Scripture:
David continued to address Solomon: "Take charge! Take heart! Don't be anxious or get discouraged. God, my God, is with you in this; he won't walk off and leave you in the lurch. He's at your side until every last detail is completed for conducting the worship of God.
1 Chronicles 28:20
Observation:
After years of promises, Solomon assumes the throne but not without ongoing conflict. His half-brother has challenged his role, his mother has lobbied for him, and finally David has passed on the crown. In the midst of this tumult, David speaks these words of encouragement to his son.
Application:
There are times in life when I need to hear these words too. How heartening to know that the God of David, the God of Solomon, is my God. I serve the same God--He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Because He never changes, I too can know that God is on my side until every last detail is completed.
Prayer:
Unchanging God,
I am so grateful for your presence in my life. Help me to rely on You. Amen.
Thursday May 15, 2008 by Keith
TITLE: The Coach Says We Can Do More!
SCRIPTURE:
1 Thessalonians 4:1 “Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”
OBSERVATION:
In this first letter to the church in Thessalonica Paul finishes with great encouragement “Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”
He tells them first that they heard instructions to please God and second that they were actually carrying out the task of pleasing God. Now Paul takes it a step further and says “do it more and more.” Wouldn’t it be enough just to say great job… no, not for Paul, he’s the passionate coach that says, “you can do even more!”
APPLICATION:
What would Paul write to us the church today? Specifically our church, New Hope. Would there be any great exhortations like this one? Would he find major areas to criticize? Or could we be the church that follows God’s instructions and are pleasing God by all that we are doing?
All of these questions are really more personal than they are for the church body. Because if I am living a life that is pleasing God, I will model to others how to do it… and the more I do it authentically… the more it will multiply in those around me.
As I read this text today I hear Paul, through God’s word urging me to walk in the Lord Jesus more and more and to know the Scriptures and live by them, therefore pleasing the Lord.
PRAYER:
Thank you Father for your Word. I am grateful for the reminder, convictions, and encouragement. I want to please you. I want our church to please you. May this be for your glory Jesus. Amen.
SCRIPTURE:
1 Thessalonians 4:1 “Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”
OBSERVATION:
In this first letter to the church in Thessalonica Paul finishes with great encouragement “Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”
He tells them first that they heard instructions to please God and second that they were actually carrying out the task of pleasing God. Now Paul takes it a step further and says “do it more and more.” Wouldn’t it be enough just to say great job… no, not for Paul, he’s the passionate coach that says, “you can do even more!”
APPLICATION:
What would Paul write to us the church today? Specifically our church, New Hope. Would there be any great exhortations like this one? Would he find major areas to criticize? Or could we be the church that follows God’s instructions and are pleasing God by all that we are doing?
All of these questions are really more personal than they are for the church body. Because if I am living a life that is pleasing God, I will model to others how to do it… and the more I do it authentically… the more it will multiply in those around me.
As I read this text today I hear Paul, through God’s word urging me to walk in the Lord Jesus more and more and to know the Scriptures and live by them, therefore pleasing the Lord.
PRAYER:
Thank you Father for your Word. I am grateful for the reminder, convictions, and encouragement. I want to please you. I want our church to please you. May this be for your glory Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 by Bob
TITLE: Whose Praise Do You Seek?
SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 2:4, “We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.”
OBSERVATION: In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul explained the intent they had when they shared the gospel with the people in Thessalonica. Paul clearly stated that their objective was to do the will of God and please him only. Later in verse 6 Paul reiterates that they were not looking for the praises of men, but only of God. Paul was attempting to make a clear distinction between those false teachers of the day who were taking advantage of the people for profit and himself who’s intent for sharing the message came from pure motives.
APPLICATION: Although the explanation of Paul’s claim centered on the reason for sharing the gospel, Paul’s underlining principle can certainly be applied to our lives as well. The apostle Paul lived a life where he sought to do the will of our Lord in all areas of his life. How well do you fit that mold? Whether at work, home, church, or with friends, whose praise do you seek through your words and actions? If it is not God’s then you are headed for trouble as you attempt to fulfill the praise of others. Paul repeated this key principle in his letter to the Colossians in 3:23 when he admonished them by stating, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…”
PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me for those times that I have put the praises and admiration of others ahead of you. Only you desire my honor and praise. Help me to seek the praise of others less and your will for my life more.
SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 2:4, “We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.”
OBSERVATION: In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul explained the intent they had when they shared the gospel with the people in Thessalonica. Paul clearly stated that their objective was to do the will of God and please him only. Later in verse 6 Paul reiterates that they were not looking for the praises of men, but only of God. Paul was attempting to make a clear distinction between those false teachers of the day who were taking advantage of the people for profit and himself who’s intent for sharing the message came from pure motives.
APPLICATION: Although the explanation of Paul’s claim centered on the reason for sharing the gospel, Paul’s underlining principle can certainly be applied to our lives as well. The apostle Paul lived a life where he sought to do the will of our Lord in all areas of his life. How well do you fit that mold? Whether at work, home, church, or with friends, whose praise do you seek through your words and actions? If it is not God’s then you are headed for trouble as you attempt to fulfill the praise of others. Paul repeated this key principle in his letter to the Colossians in 3:23 when he admonished them by stating, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…”
PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me for those times that I have put the praises and admiration of others ahead of you. Only you desire my honor and praise. Help me to seek the praise of others less and your will for my life more.
Monday, May 12th, 2008 by Randy
TITLE
Getting Right with God.
SCRIPTURE
“For I have kept the ways of the LORD;I have not done evil by turning from my God. All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees. I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.” 2 Samuel 22:22-25 (NIV)
OBSERVATION
As I read this passage this morning, my first impression was that David was boasting, brashly claiming, “I right with God because I’m perfect.” How could he write, “I have been blameless and…kept myself from sin?” After all, David wasn’t perfect. David had sinned greatly against Uriah and Bathsheba. Adultery and murder aren’t exactly good deeds! Psalm 51 expresses David’s repentance and remorse. He wrote, “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me” (Psalms 51:3).
So how could David pen these praises? David understood the depth of God’s forgiveness. He knew that God had graciously made him “whiter than snow” with a brand new "clean heart" (Ps 51:7,10). Some told me that each snow flake contains a particle of dust, that’s why the Bible says “whiter than snow!” The word for this is “justification” –just as I had never sinned. God’s forgives my sin thoroughly! “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:12 (NIV).
APPLICATION
I am in awe of God’s love and forgiveness. He provided the ways that I can be made clean and perfect. It is through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He replaces my imperfections with his perfection. Because of his grace, he no longer sees my sin. One of my favorite verses is 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from ALL unrighteousness.” Wow!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for your forgiveness and grace in my life. I confess my sin to you… the areas that I know and even those I don’t know. I lean on your promise to purify me from all unrighteousness. Thank you that all my sin is under your blood. Thank you! AMEN.
Getting Right with God.
SCRIPTURE
“For I have kept the ways of the LORD;I have not done evil by turning from my God. All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees. I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.” 2 Samuel 22:22-25 (NIV)
OBSERVATION
As I read this passage this morning, my first impression was that David was boasting, brashly claiming, “I right with God because I’m perfect.” How could he write, “I have been blameless and…kept myself from sin?” After all, David wasn’t perfect. David had sinned greatly against Uriah and Bathsheba. Adultery and murder aren’t exactly good deeds! Psalm 51 expresses David’s repentance and remorse. He wrote, “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me” (Psalms 51:3).
So how could David pen these praises? David understood the depth of God’s forgiveness. He knew that God had graciously made him “whiter than snow” with a brand new "clean heart" (Ps 51:7,10). Some told me that each snow flake contains a particle of dust, that’s why the Bible says “whiter than snow!” The word for this is “justification” –just as I had never sinned. God’s forgives my sin thoroughly! “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:12 (NIV).
APPLICATION
I am in awe of God’s love and forgiveness. He provided the ways that I can be made clean and perfect. It is through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He replaces my imperfections with his perfection. Because of his grace, he no longer sees my sin. One of my favorite verses is 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from ALL unrighteousness.” Wow!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for your forgiveness and grace in my life. I confess my sin to you… the areas that I know and even those I don’t know. I lean on your promise to purify me from all unrighteousness. Thank you that all my sin is under your blood. Thank you! AMEN.
Friday, May 9, by Nancy
Scripture:
When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." Matthew 26:40-41 (Msg.)
