Listening to the Word

Proverbs 16-18; Romans 12   “…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you…so in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others…Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:3, 5, 10 Paul’s image of the Body of Christ having many parts and each part or member being important and interdependent on all the other parts, is foundational for our understanding of the importance of humility. We don’t think of ourselves more highly than we ought because we are a part of a body, not the whole. We belong to others and they belong to us. Our sin affects others just as does our faithfulness. We are to honor one another above ourselves because when the other parts of the body flourish, we all benefit. No matter how small, each part of the body is essential and can also be taken for granted until they are injured. Who can we honor and encourage to...

Proverbs 13-15; Romans 11 “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke…Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice…He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.” Proverbs 13:1, 10, 18 How we respond to a rebuke, receive instruction, or take advice, reveals our attitude toward authority and our capacity to learn and grow. It’s often these character-issues which limit our development, rather than our gifting or knowledge. Sometimes our best instructors are those we would rather not listen to because of what they are saying. Even our most challenging relationships can be places of growth in humility and insight if we are willing to swallow our pride and listen. Humility fosters teachability and learning, which are a lifelong process. Which voices have we been ignoring or avoiding? “Lord Jesus, I choose humility and ongoing instruction, for your glory.”

Proverbs 10-12; Romans 10   “In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.” Proverbs 12:28 “Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” Romans 10:4 Righteousness is a path we walk in, not a product we barter for or purchase. It is a gift of grace to receive the righteousness of God and to walk with God. This gift of receiving right standing with God so we can walk with him in life that is abundant and eternal must be received by faith. We trust Christ, not only for what we can receive from him, but also for where we are traveling together with him. Together we are walking on the “Way of Holiness” as Isaiah saw in Isaiah 35:8-10. We are the people of the Way, and immortality is the reality for those who walk with Jesus on this road. Our destination is heaven, our guide is Jesus, and our path is righteousness. Are we traveling on this path, or have we lost our way? “Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness. On t...

Proverbs 7-9; Romans 9   “…it is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring…What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory - even us…” Romans 9:8, 23, 24a Why has God not elected everyone for salvation? As Paul wrestled with this important question, he noted our response to receiving mercy. Wisdom reminds us we are not God.   However, as those invited to know God and experience his glory, are we grateful? Are we growing in our understanding of the riches of God’s glory and the inheritance of his kingdom? Rather than asking why all people are not saved, we ask, why are not those who are saved more grateful? To experience God’s mercy, kindness, and love, is to experience new life and rebirth. We testify to this kindness and love and invite others to know him because this is God’s mission for us. To the degree that we kn...

Proverbs 4-6; Romans 8 “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear…” Romans 8:13-15 How do we “put to death the misdeeds of the body”? Paul said “by the Spirit.” How does that work?   As we humble ourselves before God and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal sinful patterns, habits, wounds, unforgiveness, and anything blocking the glory of God in our lives, we can be sure the Spirit of God will counsel us. When sin is exposed before God, we can ask him to show us the root of that sin. If something specific is revealed, we can repent for that sin; or, we can ask for God’s healing if it is a wound in our soul. The Spirit of God is holy. He will empower and guide us to apply Christ’s victory over sin and death on the cross. As we repent for sin and resist its p...

Proverbs 1-3; Romans 7 “…and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:3-6 Solomon points us to God as the Source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. More specifically, he calls us to a relationship with God where we listen to God’s Word to us. How is this possible? God reveals himself in relationship to the seeker, not a casual inquirer. We are challenged to “call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding” and to search for God’s presence like hidden treasure. When a relationship with the living God becomes the most valuable aspect of our lives, we honor his presence and listen and obey his Word. In a life of submission to the Lord, obedience and worship are birthed as we live with the fear of the Lord. This is t...

1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6   “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.” 1 Kings 10:23, 24 Where did Solomon’s wisdom come from? Did it come from learning from the greatest thinkers in Egypt or Babylon? No. Solomon’s wisdom came from God and was put in his heart by the Holy Spirit. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians was that they would receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation from their glorious Father so that they would know him better. Wisdom is required to apply knowledge effectively. Solomon’s wisdom gave him influence throughout the world. What would happen if the Church, the Bride of Christ, lived in the fear of the Lord and his wisdom? We would also have influence in every nation because of living by God’s ways. If Paul prayed for the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so can we. Will we regularly ask God to fill us with the spirit ...

