Transition of Leadership - 1 Kiings 1-4

I love the book of 1 Kings (actually, in the original Hebrew 1 and 2 Kings were just referred to as "The Kings"). I love it because, as a Pastor and a Leadership Transition Coach I take much of my teaching on leadership from "The Kings. The transition from one leader to another is one of the most important, if not the most important, aspects of any organization. Most people an lead. Most people can follow. But, many can't transition. Going through a transition time is of outmost importance. I make my living helping organizations transition from one leader to the next. I make a living helping leaders transition from one position to the other. Most of the principles I use to assist leaders lead in transition are from The Kings. In this passage we see David dying and Solomon coming to life ... as a leader. That transition was not perfect, but it is one of the best. We ought to study it and discover that when we transition from one leader to another there a lot of aspects that have to take place. Enemies from the past have to be dealt with with the new leader. The past leader has to look with favor on the new leader. Many want to lead when there is a void in direction and vision. Good men and women want to follow leadership and without a leader will follow any leader. There is much to learn in this book on leadership as we read through it. Solomon sought God's wisdom and knowledge to lead. That is a good lesson to follow. Seek God's wisdom if you want to lead in transition.

Stop the giving - Exodus 33-36

Can you imagine the following taking place in a church in our country today: The pastor mounts his pulpit at the regularly time of the receiving of the offering. For years he normally tells some joke to ease the pain of reaching for the wallet, or lays some need out to cause the reflex of the elbow to dip into the purse. But, this Sunday, instead he boldly calls out and utters these words, "Please stop giving!! We need no more money. We are good with what you have already given so there will be NO collection today." Imagine the shock on the faces. What would you do if that happened? Well in 36:5 of this passage that is what Moses tells the people. He tells them we have enough and go back to hiding there gold and silver under their tent floors. What a shocking revelation. In our world today, even IF we had already given enough (and, I doubt that has ever happened in a modern church), we would never tell people not to give more. After all, there is a rainy day fund to stock ... isn't there? What would have happened if the people would have disobeyed Moses and stopped giving? They often disobeyed his commands. But, I bet everyone of them stopped giving. I don't know why this passage is not preached more. But, here we have it: A spiritual leader is telling people not to give because we have enough already. May it be so every Sunday in every church in Christendom.

Deception and angels of light - 2 Corinthians 11-13

Our vision of Satan is quite skewed. We tend to see him in a red suit, tail out the back and fire out the front. Yet, Paul tells the Corinthian believers to beware of him since he is able to transform himself into an angel of light (11:14). He is said to use crafty speech and techniques to lead us astray (11:3). Like a lure to a fish, Satan uses our minds, hearts and bodies in a titillating manner to lead us into his world of falseness and unbelief of the truth. Remember, it is God's Word (Truth) that sets us free. It is God's Word (Truth) that sanctifies us. God's Word is summed up in Truth and Truth in God's Word (Psalm 119:160). Satan seldom denies truth ... he often bends it and twists it to make it look like truth but in reality to use it to bend our hearts away from God. God is truth. Jesus Christ is truth. Satan only looks like truth to get us to follow him. But, an angel of light is not light. Be careful as you follow light today that it doesn't lead you down the road to darkness.

Leave everything ... I mean everything - Luke 5-6

Peter was fishing and caught nothing. Jesus borrows his boat and uses it as a platform to launch a sermon that attracts followers to Himself. After, Jesus tells Peter about a fishing hole so good Peter catches enough fish to sink two boats. What happens next is profound: Peter leaves it all! Boat to dry dock and fish to dry rot. What a marvelous, spiritual thing to do. As a boater I might be tempted to leave the fish, but to leave the boat? Unheard of! But, that is what Peter did (Luke 5:11). Next we see Matthew collecting taxes. Tax collects weren't very honest in Biblical times (no joke here, please). They would collect the tax and then add an amount for themselves. In Luke 11:27-28 we see that Matthew is sitting at his tax table and must have had a pile of money on the table. Jesus calls him to follow Him and Matthew leaves a life of luxury to follow the Savior. He no doubt exchanged a home and bed for a life under the stars and sleeping on rocks. What made these men do this? They were willing to leave all to follow the Savior. They were so compelled by the power of the Savior to forsake their lives as they knew it and follow Christ. Are we so compelled that we would be willing to follow Him, where ever He leads? Would we leave it all behind?

