God is the Majority - May 31 Readings: 2 Kings 5-6, John 8:31–59, Psalm 69:1–6, Proverbs 14:11-12

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The king of Aram was annoyed with Elisha. He had suspected that he had a spy among his ranks who was giving information to the Israelites, but he found out that it was actually the prophet who was getting the most trustworthy information imaginable - the wisdom of God. There was only one thing he could do. Elisha had to go.

So, he sent a massive army to Dothan where Elisha was staying to take care of this problem. As usual, when evil men plan their evil deeds, they forget the power of God. He assumed he could just march down and take care of one little prophet.

It was a serious miscalculation, and the story is recorded in 2 Kings 6.

It was a miscalculation that Elisha's servant also made. He got up early and saw the vast Aramean army arrayed around him and fear choked him. In his panic, he called out to Elisha asking what they were to do. Elisha responded with a very strange statement.

“Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16

Huh?

It was Elisha, the servant and maybe a few others against an entire army. That was it. But he was making the same mistake as the king of Aram. He forgot all about God. Elisha prayed and asked God to open his eyes to the reality of the spiritual realm.

The servant looked again and saw what he hadn't seen before. The mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire. God's servants were there and they vastly outnumbered the army of Aram.

We are seldom granted the blessing that servant received that day, but we need to realize the truth that he discovered. God is with us. His power is all around us; he is in us! When enemies come against us, we are not left to our own devices. We must walk by faith, not by sight, but we can trust that the armies that surrounded Elisha that day are also working on behalf of God's people today. While it looks so much like evil is winning in this world, that is a mirage. God's power is greater than anything in this world and in the end he will establish his kingdom and rule this world in righteousness.

In this wicked world, we must walk by the faith that our God of power still holds the reigns of authority, even when it looks like the enemy has the edge.

Father, I so often forget your power. Help me to see with the eyes of faith the powerful forces arrayed all around. May I trust you and walk in faith, not fear. 

Light of the World - May 30 Readings: 2 Kings 3-4, John 8:12–30, Psalm 68:29–35, Proverbs 14:9-10

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The thought today is simple but profound. In John 8:12 Jesus made a bold claim.

I am the Light of the World.

This world is darkened by sin and only Jesus can do anything about it. Education is a wonderful and positive thing, but education can never enlighten the human soul. Only Jesus can. Philosophers argue the riddles of life and psychologists try to understand the workings of the human mind. But they cannot do anything but help people live a little better in the darkness. The neon lights of entertainment try to shine but they are fleeting and can never provide true light. The world tells us to look inside ourselves for the light but our inborn sin guarantees that this will never succeed.

We human beings will look to everything and everyone for the light we need, but too often we fail to look to the source of real life. Jesus is that light. When you are confused, look to him. When you are discouraged and depressed, look to him. When you are overwhelmed and stressed, look to him. His light is the true light.

But the fact that Jesus is the light of the world requires one more thing of us. Jesus told his disciples that they were the light of the world. Jesus is the Sun, but we are the moon. We reflect the light of Jesus Christ into this world. The light of Jesus, our Savior, shines not only on us and in us, but through us to the world of darkness.

Father, may the light of Christ shine in me to guide and strengthen me, and may it shine through me to this world of darkness. 

The Work Goes On - May 29 Readings: 2 Kings 1-2, John 7:40–8:11, Psalm 68:22–28, Proverbs 14:7-8

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Sometimes, we forget what it is all about - no, WHO it is all about.

Elijah was a great man of God, one of the greatest found in the pages of the Bible. He was a man of uncompromising conviction who stood up to Ahab and Jezebel and proclaimed God's truth. His confrontation with the false prophets on Mt. Carmel was one of those truly inspiring moments.

But now he was gone. In 2 Kings 2:11, Elijah was taken up into heaven in a whirlwind, carried by chariots and horses of fire. It must have seemed to many that the glory was gone, the power was gone, even the hope was gone from Israel. But it was not.

When he left for glory, there was another to take his place. Elisha took up the mantle and carried on the work. In fact, Elisha asked for a double portion of the power so that the work could prosper. Think about it. Throughout the Bible, people come and people go but the work goes on. Moses dies and Joshua leads the people. David hands the kingdom to Solomon.

In fact, even Jesus left the earth and sent the Holy Spirit to carry on his work in us. We spend too much time venerating men (or women), as if the work belonged to them. But the church belongs to God and the power is his. The glory is his. The work is his. The future is his. People come and people go, but the work goes on. It's not about me, or you or anyone else. It is about the mighty power of a mighty God.

Elijah left, and I'm sure people were devastated. But the One who mattered was still there. The power didn't belong to Elijah, but to God himself. It is important that we would remember that. It's not about any man or woman, but about the God who empowers us.

Father, help us to remember that you are in charge, that the power is yours, the glory is yours, and the future is yours. 

I Hate Him - May 28 Readings: 1 Kings 21-22, John 7:25–39, Psalm 68:15–21, Proverbs 14:5-6

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Ahab hated Micaiah, the prophet. He hated him so much he wouldn't even consult him when Jehoshaphat wanted to get wisdom from a prophet of God. 1 Kings 22:8 states it clearly.

But I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.

Ahab had a point. A true prophet of God could not say anything good about the wicked Ahab, who lived in rebellion against God and his laws. Ahab had his yes-men around him who told him God was okay with him, that everything he did was good and that God would give him success. But Micaiah made it clear this was wrong. The prophets were not speaking for God, but for themselves.

Ahab rejected the truth that Micaiah prophesied and went out to war, threatening to kill Micaiah when he got home. He never came home. A stray arrow fulfilled the word of God against him and Ahab died that day.

There are two lessons we can take from this story.

First, the word of God is true even if it is uncomfortable. The Bible shows us our hearts, our sinful and arrogant souls - it shows us exactly who we are. And that truth is often uncomfortable. We like to think we are okay, to ignore our sin. But the Word of God doesn't do that. It exalts Christ, it humbles us and it demands our submission. And it is true.

Second, there is no blessing in ignoring God's Word. Ahab didn't like what God said, so he ignored it, and suffered a fatal injury for his hubris. Our duty is to listen to God's Word and to submit to it, whether we like it or not.

Ahab thought he could live by his own wisdom and follow his own rules. He did, and it cost him dearly. Neither can we succeed in life by rebelling from God's commands.

Father, I don't always like what your word says about me, but I realize its truth, its authority and I submit to it. You are my Lord and your Word is my truth. 

Sticks and Stones - May 27 Readings: 1 Kings 19-20, John 7:1–24, Psalm 68:8–14, Proverbs 14:3-4

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'Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."

Is there less truth in any of the bromides we learned as children? I've been hurt by sticks and stones (generally from horsing around - I do very little ninja fighting!) and they leave a few bruises and a scar or two. The pain goes away and is forgotten.

But when people say insulting, degrading things to me it hurts far more than any physical injury I've had. If I allow myself to, I can think back to words people said to me many years ago and I can still experience pain from the memory. Words have a powerful impact on us.

One of the most devastating results of these hurtful words is discouragement. We are trying to do God's work and someone drops a verbal bomb on us. It feels like the shrapnel strikes us deep in our hearts and churns us up inside - troubled days and sleepless nights ensue. And the tendency is to want to give up, to wilt under the criticism and simply seek to quit.

When we are tempted to quit because of criticism or hurtful words, all we need do is read the gospels. Jesus, the sinless Son of God was unfairly criticized and slandered time and again. If the perfect Christ received such criticism how can imperfect folks like us hope to escape it?

In John 7 Jesus was at a feast in Jerusalem and he began to confront the religious leaders over their sin. Jesus saw through to their hearts and accused them of wanting to kill him. They denied it and in the process, they said this, in verse 20.

