families have adopted.  There is really only one ray of hope for any of us:   God is loving and forgiving, even willing to restore us after he has already decided to crush someone.   If we will repent and change our ways, and take seriously our covenant to live in an honorable way before Him, He may yet spare and heal our land.

Let's pray that together.

Micah 1-7
First published on July 21, 2012


When I first became a Christian and began to read my Bible, I stumbled across small books of prophecy like Micah and was thoroughly confused.   I was confused because I did not understand Israel's history.  Passages like this one cannot be appreciated completely without knowing a few things:  first, they were governed by judges, and later by kings.   The 4th king (Solomon's son) wasn't very wise, and under his rule the kingdom split in two: north and south.   The larger part was the north.  It included 10 of the the 12 tribes, and the region of Samaria was within it.   The southern kingdom had only two tribes (Judah and Benjamin), but the city of Jerusalem was in their land.   Really, that's the only thing they had going for them.   The kings in the north were less godly than the south, so the prophets began prophesying their downfall a little earlier.   The southern kingdom had a few more righteous kings, but they gradually devolved into the same habits as the north.
In this passage (as well as many other places) the northern kingdom is referred to as "Israel" and the southern kingdom is referred to as "Judah".

Micah is letting the people know that God has been watching the way they have been living, and He isn't pleased.   Specifically, they are worshipping other gods, and following the ungodly practices of other nations.   They have erected shrines and built up places to worship other gods as well.   And, leaders have permitted this worship of other gods, even if they themselves didn't participate.    In addition, they have begun treating each other dishonestly.  They have false weights and measures (short epaph) which gyp the purchaser.   Instead of getting a whole pound of meat, you are paying for a pound and getting 3/4.      They are taking advantage of the poor by paying them very low wages, charging exorbitant interest and taking their few belongings to hold as collateral.

The Lord calls them to account on all of these things, and in this short prophecy He says "since you won't live by my commands, and treat each other the way I said you should, then you won't live here at all".    God lets them know he is going to allow the nations around them to overrun and conquer them.

This begins the next significant phase in Israel's history.....  the Babylonian captivity.   The people were conquered and marched away to a foreign country just like we did to the Indians on the "trail of tears".    The captivity will last for about 70 years, and then, just as Micah says, they will be restored to their land.

But not all of this book is about the Babylonian captivity.   there are passages that refer to the time when all nations will live at peace, and people from every nation will look to Israel for leadership and guidance.   That hasn't happened yet.    Micah tells of a leader that will bring peace to the whole earth, who will be born out of Benjamin in the southern kingdom.   That is Jesus, of course.   So this short book is speaking of events that would occur in several years, and then some which would occur 750 years later, and some that haven't happened yet.     That seems interesting.

This is getting a bit long, it seems....but I can't skip commenting on one of my favorite verses.  It's found in Chapter 6:8    "act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God".

Two things become apparent in Micah:  1.  God is observing everything we do, and He expects obedience.   2.God will punish disobedience.

Honestly, Israel could have avoided a great deal of trouble by simply putting God first.    So could the United States, and every other "kingdom" under heaven.

Sunday, July 20, 2014
Reading for today: 2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12 

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined ." Isaiah 9:2
This passage of scripture jumped out at me as I was reading it. It is familiar because Jesus quotes it, and it is often used at Christmas time.
Darkness is something that we often fear. I have to leave a light on at night when my grandson stays with us, because he can’t sleep if it is dark. The problem with darkness is that you can’t see. It’s easy to run into furniture or a wall, in darkness there is the “unknown” factor. And what we don’t know – brings around fear.
I remember one time, when we lived out in the country and the power was off, so there was no lights on anywhere and it was so pitch-black, I truly stumbled my way into the house. Darkness can be a very scary place.
We use the term darkness as expressions of hopelessness and uncertainty. Sin and death are depicted as darkness.
The people of Isaiah's day knew darkness – the Assyrians and Babylonians would attack Israel and Judah and destroy them and then carry them off into captivity. This was a terrible time. Not only was there destruction and war and famine and bloodshed, but there was also a crisis of faith for the Israelites. Where was God? Where were His promises? What about the promises to Abraham? What about the great exodus, where God lead His people to the promise land and fought for them? What about the promises made to King David that his house would reign forever? Now all of this was being taken away from them. Just as we talked about in yesterday’s blog, there is a famine of God’s Word in the land… Dark days… And they are going to be carried off into exile, losing their identity, having to live in a land as foreigners. Dark days.
But God’s promise doesn’t end in darkness. For at the end of all our dark days, what ever they might look like… loss of job, serious illness, family breakups, loved ones dying… we have the light of Christ available to shine on us. To illuminate the path that we must walk.
John 8:12 says, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
Blessings
PK