Collateral damage - Jeremiah 42-46

Image if you are Pharaoah Hophra, King of Egypt. The remnant of Judah wants to defect to your country to avoid being taking captive by Babylon. Your pride swells within your heart that "others" seek "YOU" as a refuge. Yet, some prophet in the midst of this remnant (Jeremiah) has warned that if the remnant seeks refuge in Egypt their God will destroy you and all your gods. What a dilemma. Pride on the one hand fills your head with visions of grandeur. On the other hand you wonder, "What if this God of theirs is right? Do I really want these people coming into my town?" Jeremiah gives God's message in these chapters and the remnant rejects the message (even after they asked for it). Instead they pack their bags and head for Egypt. As a result, Pharaoh Hophra is going to be taken captive by Babylon (44:30). When God's people disobey God there is collateral damage to the world around them. We think we are alone in our disobedience, but others are affected by it. A father who is running from God will bring calamity onto their children. A wife running from God will bring damage to her husband and children. A business man who cheats God will bring damage to his employees. Disobedience to God brings collateral damage to those around us. Know it ... change your life as a result of it.

Pride is the Point - Job 40-42

We finally, after beginning in January, get to the point of what the book of Job is all about: Pride. God finally ends His silence with a rebuke to Job about his pride. He rebukes his three friends about their pride (in fact, God instructs them to offer sacrifices to Job and Job must forgive them ... humiliation for all parties). God rebukes Job with a discussion on how God created two large beasts, feeds them, and protects them. He challenges Job to do anything at all that compares to this. Job, of course, can't and repents for his failure to demonstrate humility. Job started out in humility but he eventually began to justify himself. So, too us. We may "know" that are dust and ashes but soon we start to act like we are stars and sunshine. But, God brings things into our lives that humbles us and makes us understand that Pride is the ultimate sin against God. Satan was full of pride. Job's friends wanted so much to be right their opinions were more about them than pointing them back to Job. God wants us to recognize His majesty and realize we are dust and ashes without Him. Like Job, God wants to reward us and provide physical things for us. He doubled Job's life. But, only after Job repented in ashes for his act of pride.

Power in perfect love - Psalm 60-62

In Psalm 62:11-12 we read that there are two things God has declared about Himself: Power belongs to Him and He is Perfect love. What a marvelous truth to meditate on today and allow God to chisel your hear faith it. Many men today want power. But the abuse of power is the downfall of man. Every man wants love, as well. But the abuse of love is the downfall of man. God is perfect in power and perfect in love. God is balanced by one over the other. God can not abuse His power because His perfect love keeps power in check. God can't simply love aimlessly because His power keeps Him in check. Since we were created in the image of God we too should be able allow our desire for love and quest for power to be a balance for one another. Power can corrupt and love can give in. Allow one to balance the other.

Everyone needs "Mighty Men!" - 2 Samuel 20-24

In this section we read the story of David's Mighty Men. Apparently David was surrounded by a group of warriors that were unmatched during that day. He had men would were not only able to risk their lives for him they were willing to risk their lives for him. The beauty of having people surround you that are both able and willing is unparalleled today. Wouldn't it be great to have the entourage surrounding you everyday. What normally happens is those who call us friends leave when things get tough. We all know that in tough times you find out who your friends are. Apparently David found this out and was surrounded by these Migthy Men. Would it be that all believers felt this from all other believers. Christ prayed that we would be united in oneness around Him and this oneness makes every believer a "mighty man" to another believer. But, we are so interested in our needs that we fail to see what it means to give up something for ourselves and fight for another's rights or, in the case of these men getting David water from Jerusalem, another's wants. David simply mentioned that it would be nice to have a drink from the wells of Jerusalem. The three mightiest men of the bunch immediately put themselves in harms way to get him a drink from those wells. Yet, we don't have the sense to help our Christian brother with much at all. Little alone putting ourselves in danger to serve them. Wouldn't it be nice if we each had mighty men and realized that we are supposed to be a mighty man to someone else.

