God is Mighty and Worthy of Praise

 1 Kings 7-8     Psalm 29    1 Thessalonians 1-2

As Solomon builds his own house, anther magnificent structure, the house of the Lord is completed. Don’t miss that the wisdom Solomon requested and God said he would grant begin to show this early in his reign. While he has built an amazing place in the name of the Lord it is clear to him that there is nowhere on earth or in heaven that contain the presence of the Lord. He shows clearly his understanding, knowledge granted by God as well, that if the nation turns its back on God and walks away from his ways that the building and the nation will be torn down and not rebuilt until the people see the error of their ways and repent.  

Solomon calls on the people to be wholly devoted to the Lord our God and to follow his statutes and keep his commandments all their days.

The song of David is a song of praise and a reminder that it is simply the voice of the Lord that is powerful and makes things happen. A call to recognize the power of God and then to trust that the strength of the Lord will uphold his people and bring them peace.

Paul writes to the Thessalonians to remind them of the power of God that was brought into their midst when they received and accepted the word of the Lord as proclaimed by Jesus. He reminds the that he was gentle among them so that they would be able to hear the gospel more clearly. They had been people not only of word but of deed and for that he was thankful. The cost of that has been great and he trusted those that opposed the Gospel would be held accountable for their actions. The wrath of God would come upon them if they did not repent.

Again, we see that God honors and lifts up the people that put their whole faith in God and trust him to provide for their needs. The power of God is mighty and worthy of praise. 

Remaining Faithful Pays

 1 Kings 5-6    Psalm 107    Jude

There is a lesson to be learned from King Solomon as he makes preparations then builds the House of the Lord as laid out by his father, David. He needs resources from other countries and meets their needs as he gets what he needs to build a place to honor God.

The description of the resources and people needed to complete the project are immense and because God blessed him with not only knowledge and wisdom but with wealth and power, he is in a position to accomplish what he set out to do. The detailed description provided here describes a tremendous building that will not only honor God but express his majesty.

Singing thanksgiving to God for blessing those that follow in the ways of the Lord and set straight the path of those that wonder away from the ways of the Lord. Disobedience brings pain into our lives until we repent and turn back to following the Lord. Then he heals us and our relationship with him that we might once again praise him in all things.

Jude begins by calling for mercy and peace to be multiplied in those who read his words. Then he clearly outlines what happens when we walk away from the ways of the Lord and pursue our own lusts. It is clear that those things that distract us from the ways of the Lord we allow to creep into our lives, often unnoticed until we are paying a high price for our disobedience. There will always ben many that would lead us away from God by claiming pleasure comes in following our own desires They grumble because they have followed their own lust and then with deception try to lead other astray.

When we build ourselves up in the ways of the Lord we will be strengthened and upheld, and God is worthy of our praise. He will keep us from stumbling and prepare us to stand in the presence of God.

We see clearly that when we live the way God calls us to with his commandments, statutes and the leading of the Holy Spirit we receive his blessings in abundance. Maintaining those blessings are often forfeited when we walk away from the ways of the Lord.

Following the Spirit

 1 Peter 4-5     1 John 4-5    Psalm 104    2 Chronicles 3-5

The last two chapters of both 1 Peter and 1 John challenge us to see the difference between those that seek to follow God’s commandments and statutes and those that decide to exercise their own will. A follower of Jesus will always be recognized for they way they reflect Jesus to the world. If we want to have a share in that power, it will come only by living life as God commands. When we live with the leading of the Holy Spirit following God’s direction his Spirit fills us and we become an even more powerful reflection of Jesus.

The song calls out praise to God calling attention to God as the creator of the World. God established the world and put us in it to care for it. There is nowhere we can go to escape the power and presence of the Lord. Our call is to give God glory at all times and in all things. Let the meditations of our heart please God with even what we think and trust God to take care of the evil of the world.

Solomon built the house of the Lord and placed in it all that God had instructed them to do. The followed the detailed plan of the Lord. He then gathered the people to worship and praise God for all that he had done. The ark of the covenant has been in place and now is put in the house of the Lord. As the leaders and people praise God, they experience the presence of God in a powerful way.

Today the readings serve to remind us clearly that we are free to follow in God’s ways and follow his instruction or we will be struck down. God has a way of helping us and leading us when we seek out his leadership as Lord. We are to dedicate the part of our life and offer to meet the needs or the community whether they know it or not. Paise the Lord!

Knowledge and Wisdom For the Asking

 1 Kings 3-4     Psalm 95    1 John 3

When God ask Solomon what he could do for him Solomon knew that what he knew, and his limited experience would not make him a great leader so he ask for the gift of knowledge and wisdom. He was also told that he would be blessed by the Lord as long as he kept the statutes and commandments of the Lord as his father, David, had done. The answer to his request is shown in the wisdom God gave him as he led the people of Israel. Using that wisdom, he began to grow a powerful kingdom over which to rule.

