"The Act of Worship" March 31 Readings: 2 Samuel 22-24, Psalm 95

Today's Reading - 2 Samuel 22-24, Psalm 95

Background

Our readings today wrap up the life of David in 2 Samuel, recording the second of his two major sins. This time, he numbered the fighting men. Though this seemed like a small thing, it was big to God, because it was an act of pride and self-reliance instead of dependence on God.

Devotional - The Act of Worship

Wow, we had a great worship service today!

What do people mean when they say that? Usually, they mean that there was a full building and great enthusiasm. Maybe the music was rocking and they felt a sense of God's presence. Perhaps they refer to the sermon that the pastor preached when we opened the word of God and delivered the truth from heaven to the lives we live on earth.

And all of that matters. It matters that our hearts are lifted up in exaltation to God. Too many evangelical churches treat emotion like a disease. It ought never be the engine of worship, but if our time in God's presence with the Body of Christ does not move us deeply, something is not right. And the word of God ought to stir our souls as well. Pastors ought to bring powerful messages from the Bible that draw people to examine their lives and become like Christ.

But none of that is true worship. You can attend church, sing every song, stand and wave your arms, feel deep emotions, listen carefully to the sermon, take notes, and shout amen loudly, and still leave church without having worshiped the Living God. That is because there is a specific act of worship, inherent in the word itself, that is the sine qua non of the practice of worship. If you do this act, you have worshiped. If you do not, no matter what else you do, no matter how loudly, how enthusiastically, or how emotionally you do it, you have not worshiped.

Psalm 95:6-7 makes this absolutely clear.

Come, let us worship and bow down;let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.For he is our God,and we are the people of his pasture, the sheep under his care.

When you truly worship God, you bow down before him, as a subject to a king. Worship is the act of bowing before the king and recognizing his absolute and complete authority over your life. "You are my Lord and King." That is worship.

• Worship is not singing songs, it is bowing before the King. 
• Worship is not listening to sermons, it is bowing before the King. 
• Worship is not giving offerings, it is bowing before the King. 

All of those acts are designed to help us worship, to bow down and give our lives anew to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Worship isn't about how you feel, it is about what you do. Did you bow the knee before your King and submit yourself again to him as your Lord?

Father, I worship you as my King. I bow my knee to you, humbly. You own me. You rule me. 

Think and Pray

When you attend church, when you read the Bible and pray, is it to have an "experience" with God, or is it to "worship and bow down" before your Creator, your Lord?
True worship is to bow down, to kneel before the Lord.

"Words that Wound" March 30 Readings: Psalm 5, 38, 41-42

Today's Reading - Psalm 5, 38, 41-42

Background

David repented of his sin when Nathan confronted him and was fully and completely forgiven. But because the consequences of his sin did not end I suspect that his sorrow for his sin was also constant. Every trial he had was a reminder not only of the wickedness of man but also of his own failure.

We live in that paradox often. As sinners, we often give those who hate us, who oppose us, who would hurt us, ample reason to criticize. But that doesn't mean they are justified in their sinful words. David continually called out for grace knowing that though he was not sinless neither was he abandoned by the grace of God.

Devotional - Words that Wound

Words are like knives; the cut deep and leave gaping wounds in our hearts. Maybe it was a parent who poured out their anger and frustration on their children with cruel words. Perhaps a friend you thought would stand with you whose words slice deep instead. Maybe someone finds a flaw, a weakness, a struggle and uses it to cut you up; or perhaps they make up their dagger-words with no regard to truth. But what all of us have in common is that we have been wounded by words from friends, family, fellow-believers, and others.

Whoever made up the statement "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me," had lost touch with all reality.

From the moment that David came to the palace, from the time he stood toe to toe with Goliath, David was the subject of lies, insults, betrayal and evil plots. Men whom he had never wronged determined to destroy him, using every shameful tactic in the book. I'm sure it hurt David as much as it hurts you and me when someone skewers us with unkindness.

But David had learned the secret of dealing with the savage words, the wounds of betrayal. He took them to God, pouring out his heart asking for God's strength and protection.

In Psalm 38, David was repenting of his sin; doing so in a beautiful and powerful way. Of course, whenever we walk in sin we give our enemies weapons to use against us; ammunition for their attacks. But David was not afraid, once he had repented, to call to God for help from these attacks. Our faults and our sins are serious and must be dealt with, but they do not give permission to others to verbally abuse us nor do they negate God's protection on us when we are attacked.

For I said, “Don’t let them rejoice over me—

those who are arrogant toward me when I stumble.”

For I am about to fall,

and my pain is constantly with me.

So I confess my iniquity;

I am anxious because of my sin.

But my enemies are vigorous and powerful;

many hate me for no reason. Psalm 38:16-19

Take your burdens to the Lord. Sometimes people will unfairly attack you and hurt you, but you can take that to the Lord. Sometimes they will use your faults and failings as ammunition for those attacks, but still you can go to the Lord. He is our help, our strength, our comfort. Yes, he will confront us with our sin when necessary, but he will never condemn us. Nor will he stand by idly while others condemn us unjustly. 

Lord, do not abandon me;

my God, do not be far from me.

Hurry to help me,

my Lord, my salvation! Psalm 38:21-22

God will never abandon his children - not even when we have messed up royally as David did. He was on his face repenting here, but he still knew that he could call to God for protection and help. 

