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“And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God. 8 And David became angry because of the LORD’s outbreak against Uzzah; and he called the name of the place Perez Uzzah to this day.” 2 Sam. 6:6-8
David did what we at first glance do. We say what? Why would a loving God kill someone for a simple act of what seemed to be a desire to protect God’s Ark from falling. As is always the case there is more to this than what at first appears and it is a lesson to us all. First God had gone through a great deal to make sure that God’s people knew exactly how the Ark of the Covenant was to be carried and it wasn’t on a cart new or otherwise. The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred thing on the earth and the Jewish nation were the most blessed people to have a space were God’s manifest presence would be revealed to them. No people on earth had ever had such favor from God. How this Ark was to be carried was directly given by the Living God. Was that to much to ask? I don’t think so, but the rebelliousness in us says yea God said so but why is He so upset about it, it’s no big deal. Well as in all rebellion it isn’t about the actual act but the attitude that precedes the action. It is pretty presumptuous of Uzzah to think he could touch the Ark of the Covenant when on one person could enter into the presence of the Ark and that only being the High Priest, one day a year on the day of Atonement and that only after He had sacrifice made for himself. Starting to get the picture? This was not just the stabilizing of an innocent heart but the presumption of an arrogant heart. Man looks at the outside but God looks at the heart. But there is another lesson. We often want to stabilize God, we think God is a little of kilter and needs our superior ethic to tell him what he needs to do. David didn’t like God’s action but God doesn’t have to explain himself. As for Uzzah I would suspect that if questioned today he would say God was right and he knew better and in light of eternity his death might have saved many from the same kind of mistake in the future and after all heaven is not a punishment but an invancement.
Pastor Rick
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
2 Samuel 4-5; Psalm 139; Matthew 16
"Thou hast beset me behind and before, and you've laid your hand upon me." Psalm 139:5
David writes of God's incredible care and faithfulness. He starts by acknowledging the fact that God knows everything, "Oh Lord You've searched me and known me."(Psalm 139:1) The word searched means to have been examined, to search out, seek out, to be found out. When was the last time you gave permission to God to find you out? I mean, really search your heart, examine your motives and test your attitudes? This is the type of relationship David had with the Lord. The word known here means, to know a person, to have that person make themself known to you, to be perceptive with insight about that person. David is saying, Lord, you really, really know me, and you have wisdom to help me understand myself and to keep me walking upright or righteously. But verse 5 speaks something that is just incredible to me, "and you've laid your hand upon me." That just amazes me! God has the very hollow of HIS HAND on me, the very palm of His hand, resting on me, and in the Hebrew context it means 'stationed on me'. Just picture that, every day, every waking moment, every sleeping moment, every breath, and beyond, God has stationed the palm of His hand on our lives! In Matthew 10:27-29 Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." Follower of Christ, we are so blessed to have such love and care in our Savior. Meditate on this entire chapter, Psalm 139, and like a child, climb up in to Your Father's lap and allow Him to nurture your soul with His love.
Glad to be in His hands,
Carol Danna
Next Reading: 2 Samuel 6; 1Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17
David writes of God's incredible care and faithfulness. He starts by acknowledging the fact that God knows everything, "Oh Lord You've searched me and known me."(Psalm 139:1) The word searched means to have been examined, to search out, seek out, to be found out. When was the last time you gave permission to God to find you out? I mean, really search your heart, examine your motives and test your attitudes? This is the type of relationship David had with the Lord. The word known here means, to know a person, to have that person make themself known to you, to be perceptive with insight about that person. David is saying, Lord, you really, really know me, and you have wisdom to help me understand myself and to keep me walking upright or righteously. But verse 5 speaks something that is just incredible to me, "and you've laid your hand upon me." That just amazes me! God has the very hollow of HIS HAND on me, the very palm of His hand, resting on me, and in the Hebrew context it means 'stationed on me'. Just picture that, every day, every waking moment, every sleeping moment, every breath, and beyond, God has stationed the palm of His hand on our lives! In Matthew 10:27-29 Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." Follower of Christ, we are so blessed to have such love and care in our Savior. Meditate on this entire chapter, Psalm 139, and like a child, climb up in to Your Father's lap and allow Him to nurture your soul with His love.
Glad to be in His hands,
Carol Danna
Next Reading: 2 Samuel 6; 1Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
2 Sam. 2; 1 Chron. 11; Psa. 142; Matt. 14
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Matt. 14:29-30
A step of faith. Peter is known for it. Some talk down at Peter, he shouldn’t have looked around. He should have kept his eyes on Jesus, and that true, it would have been the difference from getting wet or going for a stroll on the sea of Galilee. What people forget is that there were 11 others that would rather stay dry in a boat than take the risk of getting wet while doing something that no other human being had ever done before. Steps of faith are always a risk and often leads to failure before it leads to success, but what is the alternative? Comfort, the alternative is security and comfort but how long can you lay on your couch. A nap on your couch might be an afternoon delight but a lifetime on the couch is a nightmare, it is a paralysis. Only the greatly infirmed spend their life on couches. Most people however are spiritually infirmed, they are paralyzed to stay in the boat and trade off doing something that’s great or meaningful for comfort and security. Christ call us to come, take a step He says, I know you might get wet but if you sink, I’ll be there to raise you up and dry you off. Peter walk, not just anywhere but he walked on water. I wonder how many of the guys in the boat ever looked back and thought I could have walked on water, only if I wouldn’t have let fear keep me boat bound.
Pastor Rick
A step of faith. Peter is known for it. Some talk down at Peter, he shouldn’t have looked around. He should have kept his eyes on Jesus, and that true, it would have been the difference from getting wet or going for a stroll on the sea of Galilee. What people forget is that there were 11 others that would rather stay dry in a boat than take the risk of getting wet while doing something that no other human being had ever done before. Steps of faith are always a risk and often leads to failure before it leads to success, but what is the alternative? Comfort, the alternative is security and comfort but how long can you lay on your couch. A nap on your couch might be an afternoon delight but a lifetime on the couch is a nightmare, it is a paralysis. Only the greatly infirmed spend their life on couches. Most people however are spiritually infirmed, they are paralyzed to stay in the boat and trade off doing something that’s great or meaningful for comfort and security. Christ call us to come, take a step He says, I know you might get wet but if you sink, I’ll be there to raise you up and dry you off. Peter walk, not just anywhere but he walked on water. I wonder how many of the guys in the boat ever looked back and thought I could have walked on water, only if I wouldn’t have let fear keep me boat bound.
