June 30

Obadiah 1
This is an interesting prophecy concerning Israel.  However, this little morsel in verses three and four can easily be applied to anyone: “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’  Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord.”  In our modern world where the sky isn’t even the limit, there are those who turn their backs on the Lord, those who refuse to believe the Creator of all the universe.  We have reached the stars and returned to earth.  Our technology keeps advancing, producing miracle-like results.  We have become so self-sufficient that many believe we can control the functions of nature that God has set in place.  It is from this high and lofty position that He will take us down.  Let us who follow the Lord beware, lest we fall into the same prideful trap.

June 29

2 Chronicles 19-23
Judah goes through a series of wicked leaders who didn't keep God's commands or follow His ways. Instead, they followed the gods and ways of the nations around them, in opposition to the Lord. Naturally, God was not happy. In fact, His first inclination is to destroy the people of Judah. Yet, we read in 2 Chronicles 21:7, "Nevertheless, because of the covenant the Lord had made with David, the Lord was not willing to destroy the house of David. He had promised to maintain a lamp for him and his descendants forever." There was a good king coming. Ultimately, the King of the universe would come through this line. The point is that God remains faithful, even when we aren't.

June 28

1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18
Ahab didn’t like Micaiah because he didn’t prophesy the way he wanted him to, so he had Micaiah put into prison and ignored the truth of his prophecy.  Isn’t this what many do?  If the preacher doesn’t preach as they like, they reject him and the truth he brings.  I remember an older preacher once telling me that he agreed with a lot of the controversial beliefs I taught, but he wouldn’t teach them, because churches would not hire him to come and preach for them.  He was wise in knowing what would be rejected, however, he was also to be pitied because he refrained from teaching the truth.  There are a number of Christian folk today who reject certain parts of the Bible because it doesn’t fit in with what they want to believe or practice.  I have found this to be true concerning abortion and homosexuality.  In an online discussion, a young woman who ministers at her local church told me that the Bible was written by men, for men.  Therefore, she rejected its teachings against homosexuality, and chose to follow her own feelings instead.  There are a lot of Ahabs in the world today.  Let’s choose to not be one of them, but rather to follow the truth of God’s word, even when it goes against popular opinion.

June 27

   
1 Kings 20-21
Ahab was a wicked king over Israel. He not only failed to obey God's commands, he also followed other gods and allowed his evil wife, Jezebel, to influence him into committing grievous sins, including murder. Yet, when God pronounced judgment upon him, Ahab repented and humbled himself before the Lord. Because of his humility, God, being the benevolent Master, extended grace and mercy toward him. It never ceases to amaze me when I see how forgiving our Lord is. Time after time, He relents from displaying deserved wrath in favor of reconciliation. He desires our friendship, wanting to have a positive relationship with us. His commands are not burdensome, and are only put in place for our benefit. He only asks that we be as committed to this relationship as He is. Then we will enjoy the full riches of His blessings!

June 26

1 Kings 17-19
A lot takes place in these three chapters.  However, the primary theme is the rise of Elijah the prophet.  Here is a man of God willing to go up against hundreds to demonstrate that his God is the only true God.  The Lord honors his efforts and is with him in all of his exploits.  To what extreme are we willing to go for the Lord?  Are we ready to go against the flow?  Do we speak out, even when our opinion is unpopular?  There are currently many issues that the world embraces that are counter to God’s will.  Do we maintain His truth in the face of the world’s convincing arguments?  Or, do we cave, and take on the prevailing view?  I have met Christians who will justify that which God clearly condemns simply because our society condones the action.  It takes courage to stand for what is right when the majority is saying that you are wrong.  I’m no Elijah, yet, because I take a stand for Biblical truth I have been called names and scorned.  However, I know that God is with me, and that He will prevail.