Our Father in heaven is an excellent father!

Father, I have given my enemies so much ammunition through the years. But I thank you that you are faithful, that there is no condemnation in you! You bring me to repentance to restore me, to lift me up. Help me to always walk in humility, but also in the confidence that you are my rock and my salvation!

Think and Pray

Do you hold on to that important balance?
You are not sinless and should never pretend you are or deny your failures, but neither should you be defined by or hindered by the criticisms of critics, those who seek to drag you down.
Think through what it means to be both humble about your own sin and confident in the grace of Christ.
As you think of the words of others that wound you, think as well of your words and see that they do not wound others.

"Falsely Accused" March 29 Readings: 2 Samuel 16-18, Psalm 61-62, 64

Today's Reading - 2 Samuel 16-18, Psalm 61-62, 64

Background

The tragic story of Absalom is today's focus. A consequence of David's sin was bitterness in his son's heart and David's loss of clear moral authority to deal with his sons and their misdeeds. When he fell, he seemed to lose his way in other ways. Sin never helps us!

But David saw God's gracious hand and the Psalms we read continue the theme of seeking God's help in the dark times of life.

Devotional - Falsely Accused

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 bloodshed, you wicked man! The Lord has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul in whose place you became king, and the Lord has handed the kingdom over to your son Absalom. Look, you are in trouble because you’re a man of bloodshed!”  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 backward for them. Shimei's 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.

Later, we 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. 

Think and Pray

Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says that Lord.
That is a tough concept to get hold of, isn't it? Do you try to settle accounts yourself, or do you allow God to handle those who mistreat you?

"Burdened" March 28 Readings: Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55

Today's Reading - Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55 

Background

These Psalms tend to focus on dealing with trials and hardships. What is interesting here is that we know that most of David's trials at this point in his life were self-inflicted - consequences of his sin with Bathsheba. But still, even though he was not pristine and innocent, he could still go to God and seek his help.

God cares about you and your problems, even the ones you have caused yourself. He may not deliver you from every consequence of your own sin and or your bad choices, but even when you have failed you can still look to him.

Devotional - Burdened

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 allow the righteous to be shaken.

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. 

Think and Pray

Do you try to bear your burdens on your own, or do you "cast all your cares upon him, because he cares for you?"
Remember that God cares for you, even when you have messed up.

"Grace in the Darkness" March 27 Readings: 2 Samuel 13-15, Psalm 86, 122

Today's Reading - 2 Samuel 13-15, Psalm 86, 122

Background

Having sinned and beautifully repented, David was restored in his relationship with God. But that did not protect him from the basic rule of life. "You reap what you sow." He sowed sin into his family and reaped a terrible harvest. A son raped a half-sister and another son murdered the offender. That son rebelled against David and almost overthrew his kingdom.

Forgiveness is complete and immediate, but it never shields us from consequences. David's house was never free from trouble after he sinned in this way.

Devotional - Grace in the Darkness

The Psalms have such variety. They ascend the heights of God's glory and plumb the depths of human wickedness. There is hardly an emotion, a life issue or an aspect of a man's relationship with God that is not explored at some point.

But the most common of all of these topics is human pain and suffering. The Psalmist asks why. He rages and moans. He calls out to God for sustaining grace, provision and protection. In Psalm 86, David delves into many of these issues.

We don't know what the provocation was for this psalm, but it seems to have come in that time after his sinful fall when he was dealing with the terrible consequences. It could have been the betrayal by one of his friends, an attack from an enemy, or some other grief or hardship in life. Perhaps it is best that we do not know what was troubling David since each of us has different struggles and troubles, none of which was likely common to the king of Israel. One of you who reads this may be struggling with illness, dealing with the devastation of a diagnosis that horrified you. Or perhaps it is finances - you are drowning in debt or your job is in jeopardy. Many suffer with the most common and painful of struggles as they live with their daily concern over a spouse or a child or some other family member who is far from God and making choices that are foolish and destructive. There are myriad struggles that life can throw at us, but David's response to his struggle is a model to us all.

In verse 1, we learn two things - both what he did and how he did it.

Listen, Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.

He brought his pain and suffering to the God who cared about him and he came in an attitude of humility and weakness. He did not stride into God's presence in pride demanding his rights, but came as "poor and needy" asking God to hear and answer his prayers. He realized that even though on earth he might have been king, his earthly standing meant nothing before heaven. He needed God's grace as much as the pauper or beggar.

We see another attitude in verse 5 that is essential. He recognized sin as an impediment to prayer and he came to God for grace and forgiveness.

For you, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive,
abounding in faithful love to all who call on you.

He was not coming to demand what he had earned but to seek the grace of a God who forgives sin (through Christ, we now know!). He sought the undeserved favor of God. David lays claim, even in this psalm, to being "godly" and a servant of God. But he also realizes that he is what he is because of what God has done for him.

David was persistent in prayer, call out to God (verse 3) "all the day." His prayers were constant, fervent and faithful. God knows our needs and desires, and he hears our prayers, but the Bible makes it clear that he responds to persistent prayer by his people.

When life was hard, David turned to God and called out to him. And every time, he found God faithful. God heard his prayers and forgave him, delivered him, provided for him and protected him.

Father, when I am in distress, may I do as David did and seek you. Thank you for being a good, loving and forgiving God who gives me what I don't deserve - your forgiveness and love. 

