Welcome to River of Life, First Baptist Lake Monroe and Ridge Crest Bible Church’s Chronological Bible Reading Plan.  Over the next several years, the members of these sister churches will be reading through their Bibles together in a chronological way, following the events of the Bible in the order in which they occurred rather than in the order in which they were recorded.  In addition the pastor and adult Bible study teachers will be teaching from the same passages we read each week.  At times, additional passages from the Psalms will be provided along with the chronological reading portion.

     I hope that you will prayerfully consider making a commitment to reading through the Bible with us.  As you approach each days’ passage and questions let me encourage you to: 

Pray – Pray before you read.  Ask God to make the scripture real to you and show you how it applies to your life.

Read – Read the scripture passage(s).

Ask – Ask yourself, “in what I just read is there a lesson to learn, a truth to embrace, an example to follow, a sin to avoid, a mistake to dodge, a change to make or a promise to claim?”

Meditate – Think about what you have read.  We are to be doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:22).

Remember God’s promise and condition in Jeremiah 29:13

 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

If you miss a lesson and would like it emailed to you,

 send me an email at rolwebperson@yahoo.com

Want a link to read the Scriptures?

http://www.biblegateway.com/

 

Monday, September 21 – Read for today: Psalm 21

The right perspective

     We live in a day, in a time, when humility is largely gone from the actions and vocabulary of many.  In times of victory, our victors often go beyond a simple celebration, to wanting the crowd’s endorsement of their prowess, talent, and superiority.  Following a victory, shouts of “Who’s da man?”, or “Who’s number 1?” can often be heard.

     David is a man, who as a boy, single-handedly and in defense of his livelihood and his father’s flocks, defeated both a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17:34-36), and yet he claimed no special ability or talent because of his victories.  He said, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”  He recognized where his strength and victory came from.  If he were to have mounted their heads on a wall, he would have said, “Look what the Lord helped me do.”

     When a young youth, 12 - 14 years of age, He defeated one of the largest and fiercest warriors to have ever trod our earth.  Goliath was a giant of a man, standing, depending on which cubit you use, and somewhere between 8 1/2 and 10 feet tall.  He wore 150 lbs. of armor, and carried a spear whose tip weighed as much as the shot puts our Olympic athletes struggle to throw.  When he went to fight him, what did he say, “this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 Then David said, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

     David knew Who would have to fight if he was going to win this battle.  Even after his victory, and even after having success as a military leader for years, and even after becoming king, what does he say?  Look again at our passage for today.  Lord, the king finds joy in Your strength.  How greatly he rejoices in Your victory  His glory is great through Your victory; You confer majesty and splendor on him.”

     David gives all of the honor and glory to the Lord.  He knows Who has given him the ability he has and Who has blessed him.  Through it all he keeps a right perspective.”

Questions for thought:

  1. What do you think when you see Tim Tebow, or Albert Pujols, or someone similar kneeling on an athletic field, or pointing toward heaven after they make a good play or after a victory?

  2. Do you usually give glory to God after you succeed at something or get recognized for a good job?  How can someone testify to the source of her strength, or his ability, in an honest way, without fanfare?

For further study:

  1. Read Acts 7:55-58.  What was the crowd’s response to Stephen’s testimony?  Why?  In our society, do you see things possibly heading the same way?

  2. Read Psalm 29:11; and Isaiah 40:29.  According to these verses, where does all glory belong?

Tuesday, September 22 - Read for today: 1 Chronicles 1

Passing the torch

     Adam, Seth, Enosh, . . . The beginnings.  Have you ever walked through a cemetery and examined the headstones?  I’ve walked through Arlington National Cemetery several times.  I’ve walked through the cemetery that’s part of Confederate Memorial Park, behind the old Confederate senior home that was there.  We’ve walked through one of the country’s oldest cemeteries in Boston.  Some I’ve been very moved by.  Others, simply learning.

     All of those buried in those places, like those listed in our reading for today, had plans.  They had hopes and dreams.  Some were a drag on the world, hurting and injuring those around them, or simply taking what others had worked for.  Some made little impact on the world.  They lived.  They died, and that was about it.  Some contributed to the world and to society.  The world was a better place because they had been here.  They encouraged folks.  They helped those in need.  They pointed out the good in situations and defended those unable to defend themselves.