June 25

1 Kings 14; 2 Chronicles 17
There is a sharp contrast in the leaders of Israel and Judah.  There are those, such as Jehoshaphat, who follow the Lord, against those, such as Zimri, who commit murder and follow after other gods.  In every instance where there is a leader who follows the true God, the nation prospers and the leader is blessed.  One would think that witnessing such as this would cause other leaders to emulate the good leaders, and follow the Lord.  However, the primary fall of man being pride, there are many who believe they can do it better than God.  They become a god in their own eyes, exalting themselves above the only Jehovah God.  There are many prideful leaders.  Their pride leads to their own destruction.  Unfortunately, they often take the nation down with them.  We would do well to take heed and learn the lessons provided through both types of leadership.

June 24

1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-16
We have a bright spot in the beginning and through most of Asa’s reign.  He chose to have Judah serve God as they had done under David’s reign.  Thus, Judah prospered and enjoyed peace.  Unfortunately, when all was well, Asa turned away from the Lord and suffered physical ailments because of his unfaithfulness.  Even though he was ailing, he relied on his physicians and didn’t call upon the Lord.  Who, or what, do we rely on in place of the Lord?  I know that there have been many times when things are not going as they should, and I seek out every possible solution using my own efforts.  Finally, it dawns on me to call upon the Lord.  Why is it that He is often our final solution, instead of our first choice?  Lord, help me to remember to call upon you first, to know that all things are possible through you, and that you are always ready to intercede.  Help me to be more faithful.  Amen.

June 23

2 Chronicles 10-12
Rehoboam did what was evil in God’s eyes, so the Lord’s wrath was poured out on Judah.  However, they humbled themselves in repentance, so God relented and they were not completely destroyed.  However, they still suffered the consequence of their sin through subjection to Shishak of Egypt.  The principle remains the same throughout history to the present day.  God always stands ready to forgive when we humble ourselves before Him.  However, the consequences resulting from our sin remain.  It is good that we repent.  In fact, it is essential!  However, if we commit murder, or steal, or commit a sexual sin, ad infinitum, we will still suffer the consequences of those particular sins, even though we repent.  Our repentance brings God’s forgiveness and deliverance from eternal damnation.  But, we will still suffer the pain brought on by the sin.

June 22

1 Kings 12-14
There’s an interesting principle in today’s reading, found in 1 Kings 13:33: “Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways, but once more appointed priests for the high places from all sorts of people. Anyone who wanted to become a priest he consecrated for the high places.”  Jeroboam did not seek out the most qualified, those who were obviously chosen by God for these important positions involving spiritual leadership.  I wonder, do we make the same mistake in our churches today?  It has gotten to the point where anyone can be declared to be a preacher.  An ordination can be gained through the internet without any thought to qualifications or calling.  Some churches will appoint a preacher because that person is the only one willing to take on the role.  Now, I’m not saying that a preacher has to have a degree from some institution, even though that is helpful.  But, he should at least exhibit those qualities that demonstrate God’s calling.  Has he been immersed in the Word?  Does his life display the fruit of the Spirit?  Are his talents equal to the task?  The point is that we should not take these positions lightly.  Those who are given the responsibility to lead God’s people should be led by God to that position.  It is an  extremely important position, and should be treated as such.

June 21

   
Proverbs 30-31
A wife of noble character . . . This passage has been used for millennia to describe godly women. When our daughters were very young our whole family committed these twenty-one verses to memory. Any time we were on the road for extended periods of time it was common for all four of us to be testing each other with these memory verses. There were other passages that we challenged each other with, but this particular one was one of the most notable. As the girls approach middle age, raising children of their own, it is quite apparent that these words have been residing in their hearts, for they are virtuous women, just as their mother and the wife of King Lemuel's words. The word of God is powerful! Especially when we take the time, and make the effort, to commit it to memory, filling our heart and mind with its truth.

