May 31

2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72
My wife and I recently met a wonderful Christian couple who invited us into their home to share the Lord’s Supper on a Sunday when we were not able to get out for morning services because of the weather.  They have a lovely home with a beautiful view of a lake and mountains in the background.  The house is large, but comfortable.  It is obvious that they have been blessed financially.  However, instead of simply enjoying what God has given, they were apologetic.  To the point, that she said they were seriously considering selling the home because she felt it was a sin for them to have so much.  I’m not sure where exactly this doctrine originates, but I do know there are Christians who feel it is sinful to have accumulated wealth.  Today’s reading debunks that doctrine.  Solomon was provided greater wealth than any man alive, and it all came from God!  It isn’t a sin to have wealth.  It is a sin to hoard that wealth, not using it to bless those less fortunate.  It is a sin to be greedy for gain.  But, when the Lord has blessed an individual with wealth, He does so with an added blessing – the gift of generosity.  If one uses one without using the other, they have reason for guilt.  However, if both gifts are being used, they should simply give glory to God for the blessings they’ve received.  In speaking to this couple, it was clear that they were using both gifts.  Perhaps they needed to work on giving glory to God instead of feeling guilty.

May 30

 
1 Kings 3-4
Solomon was the wisest man who has ever lived. This passage says that that he wrote thousands of proverbs and numerous psalms, not to mention all that he wrote about the created things of God. Yet, we have but a couple dozen of his proverbs. Wouldn't it be something if we could uncover all of his writings? Perhaps we aren't able because we might exalt him to a position that would be too high. We seem to have that tendency. Consider how much entertainers are idolized. There are people who don't come close to the wisdom of Solomon who are looked upon as godlike. We must be careful to never place anyone in a position that competes with God. He is the only one worthy of our idolization. Even Solomon would have to acquiesce to God. For it was God who endowed him with his wisdom. It is God who gives talents, gifts, and intelligence. None have the right to claim glory for what the Lord has provided!

May 29

Psalm 119
God’s word is precious.  It is our guiding light.  Without the word of God we have no hope.  The Bible was written by those who were inspired through the Holy Spirit to write that which God intended for mankind.  Unfortunately, there are many who distort and misuse the Word.  In fact, I was recently told that the Bible is a book written by men, for men.  This particular person claimed to be a Christian.  She said that she followed her own feelings.  For her, the word of God is subject to her, instead of her being subject to the Word.  As blatant as that is, there are many who do the same thing while proclaiming devotion to the Bible.  Any time we use proof-texts to divide the family of God, we are doing no less than this woman is.  We have rejected the Word in favor of our own desires.  God never intended for His word to be used as a tool to separate brethren.  Quite the opposite is true.  The Bible should be a uniting force, helping us to love as God does, to demonstrate grace in His fashion, reflecting His mercy for mankind, while leaving judgment to the only true Judge.

May 28

1 Kings 1-2; Psalm 37, 71, 94
Solomon’s throne is established before the death of David.  Adonijah attempted a coup in much the same fashion as Absalom.  However, his was nipped in the bud before it could get off the ground because of those faithful to David.  After David’s death, Solomon patiently took care of all the loose ends and firmly established his rule.  This was all in God’s plan and nothing could change the outcome.  From the beginning, mankind has attempted to twist God’s plans to fit their own desires.  However, God is in control.  Because of His control, mankind is destined to fail when going against His design.  The Old Testament reveals this truth in one example after another, demonstrating God’s ability to lift up the righteous, while thwarting the wicked schemes of the evil ones.  He’s still doing it today.  When we align our lives with His will, we prosper and are blessed with that which will never fade or lose its glory.  While the wicked often appear to have gained much, in reality, that which they have gained is more a curse than blessing.  They die in misery, without contentment.  David died in peace, knowing that his blessings are eternal.  He had no fear, because he had the love of God in his heart and the assurance of His salvation.  Even if he had been penniless, he would have been among the wealthiest of all men.  The same remains true for God’s followers today.

