June 30, 2020 Don't Don't Don't

Reading: 2 Samuel 19-31 and Titus 2

Scripture: Titus 2:15, Declare these things; Exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Thoughts: Paul was reminding Titus and also us that as those who have accepted the call of Christ to follow him and have him as our savior we are give the authority to share the good news and the exhort and rebuke with authority. With that we need exhort and rebuke in love as Christ Jesus did, we are not beating someone over the head and telling them “don’t, don’t, don’t” but we are to be lifting them up and helping them.

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful, you lead me and guide me, I thank you for your Spirit that dells within me. I thank you that you have placed a calling on each of us to help one another to grow and dive deeper into your love and grace. I thank you for your calling, I thank you for the opportunities that you give me. I thank you for my family and friends. I ask that you give me the boldness to speak out in what you give me to speak.

June 29th, 2020 The Judge is in!!!

Reading: 2 Samuel 16-18, Psalm 7&41, and Titus 1

Scripture: Psalm 7:11-13, God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day. If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow; he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts.

Thoughts: I was reminded when I read this passage probably for the 4^th or 5^th time this morning about how just God is. There have been so many debates and arguments about how the God of the Old Testament was vengeful and the God of the New Testament is loving, God has been consistent in being loving and just through out the Word. On this side of the Birth, Death and Resurrection of our savior can blind us to why we needed him in the first place, the wages of sin is death, we deserve to die for what we have done. God is willing to let us make the choice to not listen to the calling on our lives. Do you want what you deserve?

Prayer: Father you are so just and yet though your Son you gave us a way to be atoned and reconnected to you. Your grace abounds over me. I thank you that you did send your Son and wanted to have a relationship with me. Thank you for my family and those who are as family. I thank you for your provision and blessings that you are pouring out upon us. I ask that in your righteous judgment you help me to see the places in my life that are faltering and need realignment, help me to seek that correction and walk in it.

June 28, 2020 Itchy Ears!!!

Reading: 2 Samuel 15, Psalm 3 & 89, and 2 Timothy 4

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3-4, For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Thoughts: Here in the United States I have noticed the “me” centric mentality of this society growing and infiltrating the Church. We have been pandered to and given the ability to go get anything we want and told we can do anything we want. When it comes to church it has become Church Shopping the moment we are not being fed or pandered to or worse when we get pushed to go deeper in our relationship with God at a church we move on. Paul warned us about this two thousand years ago when he was writing to Timothy that people will get off on where the focus needs to be. Our focus need to be on is God’s word being taught or is the Bible being used to make a point. Be in the word, seek a church that teaches the word, and allow yourself to go deeper, God’s love is deeper and wider then we know.

Prayer: Father God your word is living and is sharper then a two edged, your word cuts us to the division of soul and spirit ion rebuke and exhortation. I thank you for your word and the guidance in it. I thank you for my family and friends that help me encourage me into that deeper walk with you. Open my heart to better receive that guidance. Lead me and help me press into you.

June 26, 2020 What about the unanswered prayers???

Reading: 2 Samuel 11-12, Psalm 51, 2 Timothy 2

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:20, Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate.

Thoughts: How often do we have anger toward God for one reason or another after something comes about after we were told about it. David prayed and fasted interceding for his son hoping that God would choose to have further mercy him. When God does not grant a prayer in the way that we think he should or the answer is not what we wanted to hear, what is our attitude toward God? Are we like David getting ourselves off the floor getting cleaned up and going to worship God, or do we mope about, or scream and yell at God? I am of the belief that God is a big God and he can take being yelled at but are we in proper alignment with God. When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane praying, I don’t think it would have been the Aramaic equivalent of the Kings James prayers this all the ye’s and thou’s in it.

I could see with the stress and torment he was under preparing to go to the cross that it got to the point of sweating blood his prayer may have still been reverent and in alignment but there would have been so much emotion there being pressed in on him that it could have come out as a yell cry prayer. It says in the gospels that Jesus had to wake the disciples but it also has an account of what he said that makes me think he may not have been quiet about it. I could see Jesus on his knees crying/yelling out at God “IS THERE ANOTHER WAY, LET THIS CUP PASS FROM ME, But not my will but yours be done” Let us worship and praise God even in the midst of the storms and trials and when the answers are not what we are looking for.