Pastor Rick
Monday, April 26, 2010
2 Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13
“Then David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son,
and he told [them] to teach the children of Judah [the] Song of the Bow; indeed [it is] written in the Book of Jasher: The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!” 2 Samuel 1:17-19
There are many themes in this portion of scripture begging to be developed. We get a glimpse of King Saul’s last moments—a man anointed by God to be King of His people, every resource available through God’s providential hand at Saul’s disposal. Nevertheless, Saul’s last moments are indicative of the life he lived—defeated, distressed and overrun. Saul, a man who had many natural gifting, and many God-given opportunities, yet his was a life wasted—he never achieved the full potential God intended for him. What was Saul’s failure? He failed to submit himself totally to God. Samuel, the prophet said to him, “Because you have rejected the Lord from ruling over you.” (I Samuel 15:26) What was the kink in this king’s amour? Allowing God to fully rule and reign over Saul’s life. Saul was a man piloted by his self-will, self-determination and self-governing.
David, a king of another sort, not perfect by any standard, but of him it is written, that he was a man after God’s own heart. Perhaps this gives us a picture as to why David was never possessive, anxious or manipulative in taking the kingship. He trusted and rested in God’s anointing and calling as the King of Israel. “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:1-4 Here at a time when any opposition to his kingdom rule over Israel no longer challenged —David does not celebrate—he humbly honors Saul as the king God had chosen. What a tremendous difference in living. Saul lived a life of manipulation, anxiety, control and destruction. David lived a life fully engaged in the potential God intended for him.
Let’s live today, fully engaged in God’s potential for our lives—being all He has planned for us.
Living life to the fullest!
Carol Danna
Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Samuel 2; I Chronicles 11; Psalm 142; Matthew 14
and he told [them] to teach the children of Judah [the] Song of the Bow; indeed [it is] written in the Book of Jasher: The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!” 2 Samuel 1:17-19
There are many themes in this portion of scripture begging to be developed. We get a glimpse of King Saul’s last moments—a man anointed by God to be King of His people, every resource available through God’s providential hand at Saul’s disposal. Nevertheless, Saul’s last moments are indicative of the life he lived—defeated, distressed and overrun. Saul, a man who had many natural gifting, and many God-given opportunities, yet his was a life wasted—he never achieved the full potential God intended for him. What was Saul’s failure? He failed to submit himself totally to God. Samuel, the prophet said to him, “Because you have rejected the Lord from ruling over you.” (I Samuel 15:26) What was the kink in this king’s amour? Allowing God to fully rule and reign over Saul’s life. Saul was a man piloted by his self-will, self-determination and self-governing.
David, a king of another sort, not perfect by any standard, but of him it is written, that he was a man after God’s own heart. Perhaps this gives us a picture as to why David was never possessive, anxious or manipulative in taking the kingship. He trusted and rested in God’s anointing and calling as the King of Israel. “Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:1-4 Here at a time when any opposition to his kingdom rule over Israel no longer challenged —David does not celebrate—he humbly honors Saul as the king God had chosen. What a tremendous difference in living. Saul lived a life of manipulation, anxiety, control and destruction. David lived a life fully engaged in the potential God intended for him.
Let’s live today, fully engaged in God’s potential for our lives—being all He has planned for us.
Living life to the fullest!
Carol Danna
Tomorrow’s Reading: 2 Samuel 2; I Chronicles 11; Psalm 142; Matthew 14
Sunday, April 25, 2010
1 Sam. 30-31; 1 chronicles 10; Matt 12:
"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. Matt 12:33
In these readings we see three people pointed out. David who is in trouble again his wives and the families of his army have been taken away by one of his many enemies. Even his own men are ready to stone him. He calls upon the Lord to tell him what to do and he not only gets his family back but becomes even more famous and wealthy. On the other hand we find Saul at the end of his life. Completely destroyed and still does not call on God for mercy. Instead he kills himself to keep from falling into the hands of His enemies. In 1 chronicles 10:13-14 it says Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.” Finally we find Jesus locked in battle with the Pharisees again who actually call Him “Beelzebub” (Satan) as he cast out a demon from a man. The truth is you cannot judge the mind of a man you judge a man by the fruit of his life. Fruit of the Spirit comes from a tree that lives and nourishes itself on the Mercy and Grace of the living God. Most people would say there is no fruit to a man hanging on a cross. A man that claims of himself ”I have never done one good thing in my life” Except that he says to the man (God) next to him on that cross “Lord when you enter your Kingdom remember me.” He at the end of his life (unlike Saul) planted the roots of his tree in the “River of life” and fruit sprang up eternal.
May God bless you and keep you firmly planted in His mercy and grace at the River of life
Pastor Jack
Next reading 2 Sam. 1; Ps. 140; Matt 13
In these readings we see three people pointed out. David who is in trouble again his wives and the families of his army have been taken away by one of his many enemies. Even his own men are ready to stone him. He calls upon the Lord to tell him what to do and he not only gets his family back but becomes even more famous and wealthy. On the other hand we find Saul at the end of his life. Completely destroyed and still does not call on God for mercy. Instead he kills himself to keep from falling into the hands of His enemies. In 1 chronicles 10:13-14 it says Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.” Finally we find Jesus locked in battle with the Pharisees again who actually call Him “Beelzebub” (Satan) as he cast out a demon from a man. The truth is you cannot judge the mind of a man you judge a man by the fruit of his life. Fruit of the Spirit comes from a tree that lives and nourishes itself on the Mercy and Grace of the living God. Most people would say there is no fruit to a man hanging on a cross. A man that claims of himself ”I have never done one good thing in my life” Except that he says to the man (God) next to him on that cross “Lord when you enter your Kingdom remember me.” He at the end of his life (unlike Saul) planted the roots of his tree in the “River of life” and fruit sprang up eternal.
May God bless you and keep you firmly planted in His mercy and grace at the River of life
Pastor Jack
Next reading 2 Sam. 1; Ps. 140; Matt 13
Friday, April 23, 2010
1 SAm 27; PS 141; Mt. 10
Matt 10:39
"He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."
Matt 10:31
"Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
I read chapter 10 and I think is the Lord serious? Were instructed to lose our life and that were being sent out in the midst of wolves and we will be persecuted. Jesus instructs us that He didn't come to bring peace on earth but a sword. (Mt.10:34)He says things like a man's enemies will be those of his own household, and as you go don't bring any money with you I'll provide. No wonder within this one chapter were also instructed to do not fear over and over again. The word fear(phobeo)used here means a panic that grips a person causing him to run away, be alarmed, scared, frightened, filled with dread, intimidated, anxious and apprehensive. I have observed in my life and in the life of others that everyday I must confront my fears. Jesus was very clear that we would face all kinds of persecution and struggles yet we are still surprised and grip with fear when we do. Losing your life is also losing your fears and being filled with God's love for you that cast out fear. 2 Tim 1:18 "Perfect love casts out fear" So today I join in being fearless as we fight off whatever wolf, relationship, and financial provision that may be causing you to be anxious and tempting you to panic. Jesus is the prince of peace and a life filled with God's spirit is a life of peace. So do not fear...you are more value than many sparrows. I think today I'll do some bird watching...I actually do like doing that.