"You have a demon." 

That's pretty harsh, isn't it? They denied that Jesus was a servant of the Father in heaven and accused him of being under the control of the Evil one. It was absurd, of course, but it was the kind of criticism that hurts and discourages us.

Jesus did not allow himself or his ministry to be derailed. He continued to serve the Father in spite of what anyone said about him. He cared only for the approval and pleasure of the Living God of heaven. We must do the same. He just kept going in the service of God whether the crowds worshiped him or criticized him.

The servant of God who gives up when criticism comes will never be effective. Words can hurt, but they must never hinder the work of God in us.

Father, too often I live for man's approval and under slavery to man's opinions of me. Help me to serve you with all my heart and live for your glory alone. 

Kill the Messenger - May 26 Readings: 1 Kings 17-18, John 6:49–71, Psalm 68:1–7, Proverbs 14:1-2

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"Don't kill the messenger."

That is exactly what Ahab wanted to do. The phrase is meant to show the absurdity of attacking the bearer of bad news. It was not uncommon in the days when kings had absolute and sometimes capricious power that they would take unjust vengeance on the person who delivered an unwanted message.

Elijah was just such a messenger. In 1 Kings 17 he delivered the message of God's judgment on sinful Israel. The blessings of heaven would be cut off as long as Ahab and his people continued 18in their sin. Look at verse 1.

“As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”

This was not Elijah's idea or his doing. It was the judgment of God. There would be no rain for years until repentance came. This would bring a drought and great pain and suffering. But it did not bring repentance in Ahab's hardened heart. Instead of blaming himself and getting right with God, he turned his ire at the prophet who carried the message of God. 

Finally, after over three years of drought and famine, Elijah appeared before Ahab. it was clear that his heart had not softened to God, that repentance had not come. He looked at Elijah and put all the blame on him. 

"Is it you, you troubler of Israel?

Ahab was blaming the messenger. You, Elijah, you are the problem. For preaching the truth. For telling people what God really said. For exposing people's sins. Ahab would not take the blame for his sins, he wanted to pin the blame on Elijah for shining a light on it. 

Elijah wouldn't have it. He came back at Ahab in 1 Kings 18:18. 

“I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father's house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals."

He went on to challenge him to a contest on Mt. Carmel to demonstrate that Yahweh truly was the real God of Israel. But the point is this: the world will often blame us for our message. Those in sin hate the truth. In fact, sometimes we may not like the truth much ourselves. But our duty is to be messengers of the truth even if it is unpopular, even if the world hates us for our message.

Truth is defined by God's Word, not the reaction of Ahab when we proclaim what God says. Just because Ahab hates the truth and hates us for proclaiming it doesn't make the truth any less true. Remember how the story ended. At the end, Israel saw who the real God was and cried out, "Yahweh, he is God. Yahweh, he is God."

Father, may I be responsible to you, not to the opinions and reactions of those who live in sin.  

From Heaven's View - May 25 Readings: 1 Kings 15-16, John 6:22–48, Psalm 67, Proverbs 13:23-25

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My college was not exactly a fundamentalist stronghold! Professors regularly taught us that the Bible's teachings were inaccurate, biased or historically faulty. I recall my Old Testament professor waxing eloquent (and skeptical) about the Bible's view of Omri and Ahab, two of the kings of Israel. In the text of 1 Kings, there is little good that is said of them. Omri bought a hill from Shemer and built the capital city of Israel there, called Samaria. Ahab, his son, continued after him and is best known for marrying Jezebel, the daughter of the king of Sidon, and a passionate worshiper of Baal.

The professor told us about the exploits of these kings, their impressive building projects and political success. And yet, in spite of all of that, the Bible gives them no respect. None. According to 1 Kings 16:25, Omri did more evil than all the kings of Israel who came before him, until his son broke his record, according to verse 30.

So, the verdict of history is that Omri and Ahab may have been among the most effective and impressive kings of Israel. The verdict of Scripture is very different. According to the Word they are sinners who lived in idolatry and rebellion. So, what is the difference? Why does Scripture give such a different verdict than history?

According to my professor, the answer was prejudice. The book of 1 Kings was written by those loyal to the kings of Judah and therefore the text records a skewed and negative view of them, refusing to give them credit for their effective reigns. But I think there is something very different at work here. God does not judge the way we do. Heaven's view of our lives, our successes and failures, our achievements - it's very different than the way we view ourselves or the way the world judges us.

Human beings judge on the basis of power, success, money - those things that can be measured by earthly metrics. By those standards, Omri and Ahab were far more successful than other kings. But that is not how God judges. He looks at faithfulness and obedience. He asks if our hearts are pure and devoted to him. He looks for those who are willing to walk in his ways and serve his purposes. Whether we accomplish great things by earthly metrics is not a significant issue from heaven's view.

So, my professor was wrong. The issue was not Judah's prejudice against the kings of Israel. It was God's view of success. We are not successes for getting rich or powerful or famous. True success is measured in obedience and faithfulness and those things that please God.

Father, may my life be a success in your eyes - faithful, obedience, and persevering in the Word

Beyond Our Ability - May 24 Readings: 1 Kings 13-14, John 6:1–21, Psalm 66:16–20, Proverbs 13:21-22

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It is one of the few stories of Jesus that is recorded in every one of the four gospels. Jesus, with an enormous crowd surrounding him, called on his disciples to feed the multitude. They threw up their hands in failure - what could they do? There was not enough food among them to feed the Twelve, much less the thousands around them. But Jesus was there that day not primarily to do a miracle that would amaze the crowds, but to reveal himself to his disciples and to build their faith.

They brought him the five loaves and the two fish that a young boy had brought - all the food that was in the crowd. Jesus took it, blessed it and started to divide it among the crowds. After everyone had their fill, there were 12 baskets of food left over for fish sandwiches later.

It was a stupendous display of supernatural power. But it was more than that. It was a template for how God works in his followers.

First, God always calls us to tasks that are beyond our power, abilities and resources. In one of the other gospels, Jesus commands the disciples to feed the people. He ordered them to do what they could not. God calls us to tasks that are beyond our abilities and resources. He doesn't just give you what you can handle. He doesn't ask you for your best. He calls on you to give and to do that which is so far out of the range of your abilities that it is absurd.

Second, God demands that what little we have be given to him. It is not about how much ability we have, how many talents or what our resources are. But whatever we are, whatever we have, it must be given to God and devoted to God's glory. We are called to give our bodies to him as living sacrifices.

Third, God does in and through us by his power what we are incapable of doing on our own. He sanctifies us, cleanses us, empowers us and uses us in ways that only he can get the glory. The disciples took food to every person that was there that day in spite of the fact that they didn't have the food. They gave to others what God provided for them.

Finally, God works abundantly through his people. There were 12 baskets of leftovers after the meal. God did not just give enough, he lavished his blessing. God lavishes his love on us and gives us blessings beyond our imagination.

Father, I thank you that when I give myself to you, you do your work through me, by your power and grace. Amen!

The Wise and Fool of Solomon - May 23 Readings: 1 Kings 11-12, John 5:30–47, Psalm 66:9–15, Proverbs 13:19-20

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Solomon is one of the tragic stories in the Bible. In many ways he was a great success, and by worldly terms the glory of his kingdom surpassed even that of his father's, King David. The borders of Israel were expanded, buildings were built, including the Temple, and the wealth and fame of Solomon spread throughout the world.

Of course, his wisdom was the thing that gave him his greatest fame. He had a grasp and understanding of the principles of wisdom, of how to make a wise decision and walk the right path in life, like no one else ever.