June 20

1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9
Solomon’s downfall came through three avenues of temptation, the primary one being his choice of wives.  He chose wives out of those nations that opposed God, choosing gods of their own making.  The proper choice of a mate is critical to our spiritual well-being.  With these foreign wives, Solomon became even more educated as he studied the religions of his wives.  Education is a wonderful thing.  However, there is a limit to what should be taken into our minds and hearts.  The study of those things that go against God can sometimes lead the learner astray.  Then, there was Solomon’s wealth.  His riches gave way to excesses that lead to his building altars to other gods.  Excessive wealth will often cause one to forget the One who gave the wealth.  We become self-sufficient and cease to depend on God.  We can get to the point where we are our own god.  Thus, Solomon chose the wrong mate, allowed education to open doors that should remain closed, and lived in excess because of his wealth.  Marriage, education, and wealth are all good gifts from God.  When used in the manner He has prescribed, these can bring honor to God and joy to the one so blessed.  However, when these are abused they can bring sorrow to the one who is abusing them, dishonor to God, and ultimate destruction to the abuser.  Cherish God’s good gifts.  Enjoy His abundant provision.  Honor Him with all we have, and our lives will be a blessing to all.

June 19

 
Ecclesiastes 7-12
One of my favorite passages from Solomon's writings is Ecclesiastes 9:9, "Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun." Every husband should commit this verse to memory, and then live it out. By doing so, they will ensure for themselves many happy days, and their wife will feel honored. These men will be providing a legacy for generations to come!

June 18

Ecclesiastes 1-6
As Solomon approaches the end of his life, he reflects on life and all that it has to offer, finding much of it to be meaningless.  I have always appreciated these musings, but never so much as I come near my golden years.  My wife and I have already shed a lot of our earthly possessions in order to live in a motor home.  However, there are still some things we keep in a small storage shed at our daughter’s house.  These are primarily keepsakes, items that have sentimental value.  Not long ago I got to thinking about these sentimental objects and came to the realization that they are sentimental to me, which isn’t necessarily passed on to future generations.  There is a very good chance that my children and grandchildren will not cherish these things as much as I do.  Nearly everything we have or have done, will be forgotten by the third or fourth generation that follows.  Thus, Solomon’s advice to enjoy the fruit of our labors while we are still in the body is pretty good advice.  It isn’t a matter of being selfish.  Rather, it is appreciating what God has blessed us with.  Solomon repeats several times that the various joys of life are gifts from God, meant to be enjoyed, not hidden away for a future generation to scorn.

June 17

Proverbs 27-29
In Proverbs 29:13, Solomon says, “The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.”  The point is that all mankind are given the same physical attributes.  However, some choose to use those attributes for evil, while others choose to use the same attributes for good.  When the rich, or anyone for that matter, believe themselves to be better than others, they need to take inventory of what God has given them.  None of us can claim to have anymore than anyone else in the final analysis.  The grave makes no distinctions.  Eternal life is free for all who choose to accept the Lord.  From an eternal perspective, the poor man is just as wealthy as the rich man.  Therefore, we should guard against discrimination, making foolish presumptions about others based upon their particular station in life.

June 16

 
Proverbs 25-26
Of his many wise sayings in today's reading, one of Solomon's strikes me as being very needful. He encourages us to return good for evil to our enemies. That's a tough edict to follow! When we have been wronged our first impulse is to strike back. However, by doing so we only add fuel to the fire, and the end result is even more hurt on both sides of the fight. When we don't retaliate, replacing the retaliation with a good deed, our enemy has nowhere to go. They are forced to return in kind, or face the scorn of others. It just makes better sense to do the right thing. After all, isn't that what God has done for us? While we were enemies, He offered up His own Son in payment for our sins, reconciling ourselves to Him, and providing the gift of eternal life!

June 15

1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8 If I were to title this post, it would be, "What Kings Do." Hiram isn't happy with the cities Solomon has given him; the Pharaoh of Egypt gives a city as a wedding gift to his daughter when she marries Solomon; King Hiram sends sailors on a joint venture with Solomon's navy to bring back gold. These are all activities outside the realm of the common man. Therefore, it is difficult to relate or understand. We can read about their exploits, and make judgments based upon our limited experience. But, when the rubber meets the road, we must concede that we really don't fully grasp the motives and thoughts behind the activities of these who have a higher station in life. Since this is true, how much more when it comes to the highest power? We cannot come close to understanding God's mind! True, He reveals much of His heart to us. However, we would be very foolish to proclaim that we fully understand Him because of these revelations. Rather, we are much better served accepting God's sovereignty and letting Him be who He is, trusting that He loves us and will take care of us.