In Him
Pastor Joe
"He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."
Matt 10:31
"Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
I read chapter 10 and I think is the Lord serious? Were instructed to lose our life and that were being sent out in the midst of wolves and we will be persecuted. Jesus instructs us that He didn't come to bring peace on earth but a sword. (Mt.10:34)He says things like a man's enemies will be those of his own household, and as you go don't bring any money with you I'll provide. No wonder within this one chapter were also instructed to do not fear over and over again. The word fear(phobeo)used here means a panic that grips a person causing him to run away, be alarmed, scared, frightened, filled with dread, intimidated, anxious and apprehensive. I have observed in my life and in the life of others that everyday I must confront my fears. Jesus was very clear that we would face all kinds of persecution and struggles yet we are still surprised and grip with fear when we do. Losing your life is also losing your fears and being filled with God's love for you that cast out fear. 2 Tim 1:18 "Perfect love casts out fear" So today I join in being fearless as we fight off whatever wolf, relationship, and financial provision that may be causing you to be anxious and tempting you to panic. Jesus is the prince of peace and a life filled with God's spirit is a life of peace. So do not fear...you are more value than many sparrows. I think today I'll do some bird watching...I actually do like doing that.
In Him
Pastor Joe
Thursday, April 22, 2010
1 Sam. 25-26; Ps. 63; Mt. 9
10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. “ Matt. 9:10-12
Jesus didn’t often say “Go learn what this means” like he did in this occasion. He is quoting from the law of the OT and bringing to light the true heart and character of God. Often people think that there is a difference between the God of the Old Testament and that of the new, but that is not true. Jesus is showing us here God’s priorities. He not enamored with sacrifices, he has always been a God of mercy. Those sacrifices were necessary to point to Christ and to be a covering over sin until the true sacrifice could justify the sinner. The Pharisaical legalism had kept people from knowing the true nature of God, and Jesus is setting the record straight. Tax collectors and sinners are welcome with open arms, because they are more likely to recognize they are sick. The religious on the other hand rarely recognize that they need a doctor. Their pride has blinded them. Jesus infiltrated the world of sinners so he could heal their souls, We must infiltrate their world as well because we are the only ones with the words to eternal life.
Pastor Rick
Jesus didn’t often say “Go learn what this means” like he did in this occasion. He is quoting from the law of the OT and bringing to light the true heart and character of God. Often people think that there is a difference between the God of the Old Testament and that of the new, but that is not true. Jesus is showing us here God’s priorities. He not enamored with sacrifices, he has always been a God of mercy. Those sacrifices were necessary to point to Christ and to be a covering over sin until the true sacrifice could justify the sinner. The Pharisaical legalism had kept people from knowing the true nature of God, and Jesus is setting the record straight. Tax collectors and sinners are welcome with open arms, because they are more likely to recognize they are sick. The religious on the other hand rarely recognize that they need a doctor. Their pride has blinded them. Jesus infiltrated the world of sinners so he could heal their souls, We must infiltrate their world as well because we are the only ones with the words to eternal life.
Pastor Rick
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
1 Sam. 24; Ps. 57-58; 1 Chron. 8; Mt. 8
And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe. 6 And he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.” 1 Sam. 24:4-6
You wonder what a man after God’s own heart looks like? Here it is. Some people would say that David was over sensitive about this anointed of God thing. Sure Saul is the King but he is just a man and he is doing everything in his power to kill David. Doesn’t God allow self defense, yes of course he does but David new that God had placed Saul as king and he wasn’t going to do anything that would go against the will of God. David would rather error on the side of grace than risk offending God. That is the heart of a man after God’s own heart. He understands that God has an order of authority and we do well to submit to his order. It is why David could become the anointed of God himself, because to be a man or women in authority you have to be a man under authority.
Pastor Rick
You wonder what a man after God’s own heart looks like? Here it is. Some people would say that David was over sensitive about this anointed of God thing. Sure Saul is the King but he is just a man and he is doing everything in his power to kill David. Doesn’t God allow self defense, yes of course he does but David new that God had placed Saul as king and he wasn’t going to do anything that would go against the will of God. David would rather error on the side of grace than risk offending God. That is the heart of a man after God’s own heart. He understands that God has an order of authority and we do well to submit to his order. It is why David could become the anointed of God himself, because to be a man or women in authority you have to be a man under authority.
Pastor Rick
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
1 Sam. 23; Psa. 31,54; Mt. 7
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves”. Matt. 7:15
The Kingdom of darkness has a simple but sinister strategy. Keep raising up as many false prophets as possible to confuse people from recognizing the truth. Cults abound, hybrids from Eastern philosophy coming from self proclaimed prophets. The majority of those prophets today come from what we would have thought a few years ago were unlikely sources. To days false prophets are from the entertainment business. People like Tom Cruise, and Opra, and Dr. Phil. These celebrities talk as if they are religious theologians but have no knowledge of the truth, they are absolutely ignorant of the most important book in the world but promote the writing of their false prophets. They’re not the only ones, there are the musicians and vocalists who will give glory to God for winning an award and dishonor him in every aspect of their very public personal life without one inkling of repentance. Their false unspoken message is that God cares nothing about sin and you can be right with God and have no conviction of the Holy Spirit. Our athletes and politicians are now different not to mention some of the pulpits in some of our most notable churches. How do we recognize the counterfeit. When I was working my way through Bible College I worked as a vault teller. When they trained me to identify counterfeits they didn’t bring in a bunch of counterfeit bills for me to get familiar with, they just had me get real familiar with the real thing so that when the counterfeit came my way I would know it wasn’t the real thing. You get the message as we get more familiar with the real thing as expressed in the word of God the counterfeit will be easy to recognize. Cults today claim that they are filled with people who once went to a Christian church. To bad they didn’t get to know the truth first, maybe they wouldn’t have been taken in by a false prophet.
Pastor Rick
The Kingdom of darkness has a simple but sinister strategy. Keep raising up as many false prophets as possible to confuse people from recognizing the truth. Cults abound, hybrids from Eastern philosophy coming from self proclaimed prophets. The majority of those prophets today come from what we would have thought a few years ago were unlikely sources. To days false prophets are from the entertainment business. People like Tom Cruise, and Opra, and Dr. Phil. These celebrities talk as if they are religious theologians but have no knowledge of the truth, they are absolutely ignorant of the most important book in the world but promote the writing of their false prophets. They’re not the only ones, there are the musicians and vocalists who will give glory to God for winning an award and dishonor him in every aspect of their very public personal life without one inkling of repentance. Their false unspoken message is that God cares nothing about sin and you can be right with God and have no conviction of the Holy Spirit. Our athletes and politicians are now different not to mention some of the pulpits in some of our most notable churches. How do we recognize the counterfeit. When I was working my way through Bible College I worked as a vault teller. When they trained me to identify counterfeits they didn’t bring in a bunch of counterfeit bills for me to get familiar with, they just had me get real familiar with the real thing so that when the counterfeit came my way I would know it wasn’t the real thing. You get the message as we get more familiar with the real thing as expressed in the word of God the counterfeit will be easy to recognize. Cults today claim that they are filled with people who once went to a Christian church. To bad they didn’t get to know the truth first, maybe they wouldn’t have been taken in by a false prophet.