Saturday, July 19, 2014
Reading for today: Amos 6-9
"The time is surely coming," says the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine on the land -- not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the LORD. People will stagger everywhere from sea to sea, searching for the word of the LORD, running here and going there, but they will not find it. (Amos 8:11-12 NLT).
Have you ever had something that you took for granted until you didn’t have it anymore? Well, the people of Israel are about to experience what it is going to be like to not have God’s word spoken to them. He has pronounced a famine on the land – a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.
Unfortunately, Amos’ warning to the people of Israel seems to be falling on deaf ears. They don’t see any problems existing in their lives of plenty. They are deceiving themselves in to thinking nothing is going to happen. But what they don’t realize is that God is going to remove even the opportunity to hear his word. They gave up their desire for God’s word and so now they will no longer have it.
Can you imagine a world without God’s word in it?
We are very fortunate here in the United States, just like the Israelites, we have the blessing of being God’s people (adopted as God’s own children), with easy accessibility to his Word. But the Israelites lost their blessing through indifference and apathy, through taking His Word for granted, for counting their privilege a burden. And if we aren’t careful we are going to experience what they did, when they refused to repent.
Hebrews 2:3-4 contains a severe warning for us:-
How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Heb 2:3-4 NKJV)
Amos and Hebrews are essentially saying the same thing, if we despise the word of God, if we neglect it, if we want God to leave us alone and stop bothering us, he will give us what we want. He will leave us alone. We will no longer be able to hear His word. Our hearts will have become so hardened that they cannot hear.
I think the message for us today, is to not wait until it is too late and we realize just what we have lost. God’s Word is precious and available, lets continue to take advantage of the blessings we receive from having, experiencing and hearing God’s Word, daily.
Blessings
PK

Friday, July 18, 2014
Reading for the day: Amos 1-4

Our reading today, introduces us to one of the “minor prophets”, Amos. Amos was a country shepherd, who received a word from God about what was going to happen in Israel. The problem with the people of Amos’ day was that prosperity had made them very complacent and they also had issues with oppressing the poor and less fortunate. They refused to listen to people like Amos. I think they had forgotten that God takes an active part in the governments of the world. They started thinking that the rulers of the world are more powerful than God and that the government can take better care of them. Hmmm. When we start putting all our faith into powerful governments and look to them to take care of us are we in actuality crowding out God from our lives? Where do you put your hope and trust? Who do you lean on in times of trouble? In times of plenty? I pray that we in all situations put our faith in the only One who can save us, Christ Jesus our Lord.

Blessings
PK

Thursday, July 17, 2014
Reading for today: Isaiah 5-8

I love the description of God that Isaiah records in chapter 6 – of course I hear the songs that have been written about the messages found here going through my head. Songs that depict the supremacy of God, the calling of a sinful man, the response of that calling. Words that bring us to the throne room of God, or at least should.

In Isaiah 6 we see the life-transforming vision of God that Isaiah had and how he responded to his call to prophetic ministry. This passage is well-known because it shows us the dramatic transformation of a sinful man, who has an incredible encounter with the one, true and holy God. Isaiah was given a vision of God that changed his life forever. And by his willingness to follow that calling, Isaiah was able to give us a glimpse of the majesty of God. Isaiah recorded this encounter to call us (you and me) to a higher view of the sovereignty and power and authority of God. I like how AW Tozer puts it: “The greatest need of the moment is that lighthearted, superficial religionists be struck down with a vision of God high and lifted up, with his train filling the temple.” If we truly see God in that way, would we be able to stay, lukewarm, uncommitted Christians?

John Piper In his book “The Supremacy of God in Preaching” writes about using Isaiah 6 as his sermon text. In his message he used this passage, trying to portray the glory, majesty, and holiness of God. A young family was present that day, which had just discovered that their child was being sexually abused by a close relative. Several weeks later, Piper learned about the incredibly traumatic story. The husband took him aside one Sunday after service and said, “John, these have been the hardest months of our lives. Do you know what has gotten me through? The vision of God’s holiness that you gave me… It has been the rock we could stand on.”