Today the song of praise reminds us the Lord is worthy of our praise at all times and that God has control of the world from the greatest heights to the lowest depths of the earth. It is also a reminder that the cost of failing to trust God and follow his ways comes with great costs.

John paints a picture of the contrast between the one who follows in the ways of God as Jesus did and the one that practices evil. When we sin, abandon the ways of God and practice deception and lies, we are evil and cannot expect the blessings of God. When we practice the ways of God, even when we can’t see how they are good for us, by trusting he has our good at heart we will be blessed.

As in God there is no deception, we must practice loving others by deed and truth. God reveals to our heart what is true when we seek his ways and not our own. When we practice living out the statutes and commandments of God we will become known for being a reflection of him.

Today we are reminded that God answers our prayers when we seek his knowledge and wisdom and trust that his way is the right and honorable way. To love others and our neighbor as we want to be loved. When we do we reflect the savior of the world, Jesus Christ. He is worthy of our praise.

Setting Up to Be Blessed

1 Kings 1-2     2 Chronicles 1-2    Psalm 31     1 John 1-2

While a renegade son tries to claim the throne, David anoints Solomon to be king after the plot is found and brought to Bathsheba. This is a battle for power and shows the intrigue that usually comes transitions. The challenge is always for those with integrity to find a way to lead while those that use deception attempt to gather the more people and assume power. The cost paid here is death to those that plot evil.

When David dies Solomon is on David’s throne and those that had tried to take that power were looking for ways to survive, undermine the king and still to gain power. Solomon puts to death those that would plot against him. As Solomon consolidates his power the Lord asks what Solomon what he would like God to give him. One of those profound insights of Solomon is to ask for wisdom and knowledge, or the ability to wisely see the truth and act in the way that brings God glory. The result is that not only does God answer in the affirmative but grants what most would seek first, fame, wealth and power.

Solomon makes it clear that he knows he is unworthy of what has been assigned to him to build a house for the Lord. He shows his wisdom by calling those that are skilled in each of the areas that will need to be led for the kingdom of Israel and God. He organizes the people to bring out their talents to be used for the Lord.

David’s song today was one of the constants in his life for he sought to trust in the Lord even when he couldn’t see clearly what the future held, or his own sin had cost him and his people dearly. We are called to trust God at all times and to offer forgiveness when we confess our wrongdoing before him. This is a song of contrasts between the good and evil of the world claiming what those of us of faith believe, that God will prevail in the end.

John’s call to the early church to follow the way of God, seek out truth in all things and to confess sin was a call to be what Jesus had called the church to be. He points out this is for God’s benefit, that his glory would be the result and the purpose of right living. There is the constant struggle between the ways of the Lord and the ways of the world, called that because it is the way of the masses.

John makes clear that unless we are a perfect reflection of Jesus we come up short and need to confess our shortcomings and seek to move closer to God’s way. When we do we will be anointed with the Holy Spirit and draw those seeking God’s way to us.

All of the readings today point to the need to learn God’s ways, follow those directions and the blessings we receive for our faithfulness. Too often we seek out the short-term pleasure of this world that mean we don’t experience the blessings of God’s creation.

Right and Wrong Living

 1 Chronicles 23-29     2 Samuel 13-24     Psalm 48    Galatians 5-6

As David consolidates his kingdom and his power, he organizes the people utilizing their gifts given by God. As David grows old his sons and their followers begin to plot to assume power over the kingdom of Israel. There is plotting and deception, rape and a complete disregard for the ways of the Lord. We begin to see clearly the struggle the people of Israel will have as they scatter. As I read through these years of turmoil it became clear that when we live as God calls us to, we are blessed and enjoy not only peace with other but within ourselves. However, when we choose to disobey the commandments of God we come to grief and then when we see the folly of our ways, confess our sin and repent the Lord’s anger is turned away. At the same time, the cost of our sin continues to be paid and often by those that are not at fault.

David came from humble beginnings and the Lord made his name great but when he sinned there was great cost paid by himself, his family and the nation. Great responsibility comes with great power and when it is abused the costs are great as well. Every time David turned his attention from God and wanted to see how powerful he was, God took away that power. Even though he maintained his reputation with many the cost of his sin was great.

The song is one that tells us that the holy hill, Jerusalem, was a place that Israel showed the power and magnificence of their God. It is also the place that points to only God of creation.

Paul tells us that while Christ sets us free it comes with the responsibility to be faithful to God and to live as he calls us to live. We must keep our eyes on God through the life of Jesus and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit remain in constant touch with the ways of God. That freedom is not permission to do whatever we want because it brings us physical or mental pleasure, or we will find that as the end of our freedom.