And yet he became a fool. 1 Kings 11 tells how a man of great wisdom made some very foolish choices. In Proverbs there are stern warnings against the wrong kinds of women and the importance of godly relationships. But as Solomon grew older, he must have grown overconfident and felt that he was above temptation. He ignored all his own principles and the consequences he predicted would come fell on his own head.

I find it interesting how often a person's strength can also be his or her weakness. David's strength? He was a man after God's own heart, but he drifted far from God into sin and became an adulterous murderer. Solomon was a man of wisdom who made the foolish choice (he KNEW better) to marry foreign women and they left him astray to worship their own gods, provoking the jealousy of the God of Heaven.

When we have a strong point, a character quality in which God's work has advanced, it is a good thing. But when we become overconfident, when we think it can never happen to us, when we stop being careful and stop taking precautions against sin, we can actually fall at exactly the point where we thought our faith was so strong and unshakable.

No matter how long I walk with Christ or how deeply I know him, I must still be careful to walk daily in the fullness of the Spirit, to practice repentance on a daily basis and to walk carefully in this sinful world. We must not become self-reliant or confident in our own abilities.

Just when you think you are impervious, that Satan's attacks will never reach you, that is when you are int the greatest danger.

Father, protect me from the arrogance of self-confidence, of the sin of taking credit for the work you have done in me. Help me to realize that I need you every hour, every day.

When Religion Goes Bad - May 22 Readings: 1 Kings 9-10, John 5:1–29, Psalm 66:1–8, Proverbs 13:17-18

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"It's not a religion, it's a relationship."

We've all heard that a million times - religion has become a dirty word in America. If I call Christianity a religion, I am certain to be chastised and told that ours is not a religion but a relationship with the living God.

The truth is that it is both. "Religion" simply means that we have a system of truth, practice and duty that tells us about God and life and eternity. To deny that Christianity is a religion is like trying to deny that America is a nation.

The problem we have isn't with "religion" - it's with bad religion - dead religion, false religion, formal religion, religion that cares more about rules and control and power than it does with connecting people to the God of heaven. Jesus continually confronted false religion, empty and dead, religion that did nothing but bind people in rules without freeing them to worship God. Our reading in John 5 today shows us empty, dead religion at its worst.

Two amazing things happened in John 5:1-14. First, Jesus healed a man at the pool of Bethesda. Sick and crippled people sat around the pool waiting for an angel to stir the waters so they might be healed, but this man, having no one to help him, could never get into the water in time to receive the healing. He'd been trying and failing for 38 years. That is a long, long time.

One day, Jesus came along and asked the man a strange question. "Do you want to get well?" The man did, but could not see any way to find the help he needed. He was trapped in his illness. But Jesus did not need the waters of Bethesda to heal. He just gave the man a simple command. "Take up your mat and walk." And he did. He stood up and his 38 years of suffering were over.

That is when the second amazing thing happened. The miracle took place on the Sabbath and the Jewish leaders had a fit. Why? Because this man who had been seeking healing for 38 years picked up his mat on the Sabbath after Jesus healed him. A man had been healed but all they were concerned about were their human rules. Nothing in God's law prevented a man from picking up a mat on the Sabbath. They had added their own laws to those of God and created this silliness.

These men were more concerned about their rules, their power and control than they were about this amazing display of the power of God. They didn't care that a man who was crippled for nearly 4 decades was suddenly able to walk. They were more concerned that one of their silly rules had been violated. For them it was not about God or people, but about power and rules and dominance.

May we care about people as we do God's work, and about the glory of God. It ought never be about power and control, but always about God's love for sinful people who need him.

Father, thank you for the example of your son who served and healed without regard to anything religious men added to your word.  

It All Means Nothing...May 21 Readings: 1 Kings 7-8, John 4:46–54, Psalm 65:8–13, Proverbs 13:15-16

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Solomon built a magnificent structure. The temple in Jerusalem was by all accounts among the more impressive buildings of the time. And Solomon was clearly among the most impressive people. His fame spread far and wide. He was rich, powerful, honored, the wisest man on earth.

And this magnificent temple was his creation. His people did the work. What part had God played in it all? Scripture records no miracles during the building. It did not spring suddenly from the earth. There was no divinely empowered reversal of Jericho - where the walls came a tumbling UP! No, it was hard work - the blood, sweat and tears of thousands of nameless men who produced this house of worship.

And yet, as it was being completed, Solomon prayed a prayer in which he sought God's blessing and gave God credit. In 1 Kings 8:15 he says,

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who with his hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to David my father.

He is giving thanks to God and praising him. He continues throughout the chapter to give honor and glory to God for all that he has done. Why is Solomon so careful to give God credit for that which he himself built? He realized something important. 

He understood that ultimately, the temple's design was initiated by God for the purposes of God. This was something that originated in the heart of God. The only projects in life worth doing are those that originate in the heart of God. He only blesses that which he begins. Solomon knew that the temple was a GOD-project and that even though his own labors had contributed, ultimately it was something that was birthed in the heart of God. 

The things you are doing, the goals of your life, your purposes and projects - where did they begin? If they are your own, they will have no eternal impact or import. Only that which is begins in the heart of God is significant. 

Solomon also understood that his project was worth nothing unless God inhabited the temple. As the glory of the Lord dwelt in the Tabernacle, he desired that the fire would fall on the temple. As with Moses and the tent in the wilderness, he did everything "just as God commanded." And in this passage he seeks the blessing and presence of God to come among his people and to guide them. And we will see that God does, in fact, send his glory into the temple. 

God sends his presence and power among the obedient and accomplishes his will through them. Is God's power and presence dwelling among you? Are you walking in submission and obedience that he might use you in his work? 

When our lives are lived on God's agenda and we are walking in obedience to him, the glory of the Lord descends upon us and we are changed, empowered and used for his purposes. As God inhabited the Temple in Jerusalem, may his glory inhabit and empower us. 

This is what Solomon knew that caused him to seek God. Yes, he built the temple. But he knew that without the presence of God, without the glory of the Lord, it would all mean nothing. 

Father, fill me with your glory as I walk in submission to you!

Jesus Broke the Rules - May 20 Readings: 1 Kings 5-6, John 4:20–45, Psalm 65:1–7, Proverbs 13:13-14

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Jesus always obeyed the Father and the rules of the Word, but he seemed to take pleasure in violating human rules that were not of God. When it was time to travel to Galilee, Jesus routed his group through Samaria. Most Jews traveled along the Jordan Valley so they would not have to move through the area inhabited by those they disdained. Jesus broke the rule and ministered where no one else would go.

And then he did something that shocked the disciples. They had made a supply run into town and when they came back they were horrified to see Jesus conversing with a Samaritan woman. Not just a Samaritan. Not just a woman. But a Samaritan woman. Jesus was bound by the Father's laws but he was not bound by silly rules that would hinder his ministry.

And look what happened as a result. The woman put her faith in Christ and went to turn out the entire village. They came out (John 4:39-42) to see what this woman with the bad reputation was saying, but they came to believe in Jesus on their own.

“It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Because Jesus broke the rules of prejudice and hate, because he engaged those whom the Jews disdained, because he cared about those few others did, an entire village came to faith. 

The gospel is not just for people we like or people who are like us. It is for the lonely, the outcasts, for those whom life has chewed up and spit out; for the people no one else wants to engage. We cannot treat others as untouchables, but must reach out as Jesus did. 

Father, help me to see those others ignore, to love those that are hard to love and to engage those others would see as undesirable, for the glory of your kingdom. 

The Best Choice - May 19 Readings: 1 Kings 3-4, John 4:1–19, Psalm 64:5–10, Proverbs 13:11-12

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It wasn't a fictional genie in a bottle, but it was the real, living God from heaven. It wasn't three wishes to be spent frivolously, but one wish to be granted by God. Solomon received one of the greatest blessings a man has ever received from God.