Think and Pray

Do you come to God with the humble attitude of a beggar seeking undeserved favor?
He is a gracious God but we must come to him in repentance.

"Sin's Horror" March 26 Readings: 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20, Psalm 32, 51

Today's Reading - 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20, Psalm 32, 51

Background

Today's reading is well-known. David and Bath-sheba. A good man does a bad thing. Books could be (and have been) written about this story. The repentance in Psalm 51 is powerful and exemplary.

Devotional - Sin's Horror 

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 anytime, 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 make 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 brings 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 affect 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. 

Think and Pray

Do you deal forthrightly with your sin?

"Why, God, Why?" March 25 Readings: Psalm 65-67, 69-70

Today's Reading - Psalm 65-67, 69-70

Background

The Psalms are "worldly" - in the best sense. They are the effort of the Psalmist (David or whoever else) to put the events of this world into a divine perspective. The writer looks at his life's events and asks what God is doing.

Devotional - Why, God, Why?

Why did God let that happen?

It is one of the most frustrating questions people ask because it is one for which I seldom have an answer. I don't understand the glory of God nor do I have a playbook describing the purposes behind everything he does. I do have a Bible, though, and it reveals many reasons that God allows us to go through hard times. Sometimes, it is to discipline us, sometimes to give us spiritual exercise by which to grow, often it is for reasons that are mysterious.

But Psalm 66:10-12 shows us another. That psalm reveals God's marvelous work to deliver his people, though we do not know the specifics of the issue they faced. But the Psalmist understood why God was letting them walk through "fire and water."

For you, God, tested us;

you refined us as silver is refined.

You lured us into a trap;

you placed burdens on our backs.

You let men ride over our heads;

we went through fire and water,

but you brought us out to abundance.

God had a purpose for the suffering - it was to test them and to refine them. God often allows hard things to come into our lives to simply demonstrate the status of our faith in him. Job suffered greatly so that God could demonstrate that his faith was genuine. Abraham demonstrated the sincerity of his faith by putting his love for God ahead of his deep love for his only son.

But God was also using suffering to refine them like silver. When silver is melted the impurities come to the surface and can be removed so that the silver can be made pure. To purify our lives God will sometimes allow the heat to build up all around us. Our impurities can then be dealt with so that we might truly be pure in heart.

The Psalmist accepts that it was God who put them in the fire - he "lured" them, placed burdens on their backs and allowed others to "ride over their heads." But he knew the end result would be the abundant blessing of God. God would lead them through deep waters to set their feet on solid rock. God would allow pain to produce blessing at the end.

We seldom have the answer to the question "Why?" We are called to trust the God who knows what is best for us and who uses everything, even our suffering, for his glory and for our good.

Father, help me to trust that your goodness will be revealed in the end and that even that which is bad in my eyes can (and will) result in your glory!

Think and Pray

Think of the hardships and trials you have been experiencing in recent days. Perhaps you have been upset and angry about it.
Considering biblical teachings, what reasons might God have for allowing these circumstances?
What might he be doing in your life?

"Humbly Confident" March 24 Readings: 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 18, Psalm 20, 60, 75

Today's Reading - 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 18, Psalm 20, 60, 75 

Background

The passages in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles recount more of David's victories, leading up to, in 2 Samuel, his fall into sin. The Psalms we read today all deal with those victories and explain that they come by the power of God.

Two key passages in these Psalms for our meditation.

Psalm 20:7-8. Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses,
but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God.
They collapse and fall,
but we rise and stand firm.

Psalm 75:6-7  Exaltation does not come
from the east, the west, or the desert,
for God is the Judge:
He brings down one and exalts another.

Devotional - Humbly Confident 

Where is your confidence? From what source do you get your security?

• Does it come from the money you have in the bank - your insurance, your nest egg, your savings? 
• Does it come from your friends; what people think of you and what they say about you? 
• Does it come from your self-image; what you think of yourself? 

David went through innumerable challenges from the day that the prophet Samuel showed up at his home and anointed him as the next king. He fought a giant and for his trouble came to be seen as the enemy of the king. He was hounded and harassed, chased from his home. He had more enemies than he could count.

But he did not trust in his own abilities or even in the loyalty and strength of the mighty men who surrounded him. He had learned something that saw him through the difficult days. In the three Psalms we read today and especially in the two passages copied above, we see a key concept. Our strength comes from God, not from anything in this world.

In Psalm 75:6-7, David asserted that God was the one who sets up one and puts down another. His duty was to be obedient to the Lord of Heaven. God would exalt him or bring him low by the dictates of his own will. David did not have to scheme, manipulate, fret, or stress. All he needed to do was to trust and obey.

The secret was revealed in Psalm 20:7-8. He need not take pride in chariots and horses - what a normal warrior would trust his life to. He simply put his faith in the name of the Lord and God would make him stand firm.

As I live my life, I need not live in fear of others and what they can do to me, or even seek what they can do for me. My strength comes from heaven. My duty is to seek him and obey him. He is the one I can depend on no matter what is going on in this world.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way...

Father, help me to live and walk in faithful obedience to you every day of my life. May I never trust in myself or the work of others, but in you and in your work in my life. 

Think and Pray

Do you trust in God for everything, or do you scheme and manipulate, seek to curry favor with others, and try to "do-it-yourself?" 