So what is your view of God? How do you see God? Kind, loving, true, just, gracious, slow to anger? What characteristics do you attribute to God? 1 Chronicles 29:11 puts it this way, "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.”
A right view of God is everything. It is only when we put God in the proper perspective that everything else is brought into focus.


Blessings
PK

Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Reading for today: Isaiah 1-4

Wow, pretty tough reading today, God through the prophet Isaiah is telling His people – that He is not happy with them. And why? Because His children have become a sinful nation, turning their backs on God, they are offering worthless sacrifices, their sins are atrocious, they are worshiping false idols, they have become haughty and proud. They have stopped caring for those less fortunate than them. They are putting their trust in mere humans who cannot help.

Sound familiar?

What about today’s reading doesn’t remind you of our world today? It’s all there and if you think that God is not watching us today as He was watching in those days, then you might be in for a big shock. But there is hope, even in the midst of this prophecy, God is still holding out His hand for us to grab on to. Look at Chapter 1 vss 18 – 20, "Come now, let us argue this out," says the LORD. "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool. If you will only obey me and let me help you, then you will have plenty to eat. But if you keep turning away and refusing to listen, you will be destroyed by your enemies. I, the LORD, have spoken!"

Yes, there is still hope; God has not abandon His children, then or now. But we, as a nation need to stop turning our backs on God and return to Him. We must stop ignoring the persecution of Christians in our country and take a stand. Vote into office strong Christian leaders, fight for our rights to openly share the name of Christ in our schools and among our armed forces. Apathy is a tool that satan loves to use, if we stand by and do nothing, then he wins. It’s easy for us to be distracted by what the world has to offer. It’s easy to not get involved. But is it right? My prayer for today, is that we, as a country will turn back to Jesus, put our trust in Him, before it’s too late.

Blessings
PK

Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Reading for today: 2 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 26

Uzziah had the problem of being too successful. We see this happening time and time again in our culture, where someone rises to fame and fortune too quickly and they just can’t handle it, actors and athletes, politicians and celebrities. We see it happen all too often. When everyone around you keeps telling you how amazing and wonderful you are, it is too easy to start believing them and if you never have anyone tell you “no”, if you are surrounded only by “yes” people, then it is doubly hard to stay grounded and humble. Pride will get you in a lot of trouble. Too many times celebrities die at an early age, or spend years in rehab. A talented life, wasted.

Uzziah began his reign well enough. He started out as a faithful and godly ruler. It looked like he was going to lead Judah back to God, which brought God’s blessings on them as a nation.

But as the years passed, as God blessed Uzziah, he started allowing pride to find a way into his heart. Somewhere among all the blessings he had received, he lost sight of the fact that God was the source of his success, his power, his fame and wealth.

Pride is a killer, it will kill your spiritual growth. It will kill your intimacy with the Lord. Why is pride so detrimental to your spiritual life? Because it moves our focus from Jesus and puts in on ourselves. (Prov 16:18)

Uzziah thought he was better than everyone else. I applaud the priests who confronted him, it would have been a very difficult thing to do, to stand up to a king. But all pride got Uzziah was leprosy, a disease that cuts you off from the rest of the population. A disease, that is very humbling. As you look at Uzziah’s life be fully aware that God’s blessings can have the unintended result of pride, if we aren’t careful.

Blessings
Pastor Kathy

Monday, July 14, 2014
Reading for today: Jonah 1-4

Jonah is one of those wonderful children stories from the Bible. Yet it is not just a children’s story, it is a valuable lesson for all ages. Jonah, I think is a lot like us. Jonah, a prophet of God, receives a word from God to go to Nineveh. Nineveh is a very large and prosperous city within the Assyrian Empire. The only thing is that Assyria is the “enemy” of Israel. It is a pagan city full of ungodly people.
So why would God send Jonah there?
Well, as you may know, Jonah does not want to go, and so he foolishly thinks he can escape God and go the other way. Now before you get too critical with Jonah, ask yourself how many times you’ve run away from God? Thinking that you can hide from Him, hoping that He doesn’t see you or what you are doing?
But God had other plans for Jonah and forces him to take a long serious look at what he is doing, oh yeah, he gets to do this contemplation in the belly of a fish, ehewww. Can you imagine what that must have been like? – ok not going to go there. Anyway, Jonah realizes that he needs to follow God’s direction if he’s going to have any prospects of living. So Jonah gets spit up on the shore. (can I say ehewww one more time?) He heads to Nineveh to deliver God’s message and guess what, the people listen.
Only now instead of being happy, Jonah is upset. Why? Because Jonah wanted the people of Nineveh punished for their wickedness. He didn’t want God to save them. He thought that God’s mercy and grace only extended to the people of Israel, not realizing that God’s grace is for everyone. He had forgotten that Israel was to be a blessing to every other nation, by sharing God’s message to everyone. John 3:16 that amazing salvation message says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV, emphasis mine).
God loves all people, everywhere. We should never pick and choose whom we share the gospel with, salvation is for all who will believe and receive by faith. When we love God with our whole heart, we will find it a whole lot easier to love all of His children and be willing to share that message with everyone we meet.
And maybe, just maybe, we can avoid getting swallowed by a fish.
Blessings
PK