Spend it foolishly - Exodus 30-32

As Moses is getting instructions on what to build for a "tent of the meeting" and who will build it and how it will be built, the people are at the foot of the mountain preparing to disobey the very guidelines God is providing them to follow. The most obvious issue is that the only way they can build the items for the "tent of the meeting" is to collect all the gold and jewels they had and received from the Egyptians when they left that country. Yet, in Exodus 32 we read that the people gave Aaron some of the gold they had to make a molten image of a cow. Not only did they waste time worshiping a golden cow that couldn't even "moooo" they used valuable resources. These were resources God would want them to use to pour gold over the achaia wood they would make the ark, the poles and other consecrated items from. When we worship the wrong things we often spend valuable resources God has for us to spend on what He wants. We can waste those resources for our own pleasure or we can use them in a way that honors God. God can always provide more resources but what He does provide is for us to use to His glory, not our own fears and desires.

Finish what you start with a glad heart - 2 Corinthians 9-10

There are many reasons not to want to look like the believers at the church at Corinth. If you read the first letter Paul wrote to them you can see why. And, in the second letter he his also ready to correct poor behavior and lack of sound doctrine. However, in chapter 9 we do see some light in their lives as to their faith and walk with belief. This group of believers may have been carnal, selfish and off on their doctrine but they were givers. In fact, Paul has boasted about their desire to give to other believers beyond measure (9:3). But, in the correction he gives them for other poor behavior Paul is worried they will fail to come through with what they previously purposed in their hearts - to give to the churches in Jerusalem. Their zeal to give has actually stirred the hearts of others (9:1-2). Paul wants them to finish what they purposed and do so with a glad heart (9:6-8). God is not as interested in what we do as how we complete what we promised to do. God isn't concerned about how much we give but if we do so with a heart of gladness as doing the work for Him and to Him. My own heart gets frustrated with doing things when in reality I should do them with gladness of heart and with appreciation to serve in the house of God. Let's not fail to serve Him - but let's serve Him with a heart worthy of Him - in gladness and joy based upon what we purposed in our hearts.

No honor in home town - Luke 3-4

Those who watched Christ grow up were less impressed with Him. Their assumptions about Him wouldn't allow them to think past what they thought to observed what they could readily see. We call those thoughts "assumed constraints". Baby elephants are staked to the groung very early in life. The chain on their legs is fastened securely to a stake driven deep into the ground. As they get older their developed strength would allow them to pull the stake and chain right out of the ground. However, because they "assume" the leg iron is the same strength as when they were in their youth they don't try to pull it out. The "assumed constraint" prevents them from going any where. The same was true of those who thought Jesus was just a carpenter's son. Their assumed constraint wouldn't allow them to believe. We do this all the time when God is trying to work in our lives. He wants us to believe His Word, but God wants us to not believe our assumed constraints and trust Him for great and unexplainable miracles. Don't allow assumed constraints to hold you back believe in a God who can break the chains of your assumptions.

Being a prophet is a tough gig - Jeremiah 37-41

The prophet Jeremiah had a tough job. He was asked to deliver a very unpopular message to a hostile audience during a time of depression and economic struggle. In our day it would be tough ... and we can hide behind tweeter, email and the world wide web. Jeremiah was fully exposed to those he told God's message to. He was imprisoned and tossed in a cistern of mud. As a part-time pastor I complain if I can't get my Starbucks before church. I imagine my peers in China who meet in secret. Or, those in North Korea who can't let anyone know about their faith, yet they minister to hundreds and preach God's Word faithful for no pay and open persecution. Being a servant of God is not for the weak of heart. God allows things to happen to those He calls to serve Him. We ought to reflect on Jeremiah's plight and His call to preach the Word. If we could only be so faithful.

When God Speaks - Job 38-39

Wow! Every time I read these two chapters I sit back in my chair and relax in God's sovereign control and deep, deep wisdom. You can't help but wonder how BIG God is after reading this. We try, as theologians and preachers, to explain God to people. For some reason we are obsessed with defining God for others so that He fits into their brain in a way that matters. But, if you read chapter 38 and 39 you can fit God into your brain. There is very little pattern in the human brain for a Divine God. Yes, we were created in the image of God - so that gives us the ability to comprehend Him. He has place into us the capacity to know Him. But, read these two chapters: Can you with certainty say that you can fathomed just how BIG God is? God expresses these two chapters at Job's counselors. He wants them to know how vain and inadequate their counsel really is. He is showing them how little they know and how futile their wisdom is compared to God. We need to bask in the sunlight offered by these two chapters and those that follow. When God speaks we ought to listen and learn and stand in awe!!