May 27

   
Psalm 111-118
The longest book in the Bible is the book of Psalms. It is no mere coincidence that this is so. For those who face peril, and experience God's deliverance, praise is ever prevalent. To have a song in your heart, a prayer on your lips, and praise for the One who put them there, is just a natural reflection of gratitude. I wonder, do we American Christians feel the same depth of gratitude? We live in a nation where persecution, at its worst, is mild. Our lives are not often put at risk, and we enjoy relative affluence in a world that has abject poverty in many nations. Are we truly able to share in the gratitude found in the psalms? I hope so. Because, regardless of our material wealth and blessings, our souls are in just as deep peril as was theirs. We are in just as great a need for salvation, along with His mercy and grace. And, we should be just as grateful, if not more so! Therefore, let us praise God, knowing that His love endures forever!

May 26

 
1 Chronicles 26-29; Psalm 127
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." 1 Chronicles 29:14 David understood the source of his wealth. By the world's standards he had much to boast about. Between his generosity, and those of the people he led, it could easily be said that they had given sacrificially. Their generosity could be a source of pride. However, David keeps them humble by reminding them that whatever they gave was only that which God had given them. We sometimes get to feeling prideful about all we have amassed, without giving credit to our Lord who made it all possible. Without Him we are nothing more than the lowliest beggar.

May 25

Psalm 131, 138, 139, 143-145
The psalmist reminds us that we cannot hide from God. He sees and knows all of our actions, thoughts, and words. These are done in His presence, regardless of where we are or what we are doing. With this in mind, we receive great advice in Psalm 143:10: "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." If we will allow ourselves to be taught His will, learning His ways, and following His Holy Spirit's direction, there will be no reason to be concerned about His omnipresence. Rather than fearing His presence in our lives, we will relish and bask in the light His Spirit provides! Then we can truly sing, "Come into my heart, Lord Jesus!"

May 24

   
1 Chronicles 23-25
David appointed his son, Solomon, to be the king of Israel. He also started setting things in order, beginning with the priests, prophets, and those who were to work in the formal service to the Lord. These were the Levites that God had set aside for this purpose when He delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt. David had not forgotten their roots. Throughout the turmoil of his and Saul's reign, Israel had gone astray. It was time to reel the flock in, and replace the confusion with direction. David was reassessing the situation, realigning priorities, and returning to the principles established with his forefathers.

Do you suppose there is a lesson here for the church? How about the individual? We serve a God who is unchanging. He is the same God who spoke creation into existence from nothing, the same God who parted the seas, the same God who came to earth as a helpless babe in order to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He is the same God who gives life in the here-and-now, and life everlasting. We would do well to reassess our situation in conjunction with His. Since He lives in a place without time, His situation hasn't changed. It isn't affected by the varying ages of mankind. Perhaps we should realign our priorities to match God's priorities. That which was important to Him is still important, and will continue to be important throughout eternity. Thus, we should return to the principles that God holds dear. Those are revealed from Genesis to Revelation.

May 23

Psalm 108-110
Whatever enemies we might have, God is able to handle them, and He will. We are much better off leaving vengeance to the Lord than in taking revenge upon ourselves. I know this goes against current thought and practice. Why, there's even a hit television series called "Revenge!" Taking vengeance is viewed as the right thing to do. In fact, those who do so are hailed as heroes. This is not the way for God's people. Rather than revenge, we should be seeking healing and grace. If our enemies remain unrepentant, God will take care of them. In the meantime, we can rest easy, knowing that we've done the right thing.