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful, you know our hearts and our minds. I thank you that you are big enough to take it when I have emotions and questions. I thank you that you help me to see the next step. I thank you for my family and friends, for the provisions and blessings that you are pouring out upon us. I ask that you help me to see when I’m getting off track. Help me to open my heart and mine to your leading and guidance. 

June 25, 2020 There are trials and afflictions.

Reading: 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19-20, Psalm 107, and 2 Timothy 1

Scripture: Psalm 107:41-43, but he raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks. The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth. Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.

Thoughts: In the beginning of this Psalm the writer starts with giving thanks and reminding the redeemed, from the from the Israelites who were first redeemed by the blood of sheep and goats to us who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. I have been walking though this lately, we have been waiting on promised things, in the midst of waiting for this promise we also find out a great blessings that we were not expecting in which also causes further stress. We are waiting on the raising up as our flock grows and we are trying to be wise and remember the steadfast love of God and that our family growth is a great blessing.

Prayer: Lord God your love endures forever, your grace is sufficient for me, I thank you for my family, I thank you for the blessings and provisions you pour out on us. I thank you for your steadfast love and direction for my life. I ask that you help me to endure these trials and afflictions and to praise and honor you in the storms of life.

June 24, 2020 Is this the Good Fight???

Reading: 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18, Psalm 60, and 1 Timothy 6

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:12, Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Thoughts: This morning the, “fight the good fight” stood out to me, mostly because of the things going on in my head and work. I have the thoughts and feelings of I need to be in fulltime ministry yet I don’t know where or in what way. I also have been feeling more and more strain and stress in my job being that I am being taken advantage of. The passage is making me look at my situation and ask what is the good fight in this? Are we fighting at all and if so, is it the good fight?

Prayer: Father you are the beginning and the end the Alpha and Omega you lead me to green pastures and still waters. I thank you for this time of rest you have called my family to and this time of training help me to know your path, help me to lead my family as you call us to. Help me to fulfill your plan and to lay aside my own plans. Help me to fight the good fight and not do my own thing.

June 23, 2020 How is your fruit??

Reading: 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17, Psalm 23, and 1 Timothy 5

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:24-25, The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

Thoughts: Growing up I remember the passage in Matthew 6:3, But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. As a kid I remember hiding my giving in one hand and trying to slight if hand put it in the offering plate as it was passed around, trying to lot let my other hand see or any one else. Today many years later that came to mind as I was reading 1 Timothy, it starts off with sin and that even when it’s something hidden with will come to light then says it the same with doing good. So much of society think of themselves as “good people” yet the fruit in their lives are showing something different. Its is not about hiding your sin or good deeds but its about what are your fruit who are you being both when everyone is looking and when only God can see you?

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful, you glory shines about us and your creations cries out in worship. I thank you for your love and grace, I thank you for your provisions and blessings your are pouring out in us. I thank you for my family and friends. I long to sit in your presence. I ask that you help me to bear fruit in accordance to your calling help me to be know by your fruit and not the fruit of the evil one. Lead me and guide me in your direction.

June 21, 2020 We can Dance if we want too!!!

Reading: 2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 15, Psalm 122, and 1 Timothy 2-3

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:14-15, And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn.

Thoughts: David a man after God’s own heart as he is described all over the Word, was dancing and worshiping God as they brought the Ark to Jerusalem. Dave was exhibiting a right position before God, there are times to bow the knee, there are times to bow with our faces to the ground, and there are times to worship and dace before the Lord. As parents are we letting our children see us placing God on high and us being in that right position before God. I know I don’t always let my children see it, partly because there is admittedly too many times that I forget to put God first and place myself in that proper position. Let us all strive to keep God in his place of honor and to take to proper position before God, if we are to dance, then dance, if it is to bow then bow, just let others see that you point to God always, no matter the situation.

Prayer: Father God you are so wonderful. I thank you for all that you have done for us and the ability to worship in so many ways. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out. I thank you for my family. I thank you that you are leading and guiding us. I ask that you help me to love others as you love them and help me to keep you in the place of honor in my life, and when I put something before you help me to see and put things back where they belong.