A Place to Hide - Psalm 57-59

Where do you hide when you are in a bad mood or having a bad day? I like to go to bed and pull the covers over my head. A student of mine said she likes to sit in front of her computer and watch a Netflix movie. Some people like to chop wood, or go for a walk, or jump off a tall building ... in their minds. David, in composing these Psalms, give us his perspective. But, remember, when he wrote these Psalms he was on the run from Saul or his son, Absolum ... more than likely Saul. While he was running he hid in the temple, a man's house, with an enemy king and in many, many caves. But, somewhere in that running and hiding he states he found refuge in the Wings of God (57:1). In 59:16 he says he found refuge in God's strength and lovingkindness. God is in control and David knew that. As a result he was willing to find true rest and peace, despite his problems, in the arms of God. Where is your hiding place? Is it in high octane activity or low fueled isolation? Find it in the arms of God ... rest in that place.

Leaders must know their followers - 1 Samuel 15-19

In this section we see the story of David and his son Absalom and the fight over the throne. Absalom was used by God to punish David for his previous sins. As we read the story we see just how God made this happen and David's response to God's allowing Absalom to cause an uprising. In chapter 15 we read that Absalom "stole" the heart of the people by sitting in the city gate. True leadership must stay in touch with their followership. We see this demonstrated after David is restored to the kingdom and to kingship when we read 19:8; where David returns to the city gate himself. If you want to lead you have to be willing to mix with those you follow and make yourself accessible to the followership. God uses "relationships" to make leadership strong. David lost his followership originally because he was unwilling, too busy, or lacked interest in the people. But, when he returns to lead he immediately goes back to the fundamental step of leadership: connectivity with followership. God makes leadership strong; but, He expects us to make sure we do our part as leadership to make relationships within our leading strong.

For Glory and for beauty - Exodus 25-29

God likes beautiful things. In 28:2 we read that Aaron's garments were to be constructed out of fabric of multiple complimentary colors and to be assembled and stitched together for God's glory and for natural beauty. As we read the story of the assembly of the Tabernacle we can't help but see God's interest in symmetry and in pattern. God did not throw the Ark of the Covenant together without design and proper pattern and design. God is not the author of confusion. Each piece was to match the other piece. Colors complimented each other. Parts reflected and supported other parts. God is in the process of putting together beautiful things for His glory. That is the key: For HIS glory. Man can build some beautiful things. I don't think it is wrong for us to admire beautiful things. However, God's purpose was to put things together for HIS glory and according to a pattern that reflected HIS character. Let us rejoice in beauty. But, let us rejoice in beauty that is there to glorify HIM and to rejoice and reflect in HIM.

Making someone sorrow ... on purpose - 2 Corinthians 6-8

Have you ever purposely made someone feel sorrowful for something they have done? Have you ever deliberately called someone out on the carpet for a sin that they did? I doubt if we have spent much time correcting somone else for a sin in their life. In Matthew 7 we are told by Christ to not point the speak in someone else's eye when we have an entire piece of timber in our own. So, evern though in Galatians 6:1 we are told to "restore someone who is caught in a trespress" we are all hesitant to do so. However, in 2 Corinthians 7 we see the results of Paul's correction of the man in 1 Corinthians 2, who was having a sexual affair with his step-mother. Paul is 'sorry" he made the Church at Corinth sorrowful for writing a letter to correct the sinner he was hoping to restore. So, we see in 1 Corinthians 2 Paul practicing his instruction of Galatians 6 and the results of that follow-through in 2 Corinthians 7. Paul, like us, doesn't feel good making another person sorrowful. But, he also knows that it is a necessary part of the Body function. We are to confront others in a loving manner and we are to restore them. God is honored when we do so. It may not please others when we confront them over sin but it is pleasing to God.

