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!"