"Victory after Victory" March 23 Readings: 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18, Psalm 50, 53

Today's Reading - 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18, Psalm 50, 53

Background

Few books of the Bible are as easily and purposefully outlined as 2 Samuel. In the first ten chapters of the book, David experiences one victory after another. Chapter 8 here recounts several of these. David is walking in obedience to God and under his daily blessing and protection. In chapter 11, David spies Bathsheba and embraces sin. From that point on, 2 Samuel records one struggle after the other in David's life. Even though he repented, the consequences of his sin followed him to the end of his days, especially troubling his family.

Devotional - Victory after Victory

It is indisputable throughout the Old Testament. When God's people were obedient they were victorious. They defeated their enemies, their crops were abundant, the rains fell, their children prospered. When they wandered away from God the skies dried up and their barns emptied out. Their enemies suddenly gained the upper hand and many terrible things happened to their children.

Some want to take this and extrapolate the idea that serving God is a guarantee of victory, of success, of prosperity and health - of all of life's good things. But we know from the New Testament that such is not so. Paul said that he learned to be content whatever the circumstances - when things were going well and when they weren't. The Apostles, like Jesus, suffered loss and hardship in the service of Christ.

Should we ignore these teachings and the example of David and other OT heroes? Of course not, but we must put them in their proper context. Those blessings that for the saints of the OT were temporal and physical are for us eternal and spiritual. Yes, we have victory over our enemies when we walk with Christ, but that doesn't guarantee that life will be a bowl of cherries. It means that we have the strength that we need to resist the devil, control our flesh, and not give into the temptations of the world. We are guaranteed prosperity of the soul regardless of how our checkbook looks.

Yes, our good God often pours out blessings on us, far beyond what we deserve, but our treasures are heavenly and our hope awaits us when we see Jesus face to face. Yes, just like David, we must walk in obedience to see the victories of God. But while David's victories were physical ours are spiritual. His came on earth, ours in heaven.

Father, thank you that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us. We thank you for the heavenly treasures that await us when we serve Christ. 

Think and Pray

Do you live for and expect God to reward you here on earth for your service to him?

"My Strength and Shield" March 22 Readings: Psalm 25, 28, 33, 36, 39

Today's Reading - Psalm 25, 28, 33, 36, 39

Background

More Psalms of David, calling out to God. David's songs express his heart, his emotions - everything he is going through directly to God.

Devotional - My Strength and Shield 

Two things come to mind when you consider the life of David, the Psalmist. First, from the moment he was accosted by and anointed by Samuel to be the King of Israel, his life was difficult. Later he was the cause of some of his own problems when he sinned with Bathsheba, but early on he was the victim of the jealousy and evil of an increasingly unstable man, King Saul. Saul pursued him, harassed him, lied about him, and repeatedly tried to kill him. David spent time hiding out in caves and living in exile because of Saul's envy and hatred.

But the most notable thing about David was that he took his pain to God. That is what the Psalms are all about. A friend of mine recently observed that it didn't matter how David felt or what was going on in his life, he sang praises to God no matter what. My friend is right. When David was happy he went to God. When David was angry he went to God. When people betrayed him he took it to God. When enemies threatened him he called on God for help.

And God helped him. Every time. In Psalm 28:7-8, David spells out some of the help he received from the hand of The Lord.

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
    and with my song I give thanks to him.

The Lord is the strength of his people;
    he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

When I am weak and I struggle to see how I can make it through another day, the Lord is my strength.

When enemies attack me as they did David, I am not alone. Yahweh is my shield and I am protected!

When I trust in God and depend on him I know that whatever help I truly need I will receive. I may not get all that I want but I will have all that I need. 

When life is confusing, overwhelming, stressful or discouraging, I know that there is a stronghold to which I can run, a place of peace and calm, a refuge from life's storms. That refuge is not a place, but a person. Yahweh is my strength and my stronghold. 

David knew that life would not always be easy, but he knew that whatever came he could trust in God and he would be helped!

Thank you, Lord, that whenever I trust in you, I find help. You are my strength, you are my protection. You are my refuge. 

Think and Pray

Do you trust God fully and completely?
When things go wrong and the world is falling apart, is your faith in him unshaken?

"God Turns the Tables" March 21 Readings: 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17

Today's Reading - 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17 

Background

There are four great covenants in the Old Testament. The Noahic covenant was made after the flood, when God set the rainbow as a sign of his promise not to flood the earth in his wrath ever again. The Abrahamic covenant gave Israel the land, promised them descendants, and insured God's blessings until the end of time. The Mosaic covenant, based on the Ten Commandments, obligated Israel to follow God's law to receive his daily blessings. And now, the Davidic Covenant established the descendants of David (including the ultimate descendant, Jesus) as the rulers of Israel forever.

Devotional - Turning the Tables

David had a heart for God and God rewarded that in a wonderful way. 

David had taken the city of Jebusites, the city we now know as Jerusalem, and something was bothering him. He had built himself a nice palace and was living the good life, but the House of the Lord was just a tent. David had a heart for the glory of God!

God had never expressed a desire for a fancy temple, but it was in David's heart to do so. He could not feel good living in luxury and unless he worked to build a house for God. So, he consulted the prophet Nathan who agreed with him. It was a great idea. Nathan assured him that God was on his side and that he should do what was in his heart.