He also points out that the evidence of how we live will be shown in our deeds and the way we live on a daily basis. We are called to care for one another and not only look out for our own desires or that will lead to sin. We are to share the blessings of our life and never lose heart in doing what is good and right.

The Cost and Pain of Evil

 Galatians 4    Psalm 53     2 Samuel 11-12

In the tribe of Israel there were very distinct differences between those born to free women and those born to slaves. Birth order also played a major role in where you placed in the family. We see Paul showing the difficulty created when we try and take control of life and then have to live with the consequences. He points out to the Galatians that they had received salvation by grace through faith and now were turning away from what they had been taught by him.

Note that he tells them that he became like them and was challenging them to now become like him. It was not that they had wronged him but were rejecting what God offered them. He points out that his is nothing new as seen in the relationship between Abraham and his wife and the slave that he had children to. Both women had children to him, and the slave’s son was the older, but the law demanded that the free born child would inherit the rights of the firstborn. When we try to take control of our lives rather than following God’s way, we invite turmoil into your lives as well.

The song today, written by one versed in Hebrew literature, tells us that often the people of Israel felt abandoned and alone but with the hope that one day God would restore Israel to its place of honor.

The well-known story of David and Bathsheba told today is one that should be read closely looking for details you miss because you think you know the story so well. When David should have been in the fields with his army, it was the responsibility of the king to lead, he stays back and sends them off on their own but under his orders. There is a shift in David’s life here from doing what is right to using the power now in his hands to bring him pleasure.

While David is in Jerusalem, rather than out with the army, he looks out over the city from which he rules and knows that he has the power to control. He also sees a beautiful woman bathing outside. His next failure is not turning his eyes from this naked woman but begins to pursue her, inquiring who she is and then sending for her when her husband is where he, David should be. Taking advantage of Uriah’s absence David next sins by using his power to bring Bathsheba to him, seduces her as she appears to be willing, has sex with her. Note that she purifies herself before she goes back home. The problem is that sin often results in consequences that cannot be washed away by ritual water.

When she sends word to David, he fails again by trying to cover up their sin but the one he has offended shows his priorities to be right and puts the well being of the troops before his own pleasure. After a second attempt by getting Uriah drunk and yet he maintains his integrity, David sets out to destroy him so that he can cover his sin. After the murder of Uriah by enemy fire David claims Bathsheba has his wife and simply believes that he has made things appear to be right.

God sees David for who he really is and sends the prophet Nathan to confront David. It is interesting that Nathan uses a parable, a story with a purpose to teach, to get David’s attention and raise his anger and then have that very anger pointed back at him by the voice of God.

Don’t miss that David recognizes their sin, repents and asks forgiveness. God takes the very thing from David that he was trying to protect when that son dies. But Bathsheba will bear another son, Solomon, that will touch the world with his wisdom even in the midst of his challenging life.

One of the great challenges of life with free will is the ability to ignore doing what is right and trade our integrity for temporary pleasure. So many times, that temporary pleasure leads to a lifetime of pain as we see here today. God gives us instructions for life not for his benefit but ours.

God's Way

 Galatians 3    Psalm 68     1 Chronicles 20-22

Paul challenges those who act without sound judgement, the foolish, to see they are being deceived by those that would take them away from following Jesus. The Spirit works through grace and a building faith and therefor the experience of miracles. The law was the tutor, that pointed us in the right direction, to receive the blessings by faith in Jesus Christ.

When we make the law the way to redemption, we curse the way of God. The law never gave us a way to impart life but point us to the right way to live. Faith in Jesus Christ will always set us apart as we live by faith rather than the rules of law. When we are baptized in the name of Jesus it is the start of eliminating the differences between us and allowing us to grow in love for one another.

The song shows that David wanted the followers of God to be able to contrast his greatness and the blessings of following him with those that choose their own path. God does not turn his back on us even when we turn our backs on God.

Even David was constantly under attack by Satan and when he let his guard down, he wanted to determine his strength. God wanted David and Israel to rely fully on him. The nation of Israel paid the price for the sin of David Leadership is often a lonely position to be in. Rather than seeking the will of God he launches into an extensive building program and wants to hide the evidence of his role.

David, when he looks can actually see his sin and asks God to hold him accountable and not the people. When David sees the messenger of the Lord and looks on in fear, he takes responsibility for the way he misleads them that has led to this sinful da.

Today we see the importance giving God the glory, honor and praise. God reminds David that failure to follow God’s commands will lead to the destruction not on of him but the nations of Israel. Our role is the lead people toward Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to do amazing work. 

