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.