Pastor Rick
Monday, April 19, 2010
I Samuel 22; Psalm 17, 35; Matthew 6
”But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
This portion of scripture deals with motives. It is about why we do what we do and that we need to keep in check that when we pray, when we do kind acts, when we serve, that we do these things to bring God glory, not to bring attention to ourselves. We need to be careful about motivation. We even need to know that what we pray for is tested by motivation. (James 4:3) “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” Pastor Rick spoke about being honest with ourselves in the message on Fully Living. It is so important that we take the time to self-test our motives. Even David, a man who experientially knew that he was completely capable of deceiving himself pens this prayer, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts; And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) The only motive we need to have is the motivation to please God, Him and Him alone. We finish off this portion of scripture with (Matthew 6:33)”But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” As we put Christ first in every aspect of our living, we can expect God’s Kingdom, God’s Righteousness, to be added to our lives. When our motivation is to put Him first, to bring Him glory, not ourselves, we will live a life that is filled with fruitfulness and purpose.
Seeking Him together,
Seeking Him together,
Carol Danna
Next Reading: I Samuel 23; Psalm 31, 54; Matthew 7
Next Reading: I Samuel 23; Psalm 31, 54; Matthew 7
Sunday, April 18, 2010
1 Sam 20-21; Ps 34; Matt 5;
A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;
Ps. 34:19
In the story of David trying to deal with his father in law, Saul the king of Israel David goes to his friend Jonathan, Saul’s son, and asks him what to do? He says what I have done to your father that he wants to kill me. Jonathan says my father would never try to kill you. But, he did not know the heart of a king that had turned against God. In these few chapters David shows us the behavior of a man following those directives given in Matt 5, a thousand years before they were given. He has the attitude of the meek ”for they will inherit the earth.” He hungers and thirsts for righteousness, He is merciful and pure in heart, even thought he is a warrior with Saul he tries to be the peacemaker, and finally Jesus says Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We see all of these things in David and then in the end of the chapter Jesus says (Matt 5:43-45) "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” This was the attitude of David toward Saul who continually tried to kill him. Sometimes these things seem impossible but when I look at them in the life of others I am more ready to accept that with the help of the Holy Spirit I can make them true in me.
May this be the day God imparts in us (me) Meekness, a hunger and thirst for righteousness, mercy and purity of heart, the mind of a peacemaker, someone who excepts being persecuted because of righteousness, and most of all a person who loves our enemies and prays for those who persecute us, that you may be sons of our Father in heaven.
Pastor Jack
Next reading 1 Sam 22; Ps. 17, 35; Matt 6;
Ps. 34:19
In the story of David trying to deal with his father in law, Saul the king of Israel David goes to his friend Jonathan, Saul’s son, and asks him what to do? He says what I have done to your father that he wants to kill me. Jonathan says my father would never try to kill you. But, he did not know the heart of a king that had turned against God. In these few chapters David shows us the behavior of a man following those directives given in Matt 5, a thousand years before they were given. He has the attitude of the meek ”for they will inherit the earth.” He hungers and thirsts for righteousness, He is merciful and pure in heart, even thought he is a warrior with Saul he tries to be the peacemaker, and finally Jesus says Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We see all of these things in David and then in the end of the chapter Jesus says (Matt 5:43-45) "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” This was the attitude of David toward Saul who continually tried to kill him. Sometimes these things seem impossible but when I look at them in the life of others I am more ready to accept that with the help of the Holy Spirit I can make them true in me.
May this be the day God imparts in us (me) Meekness, a hunger and thirst for righteousness, mercy and purity of heart, the mind of a peacemaker, someone who excepts being persecuted because of righteousness, and most of all a person who loves our enemies and prays for those who persecute us, that you may be sons of our Father in heaven.
Pastor Jack
Next reading 1 Sam 22; Ps. 17, 35; Matt 6;
Friday, April 16, 2010
1 Sam 18;1 Chron 6; Ps 11; Matt 3
“…David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed.” 1 Sam 18:30
“For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.”
Psalm 11:7
Our theme today is living wisely. Being faithful is learning to make wise choices, choosing those things that have lasting eternal value. It may appear as we read about Saul’s treatment of David that the wise thing David should do is be rid of Saul, but he honored the Lord in honoring Saul. In this season of his life God is honoring David’s choices and a result he is highly esteemed. Everyday we have choices to make and though we may not realize it, every choice leads to life or some type of death. David was not perfect, in fact his choice to sin with Bathsheba led to him not being able to build the temple. Choices have blessings and consequences. In life situations can come up and it seems hopeless. We might have the feeling of being oppressed. In those moments trust in the Lord He is your defender and refuge. So let’s be wise and be lifted up and honor the Lord and not act in fear, anger or bitterness. Watch as the Lord is your defender and see how he honors righteousness. Making choices with you.
Pastor Joe
“For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.”
Psalm 11:7
Our theme today is living wisely. Being faithful is learning to make wise choices, choosing those things that have lasting eternal value. It may appear as we read about Saul’s treatment of David that the wise thing David should do is be rid of Saul, but he honored the Lord in honoring Saul. In this season of his life God is honoring David’s choices and a result he is highly esteemed. Everyday we have choices to make and though we may not realize it, every choice leads to life or some type of death. David was not perfect, in fact his choice to sin with Bathsheba led to him not being able to build the temple. Choices have blessings and consequences. In life situations can come up and it seems hopeless. We might have the feeling of being oppressed. In those moments trust in the Lord He is your defender and refuge. So let’s be wise and be lifted up and honor the Lord and not act in fear, anger or bitterness. Watch as the Lord is your defender and see how he honors righteousness. Making choices with you.
Pastor Joe
1 Sam. 19; 1 Chron. 7; Psa. 59; Matt. 4
1 Sam. 19; 1 Chron. 7; Psa. 59; Matt. 4
1 Now Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David; but Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted greatly in David. 2 So Jonathan told David, saying, “My father Saul seeks to kill you. Therefore please be on your guard until morning, and stay in a secret place and hide. 3 And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak with my father about you. Then what I observe, I will tell you.” 1 Sam. 19:1-3
David and Jonathan just the mention of their names together conjures up thoughts of friendship. This was the kind of friendship that few enjoy. Jonathan was in line to be the next King of Israel but he knew that his friend was the one called to take that role. All Jonathan needed to do was nothing and he would be sitting on the throne but instead he risked his own life to assure the future of his best buddy. This Thursday was the anniversary of the loss of my Jonathan, his name was Guy Poncy he was my best friend since 7th grade. The week brought a lot of sadness to my heart and fond memories, as I reflected on times past when my Jonathan saw the call on my life and became my biggest cheerleader. I am eternally grateful to God for giving me Guy Poncy, such a selfless encourager of my life. God would like all of us to be somebody’s Jonathan or in my thinking somebody’s Guy Poncy. It take making a choice to put others first and realizing that the greatest call is to help someone else find theirs.