God as Reflected in Jesus Worthy of Praise

 2 Samuel 9-10    1 Chronicles 17-19     Psalm 146    Galatians 2

Reading the story of David trusting the Lord, caring for the family of his enemy, being blessed and his power and territory increasing is a story of God rewarding the faithful. Note also that those that oppose David and attempt to humiliate his followers face a great cost. God being with David attracts the people to him because he reflects the ways of the Lord. There really are two key points today, David, bringing a blessing to his defeated enemy and the rejection when he offers consolation to the family of a king that blessed him. Once again, we see a young ruler listening to young advisors and making a poor choice leading to war.

A song of praise reminds us that we are to put our trust in the Lord our God and he will care for us at all times. When we put our trust in people it will end with their death and many will prove untrustworthy. God will always be worthy of our trust.

Once again, we see what I have come to call a ‘holy pause’ when Paul says that he waited 14 years to approach Jerusalem again. Then he went to the leaders of the church to submit his teaching to the leaders for their feedback. They receive the support of the other apostles and continue to travel and proclaim the Good News.

Next, we find Paul confronting Peter and other Jews for being one thing when they are with some people and something else when they are with others. The difficulty will always be there when we fear the rejection of people, rather than God. He goes on to make clear that salvation, being set free from sin, is not about working or doing the right thing but having faith in God as seen in Jesus Christ. He tells us when we submit to the Holy Spirit, we are like being crucified with Jesus. We are made new and remade into what God wants us to be. He cautions against nullifying the grace of God with works.

Today we are reminded that God is an amazing God at work at all times and yet will be rejected by many when it puts them in a place of discomfort. We must be sure to point to the blessings of God for the blessings and expect to be held accountable for sin.

Leading Like God Leads to Victory

 2 Samuel 7-8    1 Chronicles 15-16     Psalm 117     Galatians 1

As David settles into leadership over Israel, the people not a place, the Lord blesses him and expands his territory. David seeks out God’s leading and begins to think about a central place to house the Ark of the Covenant. We must note that God never ask for a permanent place for the physical representation of his presence. David’s desire for that home for the Ark is related to his building a house for himself and then thinking God needs the same thing. God has allowed David to live in peace within his country and provides for ways for him to defeat those around him so that the kingdom grows under his leadership.

One of the key things I see in these passages is that David continually sees himself as unworthy of what God has done to bring him to the place he is. He remembers where he came from, a lowly shepherd boy, to a king that the people sing his praise. He had been exalted for the sake of the people he ruled over.

Our song is a simple song of praise to the Lord God and a call for all people to praise the Lord. God’s lovingkindness is great toward all of us, and the truth of the Lord is everlasting.

Paul begins in today’s letter telling us he is an apostle of Jesus only by the grace of God who transformed his life. Jesus purpose in coming was to transform lives and Paul was one of them.

He begins but noting that there are those that are those that are disturbing them by distorting the Gospel, the good news of God, and they are to be cursed.

Then he turns to ask the same question of himself that we all need to ask of ourselves, ‘Am I now seeking to please and find the favor of people or of God?’ Might be the most important question we can ask ourselves today. He points out that he in his zeal for God hand done all he could to destroy the early followers of Jesus. When Jesus called him, in a dramatic way, he didn’t call together his friends to consult with flesh and blood but withdrew to enter into the presence of the holy. It would be three years before the Holy Spirit would put him on the path to becoming the man that would transform much of the world. While many received him with fear, when they heard his story, they praised God.

Today we have looked at the call to leadership. The place to start as a leader is always to look to God and ask the Holy Spirit to be poured out on us in such a way that we will touch our community in a way they will praise God for our living in their midst. Like the song today we are then able to praise God in all things in our lives.

Called to Faith and Discipleship

 Matthew 28     Psalm 112   1 Chronicles 11-14

The final chapter of Matthew is a very brief recounting of the day of resurrection. The women come to look at the grave and find the stone rolled away and the presence of an angel that tells them he is not there, he has risen from the dead and to go tell the disciples he will meet them in Galilee. We are told they went away with great fear but also great joy. The mixed emotions of finding the unexpected and unexplained and the message of hope that comes with it. There is the repeated message to not be afraid and go and tell. There is also the story of those that experience fear because of the unexpected and the possible loss of their power.

The very end is powerful in that it reminds us that even those the experienced the resurrected Lord firsthand had doubts and fears. It is then that they are told to go, make disciples around the world and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We as disciples are to continue to teach all that he taught and commanded and ends with a promise to always go with us even to the end of time.

The song of praise today reminds us of the blessings of those that pursue the ways of God and find joy in his commandments. The thought that those that live the way God calls us to live not only brings joy to this life but to eternity is a great thought expressed throughout this song. It is also a reminder that those that choose the wicked ways, contrary to God’s instructions, will be frustrated and all their gain will be lost and perish with them.

In Chronicles we are shown David’s organizational and leadership abilities as he organizes the kingdom that now includes Judah and Israel. More importantly, we see his continued seeking the will of God and following his directions, putting his trust fully in him. Not only is David blessed but so is the nation because they follow the Lord’s commands and directions.