June 20, 2020 "STOP IT!!!"

Reading: 2 Samuel 5, 1 Chronicles 13-14, Psalm 30, 1 Timothy 1, and Luke 1

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 13:12, And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?”

Thoughts: Today reading the telling of Uzza’s death and the fear that it put into David got me thinking. Up until this point in my understanding of the timeline other than receiving supernatural strength and guidance from God he had not had a big miraculous encounter with God’s power. Here he just witnessed God killing Uzza for touching the Ark. I know that just like David I would be freaked out seeing that happen. We need to understanding that there may be something that has caused others to fear and not just tell them to stop being afraid like Bob Newhart telling his patient to “STOP IT.” Let us love one another and share God’s love to help those with fear to know the true and loving God.

Prayer: Father you are Love and you are Just, I thank you that you sent your Son to pay the price so that I don’t have to receive those things I deserve and can receive those blessings I don’t deserve. I thank you for my family and friends, I thank you for the provision you give me and the guidance you give me. I ask for help being more loving and showing your love to the world around me.

June 19, 2020 Hey what you got over there????

Reading: 1 Chronicles 12, Psalm 37, and Matthew 28

Scripture: Psalm 37:16 Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.

Thoughts: This Passage kind of hit home for me, I have been know to look at those things that are out there and all the cool new things coming out and being a little jealous of those who have it. Especially when I see people who obviously don’t have a relationship with God and yet they have all kinds of money, the newest and fanciest things, then here I am Loving God and seeking him and needing to rely on Him to pay our bills and put food on the table. Here in Psalm it is saying, the little I have is better than all the extra that those others have. My family and I thrive on what God is giving us.

Prayer: Father God you are the great provider, your love pours over us and fills us. I thank you for your provision, you make all things possible and lead us to where we can be most effective. I thank you for the blessings you pour out on us and the hope that you give. Father change my heart lead me in your ways and help me to focus on your love and abundance and not the shiny things of this world.

June 18, 2020 I have a Bone to pick.

Reading: 2 Samuel 4, Psalm 22, and Matthew 27

Scripture: Psalm 22:16-18, For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet — I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.

Thoughts: As we are getting closer to the Crucifixion in Matthew, going though this reading plan I found that oddly specific foreshadowing of Jesus’ death on the cross. The part that hit me was the part in the middle that does not seem to fit until I thought about it. Verse 17 says, “I can count all my bones they stare and gloat over me;” the gloat over me could be reference to any point where they mocked Jesus. The interesting was counting my bones, most depictions of Jesus on the cross show him with some whip lashes but they focus on hands feet and maybe the spear hole in his side. The scourging of Jesus would have reduced both his back and his chest to looking like chopped meat done by someone with no skill with a knife. Most likely in that state the spectators would have be able to see and count every rib and bone in his upper body. Let us not gloat over someone else’s pain and suffering. Being perfectly honest as much as I would think I would be among the disciples I probably would have been in the crowd. Where are we today calling for a death or calling for love.

Prayer: Father you are Love and you pour it out upon your children every day in provision and blessings. I thank you that you consider me one of your children. I thank you for my family and my friends who are as family. I thank you that you are watching over us and sent your son to being us back into relationship with you. I ask that you help me to pour out your love on others and be your hands and feet to this world. Open my eyes to the next step and where to go.

June 17, 2020 What will you give me???

Reading: 2 Samuel 3 and Matthew 26

Scripture: Matthew 26:15-16, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Thoughts: This morning I felt lead to think about Judas, I am not sure how long he had been following but to be in the twelve it must have been most of Jesus’ ministry. In that time, he had to have witnessed and maybe be apart of several miracles. Being around or experiencing miracles would increase anyone’s faith. Therefore, what would have caused him to betray Jesus to the priests? There are the different groups of religious leaders and many thought on who or what the messiah would be, even though Judas had been in the midst of Jesus’ teachings and miracles, knowing his love and kindness, I feel that he was still of the mindset that the messiah was going to be a conquering king and to kick Rome our of Israel and set up his rein. Therefore, his thoughts could have been I am helping Jesus to jumpstart the taking back of Israel. I know that there have been times where I heard or thought I heard something from God and in my own understanding I just run head on into some situation and find myself trying to push what I thought was God’s agenda but in turn it was just my own.