But God had another idea. Evidently, Nathan had assumed God's blessing, because during the night God spoke to him, loud and clear. He reminded him that he had been perfectly content with his glory dwelling in a tent. The glory of God was what mattered, not the shell in which it was displayed.

That is when God turned the tables on David, in 2 Samuel 7:11 (and 1 Chronicles 17:10). God told him that he was not going to build God's house but that God was going to establish the house and lineage of David. Because David's heart had been to bless God, God was going to bless David. Verses 12-14 establish what is known as the Davidic covenant. God established the house of David as an eternal line of kings. This was a physical promise that culminated in the birth of a baby in Bethlehem who was hailed by angels as the Savior, Christ the Lord.

David sought to bless God and God turned the tables on him, blessing him instead. We do not generally receive the same kind of specific and temporal promises David did, but when we give our lives to seeking to bless God, God pours out blessings on us. Every hear the old saw, "You can't out-give God?" This passage teaches us that you can't out-bless God!

When, like David, you devote yourself to him, when you give yourself to serving his glory with your body, soul, and spirit, you will receive greater blessings than you can imagine - blessings that are eternal and spiritual.

Father, may I be like David, who lived for your glory above all things. He sought first your kingdom and your glory, and all these things were added to him - just as Jesus said. 

Think and Pray

Do you, like David, live your life for the glory and honor of God in heaven?

"Faithful, but Holy" March 20 Readings: Psalm 89, 96, 100-101, 105, 132

Today's Reading - Psalm 89, 96, 100-101, 105, 132  

Background

Today we read more Psalms, mostly Psalms of David, about worshiping the faithful God.

Devotional

The lengthy Psalm 89 trumpets the faithfulness of our God - a faithfulness we experience by grace even though we don't deserve it. In verses 30-34 we learn two important lessons.

First, it is a serious thing to take God's faithfulness lightly and use it as an excuse to sin. The fact that God is so good, so forgiving, so faithful ought to motivate us to gratitude, to holiness and to Christ-centered living. It ought never to make us careless, as if our sin did not matter to God.

Speaking of the sins that might come (and did) in the lives of the descendants of King David, God gave this warning, in verses 30-32.

If his children forsake my law

    and do not walk according to my rules,

if they violate my statutes

    and do not keep my commandments,

then I will punish their transgression with the rod

    and their iniquity with stripes,

It is no small thing to ignore God's grace and faithfulness and embrace the life of sin. God promised that if they did so, he would hold them to account for their rebellion with his rod of discipline.

Hebrews 13 tells us that God disciplines us as a father disciplines his children. He loves us too much to allow us to wander into sin and stay in it comfortably. God will come after rebellious and disobedient children with loving discipline.

But verses 33-34 go on to remind us that even in this discipline, God remains eternally faithful.

but I will not remove from him my steadfast love

    or be false to my faithfulness.

I will not violate my covenant

    or alter the word that went forth from my lips.

God promised that even when David's offspring failed in their end of the covenant he would stay faithful to his commitment. He will discipline, even harshly, but he will not violate his covenant or abandon his people.

God never leaves us or forsakes us. Even his discipline is designed to bless us, to draw us near to him that we might experience his faithfulness daily. I might be disciplined by God, but I will not be abandoned by him. Even when I fail, he is faithful to his covenant of grace with me.

So, this passage is both a warning and a comfort. We are reminded that sin is serious in God's eyes and he will wield the rod to correct us. But we are comforted that he will never abandon his work in us, but will always love, always restore and always work to conform us to Christ.

We are secure in Christ, but that does not mean that it is safe for us to live in sin. Our big and powerful God is not to be trifled with!

Father, I thank you that your mercy and faithfulness are great. May I never treat that lightly, but walk in holiness and purity in all things. 

Think and Pray - Faithful, but Holy

Do you keep these ideas in balance?
Do you seek to maintain a holy walk with Christ?
Do you rest in your unshakeable relationship with Christ?

"My Good Shepherd" March 19 Readings: Psalm 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, 68

Today's Reading - Psalm 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, 68

Background

The Psalms we read today are powerful! They seem to have a dual meaning, pointing both to God's grace and care in suffering and to a messianic hope.

Psalm 1 speaks of a life planted in faithful obedience.
Psalm 2 highlights the false confidence of those who trust in self and who think that men run this world. God's sovereignty is glorified.
Psalm 15 describes the man who can dwell in God's presence. This is not a path to salvation by works, but a description of the life that a redeemed person lives to please God.
Psalms 22-24 have strong messianic implications. The 22nd Psalm begins with the abandonment quote Jesus used on the Cross and the some believe that 22:31 has hints of the phrase, "It is finished." It does seem to be a Psalm that strongly points to the sufferings of Christ on the cross. Psalm 23 points to Jesus as the Good Shepherd and Psalm 24 glorifies him as the coming King.
Psalm 47 returns to the theme of both Psalm 2 and Psalm 24, God's reign over the nations.
Psalm 68 does the same, including some of the history of Israel in the process.

These are victorious Psalms, focusing on God's sovereignty in the lives of his people, and the requirement that we respond in obedience.

Devotional - My Good Shepherd 

Familiarity breeds contempt, they say, but in biblical interpretation, it clearly breeds carelessness. When we know a passage as well as we know the 23rd Psalm, we can assume that we know what it is saying when we don't. David the shepherd used his work as a youth to describe the work of God as a Good Shepherd of his sheep. We must be careful we understand what David said and not simply assume we understand.