Today we are reminded that even when we put our full trust and faith in God there will be those that seek to harm us to maintain or gain power over us. We are called to put our full and complete trust in God, praise him at all times as Lord and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all things. 

Trusting God Leads to Rejection by People

 Matthew 27     Psalm 65     2 Samuel 5-6

The most powerful religious leaders and laity gathered together against Jesus to destroy him. When Judas realizes he has been used to cause far more damage than he anticipated he wants to go back but it is too late. The wheels have been set in motion and now are out of control. Not only does Judas see the danger but so does Pilate, the Roman Governor. Both look for a way to disassociate themselves from what is happening now that the damage is going to be far greater than they thought. One because he thought he could gain more power and the other so that he could maintain the power he had. Both would realize what they were getting was likely to cost them even more.

Those that feared and hated Jesus the most had the opportunity to celebrate, mock and destroy the one that stood between them and their maintaining power. They crucified him while continuing to mock him and challenge his way of handling adversity. I am reminded that just a few hours earlier, when they came to arrest him and there were those that wanted to fight, he told them that he could call legions of angels fight for him but that this was the way that fulfilled the Word of the Lord and they should trust God.

When he was dead, they thought they had won and silenced him. It was at the moment of death that some began to realize that they had participated in an evil event while others celebrated a victory. A rich man that has followed him gave him a grave to use. There were those that feared him still and wanted the help of Pilate, but he told them to deal with their actions themselves. They had done what they wanted and now it was time to be responsible for it.

David sings the praise of God and his willingness to trust the mercy and judgement of God. God is worthy of praise and singing them in detail is a great act of worship.

When Israel makes David king it unites the north and south together and makes it a powerful nation. David begins by seeking out the Lord’s advice as he expands the territory under his control. He destroys the people and their idols before him. There is a great celebration and after David realizes the power of having the ark in their midst, he carefully transports it and makes it the center of worship for Israel.

When David’s wife, Saul’s daughter, mocks him for praising the Lord exorbitantly he declares that God is worthy of his praise because all he has is because of God.

Today we have seen that putting God first leads to blessings that lead to jealousy and anger. The result is rejection by those that want the glory for themselves.

The Glory belongs to the Lord

 Matthew 26    Psalm 149     2 Samuel 3-4

As Jesus get ready to make the final preparation for the Passover, he gathers with the disciples he is anointed with perfume. Their focus is still on making sure their needs and wants are cared for and so they object to this waste. Then when they gather for the Passover Jesus once again reminds them that where he is headed, they will not be able or want to go. Celebrating the bread and cups he instructs them to remember him in the ritual of eating. Then he tells them he is about to be betrayed by one of them. That they will all abandon him. They are indignant and Peter and the others assure him they will never leave him.

After Judas brings them to arrest Jesus the other scatter and run and hide. One of Jesus followers wants to fight and takes out his sword attacking and injuring the slave of the high priest. Jesus commands him to put away the sword for those that live by the sword will die by the sword. He tells them he could call on an army of angels and they would come but that is not what God has in mind. Just because we should, doesn’t me we should.

While Peter ventures into the city he does not want to be recognized as one of the followers of Jesus out of fear for his won life. He will in fact deny he knows even who Jesus is just as Jesus said he would. While he believed he could stand up for Jesus when the time came his fear was greater than his faith.

Our song reminds us that the expectation was that the Messiah would come to do battle with the sword and lead to military victory. They were looking for Israel to the get the glory.

There is a long battle between the house of Saul and the house of David as they vie for control of Israel and Judah. As David grows stronger and the leaders of Saul grow weaker David begins to consolidate his power and the commanders of Saul’s army begin to bring over the people. While there is intrigue and deception in the end David is ruler over the whole kingdom of Judah and Israel.

Again today, we see that God works in ways that are often contrary to what we believe is right. The importance is continuing to seek the will of the Lord is essential to our well being and the countries we live in. When we think about it the glory always belongs to the Lord and anything that takes away from that will be brought down.

Faith is Trusting What We Cannot See

 2 Samuel 1-2     1 Chronicles 1-10    Psalm 142    Matthew 25

As word reaches David of Israel’s loss in battle and the death of Saul and Jonathan the messenger also says that he killed Saul after he had fallen on his sword and ask him to. First David has him executed for killing the Lord’s anointed. Sometimes we need to be reminded that even an act of mercy is at times doing what only God should do. Then David grieves the death of Saul and Jonathan and calls the others to remember and grieve.

We should not miss that the next thing that David does is to seek out the guidance of the Lord. When he returns to Judah, he blesses those that have cared for the body of Saul. We can’t forget that it was Saul that for so long had sought his life.