     All of us are links in a chain.  We benefit, or suffer, because of the actions and decisions of those who have gone before us.  We also leave for those who follow.  Some of us will leave encouragement for those who follow.  Some of us will leave a model, an example, of what a faithful husband/wife, diligent parent, and supportive child looks like.  Others, not so much.

     Regardless, if the Lord delays until then, all of us will be forced to pass the torch to someone else.  

Questions for thought:

  1. What torch are you passing to the next generation?

  2. Will those who follow be better off because you were here?

  3. What can you do to help those follow?

For further study:

  1. Read Philippians 4:8-9.  Could you leave a similar inscription on your headstone?



Wednesday, September 23 - Read for today: 1 Chronicles 2

Contrasts

     This chapter, and verse 3 especially, is a reminder of a torrid event which is recorded in Genesis 38.  That chapter records how Judah had three sons.  The first was wicked in the Lord’s sight, as we are reminded here, and the Lord killed him.

     The second was to father a child with his brother’s widow.  According to the law and traditions of the time, that was one of his responsibilities to his brother.  He, however, refused to give his deceased brother an heir, perhaps hoping to get a greater portion of the inheritance himself.   The Lord, seeing his refusal, got ticked at him and killed him as well.

   Judah, afraid his youngest son would also die, refused to have him father a child for his brother.  The 1st brother’s widow, Tamar, disguised herself, slept with her father-in-law, and ended up having a son by him.

     What a twisted, profane, and disgusting situation.  What did the Lord do in this situation?  He made Judah and Tamar’s child an ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:3).

     We see here a stark contrast.  One man was killed because he was evil in the Lord’s sight.  His younger brother killed because he too did what was displeasing to the Lord.  Then a woman, who did not come from the “people of God” doing what was right in the Lord’s eyes and being rewarded for her righteousness and desire to do what was right, by being able to list as one of her descendants, “The Son of God!”

It is not hearers of the Word, who please God.  It is the doers.What a contrast.

Questions for thought:

  1. If you did not know the outcome beforehand, what would you have thought God’s reaction to Tamar’s actions would have been?

  2. How does this confirm what was written in Isaiah 55:8-9?

  3. How might this affect the way we look at and judge others?

For further study:

  1. Read Romans 2:12-16.  How is this passage confirmed by our reading for today?

2. How does the passage above give added weight to the warning of James 1:22?



 Thursday, September 24 – Read for today: Psalms 43

Anchor for the Soul

     How do we weather the storms of life?  How do we handle the enemies that confront us sometimes on a daily basis? Is the stress of the world getting us down? The cry of this Psalms is to lean hard on the Lord. When we know that we are His children there is confidence and joy that runs through our lives like a mighty river of hope.  The pressure of the enemy is oppressive yet at the same time a platform to see our Lord work in us.  It is when the heat is pressing us it is then when we see God work.  This in turn builds our confidence and prepares us for future trials. I believe when we trust our Lord like this the world around us sees us more than we realize.  It becomes an opportunity for a testimony to display our relationship with our Lord before the world.

       When God encourages us we begin to naturally overflow with praise and this brings glory and satisfaction to His heart. We must remember that we were created to worship our Lord and will never be fulfilled unless we are doing this in a consistent way.  So we must look at every event and trial in our lives as a door way to display our love and appreciation of Him.  No enemy or problem should over cast our relationship with Him but enhance a picture of our special relationship.  Can we then look at trials differently now in a positive light?  Can we lift up our Lord in difficult times?  If we can this will honor our Lord in a wonderful way!

Thoughts to consider:

Job 11:18-Why do you think hope brings security to our lives?

Psalms 91:5-What instant troubles can you think of that God can take care of in our lives? What does fear do to our lives?

For further study:

Psalms 112:7-How important is it to have a life of steadiness even in stressful times?

Proverbs 3:24-What does true rest mean in your life? What do you consider the fruit of true rest?



Friday, September 25 - Read for today: Psalm 44

Nothing new under the sun

     On April 16th, Italian police arrested 15 Muslim migrants, accused of throwing 12 Christians overboard, leading to their deaths.

     NAIROBI, Kenya — Somali militants burst into a university in eastern Kenya and killed nearly 150 students in the worst terrorist attack since the 1998 bombing of the United States Embassy here, laying bare the nation’s continuing vulnerability after years of battling Islamist extremism.