Sunday, July 13, 2014
Reading for today: 2 Kings 14 and 2 Chronicles 25

As I read today’s passage in 2 Chronicles (both these readings are an account of King Amaziah – but if you recall, they were written at different times in Israel/Judah’s history) the verse that caught my attention was the 2nd verse in chapter 25, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.” Not wholeheartedly… wow. Makes me think of lukewarm. Amaziah had a lukewarm heart. He “sort of” followed God, but not quite.

Amaziah became king after his father was assassinated. (Actually if you been keeping track the last three rulers before Amaziah were murdered – I’m thinkin’ that is not an occupation I want.) Anyway, Amaziah followed the Law and only had his father’s murderers executed and did not execute their sons. (This Law is found in Deut 24:16) So, Amaziah is obeying God and “doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord.”

Then Amaziah prepares to attack Edom and hires some mercenaries from Israel. These guys had turned their back on God so for Amaziah to align himself with them would have been against God’s law. In walks a faithful prophet and reminds Amaziah that success will only be at the hands of God. “it’s God who has the power to help you or overthrow you.” So he told Amaziah to get rid of those mercenaries and Amaziah listened. Except that he did whine a little about the money he was going to lose. Amaziah’s starting to show his “not whole-hearted” face when it comes to obeying God. Amaziah was more concerned about his possessions, but the prophet moved him to focus on what God can do for him. So Amaziah once again obeyed God and got rid of the soldiers-for-hire. But then, oh no…. Amaziah does something that makes me want to smack him upside the head… vs 14 tells us that he takes idols from Edom and sets them up and not only that, he worships them.

He just won a great victory, clearly it is from the hand of God, shouldn’t he be praising God and glorifying God and only God? But oh no….he turns to those stupid idols. What was he thinking? If it weren't so tragic it could almost be funny. The prophet comes to him and says (and I’m paraphrasing vs 15) You stupid idiot… if your army beat their army, then don’t you think that your God is more powerful than their god? What are you doing with those idols?

But Amaziah’s lukewarm heart has now become a cold heart. He has allowed the culture around him to influence him. And has turned his back on God.

Maybe that is why God spoke to the people of Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-19, about being lukewarm. Why he said he would spit them out. If we let our lukewarm nature, our ho-hum attitude towards God, become our Christian walk, then how easy it will be for the godless culture around us to infiltrate our lives and influence us to abandon our faith.

A lukewarm heart can have catastrophic effects on our spiritual lives. It is my prayer that we all will seek and serve God, not with a lukewarm heart, but whole-heartedly. As we said in church today, choose whom you will serve… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Blessings
PK

 

 

Saturday, July 12, 2014
Reading for today: 2 Kings 12-13; 2 Chronicles 24

Boy, I had a hard time with today’s reading. How could Joash, who so obviously had a good relationship with the prophet, Jehoiada, turn his back on all the good he had done under Jehoiada’s counsel and sanction the stoning of Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son? What makes a person who “did what was right in the eyes of God”, leave that life behind and follow the advice of bad counselors. The trouble for many, come when they allow their faith to be altered or tainted by people who are not speaking the truth. We get caught up in the latest fad or trend and think that is how we are to live. We forget to read what the Bible says about each issue and remain faithful to Him.

I heard a preacher one time ask the question “how do you know what is right and what is wrong?” Do we think that it’s a feeling? Do we think we somehow know what is right? Is it our conscience that tells us what is right? Do we say, it’s right as long as it doesn’t hurt someone else? Or maybe we think that right and wrong is based on what the majority says? The truth is – there are flaws in each of those perspectives, because – only the Bible can tell us what is right and what is wrong. (2 Timothy 3:16). If you “feel” something is right or ok for you to do, but the Bible says its wrong – then, guess what? It’s wrong.