Pastor Rick
1 Now Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David; but Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted greatly in David. 2 So Jonathan told David, saying, “My father Saul seeks to kill you. Therefore please be on your guard until morning, and stay in a secret place and hide. 3 And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak with my father about you. Then what I observe, I will tell you.” 1 Sam. 19:1-3
David and Jonathan just the mention of their names together conjures up thoughts of friendship. This was the kind of friendship that few enjoy. Jonathan was in line to be the next King of Israel but he knew that his friend was the one called to take that role. All Jonathan needed to do was nothing and he would be sitting on the throne but instead he risked his own life to assure the future of his best buddy. This Thursday was the anniversary of the loss of my Jonathan, his name was Guy Poncy he was my best friend since 7th grade. The week brought a lot of sadness to my heart and fond memories, as I reflected on times past when my Jonathan saw the call on my life and became my biggest cheerleader. I am eternally grateful to God for giving me Guy Poncy, such a selfless encourager of my life. God would like all of us to be somebody’s Jonathan or in my thinking somebody’s Guy Poncy. It take making a choice to put others first and realizing that the greatest call is to help someone else find theirs.
Pastor Rick
Thursday, April 15, 2010
1 Sam. 17; Ps. 9; Mt.2
Facing Goliath wasn't the first time David had faced a "giant" in his life. David had learned when he was faced with the "little" giants, a bear and a lion, to trust God. Throughout scripture we see over and over again God first allowing someone to face small trials before they are faced with the big ones. Moses had to trust that his rod would turn into a snake, long before he used it to part the red sea; Joshua depended on the Lord while leading the Israelites to cross the Jordan before he marched around the walls of Jericho. David not only remembers the trials God delivered him out of but he tells Saul. "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Trusting and having faith in God in difficult seasons are challenges that Christians face on a daily basis. It is easier to have peace and faith that God is in control when we look at the promises he has held to in His word, the promises He has fulfilled in our observations of friends and family and the covenants He has kept for us in our past. Our faith is encouraged when we recall God's faithfulness and our confidence is built-up in the promises we have yet to see fulfilled. David recognized that God would deliver him once again, David said to the Goliath, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
No matter what challenges you face, whether financial, emotional, spiritual etc., remember God's faithfulness and claim the promises he has given you today. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Pastor Rick's Ghost Writer
Trusting and having faith in God in difficult seasons are challenges that Christians face on a daily basis. It is easier to have peace and faith that God is in control when we look at the promises he has held to in His word, the promises He has fulfilled in our observations of friends and family and the covenants He has kept for us in our past. Our faith is encouraged when we recall God's faithfulness and our confidence is built-up in the promises we have yet to see fulfilled. David recognized that God would deliver him once again, David said to the Goliath, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
No matter what challenges you face, whether financial, emotional, spiritual etc., remember God's faithfulness and claim the promises he has given you today. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Pastor Rick's Ghost Writer
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
1 Sam. 15-16, 2 Chron. 5, Mat. 1
22 So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.”
1 Sam. 15:22-23
Saul had been caught with the goods. He was told to destroy the Amalekites and all that was alive. We see this as a harsh command but we didn’t know the Amalekites and the total wickedness of this nation. But we do know Saul and it isn’t the first time that He had disobeyed God but this one would cost him his Kingdom. His greed to take the bounty which God said to destroy would disqualify him from being king. Samuel stated an interesting insight into the transformation in Saul that brought him to this place. 1 Samuel 15:17 “So Samuel said, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the LORD anoint you king over Israel? When he didn’t think of himself as such a big shot, he didn’t presume upon God. When he was small in his own eyes he was big in God’s eyes. Sometimes we think, “well I will just do a little more, sacrifice a little more and that will appease God but the Lord is not one of the gods of the heathen, He is the Almighty God of heaven. He is not appeased by trinkets of sacrifice he desires obedience. It wasn’t Saul’s failure that Cost him his kingdom though it was his pure lack of respect for God’s word. Even after he was confronted with his sin, he was more concerned with the appearance of being right with God than actually being right with God. He wanted Samuel to walk with him so the people could say there goes Saul with the man of God. Saul’s predecessor David would actually sin a greater sin than Saul but David when dealing with his own sin could care less how it appeared to others what he cared about was how it damaged his relationship with God. He cried out to God, he wept because of his sin and his heart was broken. He prayed “God take not your Holy Spirit from me”. A total contrast from one who forgot how small he really was.
Pastor Rick
1 Sam. 15:22-23
Saul had been caught with the goods. He was told to destroy the Amalekites and all that was alive. We see this as a harsh command but we didn’t know the Amalekites and the total wickedness of this nation. But we do know Saul and it isn’t the first time that He had disobeyed God but this one would cost him his Kingdom. His greed to take the bounty which God said to destroy would disqualify him from being king. Samuel stated an interesting insight into the transformation in Saul that brought him to this place. 1 Samuel 15:17 “So Samuel said, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the LORD anoint you king over Israel? When he didn’t think of himself as such a big shot, he didn’t presume upon God. When he was small in his own eyes he was big in God’s eyes. Sometimes we think, “well I will just do a little more, sacrifice a little more and that will appease God but the Lord is not one of the gods of the heathen, He is the Almighty God of heaven. He is not appeased by trinkets of sacrifice he desires obedience. It wasn’t Saul’s failure that Cost him his kingdom though it was his pure lack of respect for God’s word. Even after he was confronted with his sin, he was more concerned with the appearance of being right with God than actually being right with God. He wanted Samuel to walk with him so the people could say there goes Saul with the man of God. Saul’s predecessor David would actually sin a greater sin than Saul but David when dealing with his own sin could care less how it appeared to others what he cared about was how it damaged his relationship with God. He cried out to God, he wept because of his sin and his heart was broken. He prayed “God take not your Holy Spirit from me”. A total contrast from one who forgot how small he really was.
Pastor Rick
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
1 Sam. 14; 1 Chron. 4; 2 Cor. 13
“Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will work for us. For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few.” 1 Sam. 14:6
These famous and courageous words of Jonathan make us admire this man of faith. Against the natural odds of two against twenty, human wisdom would say is that this would be a suicide mission and it might be but Jonathan believes it is worth the risk. Jonathan is fed up with the Philistine oppressors and he knows someone has to do something about it. It’s not that he thinks he can do it on his own. What he does no is that God is not hampered by numbers. God can win any battle no matter what the odds are. Jonathan says I’m betting on God. He hasn’t heard directly from God as to whether God will back him on this crusade but he does know that it is the right thing to do and if God does help him he will have victory. When we look forward the answer from God is yes. Some times we use the I haven’t heard from God excuse when we just don’t have the courage to do the right thing, especially when doing the right thing can be costly. I guess when it comes to doing the right thing God has already told us to do it. Will he back us when we take that step of faith? Of coarse He will, does that mean we will not have to suffer for doing the right thing, who knows, it may be that the LORD will work for us.