May 22

   
2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21, 22; Psalm 30
The wrath of God is again displayed with the killing of 70,000 men of Israel in just three days! It makes 9-11 look like a mere drop in the bucket. He is definitely not one to be trifled with! Yet, that is exactly what many do. Most people no longer fear the Lord. Interestingly, God desires our love more than our fear. In fact, we are told that perfect love casts out fear. Therefore, it would behoove us to gain a greater understanding of this perfect love. Just as through David we learn of sin's consequences in bringing about the wrath of God, we also learn of this perfect love. Have you noticed that in every instance where God's judgment is executed, David accepts the blame? Whereas, the unrighteous shake their fists at Jehovah God, and fail to acknowledge their sin? Perfect love is able to look within, accepting responsibility, openly confessing the wrong done, seeking to make restitution, and working to keep from repeating the error. Furthermore, the motive for such contrition is the desire to please the object of their affection, in this case, that object being the Father of Light. When this is done, God's wrath is turned away, and He exercises abundant mercy and grace.

May 21

   
Psalm 95, 97-99
Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. When we can witness His wrath, we can properly appreciate His grace. These psalms sing praises to God for His unfailing mercy and love, while reminding us of His judgment. They remind me of the sermon I heard this last Sunday. It was a hard one to hear, because the speaker was reminding us of something we don't really like to think about, God's wrath and hell. He presented a view of the flood that many of us don't consider. We think about deliverance and all things being made new. However, thinking about the carnage is difficult. There were untold millions of people who died a horrible death! The world has not seen destruction at this level either before or since the flood. As much as we love to think about God's love and grace, there is another side of God. He is also a God of wrath, and He has the power to execute that wrath on a massive scale. Just as the flood of Genesis was a real demonstration of that wrath and power, so is hell. We have many who soft-pedal the concept of hell and Satan. We do so at our own peril. We need to understand who we're dealing with. Comprehending God's wrath only makes His grace that much sweeter! When we understand that we deserve no less than what those who were destroyed in the flood, but that God chose to provide a way of escape, His praises should be on our lips and in our hearts!

May 20

   
2 Samuel 22, 23; Psalm 57
At the end of the roll call of the mighty warriors who surrounded David, we find Uriah the Hittite. This new information adds even greater weight to the sins of David. When he order the murder of Bathsheba's husband, he was also taking out one his most loyal warriors! His sin gets more fowl the further he sinks in its grasp. David goes from lust to adultery, from adultery to deception, from deception to disloyalty, from disloyalty to murder. At each stage he is seeking to bring justification to the former. However, as we know from the rest of the story, David repents, openly laying out his sin before God, in full recognition and acceptance that he has sinned against God. He also relies upon God to forgive him, bathing himself in God's amazing grace.

What sin have we committed, and allowed to snowball in our life, so that we have had to commit more sin in attempt to cover the former? At some point we must rise from the mire, and humbly seek God's forgiveness with a broken and contrite heart. America is currently experiencing this snowball effect. Her sins are compounding one upon the other, until we are at the point where wrong is being called right, and right is being called wrong. Do I believe that a nation can repent, as David did? Yes! However, if it is to happen, we must be broken, bending our knee to the Father of light. So, I am issuing a challenge to all Christians. Fall upon your face before our God, confessing our sin of apathy, and, in contrition, vowing to sin no more. Let us call upon the Lord to save our nation, that America might once more be that light upon the hill!

May 19

 
Psalm 5, 38, 41, 42
"Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me." Psalm 42:7 God desires our inmost parts. As we pour out out our hearts to Him, He responds from His inmost parts, reaching out to us, filling us with His Spirit, covering our weaknesses with His grace. David reaches out to the Lord from the depths of his depair, knowing that God will hear and act. There is no doubt, he prays a prayer of faith to a God who is faithful. Thank you, Father, for being there when I need you, for having your Holy Spirit reach inside my soul, delivering what I am unable to put into words, and fulfilling your will in my life. Increase my faith, so that I might always approach your throne of grace with complete confidence in your everlasting faithfulness.

May 18

 
2 Samuel 19-21
When David is returned to the throne, he sets out to make things right. He makes restitution, restoration, and repentance where it was needed. He is older and wiser, humble enough to face his mistakes, and ready to change. Our lives are to be lives of change. Growth can only come through change. If we aren't growing, we are dying. David wasn't ready to die. He was living in the Lord! We live in a fallen state. Therefore, we will make mistakes. To deny this fact can only lead to our destruction. We must face the error, admit our failure, and seek out a way to overcome. When we will humble ourselves in this manner, God will lift us up. He will give us the strength to change and be transformed, so that we do not fall into the same trap from which we have escaped. This is the pattern we see from David. When he made those needed changes, he didn't repeat the former sins. Thank you, Lord, for your forgiveness and restoration, for your transforming power. Amen.