The lesson I think we can learn from this is to put our trust and faith and hope in the one true God, who never changes. People may change, the country may change, the world may change, but Jesus Christ never changes. Hebrew 13:7-9 says, “ Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.” (NRSV).

So my heart was saddened by Joash’s fall and the stoning of Zechariah, but God is still God and it is in Him that we put our trust.

Blessings
Pastor Kathy

Friday,  July 11th
Reading for today:  2 Kings 9-11

Today's reading is about as violent and gruesome as the Old Testament gets.   In these three passages we see over 100 people killed, some aren't buried, others are eaten by dogs and then there is the passage describing the baskets filled with heads.....

This kind of reading is difficult to understand, let alone appreciate; unless you see it the context of a much larger picture.    The theme here is judgment, or justice.    The Israelites were told (with the 10 commandments) that God is jealous "I the Lord your God am a jealous God..."  and that they should not make any idols  "...do not fashion for yourselves an idol in the form of anything on earth, or in heaven above, or in the waters below..."     Moses told the people repeatedly that if they chose to follow other gods, then they would be punished.    God has a point to prove here.   He has a lesson to teach his people, not just the people alive at that time, but all of us up to the current day.  

Here's the lesson:   God is just, and He will not be mocked.   You can get away with theft for a short time, but your sins are going to eventually catch up with you.   If you have been disobedient, then there will be consequences.

Many times we hear people say "I don't understand how a God who loves us could have created a place like hell"   It's easier to understand when you consider passages like this.   God is loving and kind and gentle, but He is also jealous and just.   He has promised good to those who serve Him, and in the same way he as promised a violent end to those who don't.    What we see here is fulfillment of the promises of God.

Some may ask "what about the children or the guests who didn't do anything wrong?"    I agree that's difficult to absorb, but here's what I take away from the passage:  If I am in charge, then I am responsible for the people under me.   As a father, I am responsible for my house.  If my children aren't exposed to Christianity, then I am the one who answers for that, just as they are.   Leaders are responsible for those under them.   Our community leaders will be held responsible for the way they govern.   Our nation's leaders will be held responsible for their actions as well.  If the leaders say "as of today it's legal to do what the Bible says we shouldn't do" then they will be held accountable, and so will those who behave irresponsibly.   No one is going to defy the Creator of the Universe and get away with it.  

Herein lies the greatest responsibility of the Church.  Many people are unknowingly serving false gods, and are going to reap the consequences for their actions.   Our role is to make known to them that they are not free from the consequences of their actions.   They ARE free to choose whatever they want to do., but they are NOT free of the consequences.    Some parents don't believe there are consequences.  It's the role of the church to inform the children that there are.   Whether it be children, or adults or anyone else....our role is to teach people to live in such a way that they will avoid the brutal end that awaits all those who defy the Lord.

One more thing:   the people who were going to visit the evil king, and the king of Judah who was visiting the evil king.  All of them were killed as well.    Here's what I take away from the text:  "be careful who you align yourself with"    No one who is righteous need be concerned that they will accidentally be destroyed along with the righteous,  then again, righteous people should not be making allegiances and partnerships and alliances with the unrighteous.    God tends to see this as a lack of trust in him to provide.   Every time in scripture someone makes an unholy alliance it ends badly.   It might be divine punishment in the form of pestilence, war, civil unrest, illness or even death.    It simply is a training mechanism to help us understand the overall lesson:   God is the one true God, and He will not be overlooked, taken for granted, defied or mocked.    

Some may comment that the only way to change a government that has become completely corrupt and pagan is by violence.   I believe that while our government is corrupt, it is not beyond forgiveness and restoration.  Having said that, if I am wrong, or if we continue to decline, God will not hesitate to exact punishment on the United States.   We aren't any different in God's eyes than any other nation.

PR

Thursday,  July 10, 2014
Reading for today:  2 Kings 5-8

Naaman is the commander of the of a very powerful army, and is used to being treated with dignity and respect.   Only when he is in the presence of someone greater than himself does Naaman tolerate being ordered around.     So, when he comes to Elisha's home and doesn't even warrant an audience with the prophet, who casually dismisses him to go and bathe in a local stream....he is understandably upset.