     A small group of militants, most likely between four and 10, roved from dorm to dorm, separating Christian from Muslim students and killing the Christians, the authorities said. Students described being awakened before dawn by the sound of gunfire and fleeing for their lives as masked attackers closed in.Officials said that by the time Kenyan commandos cornered and killed the attackers on an upper floor, 147 people lay dead. (April 2, 2015).

     “Christians and followers of other religions in China suffered the worst abuses in a decade last year as part of a state-sponsored crackdown on dissent, according to a Christian human rights group.     The organization China Aid said the persecution of religious practitioners and human rights advocates in China increased by more than 150 percent last year.  According to its annual report released on Tuesday, 17,884 individuals were persecuted for their religious beliefs. Authorities detained nearly 3,000 dissidents and sentenced 1,274 people, compared to just 12 in 2013.” (April 27, 2015; Daniel Wiser).

     According to Open Doors, 322 Christians are killed, 214 churches are destroyed and properties damaged, and 772 forms of other violence are done against Christians every month.  There is, however, nothing new under the sun.  In verse 22 of our passage for today we read, “Because of You we are slain all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.”

     God’s people, Godly people, always suffer.  There are times, looking at the innocent suffering, when we all wonder and ask, “Lord, where are You?  Why are you allowing this to happen?”

     In Matthew 5:10-12 we read, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

     The good news, no, the great news is, this is not the end of the story.  The days of suffering and persecution will come an end, and we will all be reunited in a place where there is no more suffering.  That, my friend, is something new and something to look forward to.

Questions for thought:

  1. What do you do in response to the persecution you see around the world?

  2. Do you ever step in to help those around you being persecuted and ridiculed for their faith?

For further study:

     Standing Strong Through The Storm is the curriculum that Open Doors uses to help Christians stand strong in the face of persecution. There are six theological and biblical lessons from this curriculum:

  1. Sometimes you need to build yourself a cell  Be still, and know that I am God—Psalms 46:10 One Chinese church leader, who spent 23 years in prison, once said this to Christians who did not face persecution: "I was pushed into a cell, but you have to push yourself into one. You have no time to know God. You need to build yourself a cell, so you can do for yourself what persecution did for me—simplify your life and know God."

      It is vital that we spend time with God, to grow in Him, so we are prepared to stand strong in the face of persecution.

   2. God keeps secrets,  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts—Isaiah 55:8-9There have been countless stories of persecuted Christians who have died without seeing the fruits of their labor. However, God know all that has been and all that is to come. Our labor is not in vain, it is in His hands.

   3. Weakness is a direct path to power that is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong—2 Corinthians 12:10 An Egyptian Christian reflected on the way he was treated when he converted to Christ: "In great suffering you discover a different Jesus than you do in normal life… Pain and suffering bring up to the surface all the weak points of your personality. In my weakest state, I had an incredible realization that Jesus loved me even right then."  True empowerment does not come from human means, but through Christ alone. It often takes being at our weakest point to realize this.

   4. Overcoming is greater than deliverance. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:21 Persecuted Christians, no matter what country they are from, do not ask us to pray that persecution would end, but rather ask us to pray that they stand strong through the persecution. They do not wish to be delivered from the persecution, but rather ask us to pray that they would be able to overcome the trials that they are facing in a way that is honoring to God.

   5. Extreme hurt requires extreme forgiveness:  And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments—Luke 23:34A Christian widow from Iran said: "I only had hatred in my heart for my enemies who had murdered my husband. But one day a miracle happened. God taught me how I could love my enemies… I had been praying for this, even though on the deepest level I didn't want it to happen. Gradually, through a process of ups and downs, God answered this prayer."  The only way we can get through extreme hurt is by forgiving people as Christ did.

   6. Prayer is the ultimate fellowship Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering—Hebrews 13:3 Many persecuted Christians often feel isolated and alone, since they are unable to fellowship with other believers. However, prayers from Christians half a world away have brought the same amount of encouragement that fellowship would have for these persecuted Christians. Prayer is vital—not only as a direct line to God, but as a way to encourage our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.