Observation:
As Jesus faces his betrayal, trial, and death, He is understandably anguished. Being God and man, simultaneously, He is loathe to walk the path He must yet willing to do what is asked of Him. During these dark hours, He turns to His disciples, His closest friends, and asks them to pray with him. Whether it was the darkness in the garden, the lateness of the hour, or influence of the evil of the time, the disciples cannot stay awake! Jesus repeatedly finds them not praying but sleeping.
Jesus offers Peter words of understanding not condemnation. He challenges him to discover and embrace the part of him that longs to follow after God and to rid himself of the part that wants to take the easy way.
Application:
I'm so very much like Peter: part of me is ready to take on whatever challenge God places before me, willing to follow wherever He leads; but the other part is, in Jesus' words, like a lazy dog, willing to spend my life resting by the fire. I want the following part to take over. I want to resist the laziness and comfort of my surroundings and embrace the path that God has mapped out for me. I know it will not always be the easiest, I know it will not always be what is expected by my culture, but I know I will find peace and contentment and fulfillment in following after God.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, will you look at me with the same eyes with which you looked at Peter? Will you somehow find in me the willing follower? Will you strengthen my resolve, firm up my discipline, move in my heart? I want to follow hard after you. I want to be your instrument, ready to be used. Give me the courage to live the life you have planned. Use me to do your will, whatever you want.
Amen.
When he came back to his disciples, he found them sound asleep. He said to Peter, "Can't you stick it out with me a single hour? Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire." Matthew 26:40-41 (Msg.)
Observation:
As Jesus faces his betrayal, trial, and death, He is understandably anguished. Being God and man, simultaneously, He is loathe to walk the path He must yet willing to do what is asked of Him. During these dark hours, He turns to His disciples, His closest friends, and asks them to pray with him. Whether it was the darkness in the garden, the lateness of the hour, or influence of the evil of the time, the disciples cannot stay awake! Jesus repeatedly finds them not praying but sleeping.
Jesus offers Peter words of understanding not condemnation. He challenges him to discover and embrace the part of him that longs to follow after God and to rid himself of the part that wants to take the easy way.
Application:
I'm so very much like Peter: part of me is ready to take on whatever challenge God places before me, willing to follow wherever He leads; but the other part is, in Jesus' words, like a lazy dog, willing to spend my life resting by the fire. I want the following part to take over. I want to resist the laziness and comfort of my surroundings and embrace the path that God has mapped out for me. I know it will not always be the easiest, I know it will not always be what is expected by my culture, but I know I will find peace and contentment and fulfillment in following after God.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, will you look at me with the same eyes with which you looked at Peter? Will you somehow find in me the willing follower? Will you strengthen my resolve, firm up my discipline, move in my heart? I want to follow hard after you. I want to be your instrument, ready to be used. Give me the courage to live the life you have planned. Use me to do your will, whatever you want.
Amen.
Thursday May 8, 2008 by Keith
Title: Swimming in God's love
Scripture:
Psalm32:10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
Observation: Sometimes the most complex things in life are simple. This maps out life’s two options: 1. Experience woes if you are wicked 2. Experience God’s love when you trust Him
There really are only two options in life. Trust the Lord or NOT!
I would love to say that I fall in the camp of always trusting the Lord. My favorite verse that I cling to is Proverbs 3:5&6 which starts with, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”
The result of trusting in God verse 10 of Psalm 32 tells us that the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds him. This is an awesome description… it’s like swimming in God’s love. An early verse in Psalm 32 described mighty waters that rise… this description was speaking of tumultuous times. However, with God on our side, we can be confident in His unfailing love and fully trust in Him despite our circumstances.
Application: As sit here in the morning, preparing to start my day, I can’t help but think, “Am I surrounded by God’s unfailing love?” I mean I can say it… but do I trust it?
Going back to Proverbs 3:5&6 do I trust in the Lord with all my heart and acknowledge Him in all my ways?
This is the goal today. Amongst my preparing, planning, meetings, and interruptions, how will I trust the Lord? Together with my brothers and sisters may we sense God’s unfailing love surrounding us. May the world around us get wet with God’s love because we trust in Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in you. I admit that I often pretend to fully trust you… yet hide insecurity in my heart. Today, I lay my life down and ask that you would do, as you will. For Your glory and Your fame. So be it and amen
Scripture:
Psalm32:10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
Observation: Sometimes the most complex things in life are simple. This maps out life’s two options: 1. Experience woes if you are wicked 2. Experience God’s love when you trust Him
There really are only two options in life. Trust the Lord or NOT!