In this case, the servants are wiser than the master.  They help Naaman to see that obedience could lead to great reward, and that he loses nothing by doing what the prophet has told him to do.    In fact, when it is all over, this great commander comes before Elisha with a very different attitude.   Now he is humble and patient.  He asks for some dirt upon which he may worship the God of Israel.   A few hours ago he didn't want it, or recognize that anything in Israel had value.

I guess the morale of the story is this:  obedience to God's instructions brings about God's blessing, and even better than  that, it brings about a greater awareness to the existence of God himself.   In order to worship we must first obey.   And when we obey, worship becomes easy, not forced or fake.   Also, our worship takes on many different forms, and God blesses each of them.     Naaman isn't interested in staying in Israel and becoming a rabbi....he asks for a small piece of Israel to take with him.    He will worship in another place, and perhaps in a different way...but it will be the one and only true God.

Greed makes an appearance in the story...Elisha's servant (who has seen Elisha do great things...he should know better) pursues Naaman and collects  part of the gift that Elisha refused.   For his trouble, he inherits Naaman's leprosy.   Greed is contrary to the life of the Christian.   Greed encourages us to trust in ourselves, and not in God.  Greed directs our focus internally.  Generosity causes us to look outward.   As Christians, we should always strive to be generous, and constantly on our guard against greed.

There are many great thoughts and verses in today's reading, but one of my favorites (I have it highlighted in my Bible is 2 Kings 7:9  "What we are doing is not right, this is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves"

What a great story!  Praise God for his unlimited creativity and ability in answering our prayers and meeting our needs!


PR

Pastor Kathy adds:

Today we also learn how God fights for us even if we can’t always see Him.   (Chapter 6) Elisha’s servant was afraid of the army sent to capture Elisha, yet the prophet knew that there were celestial beings standing guard over them. I think it is important for us to learn to live our lives with eyes of faith that will reveal what God is doing in our lives. When we are facing trials and struggles that seem insurmountable, we just need to remember that God is at work in our lives and there are spiritual forces from the heavenly realms surrounding us, protecting us, helping us to get through.

PK

Wednesday, July 09, 2014
Reading for today: 2 Kings 1—4

In our reading today, we see the mantle of leadership passing from one great prophet to another. Elijah has been taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, a pretty dramatic parting, and then Elisha is given the responsibility of being the messenger of God to a group of people who don’t want to listen. But in the midst of opposition, we see Elisha work great miracles in the ordinary. 

The false god, Baal, worshiped by many Israelites, was the god of rain, fire and farm crops, who also demanded child sacrifices. It is interesting to see how Elisha’s miracles countermand the powers of Baal. By parting the Jordan River, and purifying the spring at Jericho, we see the power of the true God overshadowing this false god. When Elisha multiplies the widow’s oil, when he purifies the stew from poison by using flour, and when he multiples the bread and grain, we see God’s power over farm crops. Likewise, instead of demanding child sacrifices, the one true God, raises a dead child and brings him back to life, demonstrating the value God places on the life of a child. (Do you also recognize any similarities to the miracles performed by Jesus?)

I find it very reassuring also, that each of these miracles took place in the ordinary, everyday lives of God’s people. Why did God choose to provide for this starving widow by multiplying her oil? Why did God purify the stew for a few people? Why did He raise this boy back to life? God works in the everyday, ordinary lives of His people. And what’s even more exciting to me, is the understanding that this same God will work in our lives too.


Blessings
Pastor Kathy

Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Reading for today: Obadiah 1, Psalm 82 & 83

Well, I had a hard time following Obadiah this morning, until I did a little background checking, so I thought I’d share with you what I learned. Obadiah is speaking mostly to Edom.

So where and who is Edom?

Edom was a neighboring country of Judah near the southeast region of the Dead Sea. The Edomites were descendants of Esau. (Genesis 25:19-27:45). Esau you may recall was the twin brother of Jacob (who later became known as Israel). Esau gave up his birthright to Jacob, who was the father of the 12 brothers that became the nation of Israel. Dan, Naphtali, Judah..etc… anyway, Edom and Israel/Judah (Northern and Southern Kingdoms) didn’t get along very well throughout the years. Of all the neighboring countries you would have thought that since they were blood relatives that they would have come to the aid of the Jews, but instead Edom was constantly harassing the Jews and participated in many attacks against Judah. They even looted the Israel countryside. Edom was filled with pride at their self-sufficiency. They also gloated over Israel’s misfortunes and willingly captured and delivered many Israelites to their enemies.