Righteous in God's eyes - Disgrace in Man's eyes - Luke 1-2

Elizabeth was, according to Luke 1:6 "righteous" in the eyes of God. Her and her husband kept the laws of the Lord and had a "perfect" walk before him. However, Elizabeth was barren. Barrenness in the Biblical times was like a curse. Womanhood and manhood were viewed through the eyes of children. If you didn't have a few little ones hanging around you feet the opinion of you in the class of the world was low. In 1:25 Elizabeth was actually held in disgrace before God gave her John the Baptist in her womb. What an example of how the world works and how God works. God had declared her righteous based upon her faith, demonstrated by her obedience. We know that righteousness is of faith since that is what Romans 4-6 teaches us. So we know that Elizabeth was a women of faith. In the eyes of the Maker of the Universe she was righteous. That is all that matters. However, in the eyes of man, who have a different standard in life, she is a disgrace. The world has a standard that is incredibly and completely missing the mark. God rewards those who put their faith in Him and does not judge man by standards imposed by the world. When we judge our success in life we tend to do the same thing. We think our life is going good or bad based upon circumstances or outcomes or material-laden-possessions. But, it is not what we own or produce that causes us to have a standing before God. Our standing before God is based upon our faith in His saving righteousness. God is here to save based upon our faith in Him and rewards our faith in His time and His way. God is not judging us by the standards of the world - whether we have kids or don't have kids - whether we have kids who behave or don't behave. God is in the process of making us new in Him. Rejoice in His righteousness.

Change of scenery doesn't change the message - Jeremiah 32-37

Jerusalem was surrounded and being besieged (shut-up) by the Babylonians. Inside Jerusalem, Jeremiah was "shut-up" in a prison because he prophesied to everyone not to resist the Babylonians and give up. What would you do if someone marginalized you because of your message? What would you do because someone thought your testimony was out of tune with the main stream norms of the culture you were in? What would you do if someone thought you ought to keep your mouth shut in meetings and in the break room at work because they didn't like your comments and thought they were to "religious" or off base for the conversation? Jeremiah did what we all need to do when it comes to speaking for God - his change of venue didn't change the vocalization of message. God had sent Jeremiah to speak for Him, so it didn't matter where they put him, where they locked him up or how they treated him. When you have a message from God your bones burn inside you if you don't say it. Jeremiah wasn't concerned about creature comforts - he was concerned about creature responsibility. God sent him to do a job not seek personal space and ease. We seem to think that our responsibility for personal space and comfort are more important than delivering the message God gave us to deliver. People quit attending church because they are uncomfortable. They can't teach in Sunday School because they are uncomfortable. Let's be more like Jeremiah - less worried about venue and more worried about voice.

God seals the hand of man - Job 37

For the fifth time in Job the author uses the Hebrew word translated "seal" in 37:7. In Job 9:7 he writes, "He commands the sun not to shine, And sets a seal upon the stars". In Job 14:17 he writes, "My transgression is sealed up in a bag, And You wrap up my iniquity. In Job 24:16 states, "In the dark they dig into houses, They shut themselves up by day; They do not know the light. in Job 33:16 we read, "Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction, Finally in 37:7, in a chapter that Elihu is boasting of God's great manifestation of Himself, the author writes, "He seals the hand of every man, That all men may know His work. God is in the process of revealing Himself to man. To do that He makes everything man does under His control and within His design. Even unsaved men are directed by God. Let us rejoice that God has chosen to reveal Himself to us. Some men would read this verse and take offense to God "sealing" their hands ... preventing them from doing things He does not direct. Yet, the truth of the matter is that if God did not seal us and keep us in His directed path we would self-destruct. Man is bent on sin and the destruction of it. God sealing our hands is simply another picture of God's great Grace.

Morning and Evening (oh yeah .. noon too) - Psalm 54-56

Are there three greater Psalms to read in the morning than these three? I suppose any three of the Psalms would be great to read but these three just seem to sing out in perfect harmony to the dull and dreary soul. David writes these three Psalms when he is being chased by Saul; someone who David served loyalty until the day of Saul's death. Yet, Saul sought David for no reason and hunted him like a dog. David, in the midst of this hunt, "journaled" these three Psalms for our good pleasure through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. David wants God to know that he is going to continue to pour out his complaint to God, morning and evening and at noon too!! (55:17). We sometimes think that "spiritual people" don't complain. We are taught by the religious leaders of the day that true believers simply Trust and Obey. Yet, here we have King David, running and hiding out in caves and complaining and murmuring morning, noon and night. And, yet, despite the lack of faith and the ever presence of fear, David pours out his complaint to God and states with boldness, "and He will hear my voice." We need to rejoice that despite our pathetic continuous cries, God is there listening and ready to respond. We can cry out to God at ANY TIME and know that He HEARS US! God is the God with ears to hear His children. David was not afraid to tell God how he felt in these three Psalms. God hears and heals. Let's rejoice in God's hearing and healing power that David praises God in Psalm 55:1-3. I will rejoice in God's hearing and healing.