First of all, this passage and its promises do not apply to you unless the first phrase does. "The Lord is my shepherd." You can only claim these blessings if you are his sheep, walking in obedience and being guided by the good shepherd of your soul, Jesus Christ. If Jesus is your Lord, your boss, then great promises come to you. If he is not, then none of this is yours.

The first blessing is that you will have everything that you need - not what you want but what your soul (and your body too) genuinely needs. God takes care of those who put themselves in his hands.

Verses 2-3 list four positive blessings that come have a good shepherd. He leads us to green pastures where our souls can be fed from his word and by his Spirit. He gives our souls rest and peace because we know he is watching over us. Sheep trust the shepherd and we can trust ours. Life wears us down and stresses us out, but he renews us with the streams of living water flowing from Christ. And he guides us down the paths that are safe and right and good. Sheep need to be protected from spiritual predators of life and our shepherd does that as we walk the path he leads us on.

David knew what it was like to walk through deep dark valleys. What we usually think of as "the valley of the shadow of death" actually has little to do with death. It simply refers to those moments of darkness, sorrow, pain - the dark night of the soul. When you walk through the deepest valleys of life, when the sun is darkened by hurt and pain, you know that your Savior is there with you, guiding you with his rod and staff, and blessing you with his presence. He never leaves us or forsakes us, even in the darkest moments of life.

Even though enemies surround us, God sets a table of blessing for us and gives us a feast with him. God does not so much GIVE us a feast as he IS our feast! He also anoints our heads with oil. This could mean so many things, but in the context here, it seems to speak of joy - that joy deep inside that comes from God.

The last couple of verses are often the most misunderstood. When David spoke of "dwelling in the house of the Lord forever" he was not thinking of eternity, but of living constantly in the presence of God in uninterrupted fellowship. When the Lord is our shepherd, we can walk with him in constant joy and peace, in the consistent and powerful presence of God.

Of course, eternity awaits but that isn't the point here. The point is that we get to live our lives in the presence of the Good Shepherd who loves us and will never let us down.

Thank you, Father, for the Good Shepherd who takes care of me every day. 

Think and Pray

Meditate on the blessings that come when "the Lord is your shepherd."
Is Jesus your shepherd? Are you walking in obedience or in rebellion?

"Michal's Children" March 18 Readings: 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23, 1 Chronicles 13-16

Today's Reading -  2 Samuel 5:11-6:23, 1 Chronicles 13-16

Background

The ark had originally been lost and then, when it was returned, was not brought all the way back. When David tried to bring it back there was a problem. He did not follow the rules set forth in the law and a man named Uzzah died. He tried again, following God's rules carefully, and there was great rejoicing.

Devotional - Michal's Children

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, the inability to conceive children is not always a judgment from God, but in this case, it was. 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. 

Think and Pray

Do you give yourself over fully to the worship of God or are you, like Michal, more concerned about what people might think of you?

"A Bad Deal" March 17 Readings: Psalm 106-107, 133

Today's Reading - Psalm 106-107, 133

Background

Psalm 106 is a recounting of two things - the ongoing faithfulness of God and the constant infidelity of Israel. God's goodness in spite of Israel's sin is highlighted.

Psalm 107 begins the last of the 5 "Books" of the Psalms, recounting the goodness and faithfulness of God.

Psalm 133, another Psalm of Ascents, emphasizes the unity of God's people.

Devotional - A Bad Deal

They made a calf in Horeb

    and worshiped a metal image.

They exchanged the glory of God

    for the image of an ox that eats grass. Psalm 106:19-20

Horeb is the mountain of God, also known as Sinai, where the God revealed to Israel his Law, which was to be their guide. The cornerstone of the Law was the first commandments, that Israel was to have no other gods before the one true God, Yahweh. They were to love him, serve him and honor him alone as God, making no idols. 

While Moses was up on the mountain receiving the law, something different was happening down below. Almost as soon as he disappeared into the heights, into the presence of God, the people of Israel began to turn from him. They approached Aaron and demanded to forge a god for themselves, a Golden Calf. 

Instead of dwelling in the glory of God, they made their own gods in the image of livestock that eats grass. You can hear the Psalmist's derision in this verse. 

On the one hand, there is the Creator God, the one who made and sustains the universe. He is sovereign over world affairs, who empowers his people to do his work and rewards those who serve him. He sent his Son to pay for our sins that we might have eternal life. 

On the other hand you have livestock. I like a good steak as much as the next guy, but I'm pretty sure that cows and oxen are not worthy of worship. The Creator God of the universe..or a cow. 

It was the folly of Israel, evident in their first moments as a nation at the base of Horeb. It was a folly they continued throughout their existence as a nation during the years of the Old Testament. Time and again they exchanged glory for livestock, the worship of the One True God for idols. 

Today, we do not do anything so crass as to build and worship idols, but we are still guilty of Israel's folly. We turn from the pure worship of God to serve the pleasures of this world. We serve sex, or entertainment, or fun. We exchange the glory of God for the oxen of arrogance and self-centeredness and of greed and materialism. These are all as empty, as silly and as useless as the idol gods Israel worshiped. 

Father, forgive me for when I have exchanged your glory for livestock, for the empty and useless things of this world. 