Pastor Rick
These famous and courageous words of Jonathan make us admire this man of faith. Against the natural odds of two against twenty, human wisdom would say is that this would be a suicide mission and it might be but Jonathan believes it is worth the risk. Jonathan is fed up with the Philistine oppressors and he knows someone has to do something about it. It’s not that he thinks he can do it on his own. What he does no is that God is not hampered by numbers. God can win any battle no matter what the odds are. Jonathan says I’m betting on God. He hasn’t heard directly from God as to whether God will back him on this crusade but he does know that it is the right thing to do and if God does help him he will have victory. When we look forward the answer from God is yes. Some times we use the I haven’t heard from God excuse when we just don’t have the courage to do the right thing, especially when doing the right thing can be costly. I guess when it comes to doing the right thing God has already told us to do it. Will he back us when we take that step of faith? Of coarse He will, does that mean we will not have to suffer for doing the right thing, who knows, it may be that the LORD will work for us.
Pastor Rick
Monday, April 12, 2010
I Samuel 13, I Chronicles 2-3; 2 Corinthians 12
“So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Paul discovered that this thorn in his flesh had a divine purpose; it was something that God had allowed. He recognized that in God’s sovereign plan for his life, all things would work together for good. This ‘thorn’ was not a small thing; it was really more like a tent stake, the type that the Bedouins used to set up their homes. So when Paul was talking about this thorn in the flesh—he was talking about a large, irritating and undeniable thorn. When I trim the roses or even just cut some to bring inside, a small thorn can prick you and at first it doesn’t seem so bad, but imagine that thorn if you couldn’t remove it? Ouch…each day it would become more and more painful and irritating. This is how Paul lived every day. We do not know what the thorn is and perhaps the Lord did not want us to know so we could all relate to Paul’s experience. Paul uses the word ‘infirmary, infirmity’ to describe the thorn in the flesh. An infirmary is a hospital, a place where sick people go. This is what Paul calls his thorn, an infirmity, a weakness, an ailment. Now I don’t know about you but I don’t like to admit I have weakness, can you relate? I mean, who wants to admit weakness? Admitting we have a weakness just goes against nature? Apparently, Paul’s weakness was evident to others and he accepted the fact he just had to live with it and allowed God to work humility in him through this process. Three times Paul asks God to deliver him from this weakness, this thorn, but the Lord speaks, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians. 12:9) We don’t know if Paul asked again but we do know that he was able to experience God’s grace in this process. Paul goes on to say that not only does he receive God’s grace but he glories in it. He is saying, if this is what brings God glory, than so be it. What a wonderful place to be, a great place of trust and rest in the purposes God had for Paul. When we come to this place of accepting our weaknesses, than God is able to become our strength. It is a simple but complex principle that we even sang about in Sunday School, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so, little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me….the Bible tells me so!”
Be strong in the Lord!
Carol Danna
Next Reading: I Samuel 14; I Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13
Be strong in the Lord!
Carol Danna
Next Reading: I Samuel 14; I Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13
Sunday, April 11, 2010
1 Sam 11-12 1 chronicles 1; 2 Cor 11
20 "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 1 Sam 12:20-21
The problem with us (mankind) is we respond to guilt in a very crazy way. At first we feel the guilt and then we get angry and turn our back on the ones we have hurt. What a crazy way to respond instead of going back to them with repentance or at the very least an apology, we turn our back on them and seek other relationships that will not make us feel guilty. When Adam and Eve ate of the tree they hid themselves, instead of seeking the Lord with repentance. When God confronted their guilt they blamed each other or Satan. Adam even blamed God for giving him Eve in the first place. Samuel and Paul were having the same problem (nothing is new under the sun). Samuel says “"You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.” Paul’s problem was they were chasing other preachers that would not make them feel their own guilt. Paul said (2 Cor 11:4) For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. In verse 13-15 Paul says “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
My prayer today is I (we) when faced with guilt have a repentant heart that seeks the Lord of truth. That I (we) might humbly seek His loving grace instead of ”useless idols. (things or bad relationships) They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless.”
May God bless you and keep you this week seeking His love and Grace with a repentant heart.
Pastor Jack
Next reading 1 Sam 13; 1 chronicles 2-3; 2 Cor 12
The problem with us (mankind) is we respond to guilt in a very crazy way. At first we feel the guilt and then we get angry and turn our back on the ones we have hurt. What a crazy way to respond instead of going back to them with repentance or at the very least an apology, we turn our back on them and seek other relationships that will not make us feel guilty. When Adam and Eve ate of the tree they hid themselves, instead of seeking the Lord with repentance. When God confronted their guilt they blamed each other or Satan. Adam even blamed God for giving him Eve in the first place. Samuel and Paul were having the same problem (nothing is new under the sun). Samuel says “"You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.” Paul’s problem was they were chasing other preachers that would not make them feel their own guilt. Paul said (2 Cor 11:4) For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. In verse 13-15 Paul says “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
My prayer today is I (we) when faced with guilt have a repentant heart that seeks the Lord of truth. That I (we) might humbly seek His loving grace instead of ”useless idols. (things or bad relationships) They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless.”
May God bless you and keep you this week seeking His love and Grace with a repentant heart.
Pastor Jack
Next reading 1 Sam 13; 1 chronicles 2-3; 2 Cor 12
Saturday, April 10, 2010
1 Som. 8-10; 2 Cor. 10
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Cor. 10:4-5
If God’s people are anything they are warriors. Through out the Old Testament the Hebrews fought battles, took spoils, learned battle strategies. David writes in Psalms 18:34“He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” Why would God teach his people to war? Well we know God put his protection around the people of God and at times used them to extract justice on the wicked and the evil. It’s not physical warfare that God wants to teach us about, but it’s spiritual warfare. This kind of war is about battles in our mind and arguments that are contrary to the truth of God. It isn’t about taking physical land but taking ground for the kingdom. When the enemy throws doubt we counter with the promises from the Bible, when we are tempted to submit to coveting we find our satisfaction in our relationship with Christ. When the enemy throws out fear we surrender our hearts to trust a loving God. We take the whole armor of God and take the battle field on our knees. We take our thought captive to Christ, lock the door and throw away the key.