So leads us to Obadiah’s message from God to the Edomites. Because of their defiance of God, their treachery and disloyalty to God’s chosen people, Obadiah pronounces God’s judgment on them. “The day of the Lord is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you, your evil deeds will return upon your own head.” (vs 15) 

God takes care of his people. 

Today, God’s people are His church, everyone who has put their hope and trust in Christ Jesus for their salvation and have given their lives to Him. Those who are now adopted and are called children of God. 

As we read Obadiah, we can see how God loves and cares for his own – how God alone is sovereign. God promises that evil will be punished and those who are faithful to Him will be protected.

Obadiah’s warning is also for us to remember that we should never fail to help God’s people. 

Blessings
Pastor Kathy

Monday, July 07, 2014
Reading for today: 2 Chronicles 19-23

So what is your legacy? Have you ever wondered what people will say about you at your funeral? At Jehoram’s death, the chronicler says “He passed away, to no one’s regret and was buried.” How very sad, he lived his whole life and not one person was grieved at his passing. I even wonder if people rejoiced at his death since it was also noted that he was an evil king.

I knew of a guy who died and when another acquaintance heard about – his response was, “It’s about time.” My mother shared with me one time about an uncle of hers who passed away and she said it was so very sad, because not one person shed a tear that he was gone. No one cared. 

Now don’t get me wrong, our lives are not about making a name for ourselves, or being hailed for our accomplishments (trust me there is enough of that kind of praise going around these days) but here’s the question we should ask ourselves, “are we making a difference, are we using this life that God has given us to promote the cause of Christ?” Will there be people in heaven because we shared the Good News of Jesus Christ with them? Will lives be changed because we invited someone to church or Bible study? Have we shared our resources with someone less fortunate than ourselves? We don’t need the praise of mankind, but is what we are doing, pleasing to God? What will our legacy be?

Blessings
Pastor Kathy

Sunday, July 06, 2014

Reading for today: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18

Quite an interesting reading today, this story of lying spirits and false prophets. It tells us that it is not always easy to discern the will of God and it also tells us that following the opinions of the “crowd” or even popular majority isn’t always following (listening to) God. We also, learn of the sovereign nature of God. God himself alone is good (Psalm 11:7 and Mark 10:18) and all that He created is good (Genesis 1) but sin entered into the world through free will (which is not evil in and of itself – only what is done with it, (ie separating ourselves from God, choosing to be disobedient) so God did not create evil but He does have authority over it and can send evil spirits to do his bidding (Job 1), but don’t forget what Romans 8:28 tells us. “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” Just like in the story of Joseph and his brothers. (Genesis 50:20). Like Max Lucado says, God will do whatever it takes to make us His. (My paraphrasing.)

On a different note: Jehoshaphat did the right thing by asking for God’s direction but then he didn’t listen. Obedience is the key here, be obedient to God at all cost. The prophet did just that, even though he was punished for it. Obedience can come with a price. But better to be in disfavor with man than with God. I’m just sayin’.

Blessings
Pastor Kathy

Saturday, July 5, 2014
Reading for today: 1 Kings 20 – 21

In our reading today, King Ahab is victorious over the Arameans. God gave him the victory, yet Ahab never gives God the credit. This makes me realize how important it is for us to always remember to give the glory and honor to God in all that takes place in our lives.

Then we read the story of Ahab wanting Naboth’s vineyard. What a different side to Ahab we see here. Not the might warrior King or even the great statesman who magnanimously spares the life of his enemy… no what we see now is a whiny, spoiled brat who didn’t get his own way and he sits in his room and sulks.

As I read this chapter, it occurred to me, that Ahab (with Jezebel’s help) breaks so many commandments in just this one event. Apparently, God is not first in Ahab life or he would never have gone down this road of selfish desire, it is obvious that Ahab covets his neighbor’s vineyard, then he brings false witness against him, next he steals the vineyard from him, and finally has him murdered. Let’s see that is five of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). It is amazing to me how one sin can lead to so many other sins.

Jesus tells us in Matthew that we shouldn’t even think about sinning, “You have heard that is was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28) Jesus is warning us from dwelling on things that will lead us into sin. Instead we are called to think about “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Oh if only Ahab would have thought about such things, how different his legacy would have been.

So, what do you spend your time thinking about?

Blessings
Pastor Kathy

Friday, July 4, 2014
Reading for today: 1 Kings 17-19

Happy Fourth of July!!