Think and Pray

Do you serve and worship the Creator God of the Universe or do you give your life to the created things - the things of this world?
Are you making a bad deal as Isreal did?

"Serving the King" March 16 Readings: 2 Samuel 5:1-10, 1 Chronicles 11-12

Today's Reading - 2 Samuel 5:1-10, 1 Chronicles 11-12

Background

The anointed king of Israel is finally recognized by all of God's people. The short Samuel passage records the end of the brief civil war between Judah under David's leadership and the northern tribes of Israel. Though they united under David, the split never completely disappeared and after Solomon's death they became separate countries. We also have the story of David's conquest of Jerusalem which became known as the City of David.

In 1 Chronicles 11-12, the same material is presented with additional material about David's mighty men - those who supported him in his travails.

Devotional - Serving the King

Though there are a couple of sins recorded in David's life  - glaring ones at that - he was consistently regarded as the greatest of Israel's kings, the standard by which all the subsequent kings were judged. He was a man after God's own heart, a man of devotion and worship, a man who loved and served God faithfully.

But he was no lone ranger. David was a great man but he did not try to do it all by himself. He surrounded himself with strong men and inspired them to do great things. Weaker men would be threatened by the exploits of the "mighty men" - their ego might not be able to handle it. But David realized that a truly great man is dependent on the help of others around him.

This speaks well of both David's ego and that of the men who surrounded him. David served God and the mighty men served David and God. There is no greater enemy of success in the kingdom of God than pride, ego, or arrogance. David knew that his kingdom only succeeded because of the great men who stood with him. Those mighty men submitted themselves to build up David's throne.

The church has a king named Jesus and it is our duty to give ourselves to serve him. When Jesus built his church, he did not choose mighty men but average, even weak men (1 Corinthians 1:27-31) as his leaders. But he redeemed them and filled them with his Holy Spirit to make them strong. The church today is made up of redeemed and Spirit-indwelled men and women.

God's kingdom only grows when we serve the king, when we, like David's men, humble ourselves and devote ourselves to the Great Commission. The church isn't made strong by a celebrity pastor or a few key leaders, but by mighty men (and women) who give themselves to do mighty exploits in the name of their king.

Lord, may I humble myself, being empty of all ego, so that I may serve the interests of Jesus, my king. 

Think and Pray

Do you live for ego, for self?
Or are a "mighty man" (or woman) - living for the interests of the king?

"God Laughs at Conspiracy Theories" March 15 Readings: 1 Chronicles 7-10, Psalm 102-104

Today's Reading - 1 Chronicles 7-10, Psalm 102-104

Background

Today we wrap up the scintilating trek through the genealogies of 1 Chronicles! Chapter 10 records the story of Saul's death.

Our Psalms are again focused on turning to God in difficult times.

Devotional - God Laughs at Conspiracy Theories

He was making the rounds back in my college days, talking about the "Illuminati" - the cabal of witches and warlocks he'd once been a part of who secretly ran the entire world. The story was terrifying and captivating. He then revealed his biggest secret. Just before his conversion, in one of their super-secret meetings, they had announced that the Antichrist was ready to be revealed and take his place on the world stage. His name was...wait for it...James Earl Carter.  I was no fan of Jimmy Carter then and I've not been a fan of much of his ideas since, but it is safe to say that one thing he is not is the Antichrist!

Of course, within a couple of years, John Todd was revealed as the huge fraud we should have known him to be. He faded into the woodwork; more specifically into aberrant  theology, weird politics, and eventually went to prison for rape.

But others follow in his footsteps. We are always so worried about this group or that group who are trying to take over the world. Hitler had his "Jewish bankers" that he blamed everything on. For much of my life we were worried about the spread of communism. Now, we see the global spread of militant Islam and wonder what is going on all around us in secret to further that cause. Both political parties accuse the other of using subterfuge in carrying out their plans.

Conspiracy. Power groups. War lords. Despots. Who is pulling the strings? Who is running the show? Today's readings are an eclectic collection. Isaiah speaks of God's judgment on the nations. The passage in 1 Corinthians is about marriage, singleness and sexual issues. But a verse in the Psalms portion struck me as I read it. I'm lifting it out of context, just a little, but I think I am making a point that is valid from Psalm 104:9.

You set a boundary that they may not pass,
    so that they might not again cover the earth.

This is talking about God's creative act, how he brought the dry land out of the sea and set their boundaries. When the Great Flood came, it was at God's command. God created this world and it responds to his commands. "You set the boundaries." God is in charge. He made the world and it runs according to his will.

It is not too much of a stretch to lift that principle out of its context and apply it to world affairs. While this verse does not speak to that, the principle applies. "You set the boundaries," Lord. Worldwide conspiracies do not run the world. Jewish bankers do not decide the fate of the world, Mr. Hitler (and all the anti-Semites who have followed). It is God who sets the boundaries. 

I'm put in mind of Psalm 2, which opens with the question, "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?" Dictators think they can take over and rule. Right now ISIS is acting as if they are an unstoppable force, raging through the Middle East with an unspeakable brutality. Others came before them. Others will follow. 

Is God afraid? Is he intimidated at the power of these nations? Not according to Psalm 2:4. 

He who sits in the heavens laughs;   

the Lord holds them in derision.