June 14

Psalm 134, 146-150
Solomon had just finished the temple, so it was now a time for worship in song and praise to God.  Many of our modern praise songs have come from these psalms.  It is truly a joyful time when God’s people lift up their voices in praise to our Lord.  I don’t really mean to be negative, but lately I have found that many Christians don’t really sing in our assemblies.  I wonder why.  Is the music too loud?  Are the songs not familiar?  Are they self-conscious?  I don’t know the answers.  However, I do know that at any time when God’s people lift up their voices in praise to Him, it is a joyful noise unto Him.  God loves to hear us sing.  It doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad.  He’s listening to the heart.  When our daughters were young, our youngest daughter, Brook, was very self-conscious, not believing that she had a good voice.  I was finally able to trick her into letting me record her singing a hymn.  I don’t need to tell you how precious that recording is to me.  I love to hear my children sing, simply because they are my children.  If I, being a mortal man, can find so much joy in my children singing, just imagine how much God enjoys hearing His children singing!  So, next time you’re at an assembly of the saints, sing out with all your heart, just as if you were singing to God, face-to-face, because you are!

June 13

   
2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136
God agrees to Solomon's terms, knowing that the people will sin. He affirms His enduring love and grace by promising to forgive when repentance is evident. However, He also lets Solomon know that a time will come when Israel rejects God and the temple will be destroyed because of their disobedience. We have the vantage point of history to see the fulfillment of this prophecy in the Babylonian captivity, and then again in AD 70 because they rejected God's chosen Messiah. Yet, even from this perspective, Israel still refuses to repent and embrace the God of their fathers. It's serious business to turn from God! He has revealed His express will, providing a Savior for all. If we choose to reject Jesus Christ, there is no other name by which we can be saved. I would echo Paul's prayer that Israel would repent, taking on the name of Jesus, and embrace the new covenant ratified by His blood. Even though I know that Israel has brought misery upon themselves, I also know that it isn't too late to heed the voice of God and accept His Son, the Lord, Jesus Christ!

June 12

   
1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5
Wow! A fourteen day celebration to dedicate the temple in Jerusalem! How great is that!? Solomon was proud of this structure, and rightly so. He could see God's hand in it, from beginning to end. So, he gives the praise and honor to the Architect of all creation. In doing so, he also intercedes for the children of God. He wisely concedes that His people will sin. It is not a question of if; it is only a question of when. Therefore, Solomon appeals to the mercy of God, realizing that Israel's only hope lies in the grace of the Father. Solomon is confident in the love of God. He has witnessed that great love and mercy as it was showered upon his father, David. He understands that if, at any time, the sinner will acknowledge his sin before God, with a broken and contrite heart, that the Lord will forgive and restore. God has always been about the business of transformation. When we will humbly place ourselves in His hands, He will mold us and shape us to be the creature He would have us to be, and we will be eternally blessed!

June 11

1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4
One cannot help but be impressed with the work and wealth that was put into the building of the temple.  Solomon carried out his father’s wishes to the letter, and added his own wealth and wisdom to the project.  There have been a lot of artist renderings on how the temple may have looked.  I suspect that they all fall short.  The temple, although not housing God, was a testament to the faith of His people.  When the nations would look upon this structure they were impressed.  I wonder what the world thinks when they look upon our places of worship.  Do our structures give a positive reflection of our faith?  One of the first weddings I performed was at a church that had a nice looking building.  However, the groom-to-be asked a difficult question.  He wanted to know why there were no religious symbols.  This particular building didn’t have even so much as a cross in sight.  I suppose the reason was because they didn’t want to have anything that could be associated with an idol.  Sometimes we go too far in trying to avoid appearances that are counter to our faith.  We need to remember that it isn’t the structure that makes an idol.  It is the worship of the structure.  Let’s be careful that in avoiding one appearance, we don’t project a negative witness.