  1 Corinthians 12:26 tells us that we are one body—when one member suffers, we all suffer. When one member is lifted up, we all rejoice. Persecuted Christians and Christians in the free world are not two separate entities, but rather are one body. The persecuted church needs the free church to support them and most importantly to lift them up in prayer. The church in the free world learns lessons from the persecuted who have stood strong in the face of persecution. Christ is the head of the body and uses the church (both free and persecuted) in unique and powerful ways.



Monday, September 28 - Read for today: Psalm 45

Have our standards really changed?

     This psalm is a love song.  It is a wedding song, (one which could not be sung at many weddings these days, because of the mention of God and His standards).

     The woman is singing of her betrothed, the one she is marrying.  There are many things she admires in her new husband.  He is handsome.  He is successful.  Things appreciated these days as well.

     There is, however, something unique in what this bride sings about her husband.  She doesn’t point out how much money he has (though she does mention how the Lord has blessed him).  She doesn’t praise him for his popularity.  In verse 4 she says, “in your splendor ride triumphantly in the cause of truth, humility, and justice.”

     Have we changed, and our standards changed so much that those things are no longer appreciated?  Is it now more important that the folks we look up to be able to do what is politically correct, instead of what is right?  Are we respecting people more for the one they have accumulated, and how their fame has spread, more than we do for how they got that notoriety?  Does doing what is right really matter anymore?  Does character count?

     As we work to decide that, we must remember what is written in verse 6, “Your throne, God, is forever and ever; the scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of justice.”

     Some in our society may have changed their standards, but God hasn’t, and His throne endures forever.
Questions for thought:

  1. What about another person causes you to respect them most?

  2. Do you often tell them that?

  3. How do you encourage people who live with character, and what can one do to encourage children to appreciate those traits as well?

For further study:

  1. Read Luke 12:2-3.  What do these verses say about our actions and words?

Tuesday, September 29 - Read for today: Psalm 49

Danger ahead

     A number of years ago, we went out west on a mission trip with a number of our Mississippi youth.  Being from Florida, there was something I noticed about those western folks right off.  They seldom use guard rails.  The road going to the top of Pikes Peak has steep drop offs, with nary a guard rail.  Many roads through the Rocky Mountains have steep drop offs with few guard rails.  In Florida, we erect guard rails over ditches.

     There are few rails in Scripture, erected more highly that the one in the beginning of this psalm.  The psalmist begins this chapter saying, “Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who inhabit the world, both low and high, rich and poor together.”  He wants everyone to catch his warning and avoid the danger ahead.  What is he so desperately warning about? -an improper attitude toward wealth.

     It is easy to get busy working, paying bills, saving for the future, and in the process to begin to think that it is your labor, or saving, or planning that is getting you ahead.  Some stretch that into thinking that if they are doing well financially, or in business, that they have the Lord’s fair and that they are definitely doing well with Him.  As he warns in verse 6, their wealth cannot redeem them from the Pit.

Questions for thought:

  1. Do you ever let life, or the pursuit of making a living get in the way of pursuing God?

  2. Might the Lord have given us a day of rest, to help protect us from this danger?

For further study:

  1. Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19.  How do these verses command us to think of wealth?

Wednesday, September 30 - Read for today: Psalm 84

Treasure close by

     I discovered this past Sunday, when I went to preach, that a bird had decided to build her nest in my pulpit, and as of this past Sunday, there were at least 3 eggs in it.  Interesting then, that this passage speaks in verse 3 of, “ Even a sparrow finds a home, and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young—near Your altars, Lord of Hosts, my King and my God.  How happy are those who reside in Your house, who praise You continually. Selah.”

      When you truly spend time with God, you’ll realize that everything you were looking for to give you joy, strength, peace, and satisfaction is all found in Him! We must continually come and rest with Him; getting into His Word to find and be in His presence.

     “We've all read stories about finding buried treasures of gold since we were children. For a couple in Sierra Nevada, this fairy tale of sorts actually came true!

      An unidentified couple were walking their dog on their property one day in 2013 when they saw the top of a rusty canister poking out of the ground. The canister contained a bunch of gold discs and they took it home.

      After brushing the dirt off of the discs, they were almost perfectly preserved $20 gold coins dating from the 1890s.  They hurried back to the location of their find and discovered a total of of eight cans containing 1,427 coins with a face value of $27,980.