Ask what I shall give you. 1 Kings 3:5

There were many options. Solomon could have asked for wealth beyond measure, for a life of ease and pleasure, for victory over his foes and a peace that comes through conquering all. Anything he wanted. But Solomon made the right choice. He asked for discernment.

“And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 1 Kings 3:7-9

He knew that the task God had given him was difficult and that he needed resources beyond his own abilities, so he asked for an obedient heart that would enable him to discern good and evil. He wanted the ability to discern good and evil so that he could make wise choices as he led the people of God.

Discernment is the ability to distinguish the right path from the wrong path. Wisdom is the strength to choose what is right. Solomon wanted discernment so he could walk in wisdom.

But the irony is that through choosing the best thing, God gave him everything else as well. He got anything he could have asked for by asking for the thing he could get from no one but God. By choosing wisdom he received all of life's blessings.

When we seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, all these other things are added to us as well. When we seek the things of the world, we lose everything of eternal value. When we seek God, and God's wisdom, and the blessing that God's wisdom brings, we gain all things of real value.

Lord, may I always choose you and your ways - that which is best. Thank you for the blessings you give to me day by day when I do!

He Must Increase - May 18 Readings: 1 Kings 1-2, John 3:16–36, Psalm 64:1–4, Proverbs 13:9-10

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There was no one else like John the Baptist, and I am not talking about his dress or diet. John 3:22-30 describes a unique and godly episode that defines the unique character of the man.

John was immensely popular. People were coming from all over Israel to hear him and to be baptized by him. It was the name John that was on the lips of Israelites.

Then, suddenly, this man Jesus came out of nowhere to be baptized by him. He disappeared for 40 days into the wilderness to be tempted, then returned in the power of the Spirit to preach the gospel of the kingdom and do amazing miracles. Disciples of John the Baptist left him and followed after Jesus. Jesus' ministry was on the rise as John's popularity waned.

Think about how most people would respond to such a thing. Jealousy. Rivalry. Anger. Perhaps rumors and slander. They would not respond as John the Baptist did.

“A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:27-30

He realized that his status had been given to him by God and that his role was to be the groom's friend. He was here to announce the coming of Christ and he knew his place and his purpose. Then he spoke these insightful words.

He must increase, but I must decrease.

For John, it was literal. Jesus' popularity and scope of ministry was going to increase and John would fade into the background. John knew that was how things were meant to be and embraced it. 

John's challenge is also our challenge. In a sense, we are all John the Baptists. We go into a lost world to "prepare the way for the Lord." Our goal always is to make Jesus famous and to point the way to him. As we walk in this world, Jesus must increase and we must decrease. 

Father, use me to increase the knowledge of your Son, Jesus. May my selfishness and arrogance decrease. as you increase in me. 

Water in the Desert - May 17 Readings: 2 Samuel 23-24, John 2:13–3:15, Psalm 63, Proverbs 13:7-8

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A few years back I completed a marathon in the New Mexico desert, trudging over a mountain, through deep sand and across the desert flats in searing heat. One thing I learned that day, walking in the desert creates a deep thirst. It didn't seem to matter how much water and Gatorade I drank, I was always craving more.

David spoke, in Psalm 63, of the thirst of a deer in the wilderness.

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;

    my soul thirsts for you;

my flesh faints for you,

    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

In a dry and desolate land, a land without water, David experienced thirst. This world offers so many types of poison water; libations that look satisfying but do not quench the soul's thirst. Money. Pleasure. Entertainment. Selfish ambition and achievement. All present themselves as the satisfaction of the soul, but they do not provide what they promise.

This world is a desert, a spiritual wasteland. The best if offers is mirages that cannot slake the deep thirst of the human heart. If we seek contentment, joy and life from this world we will be deeply disappointed.

But David knew where to go for the living water, the water of life. He eagerly sought God and thirsted for him. Not just his blessings or the good things he gives, but for God himself. His desire for God was so strong that his body actually felt faint!

God is the source of life and those who seek him will be satisfied.

Father, you are my life. All too often I forget that and seek the bitter water of this world or dive into the mirages that deceive. But you are life and hope and joy, and I seek you. 

Water to Wine: Bringing Joy to Life - May 16 Readings: 2 Samuel 21-22, John 2:1–12, Psalm 62:9–12, Proverbs 13:5-6

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Jesus sure knew how to make Baptists uncomfortable. Seriously, couldn't he have chosen a different first miracle? Healed someone? Made a lame man walk or a blind man see? Even better, he could have raised someone from the dead. Or calmed a sea. Or walked on water. Something. Anything. But no. Jesus' first miracle had to be turning water into wine.

He went to a wedding at Cana, a small town a few miles north of Nazareth, on the pass through the mountains to Galilee. Jesus' mother was at the wedding and he showed up with his disciples. A tragedy occured after he arrived. The wine ran out. Not sure how a Baptist preacher should comment on that one, but for the host at the wedding, it was a huge issue.

Mary saw it as an opportunity. For years she had probably repeated the stories of Jesus' supernatural birth and for three decades he had done nothing publicly to demonstrate that her story was true. He was unusual, for sure, and now he had gathered these men around him and was teaching them, but she was still waiting for him to do something to show his supernatural nature, his divinity. So she chided him a little to do something.

In an odd exchange, Jesus told his mother that his time had not yet come, then he proceeded to do as she asked. Mary told them to do as he said - always good advice. Jesus instructed them to fill six jars, each holding 20-30 gallons of water to the brim. He then told them to take some of the water to the master of the feast, who marveled at the quality of the wine (again, no comment!). Usually, he said, someone brings out the cheap wine at the end of the feast when people are tipsy and the palate is less discerning. But Jesus' miraculous drink was the best of all.

What to learn from this? I'm sure people will draw many and varied conclusions, but the key here has to do with the metaphor of wine used in many places in Scripture. It often signifies life, joy and vitality. Jesus took water - plain, simple water - and he turned it into wine. He takes the humdrum routine of life and infuses it with joy and vitality.

Father, thank you for your Son, who takes the bland water of my life and miraculously turns it to joy and vitality. Your Son is life and joy and hope. Thank you for Jesus. 

He Brought Him to Jesus - May 15 Readings: 2 Samuel 19-20, John 1:19–51, Psalm 62:1–8, Proverbs 13-3-4

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Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist until one day when another man walked by. John looked up at the other man and said, "Look, the Lamb of God." Andrew realized the import of these words and decided that it was time to follow Jesus. It is one of John's most godly qualities that he encouraged his followers to leave him and to follow another. That is what he did, along with the man who was with him.

Jesus saw these two men following him and asked, "What are you looking for?" Andrew and his friend answered the question with a question. "Rabbi, where are you staying?" Jesus invited them to join him and they spent the day with Jesus. Evidently they were deeply impressed with what they saw, because Andrew left to do the most important thing anyone can do. He went out and found his brother Simon and John 1:42 tells us what he did next.

And he brought Simon to Jesus. 

He realized quickly that this one was The One, the promised Messiah, the hope of Israel. And he went and told his brother about it and brought him to see Jesus. Simon's life changed dramatically after that - he became know as Cephas, or Peter. All because his brother took the time to bring him to Jesus.

Sometimes, perhaps, we get too bogged down in the minutiae of witnessing, trying to deal with deeper theological issues, methodologies and strategies, or learning canned gospel presentations. Each of those has their place. But evangelism is really much simpler than that.

Sinners find a Savior and bring other sinners to find the same Savior. We find our family, our friends and our neighbors and we bring them to Jesus. When they meet him, things change. It is great when we share the faith with strangers, with those we encounter on the street, at restaurants, on airplanes, wherever we are. But the most effective evangelism is the kind Andrew did. He brought his brother to Jesus.