May 17

   
Psalm 26, 40, 58, 61, 62, 64
David sings songs of praise to his God who has been merciful to him, in spite of his sins. God has held him up and protected him. So, David responds with praise and worship. We serve a God who is intimately involved in our lives. He is an active participant in our everyday affairs, watching over us every moment, keeping vigil throughout the night, lighting our pathway, directing our feet, so that we might experience life to the fullest extent. Our Lord is continually spreading His wings of mercy over us to protect us from the evil one. We only need to seek out His shelter, and He is there instantly, guarding our hearts, causing our souls to soar above the calamities that would engulf us if He weren't there to protect us. Is it any wonder that we carry a song all the day long? Our lives are living praises unto our great God and King! We have every reason to sing and dance before His throne. May He be praised forevermore!

May 16

   
2 Samuel 16-18
David demonstrates a love for his son, Absalom, that should serve as an example to every parent. His love for Absalom was unconditional and sacrificial, even though Absalom had shamed David by sleeping with his concubines, and had taken the throne, and was seeking to kill him. David still loved him, and would have traded places, with his life being taken instead of his son's. It disturbs me when I hear of a parent disowning their child. I love my children unconditionally, regardless of what they do or become. That isn't to say that I approve of everything they might do. However, if my child were to be the vilest criminal on earth, they would still be my child and I would love them. Hitler had a mother and father. I know nothing about them, but I hope they loved their son. That's the example David provides. It is also the kind of love God has for His children. In fact, He did die in their place! Parental love is not earned, it is freely given, just as our Heavenly Father's love is freely given!

May 15

   
Psalm 3, 4, 12, 13, 28, 55
You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about while depravity is honored by the human race. (Psalm 12:7-8) Over the past several days I have been carrying on a dialogue with some who are promoting depravity in our nation, attempting to give it legitimacy by twisting God's word to give it a place of honor in the church. This passage from today's reading speaks to the current moral issues our nation is facing. Anyone who has seen a gay pride parade should be able to see the correlation. Our sitting president has come out with a statement honoring this depravity. Unfortunately, there are those within the the church who are being taken in by this deception. The wicked are truly freely strutting, bullying the righteous, forcing their depravity upon us. We are made to look like fanatical zealots because we speak out against immorality. The wicked have made a mockery of God's grace, promoting that which is clearly unnatural, exchanging the truth of God for a lie. I have been accused of being hateful when I speak out against this depravity. However, the exact opposite is true. God, and I, would that all would turn from their wicked ways and seek God before it is everlastingly too late. Is it hateful to attempt to save a drowning person? Lord, please open the eyes of the deceived, that they might promote your truth, in order to bring salvation to the lost. Amen.

May 14

 
2 Samuel 13-15
The rape of Tamar by her brother, Amnon, is a heart-breaking event in David's household. And then, to compound the issue, David seems to be oblivious to the wrong done. Two full years pass before anything is done. And when justice is finally taken, it is done through Absalom, Amnon and Tamar's brother. After Absalom kills Amnon for raping Tamar, David still seems unable to grasp the entire situation. He is out of touch with his surroundings. Is it any wonder that Absalom is able to wrest the throne from his father David? If a man has no control in his own family, how can he maintain control of a nation?

This is an important guiding principle in choosing leaders. When advising the church on the selection of elders and deacons, the Apostle Paul leans heavily on this principle. It is absolutely essential that a leader be able to effectively guide his family, providing strong spiritual leadership. This doesn't mean that his family must be perfect. What it does mean, is that he should be on top of any situation, providing the needed discipline and direction. This is where David was failing, and it was having a profound effect on his family and his kingship. When any of us would presume to take on a leadership role with God's people, we should first make sure that we are providing that same leadership to our own family.