June 10

   
1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3
As Solomon sets out to build the temple, he does so with full knowledge that God does not dwell in temples made with human hands. However, he does see the temple as a suitable place to offer sacrifices to God, a good place to worship. The same is still true. God dwells in the temple of our hearts, His creation. However, we come together, at appointed times, in specified buildings, with other Christians, to praise and worship our Lord. Solomon recognized the temple as a holy place because of the activity that would take place there. Thus, he poured a lot of resources into the temple. How many resources are we putting into our temple? How much do we put into preparation for worship and praise to God?

June 9

Proverbs 22-24
Solomon advises his son to steer away from revenge.  This is very counter to modern thought.  Movies, television shows, books, all promote revenge.  The old saying, “Don’t get mad, just get even” is the common mantra.  Yet, when revenge is exacted nothing is accomplished.  One is left feeling empty, instead of fulfilled.  There isn’t anything to be gained.  When Osama Bin Laden was killed, many rejoiced in the immediate aftermath.  However, it didn’t take long before most of us realized that we had gained nothing.  His death didn’t bring back the nearly 3,000 souls who lost their lives on 9/11.  Revenge wasn’t sweet, it was just final.  The terrorists are still out there.  They still want to kill the American “infidels.”  Instead of revenge, Bin Laden’s death should be viewed as justice – nothing more, nothing less.  When justice is done, something has been accomplished, and we can feel good about it.  Some might say I’m splitting hairs, but motive is everything when it comes to guilt.  I have no guilt when being a party to justice.  However, when I seek revenge, I am as guilty as the party I am exacting vengeance from.

June 8

Proverbs 19-21
There is an old pop song with the lyrics: “Oh, but I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.”  Many of us can relate to those words.  When I was very young, it was difficult to teach me anything, because I already knew everything.  It was only with a little age and experience that I discovered how little I know.  Had I heeded the wise man’s words, life might have been a little easier.  “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”  Proverbs 19:20  Fortunately, I was able to learn this valuable lesson in my twenties.  Some never learn it and go through life learning everything the hard way.  A wise man who was my boss stopped me one day when he was trying to discipline me.  He said, “Rod, if you would just quit making excuses, admit when you’re wrong, and get on with it, your life would be so much better.”  He was right.  When I quit making excuses and started accepting the advice of those who were older, wiser, and more experienced, life did get better.  I’m sixty-three, and I still find myself listening to the advice of others, and accepting discipline that sometimes accompanies the advice.  I don’t know if I can say that I am counted among the wise, but I feel pretty confident in saying that I’m not numbered with the foolish.

June 7

Proverbs 16-18
One of the most difficult aspects of relationship is understanding, both in being understood and in understanding the other.  Solomon says, “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”  Proverbs 18:2  If we are only waiting to share what we have to say in a conversation, we are not listening.  I remember an exercise my psychology professor had the class engage in.  We were paired, and then one half of the pair had to listen to what their partner was saying for a full sixty seconds.  Then they were to try and repeat what was said.  This involved concentration and truly hearing what the other person was saying.  When the only goal was to repeat what they said, understanding became a solid by-product.  Of course, Solomon knew this thousands of years ago.  Try it the next time you are having a conversation with someone.  You might discover that your opinion isn’t so important after all, and you will strengthen your relationship with the other person.

June 6

Proverbs 13-15
There is an old pop song with the lyric: “If lovin’ you is wrong, I don’t want to be right.”  Unfortunately, this is the guiding wisdom for many.  Solomon states it another way: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”  Proverbs 14:12 This is what happens when we are guided by our own feelings, instead of relying on God’s word.  I have had many conversations with people who are caught up in a sinful manner of living where their only defense is that it just seems right.  Some are so defiant as to completely reject the word of God in favor of their own feelings.  They become a god unto themselves.  The greatest difficulty with this approach is the inability to save oneself from eternal damnation.  We are much better off if we avoid making judgments based upon our own feelings, instead testing what is right or wrong with the Bible being the final authority.  In the final outcome we will not only have gained eternal life, but will be able to look back and actually see how the true right way brought better results throughout this life.