Family. Friends. Neighbors. Evangelism and missions is not just something we are to do for people around the world. It is something we do for those we love, those we live with, those we encounter every day.

Father, I thank you for the people who brought me to you. May I pass along that blessing as I bring others to meet the Savior who saved me. 

When God Spoke LOUDLY - May 14 Readings: 2 Samuel 17-18, John 1:1–18, Psalm 61:4–8, Proverbs 13:1-2

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Though we believe that all Scripture is inspired by God and useful, we are not required to pretend hat all Scripture has the same force and power. There are high points among the words of God. I've maintained that the Mt. Everest of the Bible is Romans 8 - if you are ever going to memorize one chapter of the Bible, make it that one! Psalm 23 is part of the Himalayas as well. So is Hebrews 11, Matthew 5-7, John 14-16 and several other great peaks of revelation.

Among the highest of the high peaks we find John 1:1-5. Frankly, the whole book of John is a high mountain range, but this introduction is powerful.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Permit me to point out a few of the wondrous beauties on this mountaintop of Scripture.

First, God spoke to us. He did not turn his back on sinful humanity, but he spoke to us. He gave us a "Word." That Word was Jesus, as this passage makes clear. The Creator spoke to creation by sending the Co-Creator to live among us, as verse 14 tells us.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus took up residence among us to reveal who God was and to demonstrate his love for us. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! God spoke loudly and clearly. Jesus was that message.

Second, this passage, as clearly as any in Scripture, affirms the deity of Christ. "The Word WAS God." He was not "a god", nor was he some kind of emanation from God, a secondary deity or or a deified human. He was the God of glory come to dwell in a human body.

Third, Jesus is life. Through the Word that came among us, we have life. John later tells us, in his first epistle, that "he who has the Son has life and he who does not have the Son does not have life, but the wrath of God abides on him." Jesus Christ became the point of division for all of humanity. Eternity is not about following a a religion or doing enough good works or any other human activity. It's about Jesus. Do you "have him"? Then you have life. If you do not have Jesus you do not have life no matter how good you think you are, how busy you are at church or how many good things you try to do.

Finally (for this post anyway), Jesus is the light. This world is blanketed in the darkness of sin and Jesus was the light of God to show us the way to him. "I am the way, the truth and the life," Jesus would later say. Jesus IS life and he GIVES light.

As you read John 1 today, take a few minutes to let the Spirit guide you to amazing truths about Jesus revealed in this passage. Besides these high points I hit today, there are many more. Just thank God that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us!

Father, thank you for the Word who told us who you were, who demonstrated your love for us, who gave us life by sacrificing his own and who shines the light of truth and righteousness on our sinful lives. Praise his holy name!

Walking Right in a Walking-Wrong World - May 13 Readings: 2 Samuel 15-16, Luke 24:36–53, Psalm 61:1–3, Proverbs 12:27-28

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All around him were liars, schemers, manipulators, usurpers and conspirators. He was fleeing Jerusalem up the Mt. of Olives to find safety from his own son who had turned the hearts of his people against him. Bathsheba's grandfather, Ahithophel, who was a trusted counselor to the king, had betrayed him and joined Absalom's conspiracy. Ziba the servant met him on the mount with lies about his master, Mephibosheth, in an effort to advance himself. And then, just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, he ran into Shimei, a relative of King Saul who had carried a huge grudge for a long time, ever since David's family supplanted his family as the royal family in Israel. So, as David wandered down the mountain, he threw rocks at him. But his wasn't the sticks and stones that broke his bones, it was the words that truly hurt him.

“Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man! The Lord has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood.” 2 Samuel 16:7-8

Let me give you a quick paraphrase. "Good riddance to bad rubbish!" Oh, and, "What goes around comes around." He was telling David that he was getting what he deserved for his terrible treatment of Saul's family.

But was that true? No, it was not. Just the opposite was true. David did not kill Saul when he had the chance. He was compassionate to Saul and to his family. He bent over backwards for them. Shimei judgment was sure and certain but absolutely wrong.

But that did not mean that David was innocent. All of this came as a result of his sin with Bathsheba and the devastation it brought on his family.

How did David respond to all of this? Did he fall apart? Did he lash out in anger, wallow in self-pity, or ponder self-destruction? No. David fled from Jerusalem, but we see in 2 Samuel 16 that he continued to walk in faith and confidence in God.

First, he refused to get down in the mud with those who went after him. He did not "fight fire with fire." Others could lie, cheat, and steal, but David would walk in integrity. He relied on God instead of on his own schemes and intrigues. And when Shimei attacked him, he refused to strike back in violence and vengeance, but put it in the hands of God's justice.

Every day as you walk in this world, you will encounter those who lie, who cheat and who scheme and manipulate to get what they want. That is the way of this world. You can't change that. (Jesus will one day, you will just have to wait!) The only question is how you will live in this sinful world. Will you live as everyone else does? When in Rome....you know. Or will you live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ at all times? Honesty. Integrity. Trust. Dependence on God. Returning good for evil. Waiting on God's judgment instead of taking vengeance - those things that David did, that Christ did.

In a day or two, we will read the end of the story. God frustrated the cheating of the cheaters, the lies of the liars, the usurping of the usurpers and he brought David back. It was a sad time, because David's son died. But God restored David and brought his enemies down.

It is always better to trust God and walk in his ways than to imitate the ways of the world!

Father, whatever happens, may I always follow your will and your ways. 

The Spices of Despair - May 12 Readings: 2 Samuel 13-14, Luke 24:1–35, Psalm 60, Proverbs 12:25-26

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Why did it surprise them? Why?

They'd seen Jesus do some pretty amazing things. He had healed hundreds, no thousands of people. The lame walked and the blind saw. Demons fled at his command, and when he spoke, the waves calmed and the winds ceased. This man even walked on water. They had likely been there when Jesus disrupted the funeral in Nain by raising the widow's son from the dead and they were probably in his entourage when he brought Lazarus out of the tomb. He had walked on water and calmed storms. They knew that this was no ordinary man.

And they had been there to hear his teachings. Time and again he had told his disciples that he would go to Jerusalem and die, and that on the third day he would rise again. He'd said it once, twice, many times. But when the women went to the tomb on the morning of the third day, they were filled with sorrow, without hope, expecting nothing.

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.

They went to the tomb bearing spices, not expectations. They waited until the Sabbath was over and they were going to properly anoint Jesus' body. It was an act of love, but one devoid of faith. They did not have any expectation that God was going to do (no, had done!) anything world altering that day. 

What idiots. How could they be so silly? How could they lack faith in Jesus like that? Oh, wait a minute. Oops. They were only behaving the way we act - the way I act - so often. I've been in meetings in churches, discussing issues, when I realized that the assumption of those involved was pretty simple and pretty grim. God was going to do absolutely nothing! It's all up to us! I've approached financial situations in my own life with the same assumption. 

Every time we approach a crisis in life with the assumption that God is going to do nothing, we err! We err grievously!

These precious ladies learned a wonderful lesson that day. God is at work in this world. When they arrived at the tomb, they found the stone rolled away and and tomb empty. The angels chided them for seeking the dead among the living. Jesus had been raised! He was alive and at work in the world again. 

The same thing is true today. I don't always know what God is doing. No, that does not state it accurately. God confuses me. Sometimes he frustrates me because his actions leave me utterly bewildered. But he is at work. His Word is true, his will is best and his ways are right. My job is trust him and to believe that he is going to work in power. 