Seven Years of Pain - 2 Samuel 10-14

Obviously there are many lessons in these chapters to glean fruit for our lives. Perhaps one of the most potent is the story of Ammon, Tamar and King David. Ammon, King David's son, decided he wanted to have a relationship with his half-sister Tamar. Tamar doesn't refuse herself from him but rather than wait for the proper time Ammon rapes Tamar and then casts her out. Abosolum, Tamar's natural brother takes great issue with this rape. Here is where the story gets interesting: King David knows about the rape but does nothing, either as King or as a father. Because of this Absolum takes matters into his own hands: Two years later. After Absolum kills Ammon he is out cast himself in David's kingdom for another three years. Joab, David's right hand solider, convinces David to allow Absolum to come home but won't allow Absolum to see him for another two full years. Finally Absolum gets everyone's attention with the burning of Joab's filled and Joab convinces David to see his son ... seven years after the initial sin and conflict. Here we have the story that could be told of many families in the world today. One child does something to another and a parent ignores it. Those two children do great harm to each other and seven years later you are still dealing with the aftermath. Seven years! In some ways, compared to the stories of today, seven years is not very long. There are families today who have suffered decades with the similair stories and circumstances. We are happen to go on and on and never resolve our issues. The seeking of forgiveness, the granting of forgiveness and making things right take a back seat to bitterness and hatred and hurt. Christ came to restore these type of relationships with families and with loved ones and friends. But, if King David (either as a father or as a dad) would have dealt with this when he discovered it he would have prevented seven years of a bad itch. Are there things in the past you need to deal with or are you content with a bad itch?

God is serious about sin - Exodus 21-24

You can't help but read these chapters and realize God is serious about sin. In these chapters God begins to lay out for Moses and the people he is leading how they are to live their daily lives. God is serious about how we treat one another. He is serious about justice. He is serious about how we live in front of others. All this was to show the surrounding nations the God's people are different. We know that the nation didn't accomplish what God intended. They couldn't because they were full of sin. They needed a savior to redeem them and the Spirit of God to enable them. But, the law that God gives here is to lead them to that Savior and that Spirit. We must always realize the law is good but we are week (Romans 8). There was nothing wrong with the law God gives ... it was the people who couldn't enact it and live it out before the world.

Light weights produce heavy results - 2 Corinthians 4-5

I am not a weight lifter. In fact, I try to avoid lifting anything, including my butt out of a chair. But, God let's us know in this passage that we are all enduring the weight of the world and how we respond to that weight lifting will produce some great results. In 4:17 we read, "For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison." For me to try to compare this to something would be useless, obviously. God knows we are going through "afflictions." However, through Paul's words God calls them "light." We must look at the troubles of this world via God's eyes. As we endure them they are producing something for Glory that will far outweigh what we see with our eyes. God is using these things in our lives to chip away and to chisel our lives in a way that will glorify Him. We should rejoice in our light afflictions. They produce eternal muscle that gives Glory to God. Do some weight lifting today. It will produce some results later you don't even notice today. Eternal results.

Knowing but still conforming - Mark 15-16

Pilate didn't get where he was in life by being stupid or dull. He had to be a sharp leader to gain the power he did in a Roman world of rule. He had to have read all the recent books on leadership and graduated from Roman Leadership U! Yet, when confronted with the decision of what to do with Jesus he did the same thing most leaders do (especially political leaders) ... he gave in to his public. The "fear of man" is such a devastating and crippling disease for leaders. It is a cancer that runs in their backbone. In 15:15 it says he "wished to pleased the crowd" and gave Jesus over to be crucified. He knew Jesus was innocent and he knew the Pharisees only gave Jesus over to him out of envy (15:10), even though he knew, he still conformed to the world and to the popular thing to do. Leadership is about doing the right thing. Pilate choose the crowd pleasing thing. We see so few leaders who will go against popular belief. Leadership today wants an attractive message not a needed message. Leadership today wants and earns power by giving in to the masses and doesn't use the position to lead the masses into what is right. If you are a leader in some form or fashion ... your home, school, church, club, community ... take the opportunity to not lead by popularity and the fear of man, but by truth and the fear of God. Pilate knew better ... but he still did evil.