Pastor Rick
If God’s people are anything they are warriors. Through out the Old Testament the Hebrews fought battles, took spoils, learned battle strategies. David writes in Psalms 18:34“He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” Why would God teach his people to war? Well we know God put his protection around the people of God and at times used them to extract justice on the wicked and the evil. It’s not physical warfare that God wants to teach us about, but it’s spiritual warfare. This kind of war is about battles in our mind and arguments that are contrary to the truth of God. It isn’t about taking physical land but taking ground for the kingdom. When the enemy throws doubt we counter with the promises from the Bible, when we are tempted to submit to coveting we find our satisfaction in our relationship with Christ. When the enemy throws out fear we surrender our hearts to trust a loving God. We take the whole armor of God and take the battle field on our knees. We take our thought captive to Christ, lock the door and throw away the key.
Pastor Rick
Friday, April 9, 2010
1 Sam 6,7; Ps. 72; 2 Cor 9
"Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, "If you return to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the philistines."
1 Sam 7:3
Samuel is calling the people and leaders to prepare their hearts and lives for the battle. As a result of his leadership, prayer, and direction to the people commit themselves fully to the Lord, the Philistines were subdued. Verse 13 tells us "so the Philistines were subdued, and they did not come anymore into the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel." We too have the confident leadership in Pastor Rick over here at The Cornerstone. The weeks leading up to Easter Pastor led us in beleived this would be our best Easter ever. Like Samuel he called us to prayer and fasting and led us into victory this past weekend. Over the weekend we witnessed a significant increase in the lives that were touched and transformed. The last count mentioned is over 3400 people which is double our normal weekend attendance and over 40 people who had given there lives over to the Lord. Just as Samuel continued to lead the people in (vv 8-11) Pastor gave us further direction in our midweek service to influence the lives of people we have around us. Over the past few weeks I have witnessed so much breakthrough in lives of people that I have been praying for as I submit to the direction the Lord has been giving our leader Pastor Rick. In sharing with others at the church I have noticed some have not fully grasped or yielded to the direction pastor has been giving us and it's evident that they haven't been as victorious. So today receive the direction that the Lord has been giving you through the leaders he has placed in your lives. I would suggest getting the CD from weds message if you have not had an opportunity to hear the call. God is calling us to pray, fast, and open a way for the fullness of God's work to be restored in us and our church.
Pastor Joe
next reading: 1 Sam 8-10; 2 Cor 10
Thursday, April 8, 2010
1 Sam. 3-5; Ps.77; 2 Cor. 8
1 Now the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. 2 And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, 3 and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the LORD where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, 4 that the LORD called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” 5 So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down. 6 Then the LORD called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 (Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor was the word of the LORD yet revealed to him.)
One of the saddest statements in the Bible. “The word of the LORD was rare in those days;” The question is, was God not speaking or were people not listening? When men stop listening God stops speaking. Eli was the High Priest in those days. If anyone needed to hear from God it was Eli. But it had been years since Eli heard God speak. How does someone like Eli go from being hailed the man of God to a man who ignores God? The answer is one day at a time. It starts with small rejections of what he knew was the voice of God. Maybe it was that little twinge in his spirit that said you need to honor God in you house hold. Maybe when his teenage son used irreverent speech or acted disrespectful at Temple worship that Eli let it go. Time after time God would say something that Eli didn’t want to do so he just ignored it. Eventually Eli could only remember when God spoke to him. But God doesn’t stop speaking he just finds someone else who will listen. If Eli won’t listen God will find a Samuel who will. I don’t think Eli could ever get past the point where God would refuse forever to speak to him, Eli just needed to make the decision that hearing from God was the most important thing he could do and choose to say yes before God told him the what. Let’s get the wax out of our spiritual ears today and listen to the loving voice of our heavenly Father.
Pastor Rick
One of the saddest statements in the Bible. “The word of the LORD was rare in those days;” The question is, was God not speaking or were people not listening? When men stop listening God stops speaking. Eli was the High Priest in those days. If anyone needed to hear from God it was Eli. But it had been years since Eli heard God speak. How does someone like Eli go from being hailed the man of God to a man who ignores God? The answer is one day at a time. It starts with small rejections of what he knew was the voice of God. Maybe it was that little twinge in his spirit that said you need to honor God in you house hold. Maybe when his teenage son used irreverent speech or acted disrespectful at Temple worship that Eli let it go. Time after time God would say something that Eli didn’t want to do so he just ignored it. Eventually Eli could only remember when God spoke to him. But God doesn’t stop speaking he just finds someone else who will listen. If Eli won’t listen God will find a Samuel who will. I don’t think Eli could ever get past the point where God would refuse forever to speak to him, Eli just needed to make the decision that hearing from God was the most important thing he could do and choose to say yes before God told him the what. Let’s get the wax out of our spiritual ears today and listen to the loving voice of our heavenly Father.
Pastor Rick
Monday, April 5, 2010
Ruth 1,2; Psalm 53; 61; 2 Corinthians 5
“Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy.” Psalm 61:1-3
“The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge." Ruth 2:12
Is your heart overwhelmed today? Do you need a strong tower from the enemy? Two of our passages deal with people in crisis, people who need their God to be a strong tower from the enemy and a refuge from the storm. David writes this psalm at a time that he had been in exile because of the rebellion of his son Absalom. David had fled across the Jordan River as an army from Hebron, led by Absalom, came to take Jerusalem. He did not want to face his son in battle. Rather than taking a stand in Jerusalem, a victory that would have surely been David’s, the King fled with his armies in to exile. David cries out to God, “Hear my cry, O God, attend to my prayer.” (Psalm 61:2) In Ruth we read the story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. Naomi returns to Jerusalem, broken and destitute, with her daughter in law Ruth, a foreigner. Both women are widows and without a redemptive miracle, they will both be poorly outcast and beggars or for a young, widowed woman, even worse, sent to the streets. I am sure Naomi cried out, O God, hear my cry…attend to my prayer! When we are in crisis it seems more like the end of the world, rather than the ends of the earth! Many a time I have cried out, “Lord, lead me, lead me to THE Rock, that is higher than I.” When we are so low, there is only one place to go and that is up. But when we are feeling so low, up seems so far away. But God is THE Rock and He does lift us up to a place that is higher than our circumstances, higher than us. “He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deut. 32:4) “The Eternal God is my refuge and underneath is His everlasting arms.” (Deut. 33:27) God is faithful, He is our Rock, He is our Refuge. God delivers Naomi and Ruth, God rescues David, and God delivers and rescues us. Perhaps today, you need the deliverance and rescuing of your God. Today is your day, your day to cry out to God and a day to be led to the Rock, Jesus Christ.