I've been reminded of this recently. A couple of years ago we faced a family crisis that had to do with a home we own jointly with my son and his wife. To my shame, I was angry, even upset at God, because things did not work out as I thought they should. Why would God let this happen to me, to us? Now, as things are coming together 2 years later, I see the hand of God in it all. His plan is better than mine. I just needed to trust and obey. I fell into the fault of the ladies at tomb - I assumed God was doing nothing, when in fact he was at work in power!

Here's my hope, as we face our next challenge as a family or as a church - I want to walk in faith, believing that big God will do big things by his amazing grace and power. I want to trust the God who was at work at the tomb instead of being like the ladies with the spices. I've spent too much time carrying the spices in despair instead of trusting the God who raises the dead. 

Father, I serve a God who brought life where Satan and all the forces of evil had marshaled to prevent it. Your power is unstoppable. Help me to remember that and believe. Forgive me for my doubt, my despair. Fill me with a sense of awe and wonder at your power. 

The Horror of Sin - May 11 Readings: 2 Samuel 11-12, Luke 23:44–56, Psalm 59:14–17, Proverbs 12:23-24

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2 Samuel 11 is the turning point of the book. In chapters 1-10, David experiences one blessing and one victory after another. From chapter 12 on, David's life is filled with heartbreak, challenges and tragedy in both his family and in his nation. Of course, in chapter 11, the "man after God's heart" wanders away from God and into sin - his infamous sin with Bathsheba.

There are several things we can see in this chapter that can give us some insight into David's sin and failure.

1) David stayed home during "the spring when kings march out to war." Of course, sin can blindside us any time, but when we are in retreat mode, when we are not serving God and do what he has called us to do we make ourselves more susceptible to temptation.

2) All sexual sin boils down to one moment. David spied the beautiful Bathsheba from his palace and he had a choice. He could do the right thing and turn his back on another man's wife. Or, he could choose to take that one step down the path of adultery from which there is seldom a return. He made the wrong choice and sent for Bathsheba.

3) Sin has consequences. This one certainly did; a baby was going to be born. Not all sin has consequences as dramatic and public as this one, but all sin brings undesirable consequences into our lives. When you mae the choice to sin, you can be sure that the consequences will come.

4) Sinners generally try to hide the sin instead of dealing with it. David did. He tried to orchestrate events so that he would escape detection and no one would find out about his sin.

5) The attempt at covering sin usually leads to worse sin. David committed adultery. In attempting to cover up the adultery, he ended up being responsible for the killing of a good and honorable man. Rather than repent, he doubled down on his wickedness.

6) As we know from Psalm 51, there is only one way to actually deal with sin. David eventually repented of his sin and was forgiven (thought the consequences continued the rest of his life). Covering sin only makes it worse. God forgives and restores the repentant.

7) We learn in 2 Samuel 12 that God bring conviction of sin. He sent the prophet Nathan to point the finger at David and to say to him, "you are the man." Nathan told him the story of the man with the many sheep who stole his neighbor's only one. In his self-righteous superiority, David was incensed until Nathan pulled back the curtain and bared it all before him. There was no more artifice or denial. His guilt was laid bare before God.

8) The worst of all the truths is found both in chapter 12 and throughout the rest of 2 Samuel. His son, born of this unholy union, would not survive (12:14). In addition, the “sword shall never depart from your house,” Nathan told him (12:10) and evil would rise up against the house of David, one previously blessed by God in a way unique in human history. All because of David’s sin.

Here is what is so scary. The consequences of David’s sin was felt mostly in the lives of his children and his grandchildren. The rest of 2 Samuel tells stories of how one of David’s son raped one of his daughters, how another brother killed the one who committed the vile deed, then led a rebellion against his father. The consequences of David’s sin did not simply fall on him but on his family.

The Bible is clear that we are each held responsible for our own sins and that no one is punished for his parents’ sins. But the Bible is also clear that consequences fall on sinners and those consequences often effect generations to come as much as they do the person who committed the sin.

David was going to pass down to his descendants a great and godly heritage, but he spoiled that with his sin and cast a dark shadow on his own family.The "man after God's own heart" let his heart stray and caused untold grief for himself and his family. 

Father, help me to finish well the race you have marked out for me, to run with perseverance and to continue with fidelity. May my family be able to see me as an example of your grace, not a emblem of shame. 

"Consume Them in Wrath?" May 10 Readings: 2 Samuel 9-10, Luke 23:26–43, Psalm 59:7–13, Proverbs 12:21-22

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David is a model for us as a man of praise and a man of prayer. When things were good, he thanked God and praised him for his beneficence. When things were rough, he fell on his face before God and called to him for help. Whatever was happening, David talked to God about it and sought his help.

But there are some of his prayers, some of his psalms, that sound a little strange on our modern ears. Look at Psalm 58:11-13.

Kill them not, lest my people forget;

    make them totter by your power and bring them down,

    O Lord, our shield!

For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips,

    let them be trapped in their pride.

For the cursing and lies that they utter,

    consume them in wrath;

    consume them till they are no more,

that they may know that God rules over Jacob

    to the ends of the earth.

That is pretty harsh, isn't it? He asked God to make his enemies homeless wanderers and bring their lives low. The prayer that they would be caught in their pride and in their lies - that doesn't sound too strange, but in verse 13, when he calls on God to consume these people in divine rage until they are completely gone, we recoil a little. 

These are called imprecatory Psalms and this one is fairly mild compared to some of the other such Psalms that David prayed. Check out Psalm 109 for an example. 

It would not be wise to use the imprecatory prayers of David as a template for our own prayer life. Several observations can be made here. 

First, it is right and good to take your anger and hurt to God. When you are injured by someone, tell God about it. He knows already, but you can vent your anger to him. God hears our prayers, but he also hears our laments, our sighs and our tears. Tell God about your pain. 

Second, David is not seeking vengeance here. He knew the biblical principle that vengeance belonged to God. He called out for God's vengeance but he did not seek it on his own. And, in fact, God is one who dispenses justice. If someone has has injured one of the children of God, he will repay. He will deal with those who attack his children. 

Finally, we must respond to the revelation we have. David lived in a different era. He worshiped the same God but did not yet have the revelation of Jesus. Jesus gave us a new ethic, a new way to treat our enemies. We are to love them and pray for them - not imprecatory prayers of destruction, but prayers for God's blessing and his righteous power in their lives. The teachings of Jesus have superseded David's imprecations. We must live by the revelation we have been given in Christ and in the New Testament writings. 

So, we can learn a comforting lesson from David's harsh prayers. God cares about our hurts and will listen to our cries. He will act to protect and preserve us. So it is right that we would carry our hurts to God and call to him for help. But when we pray for our enemies in this era we ought to pray for God's blessings on them, to love our enemies as Christ commanded. 

Father, I thank you that I can bring my hurts to you and that you care about me. Protect me from those who would seek my harm, and transform their lives by the power of your Spirit. 

The Illusion of Worldly Power - May 9 Readings: 2 Samuel 7-8, Luke 23:1–25, Psalm 59:1–6, Proverbs 12:19-20

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We live in a world of illusion. Think about Jesus as he stood before Pilate, in Luke 23:1-5, and before Herod in Luke 23:6-13. These were powerful men and Jesus was a prisoner, a pauper, seemingly under their thumb.

Consider what everyone else thought as Jesus stood before Pilate, thinking that Pilate held Jesus' life in his hands. People stood there wondering what Pilate was going to do with Jesus, what decision he would make. Jesus was at the mercy of the Roman governor - so thought everyone who was there that day.

But that was nothing but an illusion. Pilate was not running the show that day. Satan moved in hearts and tried to destroy Jesus, but he was not in charge. Evil men did evil things, but the religious leaders were not dictating the course of events. Despite appearances, nobody was doing anything to Jesus. He was doing as he willed, according to the Father's plan devised in eternity past for the redemption of man. God was doing what he purposed to do.