Throughout our reading today, we see great battles taking place between good and evil. An evil king (one who is more evil than any other king) Ahab goes after the man of God, the prophet Elijah. Several times they confront each other and each time Ahab is put in his place. What we see in this passage is how God, who is omnipotent and sovereign over all the world, works in mighty ways (reigns fire down on the altar and brings an end to the drought) and in subtle ways, (provides food for Elijah via the ravens, speaks to Elijah in a gentle wind).

God is also at work, not only in Israel but His mercy and grace is extended into foreign lands (ie, Zarephath of Sidon… a Canaanite town) where a widow and her son’s life are spared as they take care of Elijah. 

Elijah asks the people a question that we should all ask ourselves “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” (18:21). Joshua asks the people this same question, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15) and Jesus tells us to make this choice too, when he says we cannot serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24). 

It is impossible for God’s people, for Christians to sit on the fence, two have their feet in two different camps. We must choose whom we will follow. Either the one true God or all the false gods we have created for ourselves. Are you Christian by name or by your actions? Think about the things that are controlling your life, where does Jesus fit in? Is He first in your life? As for me and my house.... we WILL serve the Lord!

Blessings
Pastor Kathy

Thursday, July 03, 2014
Reading for the day: 1 Kings 15:25-16:34, 2 Chronicles 17

What the Lord says He will do. Why is that so hard for us to understand? In today’s reading there’s a brief account of a man named Hiel of Bethel who rebuilds Jericho. 1 Kings 16:34, it says, “he laid its (Jericho’s) foundation at the cost of his first born son Abiram and he set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub”. This verse, I feel, is significant because if you remember, after Joshua and the Israelites destroyed Jericho, Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who rebuilds Jericho. (Joshua 6:26). He swore that anyone who rebuilds Jericho will do so at the cost of his first born and youngest sons. 

What the Lord says He will do.  

What this says to me is that God is not kidding when he tells us what we should and shouldn’t do. Like the Ten Commandments aren’t the ten “suggestions”. Why is it so hard for us to follow God’s laws? Jesus summed up all the commandments for us in an easy to remember way, He said, “love God and love others”. If we are willing to accept God’s promises of grace and mercy and forgiveness, we should also, recognize that there are often consequences for our actions. Now this should not depress us or scare us into obedience – in actuality for me, it lets me know that I can trust God completely, because he is just and true. He does what He says He will do.

Blessings
Pastor Kathy

Wednesday, July 02, 2014

Reading for today: 2 Chronicles 13-16; 1 Kings 15:1-24

What I noticed about today’s reading was that Asa did “what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God” yet, at the end he turned away and relied on himself and not on God. He turned to worldly help and even imprisoned the oracle who tried to warn him. (Obviously didn’t like what he heard – the truth is often hard for us to hear.) So what would cause a man of God to turn away from the God that he knows has been with him in battle and throughout life? Why at the end turn away? Makes me realize how important it is to stay connected and close to God, even in our old age, maybe even more so.

The hymn writer Robert Robinson, who wrote “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” expressed his concern over drifting away from God. He wrote in the third verse, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love, Take my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for thy courts above.”

That is my prayer this morning – Seal my heart Lord so that in all of my everyday moments, I will never forget that You are God and that I will never wander away. This is my prayer for all Christians, everywhere.

Blessings

Pastor Kathy

Tuesday, July 01, 2014

Reading for today: 2 Chronicles 10, 11, 12

So did some of today’s reading seem vaguely familiar? Maybe you are wondering why are these stories in the Bible twice?

Well, the answer lies in the underlying messages found in 1Kings and 2 Chronicles and to the original audiences they were written to. 1 Kings speaks to the Israelite nation and highlights the lives and history of the kings of Israel and Judah, and contrasted those who lived for God with those who refused to obey God. 2 Chronicles was written after the exile and focused mostly on trying to unite the exiles by focusing on worshiping the one true God. Chronicles highlights the righteous kings of Judah, along with the times of religious revival,  and then also exposes the sins of the evil kings.

So as that as our background for today reading what struck me today was 2 Chronicles 12:1 “After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the Lord.”

When times are good that is when we need to seek the Lord even more, because it becomes so easy for us to abandon Him. We can take care of ourselves, we don’t “need” anything from God. We think that we are self-sufficient.  How very sad, because what we truly “need” from God never changes whether we are in good times are hard times. Don’t let your guard down because life is good, but continually offer God the praise and worship He is due.