May 13

Psalm 32, 51, 86, 122
David proclaims that his sin is always before him, and that he has sinned against God and Him alone. He also asks God to create a pure heart within him. These words speak to me personally. For, I know my sins full well! God grieves when we sin, even while the world glories in those same sins. And then, there are the secret sins of the heart, those unseen or heard. Yet, God does see and hear! We can never hide from Him. Try as we may, we continue to sin. Even though we are redeemed, we still have sin in our lives. We are powerless to bring about a change of heart, for we are living in a fallen state. Our only hope is in God. Only He can create a new heart within us. It is only with His help that we are able to overcome sin's devastating impact and influence upon our lives. Through God's forgiveness and grace we are able to enjoy the vastness of His glories, even while still being encumbered in this corruptible body. Praise be to God for His incomparable riches found only in Christ Jesus, our Lord!

May 12

   
2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20
This tale from antiquity provides many wonderful lessons. While the primary one lends itself to sin's consequences, there is also much to be gained from Uriah's example of honor. None would fault him for taking advantage of the king's offer to spend a night with his wife. Most would either be happy for his good fortune, or a bit envious, but none would say that he had done anything wrong. However, being the honorable man he was, Uriah could not see himself taking pleasure that his comrades were not able to share with their wives. This act of honor cost him his life. But, his testimony has lived on through thousands of years, providing an example for men through the ages of courage, honor, and righteousness.

On the other hand, we have David and Bathsheba, a story of adultery, betrayal, murder, forgiveness, grace, and consequence. One might excuse Bathsheba, because she was submitting to the king. However, she had provided the temptation that had prompted David to send for her. So, she is not an innocent victim. The sins committed by her and her adulterous lover cost many men, and an infant, their lives! There is no way to minimize the sins of David and Bathsheba, and God doesn't. He punishes them severely through the death of their son. No parent wants to watch their child die. And to know that the death has been brought on by yourself would be nearly unbearable. Yet, God, in His infinite love, mercy, and grace, provides comfort and healing. They are assured that they will see their child again in eternity. Then God does what only He can do, He blesses their marriage and honors their next son with riches, wisdom, and blessings. David's legacy is restored and Bathsheba becomes the honored queen! In the final analysis, because of God's marvelous grace, all concerned parties win, being placed into the eternal presence of the Creator of all things, both great and small!

May 11

 
Psalm 65-67, 69, 70
Just yesterday I had a trial, an issue that was taxing to my heart. I worried and fretted, looking for a solution, feeling bad because of my failure and misfortune. Yet, not once did I bring it before the Lord. Wow! These psalms have hit me right between the eyes! The psalmist is in trouble. He has personal failings, and is being hurt by others in his world. However, instead of facing his issues alone, on his own, he approaches the One who can really make a difference. These psalms are written prayers to God; written by one who is in distress and has nowhere else to turn. But, I get the impression that even if he did believe there was somewhere else he could go, someone else to seek out, our psalmist would still come to the Lord first and only. Why, oh Lord, do I not seek you first in those times when I can't do it myself? Why is it that I often fail to seek your guidance, to reach out to you in prayer? Thank you for the psalmist's example. May he be an inspiration to me, so that I might seek you first, humbly laying myself at your feet, placing my concerns before you, knowing that you care and will faithfully uphold your servant. Amen.

May 10

   
2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalm 20
Hanun, king of the Ammonites, trusted in his hired men, chariots, and artillery. David trusted in the Lord. There was no contest. Israel easily defeated the Ammonites, and God received the glory. It's also interesting to note that Israel did not desire war. In fact, David was seeking to honor the Ammonites. What was intended for good was misunderstood and twisted, then seen as something evil.

This often happens in our dealings with those outside the Lord. They don't understand us, so they become suspicious, twisting our good intentions to fit the evil motives they live by. Thus, God's people are often cast in a poor light by the world. We are forced to defend ourselves. It's important to remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. He will vindicate us and give us the victory. When this happens, we should be quick to give Him the glory. For, without Him, we would surely fail.