I would love to say that I fall in the camp of always trusting the Lord. My favorite verse that I cling to is Proverbs 3:5&6 which starts with, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”
The result of trusting in God verse 10 of Psalm 32 tells us that the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds him. This is an awesome description… it’s like swimming in God’s love. An early verse in Psalm 32 described mighty waters that rise… this description was speaking of tumultuous times. However, with God on our side, we can be confident in His unfailing love and fully trust in Him despite our circumstances.
Application: As sit here in the morning, preparing to start my day, I can’t help but think, “Am I surrounded by God’s unfailing love?” I mean I can say it… but do I trust it?
Going back to Proverbs 3:5&6 do I trust in the Lord with all my heart and acknowledge Him in all my ways?
This is the goal today. Amongst my preparing, planning, meetings, and interruptions, how will I trust the Lord? Together with my brothers and sisters may we sense God’s unfailing love surrounding us. May the world around us get wet with God’s love because we trust in Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in you. I admit that I often pretend to fully trust you… yet hide insecurity in my heart. Today, I lay my life down and ask that you would do, as you will. For Your glory and Your fame. So be it and amen
Monday, May 5th, 2008 by Randy
TITLE: Wrong Assumptions
SCRIPTURE:
1 Chronicles 19:2 (KJV) And David said, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.
OBSERVATION:
Nahash, King of Ammon had died. To show sympathy to his grieving son, Hanun, David sent messengers to comfort him. However, Hanum was adviced that they had come to spy out the city. So rather than receive David's kindness, Hanum reacted and had these men forcibly shaven and stripped. These actions were extremely humiliating for the men and insulting for Israel. My notes say that “In Israelite culture, all men wore full beards. It was a sign of maturity and authority.”
What happened? Simple. Nanum misread David’s movtives. Worse yet,even when he realized that David was angry, Nanum would not back down. Rather than rethinking the advice he received or seek clarity, he got "ready to rumble!" The tensions escalated, ending in the Ammonites defeat in battle. Interestingly enough, David was the first Israelite ruler to conquer the Ammonites, even though he never intended to go to war with them. And it all started with a wrong assumption.
APPLICATION:
How often have I made wrong assumptions? Or wrong assumptions have been made about me? It is so easy for us to be overly suspicion of another’s actions. I should never “fill in the blanks” but rather seek clarification. The sad thing is that when I leave a situation unresolved, almost always, it escalates into something far worse. I need the courage and grace to have those crucial conversations, even when they are difficult.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for reminding me today about the importance of communicating clearly with others. Forgive me for the wrong assumptions I’ve made about others just as I forgive those who have made wrong assumptions about me. Please give me the wisdom and the courage to do what’s right. AMEN.
SCRIPTURE:
1 Chronicles 19:2 (KJV) And David said, I will show kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me. And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him.
OBSERVATION:
Nahash, King of Ammon had died. To show sympathy to his grieving son, Hanun, David sent messengers to comfort him. However, Hanum was adviced that they had come to spy out the city. So rather than receive David's kindness, Hanum reacted and had these men forcibly shaven and stripped. These actions were extremely humiliating for the men and insulting for Israel. My notes say that “In Israelite culture, all men wore full beards. It was a sign of maturity and authority.”
What happened? Simple. Nanum misread David’s movtives. Worse yet,even when he realized that David was angry, Nanum would not back down. Rather than rethinking the advice he received or seek clarity, he got "ready to rumble!" The tensions escalated, ending in the Ammonites defeat in battle. Interestingly enough, David was the first Israelite ruler to conquer the Ammonites, even though he never intended to go to war with them. And it all started with a wrong assumption.
APPLICATION:
How often have I made wrong assumptions? Or wrong assumptions have been made about me? It is so easy for us to be overly suspicion of another’s actions. I should never “fill in the blanks” but rather seek clarification. The sad thing is that when I leave a situation unresolved, almost always, it escalates into something far worse. I need the courage and grace to have those crucial conversations, even when they are difficult.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for reminding me today about the importance of communicating clearly with others. Forgive me for the wrong assumptions I’ve made about others just as I forgive those who have made wrong assumptions about me. Please give me the wisdom and the courage to do what’s right. AMEN.
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