Political Prayers - Jeremiah 27-31

In this section of Jeremiah the prophet is called upon to deliver some of the hardest messages of any messenger of God. He is asked to deliver a message that may sound like "surrender and giving in" to the enemy. The nation is being taken captive and dismantled month by month by the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. Neb, for short, has a full reign over the earth. God even calls him His servant (27:5,6). Jeremiah's message is so contrary to the people false prophets stand up to him to prevent him from persuading the people to follow his foolish talk (chapter 28). In chapter 29 we read that the people in captivity aren't supposed to try to escape, or even pray for freedom. They are to make themselves at home and multiple. Like when Jacob (Israel) took his sons to Egypt to live under the watchful eye of his son Joseph, Israel (the nation) was to go into captivity and make homes and have children. God would watch over them and after 70 years bring them back to their own country (29:10). They not only were supposed to make themselves comfortable in captivity they were to do something eles while under Neb's watchful eye: They were supposed to pray for Neb's welfare and Neb's nation to prosper. There is one thing to submit to your enemy, but it is even more demanding to pray for your enemy to prosper. But, in 29:7 they were told to pray for the welfare of their captors because the welfare of the captors would benefit their own welfare. They were to pray for the leaders that God had placed them under because God would use those same leaders to bless them. I often wonder if the far right in our country, often made up of men and women of faith, should quit praying for the destruction of the far left and start praying that they would prosper? Have you ever prayed for the left to prosper in this country? Have you prayed for those in political office that you didn't vote for would prosper and be successful. For you own prosperous welfare you would need the leaders to be prosperous. It is funny how we wish the very people who can make our earthly life more comfortable harm. Of course we aren't supposed to be comfortable here, correct? Now you know how difficult Jeremiah's message was to both be delivered and to hear. We are commanded to pray for the prosperity of our leaders (Romans 13). We are to ask God to lead them and provide for us through them. We may not be in captivity (?) but we are to pray for the welfare of our state - our welfare is tied up in their welfare.

God will answer - Job 35-36

Young Elihu continues his defense for God against Job and his three friends. While Job attempted to justify his own human righteousness before his friends; and, while his three friends attempted to imply that Job's circumstances were a result of some hidden sin, Elihu has sat by patiently. He is the picture of Christ. Elihu is there to intercede for God to "reveal" God's mysteries to Job. He is a type of Christ. He tells Job to wait patiently for God as God will deal with both the transgressor and the righteous, eventually. Elihu wants Job to know that he can't add to God via his self-proclaimed righteousness and he can't detract from God because he sins. God is powerful and does see the affairs of man. Elihu wants Job to wait on God. In the midst of any bad circumstance we often want to "do something." We want to try to squirm out of it or fight out of it or talk our way out of it. But, Elihu reminds us all to wait on God. God's timing is not our timing. He often gives "songs in the night" (35:10). We should rejoice in God's perfect timing not toss and turn in our own troubles. God is and will deal with the problems we face. Job's friends didn't tell Job to wait on God and see what God was doing in him and through him. Job did not tell his friends to just wait and see what God was doing. Instead of waiting on God they turned to self-reasoning and mental gymnastics. Trust in God and He will reveal His plan in His time.

Contrast of Hearts - Psalm 51-53

Psalm 51 is of course the great Psalm David wrote during or after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. David realized his sin (both the act and the cover up) and feel into tremendous guilt and pain. The Psalm records that his sin is "ever before him." He couldn't get it out of his head. Although the pleasures of sin are before us for a moment the outcome of the sin last forever in our minds. Guilt is that thing God gives us to bring us to him. David says in this Psalm that he felt as though his very bones were broken. The guilt of sin had an effect on his physiological condition. We often see psychological depression manifests itself in physical illnesses. David is a walking case study. Yet, he cries out to God. He recognizes God as holy and as compassionate. He cries out based upon God's love and compassion (verse one). Compare and contrast that with Psalm 52 and 53. What Psalm 51 has in depth of God's love and character these two Psalms have in depth of man's depravity and pride. Whereas David was able to submit in humility to God those talked about in Psalm 52 and 53 are covered in pride. They don't feel the guilty that leads to repentance. Instead they see God in anger and rejoice in their sin and their own wisdom. They will be brought down. They will suffer for their pride. But, what is the difference between David and them? The only thing that separates the two is that God worked in David's life and allowed his guilt to manifest itself in true repentance. We sometimes don't see God's hand of mercy in this way. When we feel guilty it is God allow us to sense His holy presence and repent. There are those who sin and have no guilt. They don't turn to God and they don't seek forgiveness. Our guilt, although painful and with internal strife, is there to lead us to repentance. The next time you feel guilty rejoice. God is there to wipe away that guilt and to restore us to Himself. Guilt leads to repentance. repentance leads to rejoicing.