This is followed by a power struggle between the leaders of Judah who follow David as king and the leaders that had served Saul and they anoint a king in Israel. This divided kingdom will begin with a slow consolidation of power between the forces, and we see the timing of the Lord is often not as fast as we think it is or should be. Many die in the struggle for power.

1 Chronicles begins with a detailed genealogy of the people of Israel from creation with brief pauses to remind of the key decision points in history. Then we see here too the story of Saul’s defeat, death and abuse of his body by the Philistines. There are those that will risk their life to recover his body and bury it with honor to the king of Israel. We are reminded that Saul lost the kingdom because he failed to follow the commandments of the Lord and claimed responsibility for the Lord’s work. He also, because of impatience and lack of trust did what only God’s anointed could do. Note that David waited, even after being anointed king by the Lord’s prophet, voice of the Lord, for God’s timing to place him in power as the kind.

Our song of David reminds us that he became king because he trusted the Lord’s timing even when all others thought he should act against the Lord’s anointed. He put his trust in God and declared that the people that practiced the ways of God would surround him and that God would deal with him in abundance. We can’t for get this was while he was hiding in a cave while Saul sought to kill him.

The three storis from Matthew today talk about being prepared for the unexpected presence of the Lord. Each is a story about using the resources we have now to prepare for the future. We have to remember we will be held accountable for what we do with what we have, a little or a lot. It is a matter of the habits we form about living, trusting God that what we have is enough and that it takes risk to gain more for the kingdom of God. In the end it will not be what we have gathered to present as a gift to the Lord but how we have impacted the lives of others with what God has allowed us to manage.

All of the readings today are about trusting God and believing that he will fulfill his promises and we will benefit from living as God calls us to live. The hard part is always trusting what we can not see possible. That is faith!

God Fulfills His Word

 Matthew 24     Psalm 49     1 Samuel 27-31

The new testament reading today starts out with the disciples pointing to the beautiful buildings, built to glorify God we must remember, focused on those buildings. Jesus quickly points out that even this that seems so great and powerful will be torn down and left as rubble.

They then go to the Mount of Olives, that overlooks not just the temple but the temple mount and all of Jerusalem. The disciples are thinking about what Jesus told them on the other side of the valley and find it hard to imagine. They want to know when. Remember that they still see him as coming as an earthly leader to claim his kingdom and it is hard to think of that without the temple as it’s center.

Jesus spends the rest of chapter 24 challenging their traditional thinking and what they have learned. Telling them that many will come in his name and attempt to deceive them and that actually many will be deceived and follow those that come claiming to speak for him. This will be especially true in the days of turmoil and when the faithful are most under attack, even to the point of death. The key will be to keep our eyes on Him and what he taught.

He paints for them a picture of a world that is torn apart by violence and death. False leaders will come and proclaim their own greatness and show signs and make people look on in awe of what they have done and so mislead many, even the followers of Jesus. He tells them he is warning them in advance what is to come and that his return will be light a lighting bolt and they won’t see it coming until it is too late.

As I read through this passage slowly this morning I wondered if Jesus was telling his disciples, and therefor us, that life on earth would end quickly and that we would be ushered into his presence for judgement. We should always be prepared for that day, alert to the things of God. While waiting we need to ask what we are doing with what God has given us to help build his kingdom. Like the temple buildings the things we have will be destroyed and it will be the impact on the lives of others that we have that will be what we have left to offer back to God.

 I have been randomly picking a Psalm by looking through my chart at what I haven’t read yet this year and each day it seems to connect to the other readings of my day. This morning was no exception as I read through the song.

The writer of this song tells us that God has a message for all people, the low and the high, the rich and the poor. The writer wants an understanding of them all. It starts with not fearing adversity and recognizing that no one can redeem another, that is the work of God. God grants life to eternity.

We are told that there will be many that will come and proclaim their greatness but that it will not endure to the end. Those that are wise enough to follow God’s ways will rule when it counts. We are told not to worry about those that get rich in this world or when they become famous. There will be nothing for them when they die that they can carry away with them. While they lift themselves up and people paise them their glory will not follow them in death. They will never see the light and will perish.

In the final chapters of 1 Samuel, we see the contrast clearly between Saul and David. David flees from the land of Israel and enters the land of the Philistines. The king gives him a place to live, and David offers his service to the king. The leaders of the Philistines do not trust David and don’t want him to go into battle against Israel with them. While David is with the king the place, he, his family and the families of his men is raided and they are taken captive. It is key to note that David seeks out the will of God and follows what God directs.

Saul on the other hand, goes against the instructions of the Lord and seeks out Samuel from the dead through a medium. Samuel expresses his anger and tells Saul that he and his sons will be dead the next day. The Lord will do just as he warned and remove the kingdom from Saul. While David is seeking the will of the Lord and recovering what they have lost, Saul goes into battle, he and his sons are killed, and Israel is overrun. The word of the Lord has been fulfilled. Saul ends up disgraced before the Philistines.