     The discovery was a coin collector's dream: A total of 1,373 were $20 coins, 50 were $10 coins and four were $5 coins. The coins were minted from 1847 to 1894. About a third of the coins were in pristine condition and never circulated in the general public.  It is believed this is the biggest hoard of gold coins ever unearthed in the United States and is valued at $10 million.”  (oddee.com; 10 Strangest Backyard Finds, Marcus Blake, 8/12/2014)

     Isn’t it interesting how great treasures can sometimes be found right close at hand, if we take the time to look?  The peace, and joy, and purpose that so many seek in so many places, can be found close at hand, if you’re willing to look.

Questions for thought:

 1. What do you treasure the most?

  2. How often do you spend time with the Lord?  Does He always seem close at hand?  What might impact that?

  3. Do you usually look forward to attending church and worshipping with other believers?  Why or why not?

For further study:

  1. Read Psalm 122:1.  What do you think impacts this writer’s attitude the most?

Thursday, October 1 – Read for today: Psalms 85

A Desire for Restoration

     Restoration or rebuilding is extremely important after any set back or defeat.  This Psalms probably reflects the heart of Israel after the exile to Babylon.  They realized what had been lost and could only cry to God for mercy. The people had seen very vividly what happens when God is disobeyed and ignored.  Forgiveness is asked for and for God to turn from His anger.  We must remember that God desires very much for us to return to Him and know the joy of His presence but we must make the decision to return to Him. A broken relationship with God will make a believer miserable and not suited to serve him in any capacity. Where are we today? Is there disobedience in our lives?  Are we rebelling in any way?  Is there a secret sin pulling us down and dulling our relationship with God?  Is the joy of our salvation gone?  Evaluation must be complete and often in our lives in order to remain useful to our Lord and filled with the joy that only He can give. God desires for us to have a quality life living close to Him each day. He desires this for us more than we do as is evident in our actions and priorities.  I think this shows the natural or old man in us for who he is. The carnal man living in us is selfish and self-consumed in many ways and must be controlled as we yield to the Holy Spirit.

       When are controlled by the Holy Spirit our life is in harmony with God’s will and design for us.  Prayers are answered and we can be used by our Lord to lead others to salvation and then disciple them for Christian service.  Verse 10 tells us that:  “righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”  This phrase shows us that a righteous life of obedience yields peace in our lives.  This peace is very powerful as we face difficulties and strong enemies in this world.  The way that God has for us is a sure and confident way as we live for the purposes for which we were created.  This is freedom in the true sense of the word. So where are you today?  Is there joy and satisfaction in your daily life?  Do you feel you are accomplishing all God has planned for you? If you are a believer but feel distance from God return to Him today by seeking His mercy and grace.  Know the joy of true service as He uses you to accomplish His will.

Thoughts to consider:

II Chronicles 15:15-Why do you think joy comes after commitment to our God?  Why does this bring rest to our lives?

Psalms 38:9- Why is it important to be completely honest with God about all our feelings?

For further study:

Psalms 73:25-Why do our desires change the closer we are to our Lord?

Isaiah 26:9 & Luke 6:21—Do we have a true hunger for the things of God?  What promises do you see in these verses for the hungering heart and the sad heart?  How does our relationship with God affect the condition and quality of our lives?



Friday, October 2 - Read for today: Psalm 87

Jumped the tracks

     “CRESCENT CITY, Fla. (AP) — James Pierce had just settled into his sleeper car for a 16 1/2-hour train trip to Washington when the train screeched off the rails and slammed into pine trees lining the tracks."It felt like it was sliding to the left and suddenly it just toppled," said Pierce, an Amtrak attendant from Huntingtown, Md.     Four people were killed and 133 injured when 14 of the 16 passenger cars on the Amtrak Auto Train — a favorite among tourists traveling between the Northeast and Orlando's theme parks — derailed Thursday night in a remote area of north Florida.”  (Copyright 2008 USA TODAY - 4/19/02)

     I still remember when that wreck occurred.  A train traveling down a track, trains travel all the time, jumped the rails and left some dead and number of others injured.  They were heading in the right direction.  They were off to a good start, but they jumped the rails and what could have turned out well, ended in disaster.