What to do when God says no! 2 Samuel 5-9

We often asked God for things and hope He says yes. We especially believe He will say yes when we want to do something special for Him; some act of service that demonstrates our love for Him and the worthiness of His praise. Who would say no to such a desire? But, that is exactly what happened in our passage today. David wanted to provide God with a worship act: He wanted to build a temple. Although David's spiritual advisor, Nathan, initially said yes, God said NO! God knew that David's heart was right but his reputation was not. God withheld him from a great act of worship because he was a man of war. God would allow David's son to build the temple but not David. So, what do you do when God puts a limit on your service for your past offenses? David kept right on serving where he could. And he kept serving in righteousness and justice (8:15). He even kept extending mercy to Saul's family (chapter 9). When most people can't serve the way they want they up and quit or leave. Most people, when told "no", hear "stop!" Not David. He only heard that God was going to do something great with his family as a result of his obedience - so he keeps obeying. We can stop serving when God tells us no or we can find a way to still practice righteousness and justice and keep on serving. That is the godly leadership thing to do.

Praying for others - Exodus 17-20

The story in Exodus 17 about Moses praying for Joshua as he and the nation of Israel fought the Amalek is a great lesson for us in praying for others. As the account is recorded in Exodus we find Joshua ready to go into battle in the valley against the Amalek. He was to destroy them as a command of the Lord. God would send Moses with Aaron and Hur up on the mountain to watch the battle and to pray over the battle. Moses was to lift the infamous staff up over his head. When he lifted it over his head Joshua and the nation would prevail. When Moses began to tire and his arms lowered the staff Joshua and the army would begin to lose ground. The lesson we have here is obvious: Intercessory prayer matters. Prayer behind the scene is not just an empty exercise but the canvas that holds the scene. God is in the process of doing great work and He uses prayer in the background to accomplish the work. God could have destroyed the Amalek with one breath of air, like He did the Egyptians. But, God choose to use the skills of the Joshua and the army and the intercessory prayer of Moses. But, Moses could not do it alone. Aaron and Hur stood by holding Moses' arms so they wouldn't get tired. Here we have Aaron and Hur interceding for Moses while he is interceding for Joshua. I think I can even get the lesson here! God is going to do a great work on the earth "with us" and that great work includes intercessory prayer for others. We may not be able to see the battle in the same sense that Moses, Aaron and Hur did, but the battle still rages on and on. We need to find a way to be more consistent in our prayer life for others. Making a list; having a prayer schedule; having a prayer partner; having an accountability partner are all ways to make sure we pray. Whatever your need get it done. We need others praying for others. The battle is won or lost on the prayers of the saints for others.

So that we don't trust ourselves - 1 Corinthian 1-3

In this fine book Paul begins by given us a small, but powerful look into his earthly ministry. He wants his readers to know that he has been at the point of suffering and even the point of death. In chapter one we read that Paul "despaired, even of life" (1:8-9). Paul has been to the point of exhaustion in ministry. It is hard to believe that we today can complain about "all we have to do" when we can order on line material goods Paul would never dream of. We can go places so fast Paul would have nightmares just thinking about it. Paul had to deal with such hardships we can only imagine. Yet, his situation was like ours today and for the same purposes: God allows hardships in our lives so that we do not trust in ourselves and we can fully know the power of God; who raises the dead (1 Cor. 1:10). We are so likely to trust in our talents, knowledge or resources when God wants us to lean fully on Him. We are so likely to take credit for good things when God so much wants us to praise Him. We are so likely to want to try to fix it ourselves when God so much is the only One who can. We are to trust in Him and He allows hardships to allow us to see His power ... The power of the Resurrection. It all comes down to the Resurrection. As I write this blog it it is Easter Sunday morning. It is Resurrection Sunday. Mary goes to the tomb to prepare Jesus further for death and instead she discovers Life ... Resurrection Life. The next time you are overwhelmed or outmatched or outnumbered, remember the Resurrection and the power behind it. God overcame death, the greatest power know to man. Jesus is the resurrection and the life.