That is the illusion we live with. It appears that evil men are doing evil things and that the purposes of God are threatened. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is still on the throne. Does it seem like things are so bad that nothing good can come from them? That is an illusion. Do you feel abandoned by God? It's not real. Does it seem certain that evil will prevail and the cause of righteousness be defeated in this world? A mirage in the desert. That is not reality.

God is at work. His purposes are sometimes hidden and his plans are often confusing to us. He works on his own time table, not ours. But make no mistake, our God is in control. He is still working out his plan in this world and all his promises are still true - no matter how it looks.

Our job as believers is to look at God and his word and hold on to the truth, regardless of what seems to be real in this world. We walk by faith and not by sight. We have to believe what we cannot see.

Father, sometimes I get my eyes on this world and begin to despair. It is so wicked all around. But I thank you that you are in control, completely trustworthy and faithful in every way - regardless of what my eyes see or my heart feels. 

The Children of Michal - May 8 Readings: 2 Samuel 5-6, Luke 22:47–71, Psalm 58:5–11, Proverbs 12:17-18

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2 Samuel 6:23 makes a strong statement, which in context seems to carry a warning of judgment.

And Michal, the daughter of Saul, had no child to the day of her death.

No, we should not see the inability to conceive children as a judgment from God. In this case, it was, but that it is not always so. Here, Michal's inability to have a child was a physical marker of the spiritual barrenness of her soul. When David worshiped God with joy and abandon she showed emptiness in her soul that God determined would manifest in an empty womb. 

The Ark of God was returning to Israel and David was overjoyed. As the ark was brought down the streets of the city, David was "leaping and dancing before the Lord." Michal despised him because she thought his actions lacked the dignity that was proper for the King of Israel. She scorned David as he let loose a volley of public praise.  He was thinking about the glory of God; she was concerned with the reputation of the king.  She did not participate in the praise, but she certainly would criticize those who did. She was barren of soul.  She did not know what it was like to lose herself in the praise of God, and she had no desire to find out. 

David rebuked her sharply and let it be known that he was going to worship God with all his heart whether she was happy about it or not. He intended to celebrate the Lord passionately and constantly. His heart belonged first to God. 

Just after her expression of disdain is this note that she was  unable to have children, and in this case it seems that her physical barrenness was an outward expression of the inner barrenness of her soul. 

Michal never bore a child, but she has many descendants. Her descendants scorn those who get emotional and expressive when they worship. Yes, there is an  unhealthy emotionalism that infects much of worship today and we need to be biblically grounded so as not to fall prey to every wind of doctrine that blows through our churches. 

But the worship of God is expressive, it is enthusiastic, it involves not only the mind but also the will and the emotions. And we ought never denigrate those who express their joy to God. May the joyous spirit of David, not the barren heart of Michal, characterize our worship, both personal and public. 

Father, may I never be a child of Michal - barren of soul and disdaining those who love you. May I know your truth, know your Son, and celebrate his love and grace with all my heart. 

Two Styles of Prayer - May 7 Readings: 2 Samuel 3-4, Luke 22:31–46, Psalm 58:1–4, Proverbs 12:15-16

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Long ago I read an essay by CS Lewis about prayer in which he defined two styles of prayer - "A Pattern" and "B Pattern" prayers. He showed that both are found in the Bible, frequently, but that they seem to be diametrically opposed to each other and admitted that he had no solution to the problem presented by these divergent prayer styles.

"A Pattern" prayers call for the will of God to be done, for his glory to be revealed and his sovereign plan to be carried out on the earth. "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," Jesus prayed in Matthew 6. When we pray "A Pattern" prayers, we seek the will of God and submit ourselves to that will. The goal of these prayers is to align ourselves with the divine will.

In "B Pattern" prayers, we make bold requests, in which we petition God for that which we need or want. In Matthew 7:7 Jesus sanctioned this type of prayer when he said to his disciples, "Ask and it will be given to you." We all to God for the desires of our hearts!

Which kind of prayer is right? Ought we pray to ask God to give us our desires or ought we pray to seek to align our hearts with the will of God. The answer to that would seem, from the example of Jesus in Luke 22:42, to be YES. As Lewis said, this is a quandary with no easy solution. We don't choose one or the other, but like Jesus, we engage in both.

“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

In one short prayer, Jesus prayed both styles of prayer. He made a bold request, perhaps the boldest ever made. Think about it. In eternity past, the Godhead devised this glorious plan of redemption then the night before the plan went into effect, Jesus says, "Let's find another way. I don't want to go through with it." What is bolder than that. There is nothing wrong with asking big things from God. Bold things. That which only God can do, which requires the miraculous release of God's power. Do it. Pray big. Pray bold. Pray audacious and aggressive prayers.

But Jesus did not demand his own way. He asked God for his request, then he returned to A Pattern prayer. "Your will be done." Do you really want your will to be done instead of God's? Do you really want that thing you ask for if God has something different for you? Don't you trust God enough to believe that his way, even if it requires suffering, sacrifice, and hardship (as it certainly did for Jesus) may lead to a greater blessing in the end that what you THINK you want or you THINK you need.

So pray big prayers. I stood beside a woman who was about to die knowing she would probably die. I asked God to heal her and raise her up. He didn't. But that didn't stop me from asking. Ask God to save sinners and bring revival and turn the darkness to light and do what only he can do!

But don't be a petulant child demanding that God yield to you. Don't forget which one of your is God! It is his will that ought to be done, not yours. His will is best, his ways are right and our default position ought to always be to yield to his will. Ask God audacious requests then fall into his arms of grace and trust him to do what is right.

Father, I thank you for the privilege of praying and asking you for big things. But I also pray that your will, not mine, will always be done. There is comfort in knowing that you are in charge, not me. 

The Suicide of Evil - May 6 Readings: 2 Samuel 1-2, Luke 22:1–30, Psalm 57, Proverbs 12:13-14

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Luke 22:3 contains five interesting words.

"Then Satan entered into Judas..." 

The time of the death of Jesus Christ was drawing near and Satan was at work to bring his enemy down. He had set himself against the Creator and was committed to bringing all of the Father's work to nothing.

So, he "entered" Judas, one of Jesus' own disciples, to lead him to betray Jesus. This did not absolve Judas of his guilt in Jesus' death, but it did produce one of the greatest ironies in history.

Think about it. Satan, the great enemy of God, moved in the heart of Judas to betray Jesus to the Romans and bring his life to an end. It must have seemed like a great victory. If Satan can feel joy or glee, it must have happened as he saw Jesus tried, convicted, tortured, ridiculed and eventually crucified. But here is the irony. The events that Satan put into place when he entered into Judas, the events he thought were his moment of glory, were actually suicide. He was destroying himself. When Jesus died, Satan was finished. When Jesus rose, Satan's death blow was inflicted. He is still thrashing around and seeking to destroy, but Jesus has mortally wounded the enemy.

Sin is suicide; it always destroys itself. When Satan rebelled against God, his destiny was sealed. When he moved in Judas to betray Jesus, he was actually causing his own destruction. That is the nature of sin. It presents itself as fun, as pleasure or as profit. But in the end, it is nothing but destruction. Self-destruction.

Christians are often called unloving when we identify sin as sin. But if the Word of God is true, then we are simply trying to prevent people from engaging in spiritual suicide. Is it love to stand by and watch as someone destroys themselves?

Satan's schemes resulted in his own destruction. My sinful choices may seem fun at the moment, but they are spiritual suicide. Each time I choose sin I am not only offending God but hurting myself.

Father, you are the Creator of Life and the one who blesses me with life both eternal and abundant. Help me to remember that rebellion against you is not only offensive, but destructive to all that you have intended to bless me with. 