     We find the same thing occurring in this passage.  Verse 4 reads, “I will mention those who know Me: Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush—each one was born there.” (HCSB)     These nations are not strangers to the Middle East.  They are not strangers to the Lord.  Rehab, Egypt; the people there knew the Lord and saw His mighty hand at work among them, but their nation derailed and they started worshipping the creation instead of the Creator.  Babylon - is the most famous city from ancient Mesopotamia whose ruins lie in modern-day Iraq 59 miles (94 kilometers) southwest of Baghdad.  This city/nation is where the Tower of Babal was constructed.  They knew and saw the Lord.  Today, their descendants have vowed to destroy the nation of Israel.  Some Never learn.       Philistine - ‘The name in Hebrew is "Peleshet" and means "land of immigrants or invaders". It comes from the Semitic word "plisha", meaning "invader".  Philistia was the coastal plain where the Philistines lived after invading from Caphtor (Crete).’ (biblicalzionist.com).*  This is the land and the people who repeatedly invaded Israel during the time of Samson - David and were repeatedly repulsed.  They experienced the Lord’s wrath when they took the arc of the Covenant (1 Samuel 5).  They too knew the Lord and turned their backs.

     These, along with Tyre and Cush, were cities/countries, inhabited by people who had every opportunity to know the Lord.  That had early interactions with the Lord and His people, but somewhere along the way they derailed.  Instead of choosing to follow the Lord and to build their nations following and serving Him, they instead chose to oppose Him, and as a result they ended in disaster.
Questions for thought:

  1. Have you started off well?  Did you start walking with the Lord?

  2. How are things now?  Is He still Lord in your life?

For further study:

    * Here’s some lanyap, which is Cajan for “something extra for no extra charge” - Philistia, In old Assyrian inscriptions it was called Palastu and Pilista.  Philistia was in the southwest corner of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast,  and contained 5 cities - Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath.  The area under Philistine control at times extended up the coast to Joppa.  The modern names Palestine and Palestinian come from the Biblical names Philistia and Philistine.  The term "Palestine" was never applied to the whole land of Israel until 135 AD.  At that time, after Rome had crushed the second Jewish revolt, the Roman Emperor Hadrian began using the term "Palestine" for the whole land of Israel.  His motivation for doing this was his anti-Semitism, to negate the connection between the Jews and their Promised Land.  He was very successful in this.  Down through the centuries the whole land has been called Palestine, even though Philistia was originally just a small corner of the land.



Monday, October 5 - Read for today: 1 Chronicles 3

Searching for treasures

     At first glance, one questions the usefulness of this passage, other than giving one a record of David’s descendants.  The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16, however, that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” so there must be a lesson for here as well.

     “As we read these names they convey no meaning to us, but as defined etymologically we may get a new aspect of part at least of the king's household. Ibhar signifies "God chooseth"; Elishama, "God heareth"; Eliphelet, "God is deliverance"; Eliada, "God knoweth."

      Keeping in mind that in Oriental countries it was customary to mark family history by the names of the children, we can but be struck with the deep religiousness of the family record now before us. In every child David sees some new manifestation of God. Every son was an historical landmark. Every life was a new phase of providence. Blessed is the man who need not look beyond his own house for signs and proofs of the manifold and never-ceasing goodness of God.” (J. Parker, D. D.)     There is something to be learned in all scripture, if you’ll take the time to mine the gems hidden there.

Questions for thought:

  1. As you look at your children, what do you see?

  2. What have you used to mark the milestones of your journey with God and His direction in your life?

For further study:

  1. Read Psalm 127:3-5.  What does this passage tell us?

  2. Do you believe this is true of all of them?



Tuesday, October 6 - Read for today: 1 Chronicles 4

When things are stacked against you

      At first sight, this appears to be another one of those boring chapters that simply lists genealogies and who fathered whom, etc.  In the midst of this chapter there is an interesting periscope however.  We read in verses 9 “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.”

     Notice, if you will, the number of things set against Jabez.  First, did you notice, the Bible doesn’t record the presence or name of his father.  That’s unusual considering that this is a genealogical record.  Evidently his dad wasn’t in the picture, or wasn’t the best of men or he probably would have been recognized.

      Second, it is recorded that Jabez was more honorable than his brothers.  This indicates that either Jabez was standout ably honorable, or that his brothers were not men of honor.  Either way, his family was not as honorable as he was.