Each of us must choose who we will follow and who will get the glory for what is done in our lives. When the Lord blesses us and we take credit for what he has done we should not be surprised when it is taken from us. Today we have clearly seen that God will fulfill his promises including his curses.

God's Invisible Work

 Matthew 23     Psalm 91    1 Samuel 25-26

Today Jesus challenges the very ones that should have understood God’s way better than anyone and been able to lead to righteousness, the way of God, the Pharisees. We can’t miss that Jesus doesn’t challenge much they teach for they know the commandments and rules of God better than anyone. What he does say is that the people should ignore they way they live for while they teach one thing, they live another, the opposite of what they teach others. Jesus makes it clear that God will judge not on what is said but what is done. The appearance of being right while living an unrighteous life is not going to protect you from the wrath of God. He makes it clear those that that should be responsible teachers but allow themselves to be misled and therefor mislead others will be held accountable for not only themselves but those they mislead.

The song today reminds shows us the way to praise God even when in the depth of fear. A reminder that God likes to be the shelter we take refuge under when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm us. When we put our trust in God, he will watch over us and not forsake us.

The reading today from 1 Samuel is an example of the Lord’s chosen and anointed being rejected by the power of those that want to rule over the people. David is with his men in the wilderness, and they protect those working for a man in the area. When David asks for provisions for his men that have been serving him he is rejected and insulted. When his anger burns hot, he plans to destroy the one that has insulted him and his men. One of those men go to Nabal’s wife, Abigail, and tell her what her husband has done to provoke the anger of a good leader.

Abigail responds by not only meeting the needs of David and his men in abundance but asks for mercy because of the foolishness of her husband. She challenges David not to sin, to wait for the vengeance of God on Nabal. David listens, forgives and thanks her for helping him not commit a sin against God.

When God does act and Nabal dies David will take Abigail as one of his wives. There is a lesson here about treatment of others, anger, vengeance, God’s timing and decision making.

Next, we find David once again in a place of power over Saul where he could take his life. While others encourage to kill Saul David refuses because Saul is God’s anointed. It is not anyone’s place to exact vengeance on the sinful but God alone. David challenges Saul to examine himself after showing clearly, he has spared Saul’s life once again. David returns Saul’s weapon to him and challenges him to value his life and others as David has valued his that day.

Today we are reminded that our ways are not God’s ways, our thoughts are not God’s thoughts. Seeking and waiting for the Lord while difficult is always the better way. It is not our job to judge another but to lead then in a way that teaches them the ways of the Lord. It is not our role to either judge or exact vengeance on God’s behalf. We are to value the lives of others as God values them and to trust God to take care of convicting of sin.

God Acts in Unexpected Ways

 1 Samuel 19-20     Psalm 149    Matthew 21    

David’s relationship with Saul’s son, Jonathan, is one of those that two are bound together and care for each other. Saul is once again trying to get David out of fear on his power and David’s continues to trust God’s timing. David is protected first by Michal, his wife and daughter of Saul, and Jonathan because they become committed to protecting David. Both of Saul’s children use deceit to protect David from their father.

Today is a song of praise that God provides blessings to those the follow him and punishment to those that work against his people. All fall under the power of God and in the end, it will be to honor God and give Paise to the Lord.

As Jesus prepares to enter Jerusalem, he has his disciples prepare two animals that are symbols not of power but the humble. The people rejoice and proclaim their support for him as he approaches the city. Jesus driving out the buyers and sellers from within the temple upset everyone because he was challenging their power once again, pointing out their sin, healing people and as a result taking attention away from them. Jesus tells his disciples that when we pray amazing things can happen when we pray believing they will.

Again, we see Jesus challenged about who gives him the authority to do the great things he has done. Often it is those that fear the loss of power put themselves out there demanding what they themselves are not able to offer. It is easier to say you are going to do something than actually doing it. Obedience to the father is the key. He really upsets the common believes on who and how people will get into the Kingdom of God. Telling them that tax collectors and prostitutes will get in before they do tells you where their relationship with God was at. Jesus continues to illustrate with stories that what it about to happen is part of God’s plan and that when the ways of God are followed people are attracted to you.

There are a series of stories today that consistently make it clear that when we follow the Lord we will make a difference in the Kingdom of God and that often the path is not the one accepted or commonly followed. God is at work to build his kingdom even when it is so hard to see.

Who Gets the Glory

Matthew 20     Psalm 15     1 Samuel 17

As Jesus continues to draw images of what the kingdom of heaven will be like in ways the common people can understand he tells a story about laborers that agree to a wage but the ask those hired after them to trust he will pay want he thinks is right. Too often we are more worried about our position, reputation and image than how we reflect Jesus to the world. Jesus wanted his disciples to remember that our work as the men and women created in the image of God was to care for the place that God had created for us. That includes are relationships with others.