May 9

   
Psalm 50, 53, 60, 75
God reminds His people that He has no need of anything they offer. Even though they sacrifice the choicest of bulls to Him, He has no need of it. Yet, He expects them to continue in their giving to Him. This reminds me of a conversation I had with the men of a small church I had preached at for some six years. The congregation numbered roughly about thirty-five souls. Given the low economic level, they were only able to pay me $400 a month. Thus, I had to engage in secular work to support my family. It really was no big deal to me. I was young, full of energy, and able to do both jobs effectively. However, at one of our business meetings, I was asked if I really needed the small stipend. To which, I replied, "Not really, however, you need to pay it." Just as Israel needed to give to God in keeping with the covenant, so these folks needed to put out this regular sacrifice in order to have a stake in our mission. It is in our sacrificial giving that we are able to be in partnership, not only with those laboring in the Lord, but with the Lord Himself!

May 8

   
2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18
Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, was brought to David as the sole survivor of Saul's family. He was severely handicapped, being unable to walk. However, because of David's great love for Jonathan, Mephibosheth would have everything he needed. He would be given the same status as any of the other princes in David's kingdom. Isn't this a wonderful picture of what the Lord does for us? He seeks us out, bringing us to Himself, seating us at His table, making us princes in His kingdom, giving us stature that is undeserved, providing what we are unable to do for ourselves. We are the Lord's Mephibosheth, and we should be asking what he asked of the king, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” For, we are unworthy of the honor He has placed upon us. Praise God that He loves us, in spite of our lameness, and sets us up in high places with Him!

May 7

   
Psalm 25, 29, 33, 36, 39
"My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Oh, my soul!" The words of this hymn come thundering through as I read today's selection. My sin is great, but not nearly so great as His grace! There is hardly a day that goes by that doesn't find me praising the Lord for His forgiveness and reconciliation. And, then to top it off, He has placed me in His kingdom where I can enjoy all the freedom heaven can offer! My life in Christ so far surpasses any joy or happiness I did, or could have, ever experienced outside of Him. I didn't understand that before I was saved. Instead of looking to biblical examples, like David, I only saw the misguided examples of some Christians who had not yet embraced the freedom and joy of the Lord that comes through His experiential grace. I now know, and live joyfully, in that grace. Praise the Lord!

May 6

   
2 Samuel 5-6, 1 Chronicles 17
This is one of the most difficult stories from the Bible for me. Uzzah seems to simply be preventing the ark from taking a tumble. I fail to see how that is being irreverent toward God. Yet, that is the reason given for Uzzah's death. David didn't understand. In fact, he was angry with God. There must be more to the story. Which reminds me that we have a volume, while being inspired by God, was still written by imperfect humans. It's possible that whoever penned this particular story didn't see any need to provide an explanation. The writer had already accepted the sovereignty of God, and assumed that those reading the story would have done the same. I suppose that's where we have to leave the execution of Uzzah. God is God, and He will do as He wills. Our understanding is not a necessary ingredient. However, our acceptance is requisite. Praise be to God for His sovereignty!

May 5

   
Psalm 89, 96, 100, 101, 105, 132
The Psalmist praises God for His faithfulness. Prophetically, we are brought to the chosen Messiah, the one who will lead us into Zion, God's holy dwelling. We are given words of hope as we face the inevitability of our physical deaths. God's faithfulness is enduring, death cannot prevent Him from accomplishing His will for our lives. The grave has no power over His promises. The Son of David, our King, is still upon the throne. Even though we are faithless, He is keeping the covenant established through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We do not have a God who seeks out a loophole so that He might be released from the agreement. Rather, our God keeps His part of the contract in spite of us not keeping ours. Can you imagine your insurance company paying the agreed amount, even when you have failed to continue paying the premium you agreed on? Why, that's ludicrous to expect such a thing! Yet, that is exactly what God is doing for us. He keeps His end of the agreement even when we fail to keep ours. Is it any wonder that the Psalmist cannot help but to praise God?!