      Third, his mother named him Jabez, which means “pain”, or “suffering”.  How would like to go through life with that handle applied to you?  He had three strikes against him.

      How did Jabez respond?  Did he complain and say there was no way he could get what was due him?  Did he burn down buildings and say life was unfair?  Did he just sit down and quit, saying there was no way he could ever get ahead or get a break?  No.  He did the same thing we should do when the deck is stacked against us.  He took his problems to the Lord.  He prayed.

      In verse 10 we read, “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.”

     “Notice that even though the prayer is very personal, it is really not a selfish prayer. (There is a difference between being personal and being selfish.) Jabez uses the pronouns "me" or "my" five times in the prayer:     At first glance that looks like a very self-centered prayer. It sounds like that famous prayer of the man who prayed, "Bless me and my wife, my son John and his wife, us four and no more." But Jabez is really not being selfish, because he is praying for something God wanted him to have. That is the difference between being personal and being selfish.

     There are personal requests in our Lord's model prayer: "Give us this day our daily bread; forgive us our trespasses; lead us not into temptation; deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:11-13) -- those are all personal, but they are not selfish. Selfish prayers are prayers which ask God for something he does not want us to have, at least not at that time, demanding prayers that are interested only in our own immediate welfare, for our own satisfaction. That is selfish praying. But God is a God of the individual. He promises great and mighty things to us personally that we may lay hold of, so to pray in this way is not selfish, but personal, as Jabez teaches us here.” (Ray Stemond, “Prayer’s Practicality”).

When things are stacked against you, pray, and see the Lord work.

Questions for thought:

  1. What things do feel are stacked against you right now?

  2. How have you responded?

For further study:

  1. Read John 14:13-14.  What are the conditions regarding this promise?

Wednesday, October 7 - Read for today: 1 Chronicles 5

Better get your head adjusted

      In verses 21-22 we read, “They captured the Hagrites’ livestock—50,000 of their camels, 250,000 sheep, and 2,000 donkeys—as well as 100,000 people. Many of the Hagrites were killed because it was God’s battle.”

     Did you notice the last part of that passage?  Many of the Hagrites were killed because it was God’s battle.

     God is a loving God.  He proved that by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die for us (Romans 5:8).  He is a merciful and forgiving God.  (2 Peter 3:9)  He wants people to be saved and that invitation is open to everyone (John 3:16).  All these things are true, but some forget these truths do not describe all of the Lord’s character.

     Far too many people, including many in the church, have the mistaken idea that the Lord just winks at sin, or that in the end He will just let everyone who “tries hard” into heaven.  I’m sorry, what part of many of the Hagrites being killed because it was God’s battle, do folks not understand?

       Did you notice the last 2 verses in this chapter?  The Lord’s people chose to chase other gods, and God got so ticked that He had them invaded, deported, and enslaved.  He don’t play.

     When the Bible says that we are to seek first the kingdom of God, (Matthew 6:33), God means that.  When the Bible says there is a punishment for those who choose to place things ahead of God (Luke 12:20), and that those who do not choose the Lord will not be happy ultimately (Mark 9:43-45), He means that.

     Is religion a game?  Is this church and a relationship with Jesus Christ just something we can play at, and never take serious?  Is it not a matter of life and death with eternal consequences?

     Folks who do not understand the eventual and eternal consequences of the decisions they make in this life, better get their heads adjusted.

Questions for thought:

  1. How seriously do you take your relationship with the Lord?

  2. How seriously do you take your responsibility to share with others and to pray for them?

  3. Do you subscribe to the idea that all religions are equal?  If not, how seriously do you take yours?

For further study:

  1. Read Acts 4:12; & John 14:6.  Do you believe this?  What difference is it making in your life, in your priorities, and in the way you treat others?