Our Redemption Draws Near - May 5 Readings: 1 Samuel 29-31, Luke 21:25–38, Psalm 56:9–13, Proverbs 12:11-12

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So, do you think Jesus is coming back in our lifetime?

All of my life I've heard people say that, and I would certain love to be part of the generation that heard the trumpets instead of having to face the undertaker. Generation after generation of believers has anticipated seeing Jesus Christ reversing his ascension into heaven.

Even in Jesus day, before his death and resurrection, people wanted to know when the end would come how they would know when the days of the end were drawing near. What kind of signs would serve as markers of the end?

I'm guessing that no one liked Jesus' answers much. He never gave them the clear answers they sought, never scratched their curiosity-itch. He told them that they would never know when the end was near, that Jesus would return "as a thief in the night - without warning - and that their job was to be continually prepared for whenever Jesus returned. That's not what they wanted to hear!

It is easy (and dangerous) to become morbidly fascinated with the details of the end times that we miss the greatest message of all. Jesus reminded his disciples of the message in Luke 21:27-28.

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

We are looking for the SON, not a series of signs that will warn us to get our lives in order. I cannot tell you whether Jesus will come back in my lifetime. I just don't know and Jesus said that was the way the Father wanted it. But I do know two things. First, I know that Jesus is coming back one day. He is not gone forever. He will descend from heaven with "power and great glory."

I also know that Jesus intended his second coming to be a source of comfort to us - not just curiosity or debate. We live in a sinful world in which wickedness is increasing and often seems to prevail. But we can rest assured that the enemy's days are numbered and one day this world will give glory where glory is due.

In that day, all the promises of God will be fulfilled. Our sin will be done away with and Jesus will be Lord of all. Lift up your head, believer, our redemption is near. Our Redeemer is near. You can trust him and rely on him. He will stand in victory over this earth.

In the midst of difficult days, we have the assurance of the final victory of Jesus Christ! This sinful world's days are numbered!

Father, I rejoice in your victory over sin in my life and in this world. I long to see that day. Comfort me with that hope today.

The Wrong Path! May 4 Readings: 1 Samuel 27-28, Luke 21:1–24, Psalm 56:1–8, Proverbs 12:9-10

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So often, Saul had gotten the wisdom of God through the prophet Samuel. Now, Samuel was gone and God was no longer speaking to Saul because of his sin. That didn't stop him from trying though. In 1 Samuel 28, Saul needed some information. He saw the Philistine camp at Shunem and felt  surge of fear and panic inside. He needed advice. Should he fight them or not? So he inquired of the Lord, seeking God wisdom and guidance.

And God said nothing.

So, Saul had a choice. He could repent of his sin and seek God's mercy and grace. Saul had sinned grievously and repeatedly - that was the reason that God would no longer guide him. But God responds to repentance. David had been anointed to the next king, but if Scripture teaches anything it is that those repent before God find mercy.

Saul chose a different path. He went to the foot of Mt. Tabor to a village named En-dor where a medium still resided. In his better days, Saul had removed those who practiced the occult from Israel, but now he sought one out - how far had he fallen.

The strange encounter raises more questions than it answers - if Samuel was "absent from the body and present with the Lord" how on earth did he appear to the medium? It seems this might have been an anomalous moment in which God allowed what was normally either fake or satanic to be used to accomplish his purposes. But what is clear is that Saul had once again chosen the dark path of sin.

In Saul's folly, he ignored this basic truth - you cannot gain God's wisdom unless you first seek God's mercy. You cannot bypass repentance and obedience and still hope to experience his hand of blessing. Yes, we relate to God on the basis of his grace but we cannot expect to know the joys of God's mercies while walking in rebellion and sin.

Duh!

Saul, like so many since him, have forgotten that basic truth. Our God is gracious, loving and merciful, but those who flaunt his grace in rebellion and refuse to repent cannot expect to know that love!

Father, I come to you in repentance for my sin, which is so great. Show me your way, your grace and your wisdom. 

Burdened - May 3 Readings: 1 Samuel 25-26, Luke 20:27–47, Psalm 55:19–23, Proverbs 12:7-8

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Ever feel weighed down and burdened by life?

Maybe it is a financial issue that constantly gnaws at you. Perhaps there is a family conflict or concern for a child who is not walking with God as you would wish. Maybe there is just a series of circumstances that pile up one on top of the other that has you stressed out and overwhelmed. All too often, it is a person who has hurt or harassed you in some way and you just cannot seem to put the past in the past.

David dealt with such issues all the time and in Psalm 55:22 he told us what to do when circumstances such as this arose.

Cast your burden on the Lord,

    and he will sustain you;

he will never permit

    the righteous to be moved.

Give it to God. Don't try to cope as best you can. Don't seek for motivation, inner strength, escape in a pill or a bottle, vengeance or any one of the myriad solutions we come up with in the flesh. Take it to the Lord and cast the burden on him. "Here, God, this belongs to you!" 

When we do that, we have God's promise that he will sustain us, hold us up, and see us through. God is faithful and good. 

It is important to remember the basis of that promise. God will never allow the "righteous" to be shaken. If we are his, if we are righteous before him, then we have this glorious privilege of casting our burdens on him and knowing his sustaining grace. 

But too often, we think our answered prayers depend on our own righteousness and strength. We forget where the righteousness comes from. It comes from the Lord. He is the one who justifies us by the blood of his son, declares us righteous and enables us to walk in his holiness day by day. 

It is because we belong to God, because we have been saved by grace through the work of Christ, that we can come to him for this sustaining grace. 

So, my friend remember a couple of things today, as you struggle with burdens. If you have put your faith in Christ, you are righteous and you have access to the grace of God. You do not have to carry your burdens alone. You can cast them on the broad shoulders of God and he will bear them for you. He will never allow you, his righteous child, to be shaken. 

Father, thank you that through Christ I have the right to come to you with my burdens. I cast them upon you and trust in you. Lord, sustain me in your grace. 

Betrayed - May 2 Readings: 1 Samuel 23-24, Luke 20:1–26, Psalm 55:12–18, Proverbs 12:5-6

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David lived a life of hurt. He was a man after God's own heart and he suffered rejection and betrayal. Much of it was without cause - rooted in jealousy and bitterness. Some of it came as a consequence of his own sin. But David had much experience in being betrayed.

In Psalm 55:12-14, he laments the betrayal of one he considered a friend.

For it is not an enemy who taunts me—

    then I could bear it;

it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—

    then I could hide from him.

But it is you, a man, my equal,

    my companion, my familiar friend.

We used to take sweet counsel together;

    within God's house we walked in the throng.

A man who worshiped with him, who was a friend, had betrayed him and attacked him. That had to hurt. We too often forget that the men and women of the Bible were not infused with superpowers. They were flesh and blood - real people with real pain. And when a friend betrayed David, he felt it every bit as much as you and I would. In fact, that is probably the greatest pain there is, to have a friend stab you in the back and try to bring you down. 

And, unfortunately, it happens to all of us at one time or another. Sometimes it is out of the blue and sometimes our own failings have given the person ammunition to use against us. But the pain is real either way. 

How do we handle this? What are we to do? We can learn a lot of from David's response. Yes, he was hurt, even angry, but he called out to God. He called for justice and for God to act. But he also said this, in verses 16-17. 

But I call to God,

    and the Lord will save me.

Evening and morning and at noon

    I utter my complaint and moan,

    and he hears my voice.

David couldn't let betrayal just bounce off of him. He groaned and he complained. But he groaned and complained to the gracious God who heard him and responded to rescue and protect him. 

Father, when I am injured, when I am hurt, help me to respond in your grace. May I call out to you and not seek vengeance. May I rely on your justice and rest in your mercy.