To God, these skeptics who think they can banish Christianity with reason are fools to be mocked. To God, these self-appointed potentates are children pretending to be super-heroes. He laughs at them. They are not to be feared. God is on his throne and no one can threaten him! Nations come and rulers go, but God continues to work out his sovereign plan in this world.

He sets the boundaries and he asks us to call him Abba! There is great comfort in that, is there not?

Thank you, Father, that you are a God I can trust, one who laughs at those who think they can threaten your throne! May I not be afraid of those who inspire nothing but derision from you!

Think and Pray

As you walk through a difficult and challenging world, is your faith in Jesus Christ at all times?

"The Lord Reigns" March 14 Readings: 1 Chronicles 6, Psalm 81, 88, 92-93

Today's Reading - 1 Chronicles 6, Psalm 81, 88, 92-93

Background

Odd thing in today's reading. In the genealogies in Chronicles, we see in 6:33 the mention of Heman who is a singer and then we see Psalm 88 attributed to someone by that same name. He was likely the same man and likely part of the Sons of Korah who helped in the worship in God's house.

One of the things we see in the Psalms and in the commands of Scripture about music is the tremendous variety of biblical music. Some is loud; some is soft. Some is vibrant; some is a dirge. Celebratory and lament. We have seen so many fights about what kind of music ought to be used to worship God and the biblical answer is generally yes! Worship God with all kinds of music - just worship him.

On the other hands, the music in the worship of God was no free-for-all. There were regulations. We don't know exactly what they were but the musicians, according to verse 32, ministered with music, "according to the regulations given to them." They honored God and focused their attention on him. They played with skill and focus. And God was glorified.

Devotional - The Lord Reigns

It is often easy to forget, as we wend our way through this wicked world, who sits enthroned above it all. We get to thinking that powerful men with their schemes are behind everything and that nothing can be done. But it is good for us to remind ourselves that there is one seated on the throne and his rule is in no danger.

Psalm 93 is often called an "Enthronement Psalm," along with Psalm 47, and Psalms 95-99. These psalms have a dual purpose. First of all, they remind us who runs the show.

The Lord reigns! He is robed in majesty;the Lord is robed, enveloped in strength.The world is firmly established;it cannot be shaken.2 Your throne has been establishedfrom the beginning; you are from eternity. Psalm 93:1-2

Our God is not fighting for control. He is not running for office or seeking our support. He reigns - robed in majesty and enveloped in strength. His dominion is firmly established and cannot be shaken now or in eternity. He is in control.

But there is another purpose for these Enthronement Psalms - they point forward to the future kingdom of the Messiah. Not only is God's rule heavenly but it will one day be realized here on earth. Every time you hear someone talk about being on the right side of history remember that there is only one right side. History's end has been written and it concludes with the Messiah riding out of heaven in glory to strike down all his foes and to establish his earthly reign that will lead soon into his eternal reign.

This world has a king. He doesn't reside in Washington or Moscow or the Middle East. He isn't a corporate magnate or an entertainment guru. The King came and lived a perfect life and died for our sins. He paid for all our sins and then died, but God raised him and exalted him and now he is Lord of all. He is the judge of the living and the dead, the one to whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess.

The throne is full, my friend. And the one on it loves us!

Thank you, Lord, for being sovereign, powerful, and loving. 

Think and Pray

Are there situations in life that have you worried?
Remember that Jesus is enthroned and trust in him.
Reflect on what it means that the King of all the Universe loves you infinitely.

"For the Generations" March 13 Readings: 1 Chronicles 3-5, Psalm 73, 77-78

Today's Reading - 1 Chronicles 3-5, Psalm 73, 77-78

Background

Devotional

There is an old saw that says, "The Church is always one generation from extinction." The thing is, this one is true. Christianity must not only be passed from person to person but from generation to generation. The children God gives to the families of the church must be raised to be warriors in the Kingdom of God, servants of the Most High and those who treasure eternal things over the temporal.

In Psalm 78:5-7, the Psalmist discusses the importance of raising children to serve God.

He established a testimony in Jacob
and set up a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
to teach to their childrenso that a future generation—
children yet to be born—might know.
They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God
and not forget God’s works,
but keep his commands.

As I grow older my life becomes less about what I will do or what I will be and more about what my children and grandchildren will become. I have no idea what the future will hold for any of them, but my prayer for them is the desire of the Psalmist's heart - that they might not "forget the works of God but keep his commandments."

There is no formula that magically produces children who love God, but neither is there a great mystery about the strategy. There are three things I would remind parents and grandparents who wish to influence future generations.

First, children will tend to mimic our behavior more than simply listening to our words. We must not only speak the words of God to our children but in our imperfect way, we must walk the ways of God. The hypocrite who talks the faith but does not live it does irreparable damage to the future generations. Our model gives credibility to our message.

Second, we must relentlessly ground our children's lives in the Word of God. Biblical illiteracy is a huge problem even among kids raised in so-called "Bible-believing" churches. If we really believe the Bible we will make sure we teach it clearly to our kids.

Finally, we must fill our children with a sense that their lives are meant to have eternal import. They are not just here on earth to get an education, find a job, raise a family and have a happy life. They are here to serve Christ, to make Jesus known everywhere and to exalt him day by day.

Father, may the generations to come know you. May they not forget the good things you have done, but may they walk in your ways. Help me to be an influence on them for your kingdom. 

Think and Pray

If you are involved in the lives of children, are you diligently seeking to pass the faith to them?