1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalms 136; Romans 5   “…who struck down great Kings, His love endures forever , and killed mighty Kings – His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:17, 18 “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:3-5 God’s love is strong and faithful. It endures forever.   But what kind of love destroys kings and kingdoms, allows suffering, and brings death? The love of God is not just an emotion that changes like the weather. God’s love is rooted in his character and his very nature which is also marked by justice and righteousness. In love, God has defeated the power of sin and death through the suffering and death of his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is our example of God’s love redeeming suffering unto life. As God pours out hi...

2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalms 135; Romans 4 “Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant…Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, through all generations. For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.” Psalm 135:3, 13, 14 Why is it “pleasant” to praise God’s name? We were created by God to know him and worship him. This is our life’s purpose. When we spend our life trying to make a name for ourselves through our skill, beauty, wealth, or achievements we find our life is empty and these idols don’t satisfy. The Psalmist invites us to instead worship the living God whose name reveals his nature and character. As we worship God each day, all day, with our words and life, we find the pleasant, peaceful beauty of the Lord gracing our lives with his presence. When brothers and sisters in God’s family dwell together in unity, it is also pleasant. Why? - Because we enjoy in the unity of the Spirit, God’s presence...

1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5; Psalms 99; Romans 3   “…We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin…There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:9, 22-24 The covenant between God and Israel at Mount Sinai was to set Israel apart from the nations as God’s holy people so that they would be a witness to the nations of God’s covenant-ways and the blessing of walking with him. The covenant with Israel renewed God’s promise to Abraham that he was ‘blessed to be a blessing’. Israel’s failure to live by God’s covenant-ways illustrated to the world the power of sin, made clear by their failure to obey God’s laws. Paul’s gospel emphasized that all, Jews, and Gentiles alike, are under the power of sin, and all need the atoning sacrifice of a Savior. All have sinned and all are justified freely by God’s grace, through faith in Ch...

1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4; Psalms 98; Romans 2   “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth…Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?” Romans 2:1, 2, 4 Justice and righteousness are the foundation of God’s throne. After outlining God’s judgment of our rebellion, perversion, and sin in Romans 1, Paul warns us not to play god and judge others. We are all guilty of violating God’s ways and we all fall short of his holiness; yet, we know our desperate need for God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness should fill us with compassion and mercy toward others. When we judge others, we show contempt for the riches of God’s kindness, tolerance, and patience toward us. It i...

1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalms 97; Romans 1   “God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness…For I am not ashamed of the gospel…” Romans 1:9, 16 What do we think of when we think of the word “gospel”? Do we focus on the mechanics of our sin-separation from God and the atonement of Christ for our sin, reconciling us with God and the world around us? It is possible to focus on the various parts, aspects, steps, or laws in the gospel, forgetting that the heart of the gospel is God’s love for us in Christ. Jesus Christ our Lord is the gospel in summary. Paul preached the gospel of Jesus, Son of God, Lord of heaven and earth. Paul was not ashamed of Jesus Christ or of speaking about him to anyone whom he met. Are we? How confident are we to live and share the gospel wherever we are? “Lord Jesus, you are the good news which has transformed my life. You alone are the hope of the world, for your glory.”

1 Kings 4-5; 2 Chronicles 2; Psalms 101; 2 Thessalonians 3 “I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life – when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart. I will set before my eyes no vile thing...” Psalm 101:1-3 David enjoyed the presence of the Lord so much that he was willing to avoid and resist the presence of sinful behaviors wherever possible. When our focus is on ourselves, we try to approach God on our terms. When our focus is on God, we approach him on his terms. David knew the holiness of God and he resisted sin in the power of the Spirit. David’s standard was to be blameless. We know he often failed in that effort; but when he failed, his cry of repentance was focused on restoring the presence of the Lord in his life (Psalm 51). What is our standard of behavior? We live in a sin-sick generation that celebrates and promotes that which God hates. Are we choosing to be friends of God...