May 4

   
Psalm 1, 2, 15, 22, 23, 24, 47, 68
Psalms proclaiming the salvation of God. He is our redeemer, our deliverer, our saviour. Through Him, we overcome death. The prophetic words of Psalm 22, portraying our crucified Lord. "My God, why have you forsaken me?" For most of my Christian life I have heard people say that when Jesus is uttering these words on the cross, He is doing so in response to God turning away from Him because He had taken the sins of the world upon Himself, and God cannot look upon sin. I find a number of problems with this interpretation, but rather than point out the flaws, I would offer an alternative. Suppose, that as Jesus is nearing His final breath, He looks upon His fellow Jews with deep compassion, and makes one last ditch effort to convince them that He is the Messiah of prophecy. So, He begins the opening words of this Psalm that so clearly depicts what is happening at that moment in time. If they would only recall this Psalm, while taking a look at the man with pierced hands, with bones out of joint, bearing an unquenched thirst, perhaps they might turn and proclaim Him to be the promised Saviour! No, I don't believe this proclamation from Jesus is about God turning away. Rather, it is about God turning His people toward the Messiah, the chosen Lamb of God, the crucified one of Psalm 22.

May 3

1 Chronicles 13-16
Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it. (1 Chronicles 15:22) Did you catch that? Kenaniah was placed in charge of the singing because he was good at it. Why do you suppose it was important that he be skillful in singing? After all, doesn't our singing go through some sort of spiritual filter, so that, by the time it reaches God it's all beautiful? I have heard that said numerous times throughout my Christian life to justify the use of unskillful people in the public service to our Lord. So, is it an issue of importance whether or not the people who lead our congregations be skillful? There are far too many places throughout scripture where God appoints certain people for positions of specialization to discount it. In fact, earlier in today's reading a man loses his life because he was performing a duty for which he had not been intended. While it is true that God looks upon the heart and is pleased when His children praise Him, regardless of ability or skill, it is equally true that He desires to have His best in the fore. We are seeking to present the heavenly bride to the world, adorned in beauty and majesty! When we put skillful people in positions of leadership our corporate worship becomes a thing of beauty, an offering of praise to God that is not only an honor to Him, but a witness to the world. All should sing and make melody to God. All are to be proclaiming the Good News. However, all are not to be leading congregations in praise or preaching. Those who take these positions are to be skilled in those areas. These are only two of areas where people are specifically called to serve, and they are not any more important than the myriad of other positions that others are called to.

May 2

Psalm 106, 107
God is to be praised for His wonderful deeds among mankind. He remains faithful, even when we are faithless. It is an amazing testimony to His unfailing love that He continues to bless those who call out to Him from the distress they have brought on themselves through rebellion toward their Creator. Time after time He rescues us and sets us up in His glory, in spite of our weaknesses and sinful ways! May He be praised from one generation to another, from every corner of the universe, through time without end. Praise be to our Lord!

May 1

Psalm 133
"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" Other than the promotion of the gospel to the lost, this has been my driving force throughout my Christian walk. Primarily because the lack of unity is so damaging to the cause of Christ. I came to the Lord in my late twenties. Fortunately, the young couple presenting the gospel to my wife and I didn't make the mistake of attempting to convert us to the church. Rather, our conversion was to Jesus Christ. This was fortunate because my view of the church was very poor. The disunity among the various churches is extremely ugly. Christian love is, at best, disingenuous when expressed to the lost, while being lost to other Christians, simply because there is some point of disagreement! Unity does not mean uniformity. If it did there would never be a successful marriage. In fact, there would not be a lasting relationship of any kind. In order to live together in unity we must often agree to disagree, loving each other in spite of our differences; maybe even because of our differences. There is much more strength in diversity than there could ever be in uniformity. So, on this my birthday, I make another appeal to Christians of every stripe and color, let's show the world that we are His disciples by our love for each other!