Victorious in Christ,
Carol Danna
Next Reading: Ruth 3, 4; Psalm 64-65; 2 Corinthians 6
Victorious in Christ,
Carol Danna
Next Reading: Ruth 3, 4; Psalm 64-65; 2 Corinthians 6
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Judges 19-21; 2 Cor 4
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit
Judges 21:25
In the time spoken of in the last few chapters of Judges is a horrible time. A time when men were destroying each other just for the sake of earthly pleasure. It appears to me these times are here again where both men and women are blatantly used and destroyed for the sake of pleasure. Our Society currently uses everything from pornography to adultery to homosexuality to distroy people. We are again in a time when people are not loved, but used, hurt and destroyed and some have the nerve to call that love. Paul says in 2 Cor 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. To some today is a day of celebrating by getting drunk and finding eggs and using this day as a day of the celebration of nothing and “everyone does as he sees fit.” For us it is a day of celebration of the resurrection of our Lord, the greatest event that ever happened to this world and just as on that day, most of the people missed the real event. They missed the fact that the tomb was empty the Lord had risen. Most of the world will celebrate today and will have missed the real celebration ‘He has Risen”
May you be blessed as you celebrate the risen Lord as he blesses you and yours
Pastor Jack
Next reading Ruth 1,2; Ps. 53,61; 2 Cor 5
Judges 21:25
In the time spoken of in the last few chapters of Judges is a horrible time. A time when men were destroying each other just for the sake of earthly pleasure. It appears to me these times are here again where both men and women are blatantly used and destroyed for the sake of pleasure. Our Society currently uses everything from pornography to adultery to homosexuality to distroy people. We are again in a time when people are not loved, but used, hurt and destroyed and some have the nerve to call that love. Paul says in 2 Cor 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. To some today is a day of celebrating by getting drunk and finding eggs and using this day as a day of the celebration of nothing and “everyone does as he sees fit.” For us it is a day of celebration of the resurrection of our Lord, the greatest event that ever happened to this world and just as on that day, most of the people missed the real event. They missed the fact that the tomb was empty the Lord had risen. Most of the world will celebrate today and will have missed the real celebration ‘He has Risen”
May you be blessed as you celebrate the risen Lord as he blesses you and yours
Pastor Jack
Next reading Ruth 1,2; Ps. 53,61; 2 Cor 5
Friday, April 2, 2010
Judges 13-16; 2 Cor 2
"And she said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" So he awoke from his sleep, and said "I will go our as before, at other times, and shake myself free!" But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him," Judges 16:20
What a frightening thought of not knowing the Lord had departed from you. Samson had become so confident in his own strength and his life quickly crumbles when the Lord let's him see and feel what life would be like without the strength that comes from the Lord. How did he get in this place? The same way we do. The lust of the flesh, pride of life, and the belief in ourselves just to name a few. I have witnessed so many believers follow this path to destruction so many times. Sometimes it starts with just missing church and then it leads to missing three weeks of church and soon enough you tell yourself your strong enough to go it alone and you don't even need to go to church. The same is true for reading our bibles and spending quality time in devotions with Lord. The Bible tells us faith comes by hearing and hearing of the word. When were not strengthen by the word we lose our strength to fight of the attacks of the enemy. Life happens and then we tend to doubt God and his promises and then fall away, it's not that He has left us it's that we have left Him. I have yet to meet a believer who stays true to the word and continually calls on the name of the Lord who has not stayed the course in even the darkest of times. I know of several others who have walked in a false strength, that is under there own set of rules and like Samson feel like God is there personal genie or something. They rub the lamp and God doesn't show up in there timing and they lose sight of the plan God has for them. God is much more concerned with us than we are, and He knows under our own strength we will fall, but with him all things are possible. Sometimes the Lord allows me to operate under my own strength and yes I do fall but the Lord also picks you up when you genuinely call on him. Samson later in the chapter does just that and the result is that he kills more philistines then he ever had before. So today let's operate under his strength and power and not ours.
Have a great day,
Pastor Joe
What a frightening thought of not knowing the Lord had departed from you. Samson had become so confident in his own strength and his life quickly crumbles when the Lord let's him see and feel what life would be like without the strength that comes from the Lord. How did he get in this place? The same way we do. The lust of the flesh, pride of life, and the belief in ourselves just to name a few. I have witnessed so many believers follow this path to destruction so many times. Sometimes it starts with just missing church and then it leads to missing three weeks of church and soon enough you tell yourself your strong enough to go it alone and you don't even need to go to church. The same is true for reading our bibles and spending quality time in devotions with Lord. The Bible tells us faith comes by hearing and hearing of the word. When were not strengthen by the word we lose our strength to fight of the attacks of the enemy. Life happens and then we tend to doubt God and his promises and then fall away, it's not that He has left us it's that we have left Him. I have yet to meet a believer who stays true to the word and continually calls on the name of the Lord who has not stayed the course in even the darkest of times. I know of several others who have walked in a false strength, that is under there own set of rules and like Samson feel like God is there personal genie or something. They rub the lamp and God doesn't show up in there timing and they lose sight of the plan God has for them. God is much more concerned with us than we are, and He knows under our own strength we will fall, but with him all things are possible. Sometimes the Lord allows me to operate under my own strength and yes I do fall but the Lord also picks you up when you genuinely call on him. Samson later in the chapter does just that and the result is that he kills more philistines then he ever had before. So today let's operate under his strength and power and not ours.
Have a great day,
Pastor Joe
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Judges 11-12; Ps. 50; 2 Cor. 1
1 Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, but he was the son of a harlot; and Gilead begot Jephthah. 2 Gilead’s wife bore sons; and when his wife’s sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out, and said to him, “You shall have no inheritance in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.” Judges 11:1-2
Jephthah didn’t have what you would call a storybook beginning. He comes from a dysfunctional family to say the least. His mother was a prostitute so his brothers from his step mother disowned him and know he has no family at all. Yet Jephthah becomes the leader of Israel called to Judge the nation. Why is it that some who start off in the worst circumstances can end up successful and fruitful, while others can never get away from their past? It is simply choices. Every person has choices to make. The choice to live in self pity, the choice to focus on the past, the choice to be self centered, the choice to blame others for their lot in life, the choice to blame God, the choice to look to the future, the choice to be thankful, the choice to look to God for help, the choice to forgive, the choice to rejoice, the choice to use your hurts the help others, to become what God intended for you from the beginning. YOU ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT.
Pastor Rick
Jephthah didn’t have what you would call a storybook beginning. He comes from a dysfunctional family to say the least. His mother was a prostitute so his brothers from his step mother disowned him and know he has no family at all. Yet Jephthah becomes the leader of Israel called to Judge the nation. Why is it that some who start off in the worst circumstances can end up successful and fruitful, while others can never get away from their past? It is simply choices. Every person has choices to make. The choice to live in self pity, the choice to focus on the past, the choice to be self centered, the choice to blame others for their lot in life, the choice to blame God, the choice to look to the future, the choice to be thankful, the choice to look to God for help, the choice to forgive, the choice to rejoice, the choice to use your hurts the help others, to become what God intended for you from the beginning. YOU ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT.
Pastor Rick
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