Thursday, October 8 - Read for today: Psalm 73

Life’s True Values

     There are two slippery slopes in this psalm. The psalmist recognizes envy to begin the Psalm when he looks at the prosperous wicked in this world.  It seemed to him that the wicked rarely suffer and are born with a silver spoon in their mouth so to speak.  The circumstances of life if we allow them can make us second guess our true state and relationship with God.  It is true that we as believers are so blessed with salvation and the promises of God yet if we become distracted with the world around us hope begins to dim in our hearts.  We compare bank accounts and material possessions as if this is all that really matters.  The believer amazingly can lose sight of how much he is really blessed by watching his neighbor instead of focusing on God. Envy can dry us up when we long for the things of this world for ourselves and our families.  As parents we want the best for our children.  We want them to have things better than we had it and, if not careful, we can sacrifice God’s blessings for things of temporary value. It seems as the Psalmist says “Nor are they plagued like other men”--“pride serves as their necklace”. They are boastful with no regard for the things of God at all, but remember there is a bitter cost for this attitude.  Things will not always continue as they are.  Life is short and consequences follow no matter who we are or our position in this life.  It is interesting how many people plan for retirement as if they will live another 50 years after age 65. How many make to be 115 years old. Seventy years we are given and then the burden of these bodies begin to dominate our lives for the final few years.  What is of eternal value is where our focus needs to be.  To worship God and be obedient to Him is the true purpose and value of life.  As believers we know this but do we live that way? The psalmist states in verse 22 “I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before you.” If not careful we too can make beastly decisions based on what we see instead of the promises of God. We can let envy control us and render us ineffective in serving God. We must let our Lord guide us with His counsel as He is the only source of true help and satisfaction that we have as we read in verse 25 “Whom have I in heaven but You?”  Let us lift Him up with praise and adoration for the world around us to see and then may we introduce them to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is where true value abides against which the glitter of this present world dims out of sight.

Thoughts to consider:

Matthew 16:26 –Consider the value of things today and how do these things compare to the value of knowing God?

Luke 21:34 –The day of our Lord’s return is coming.  How does keeping this in perspective shape our lives?

For further study:

Colossians 3:2-What is involved in setting our minds on things above?  How do we focus in this way?

Titus 2:11-13 – How do you think knowing the grace of God in our lives trains us to live holy lives in this world and helps us live in anticipation of our Lord’s return?



Friday, October 9 - Read for today: Psalm 77

     ‘Here is a man who is really trying to be honest. He says, “I have analyzed my situation: I tried prayer all night long. In the past I have been given help, but no help has come now. God has made my heart to sing in the past, but it is empty, barren, and cheerless now. Why is this? I have thought about it: I searched my own life, my own heart, and these questions have come to me, and I cannot answer them. My conclusion must be that I have misjudged God. I have thought that God was changeless, that He would always respond every time I came to Him, but He has not. Therefore, I am driven to the irresistible conclusion that He is like a man, and you cannot count on Him.”

     This psalmist is facing the possibility of losing his faith. All that he once rested on, which has been such a comfort to him, which has strengthened him and given him character and power among men, seems to be nothing but a crumbling foundation that is disappearing fast. Soon he must lose all that he has held onto in the past. This is the “day of [his] trouble” and his present distress. Is that not the hidden problem with many of us? I have lost track of the times people have called me up and said, “I just don't know what to do. I've tried prayer, I've tried reading my Bible, I've tried to think through, but nothing seems to help. I don't know what to do. What's happening to me?”

     Apparent unresponsiveness from God is not unusual. All of God's saints have experienced this from time to time. This is part of the standard program God has for disciplining and training His own. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13a). The faithfulness of God is deliberately put into contrast with the statement, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man” because every one of us tends to suffer from the feeling that what is happening to us is unique. But many have experienced similar temptations if they are seeking to live the life of faith.

     The prophet Isaiah declares the reason this is true. Isaiah reveals what God says. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8). That is, God says, “My reason is above yours. You understand so little of life compared to what I see in it. My thoughts are not your thoughts”; therefore, you can expect there will come times when you will not understand but will be perplexed. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts; as the heavens are above the earth, so much greater is His vision of what reality is. If we are limited then to the tiny section of life that we can grasp with our puny understanding, it is only to be expected that there will come times when we do not understand what God is doing. So do not be troubled by these times of perplexity. They are normal experiences coming to all in the life of faith.’ (Ray Stedman).

Questions for thought:

  1. Have you ever had times when you doubted or wondered?

  2. How do you handle doubts or help friends who are questioning?

For further study:

  1. How do you think Joseph felt when his prayers went unanswered for so long?

  2. How did God respond to Job when he had questions and how did Job ultimately respond when the Lord confronted him?