As he travels with the apostles, he tells them that where they are headed is dangerous but in reality, is telling them that is part of God’s plan. I find it interesting in Matthew that following this story and Jesus warning the next story is about being put in positions of power. This time the request comes from a mother. The father will decide where we belong in the kingdom of heaven, but Jesus warns that they will drink from the same cup he does. It is never about who is great on earth but who has been a servant to the good of their part of the community. The son’s life would be given as the cost for many.

Once again, the story turns to two that have great need, people they have an opportunity to serve, and they want to push them away. Jesus calls them to him and meets their need.

The song is such a simple yet profound reminder that those that want to dwell with God will be those that walk with integrity and work in the ways of God. They treat others with dignity and defends their friend’s integrity. They treat others right as God would.

In 1 Samuel we read one of those well-known childhood Bible stories, but we often miss the keys to the story. Saul is with the army with a chance to lead, he is a powerful warrior, but he is afraid. For more than month they are taunted by Goliath, the Philistines champion. They follow their leader in response and are afraid. David comes from his father to check on his brothers and answers the challenge and ask why they are failing to go up against him since their God has always made them successful when they put their trust in him. While his older brothers are angry because they are among the fearful Saul calls for him because he sees no other warrior willing to step up, including himself.

As David prepares to take up the challenge, he prepares by insisting that his weapons be ones that he has used, and he is comfortable. It is not about have the biggest or the best but tools that fit the user. As he approaches the enemy he is mocked and laughed at. Don’t miss the final injury is inflicted by the loser’s own weapon. That weapon becomes a hidden symbol or the power of God. Hidden because it wasn’t the sword but God’s power that brought the victory.

God's Way not Optional

 1 Samuel 15-16     Psalm 142     Matthew 19

Once again, we watch as God gives Saul directions as he goes into battle to avenge the way Israel was treated as the entered the promised land. The command was to utterly destroy everyone and everything and to keep nothing for themselves. Saul fails to follow the Lord’s commands and not only spares the king but keeps the best of the animals they owned and only destroyed what was worthless. Saul not only disregards the directions but when confronted by the prophet, Samuel, lies as if he can get away with it. When challenged by the evidence he claims he did it for God then tries to blame the people. God tells Samuel he regrets making Saul king and it is time to anoint the next king.

Saul then confesses and wants Samuel to return with him and worship the Lord. While at first Samuel refuses because of Saul’s rejection of the Lord he ends up going back while Saul worships. Then he does what Saul should have done before, he destroys the king of the Amalekites. That is the last time Saul will see Samuel.

While Samuel is grieving Saul’s rejection of the Lord God tells him it is time to anoint a new king over Israel. Samuel is worried about the danger of Saul but follows God’s command and goes to Bethlehem, offers a sacrifice and goes to the home of Jesse where God has sent him to anoint one of his sons the new and future king. Even Samuel looks at the outward appearance and thinks the older sons look like kings, but God tells Samuel that he doesn’t look at what they look like on the outside but on the inside because that is what matters.

After all the older sons have come before Samuel and been rejected, they send for David and this young good-looking boy that God selects to become the next king of Israel. One of the most interesting stories in the Bible is what happens next. Saul has experienced the leaving of the Lord’s spirit and been filled with an evil spirit and David is sent for to minister to him. His service to Saul is a powerful story of waiting on the Lord to act.

David’s song is a prayer when he was in the cave hiding but trusting God as he takes refuge in him knowing he is not powerful enough to deliver himself. He trusts God not only to recue him but treat him with abundance.

The crowds continue to follow Jesus and he continues to heal and teach them. The Pharisees continue challenge him and today the topic is divorce and Jesus tells them that God’s design is for a man and wife to be married until death. When they tell him, Moses commanded them to give her a certificate of divorce and Jesus explains that is because of their hardness of heart. The conversation goes on about the difficulty of marriage.

This is followed by children being brought to him and the disciples wanting to turn them away but again Jesus tells them to let the children come because it is with a faith like theirs that leads to the Kingdom of heaven. Interesting this is followed by asking what is required to obtain eternal life. Keep the commandment and then make sure your possession is not in the way. It is hard for a rich person to get into heaven because they are often bound to their possessions. With us it is impossible but with God all things are possible. The key is to put God/Jesus first and then Jesus reminds them the first will be last and the last will be first in the kingdom of heaven.

The balance between living a righteous life, striving after the ways of God, and our desire for our own wants is hard to find as we see repeated here is numerous ways. God is worthy of our praise and the gift of eternity is for the taking when we commit to striving to follow Jesus.