1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalms 78; 2 Thessalonians 2 “…and Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon, for God’s Tent of Meeting was there, which Moses the Lord’s servant had made in the desert. Now David had brought up the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim to the place had had prepared for it…But the bronze altar…was in Gideon in front of the tabernacle of the Lord;…” 2 Chronicles 1:3-5 The ark represented guidance and blessing, but had often been used as a ‘good luck charm’. The Tent of Meeting (or tabernacle) and the bronze altar built by Moses represented repentance and true relationship with God. Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice before the Lord and to seek his face. The Lord honored Solomon’s heart-intent with an amazing question, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (2 Chronicles 1:7). When we seek God’s presence and relationship, we also receive counsel and provision. When we just seek direction (the ark and ephod), we can approach God like a vendin...

1 Kings 2; 1 Chronicles 29; Psalms 95; 2 Thessalonians 1   “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 At the close of David’s life he led a worship service of incredible generosity for the future construction of the temple. This final act of worship acknowledged that everything David and his people had, came from God. The capacity to give generously is itself a gift from God. It was with this final act of worship and generosity that David passed on the leadership of the kingdom to Solomon. Are our families and churches known for generous worship? Are we freely acknowledging to the generations that follow us that everything we have and are comes from God? Are we modeling generous giving and worship for the next generation, or are we modeling selfish hoarding and self-centered honoring of what we have accomplished and accumulated? “Lord ...

1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 28; Psalms 91; 1 Thessalonians 5   “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty…Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence…You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday…For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” Psalm 91:1, 3, 5, 6, 11 Where do we find our security - in a good security system, a firearm, a great job, or a stable country? Moses testified that security is found in the presence of the Lord. Giving our lives to the Most High is the key to finding rest and being free from fear. Moses watched firsthand as the Almighty destroyed the most powerful kingdom on earth. Moses chose to switch his trust from Pharaoh and his power, to the Most High God. Moses witnessed the mighty angels whom God assigned to deliver Israel and guide the...

1 Chronicles 25-27; 1 Thessalonians 4   “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother [or sister] or take advantage of him...” 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 Why do our bodies matter to God? For those who have a living relationship with God, our bodies are the temple of the dwelling place of God through the Holy Spirit. We are the gatekeepers of the temple of our body. Avoiding sexual immorality in entertainment today is challenging, but that’s the will of God. Addictions we think are personal and private are seen by the Lord and defile our body. They also distort and damage our families with generational sin-patterns through the influence of lust rather than love. Sin affects our body in many ways. Sanctification is a process of yielding con...

1 Chronicles 22-24; 1 Thessalonians 3   “But this word of the Lord came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side…’” 1 Chronicles 22:8, 9 The building of God’s house required hands that were clean and free of bloodshed.   Has God changed in this regard as he looks for people to join his mission of bringing salvation to the nations? We live under the atoning sacrifice of Christ’s blood for our sin. This blood speaks a better word than the cry of innocent blood for justice. Those who know Christ’s forgiveness are ambassadors of reconciliation to the nations. We are peacemakers because we have experienced peace with God through the Prince of Peace. We choose to forgive our enemies and do good to those who persecute us because we are representin...

2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21; Psalms. 30; 1 Thessalonians 2   “David built an altar to the Lord there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. He called on the Lord, and the Lord answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering. Then the Lord spoke to the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath.” 1 Chronicles 21:26, 27 God’s judgment of Israel through a plague (pandemic) cost 70,000 lives. It was only as David repented before God that the Lord commanded the angel who stood over Jerusalem to put his sword back into its sheath. What is our response before the Lord during the plague in our day? What if we could see the angel of the Lord with a drawn sword? How would we respond? As David cried and repented before the Lord, his intercession was heard and the Lord’s mercy and compassion were stirred. It is the Lord who is our Saviour - more than science or the wisdom of man. Jesus has paid the price for the sin of the world; however the Lord stil...