Prayer: Father God, you are so wonderful, your plans I greater than my plans and your ways are greater than my ways. I thank you that your ways are greater and that you allow me to be apart of them even when I fail. I thank you that your are apart of my life, I thank you for your provisions and blessings that you are pouring out upon us every day. I thank you for my family and those who are as family. I as that you help me to walk in your ways and in your plans and not see my own agenda.

June 16, 2020 What Honor????

Reading: 2 Samuel 2, 1 Chronicles 2, and Matthew 25

Scripture: 2 Samuel 2:5-6, David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the Lord, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing.

Thoughts: Even when Saul was trying to kill him David honored Saul. Just  as Saul had been anointed so had David king and today we have been anointed with the Holy Spirit. David not only honored Saul in life but also honored him in death and honored those who honored Saul. Are we only honoring those who honor us, are we raising up and praying for those who are against us?

Prayer: Father you are worthy of all praise and all honor, I thank you that you know me and have numbered the hairs on my head. I thank you for the provisions and blessings you pour out on us. I thank you for my family. I thank you that your hand is on my family and you are watching over us. I ask for clarity and direction on the steps to take for my son and daughter.

June 15, 2020 How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the Lord ’s anointed?

Reading: 2 Samuel 1, Psalm 85, and Matthew 24

Scripture: 2 Samuel 1:14-15, David said to him, “How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the Lord ’s anointed?” Then David called one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him.” And he struck him down so that he died.

Thoughts: As I was reading this morning, this retelling of this Amalekite telling David that he killed Saul and brought the crown and armlet to David to prove that Saul was dead and the story of killing Saul. In another account it is said that Saul and his armor bearer fell upon their own swords. No matter if this man finished off Saul or just came across the body and was told David that he did it to try to gain favor him. Are there things in our lives where we are exaggerating the truth to make ourselves look better or, are we raising out hands against things that God has anointed. I a world where we are being told to self-promote and I have even been told to lie on resumes to help me to stand out. This man thinking, he would be exalted by this new king and have a good life did not know that his life would be taken from him. As we let this would influence us to the point of compromising who God sees us as and lead us deeper into our sin nature we may not be sent to our execution but we will loose out on the Life God has for us. What are we letting into your lives that is taking life from us?

Prayer: Father God you pour life into and onto us every day, you lead us to green pastures, and protect us. I thank you for your love and guidance. I thank you for your provisions and blessings, I thank you for my family and the life you have given me. I ask that you help me to see when I start seeking my own exaltation and putting my hand against something you have anointed, help me to seek my place in your plan and not just your plan for me. I am but a small part in your works oh Lord.

June 13, 2020 Who's bag is this??

Reading: 1 Chronicles 8, 1 Samuel 30, and Matthew 22

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:23-24, But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us. Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.”

Thoughts: As I was reading this morning, when David told everyone that all were getting a fair share and that just because those who stayed behind does not mean that they don’t loose out. So many organizations, and churches the primary voice or the figurehead of sorts, they are the one that gets all the attention and those working with them are rarely known. We are all just as important as those heads. We so often think that the pastor get paid to do that why would I need to do this or that. Or we get to the point that we start resenting the leadership because we don’t get the recognition we feel we deserve or want. As an example in Children’s ministry in my church we have two paid children’s pastors who work tirelessly to build the curriculums and make sure that everything is available for the kids to have a fun safe environment to learn about God’s love. We also have a wonderful collection of teachers and helpers who are in the classrooms with the kids every week teaching and loving on these kids. Then there are the other helpers, many have no idea that there are apart of things, they come in during the week to help prep thing and bless the kids and staff (both paid and volunteer) so releasing us to do what we each have been blessed to do. Even those who stay with the baggage are useful and important even though they are not the ones recognized.

Prayer: Father you are one who sees what is done in secret both for good and for ill, you know our hearts and have a place where we fit into your plan. I thank you for your love and the calling you give us. I thank you that none of us have unimportant assignments. I thank you for the blessings and provisions you pour out on us. I ask that you help me to embrace the contentment you have called us to have. Help me to pour your love out on others and shine your light into this dark world.