June 5

Proverbs 10-12 Words mean something. I know that sounds obvious, but we often spout off without considering the impact of our words. Solomon says, "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 When we speak in anger, we sometimes fail to take the needed time to weigh our words. The results can be devastating. Relationships can be irreparably harmed in seconds. There is an old hymn that encourages us to never let angry words be unbridled. Rather, we are encouraged to love one another. If we allow love to be the guiding force for our words, we will have no regrets. Our relationships will be nourished and well fed. Let's guard our tongue, becoming wise, bringing healing to those tense situations.

June 4

Proverbs 7-9
“Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”  Proverbs 9:9-10 As a teacher, I found that there are those who do not like instruction.  These are insulted when another seeks to give them help, so they reject any teaching.  Instead, they choose to learn through painful experience, or not learn at all.  And then, there is the other end of the spectrum, those who will receive instruction from any source available.  These are often referred to as lifelong learners.  They are ever learning, always open to change, and continually growing.  The former live with frustration and fail to enjoy life to the full, while the latter develop an inward peace as they joyfully experience all that life has to offer.  It is our choice, whether to be wise or foolish.  If we choose wisdom, we must begin with recognizing the fearful power of God, seeking to know the One who, through just speaking the word, brought all of creation into existence.  As we come to know the Lord in ever increasing knowledge our wisdom will grow and, with it, our joy and peace.

June 3

Proverbs 4-6
Solomon continues to give solid advice to his son for life.  In chapter four, verse three, he says,”Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  In a world that celebrates intellect, we would do well to heed these words.  Regardless of what our logic tells us, our heart rules.  It was the heart Satan went after with Adam and Eve.  He tried the same thing with Jesus in the wilderness.  The devil is no dummy.  He knows that if he can find an unguarded heart, he can tempt that soul to turn form God.  Once he does that, he’s won the battle.  So, guarding our heart not only makes good sense, it is a matter of life and death!

June 2

Proverbs 1-3 Brad Harrub instructed a group of men at a men's retreat in Montana recently on rising up to be the men God intended. On the subject of parenting, he said that our instruction manual is the book of Proverbs. Indeed, Solomon is instructing his son with wisdom coming straight from God! From today's reading, he says, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3 He wrote many other pearls of wisdom in these three chapters, but this particular one touched me, because Jesus said that all of the law and the prophets rest on love. The Apostle John tells us that God is love. And the Apostle Paul proclaims that the greatest of all spiritual gifts is love. When we come to understand love as a gift from God, and that this gift is God Himself, we gain an appreciation for love, recognizing its power and purity. There are those who would distort this gift, tarnishing its image, and making it something it isn't. We should have nothing to do with that perversion. Instead, we must remain faithful to the pure, perfect, presentation of the love of God in Christ.

June 1

Song of Solomon 1-8
This is a wonderful celebration of marital love.  Yet, it does have a glaring inconsistency.  Even though Solomon is declaring his love for one woman, he still maintains multiple wives and concubines.  His polygamous lifestyle, seemingly winked at by God, doesn’t really mix well with our idea of love.  I understand that he lived in a different culture, and that we live in a fallen world.  However, with the wisdom he received from God, one would think that he would practice monogamy.  It’s quite clear from Genesis, forward, that monogamy is God’s will for mankind.  But, He seems to allow some of His most famous and respected leaders throughout the Old Testament to have more than one wife.  It is this inconsistency that causes some to reject the Bible as the inspired word of God.  It’s important to understand that God has had a developing plan from the beginning for the redemption of mankind and the adornment of His bride, the church.  He has unfolded this plan over thousands of years, removing one blemish after another.  In the final presentation, where there will be neither male nor female, all of the inconsistencies will be gone, along with the glaring blemishes witnessed throughout the ages.