2013 VBS Video

Choosing politics over piety

2 Chronicles 7-9 recounts the great wealth and accomplishments of Solomon. Proverbs 16:8 reminds us that it is better to have a little with righteousness than great wealth with injustice. Solomon began his rule with both great wisdom and great wealth. However, chapter 8 tells us he did a few things that would hurt him greatly. Most importantly, he married Pharaoh’s daughter. This would be the first of many mistakes that Solomon would make that would have an impact upon not only himself, but the whole nation of Israel.

He allowed the false religion of his foreign wives (yes he had many wives and that was a big mistake as well) to come into land and into his life. God had commanded his people to only marry within the nation of Israel. This was not because God did not love those outside of Israel, but rather he knew that false religions would be brought in with those that came into the land. Paul says we are not to be unequally yoked. God knows that we need to hold one another up in our faith, not tear one another down.

It would appear that Solomon was more concerned about politics than piety. This is a huge mistake that many have made and no doubt many are making today. In what ways do politicians and leaders today chose politics over piety? Do you ever do this?

I am very concerned about the direction our nation and world is going. I fear without a new great awakening the world my child will grow up in will be very wicked indeed. Please join me as I pray for our leaders (president, national advisors, congress, governor, local officials, etc.). Join me as I write letters to encourage these leaders to do the right thing, not the politically correct thing. Join me as I seek to bring truth to world diluted with half truths and lies.

While the wealth and fame of Solomon grew, his relationship with God was declining. What we see in public is not nearly as important as what is not seen in private.  Are you more concerned about what others think of you or what God thinks of you?

"Let your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation and let your saints rejoice in your goodness."

Today two of the texts are Proverbs 16:5 and 2 Chronicles 6. As I read through these texts (along with the others) a few things caught my attention. The word abomination is so strong, yet God says in several places he hates pride and arrogance. When we get down to it pride is the root of all evil I think. From the fall of Satan, to the fall of Adam, to any of the Ten Commandments it all comes back to pride. Solomon began his reign with humility on his knees in prayer. Oh that we would have leaders in the home, the church, in business, and in government that would do the same. 

Solomon looked in five directions as he prayed and addressed the people, it is a good example for us as well.

He looked back (1-11). We too should look back often at what God has done, how he has worked in our lives, and what he has chosen us to do. I am convinced he has not called us to sit back and watch our society go into the abyss. He has called us to bring light into this darkened world. 

• What has God done in your life?
• What from the history of God's work on earth brings you reassurance? 
• What has God called you do?

He looked up (12-21). He cried out to God to fulfill his covenant promises. What is the covenant God has with his people today? What do you need to cry out to God about today? 

He looked ahead (22-31). Solomon knew his people well. He knew they would need God's forgiveness and he knew God would listen to their prayers of repentance. What sins do you need to ask forgiveness from? What sins can you pray about for others? What sins can you pray about for our country? 

He looked around (32-35). Solomon also prayed for those that were not of Israel. It is easy to be an isolationist and give up on the lost. However, that is not what God called us to do. Who can you pray for right now that does not know the God of Creation? How can the church do a better job of bringing the love of Christ to the lost?

He looked within (36-40). Solomon pleaded with God to forgive the people when they sin against him and he sends them to captivity. We must realize there are always consequences to our sins. Nevertheless, we have a merciful God that forgives those that repent. What can you repent about today for yourself and for others?

"Solomon ended his prayer asking God's blessing upon the people. Listen to his words: "Let your priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation and let your saints rejoice in your goodness." Pray the same for someone today please. Are you rejoicing in his goodness today?

The Lord weighs our motives (thoughts on today's texts)

June 26, 2013            2 Chron 1–3, Acts 3, Ps 78:title–4, Prov 16:1–2

Proverbs 16:2 “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the motives.”

2 Chronicles begins with the Lord seeing into the heart and motives of the new king, Solomon. When given the opportunity to have anything he wants he asks for wisdom.  If God were to give you your heart’s desire what would it be? Would it be fortune (a car, house, retirement account, win the lottery, etc.), fame, vengeance (some seem want nothing more than to hurt those that have hurt them), power, or what? God knows our hearts and we are called to set our minds on his will and his kingdom and all the other things will fall into place.

One of the themes in Acts 3 is priorities. Following in the example of Christ (Mark 3; Luke 8:40ff; John 3 and 4, and many other places) Peter and John understand the value of taking time for one person and to pray. They were very busy men and no doubt there were many crowds and demands for their time and energy. However, they took time to minister to a beggar and to pray to the Lord. Is it possible that we can get so busy with the urgent that we neglect the important? What is most important to you? We tend to make time for what we see as important. Are individuals important to you? Is your family? Are your friends? Do you take time to talk with God? When there is no prayer there is no real relationship. Again, God knows our motives and we have to keep the main thing the main thing.  

Psalm 78 tells the history of Israel. The history is told not only from the perspective of what happened, but also from the perspective of how the nation treated God. If this nation (and we are not God’s chosen nation by any means) were judged by how we treat God how would we be judged?

This history is told so that children would never forget and would not follow in the rebellion of their ancestors. God commanded his people to teach their children about him several times in the Bible. That command is important for us today as well. I am very concerned that this generation is being taught a form of morality that is not in line with Scripture. I for one am not willing to sit and allow the precious minds of the children God blesses me to teach to be deceived by Satan if I can help it. Will you join me in praying for and seeking out youth to encourage and teach the ways of God?

Pray today that the Lord will give you an opportunity to encourage and teach a child today. Pray that those that are babes in Christ, regardless of age, will be given proper guidance in their faith. Pray that God would use you to do this. Pray about your motives today. 

David's Last Words and Works

You can tell alot about someone by what they are thinking about at the end of the lives. David in the last two chapters of Chronicles shares his heart. The heart is a powerful thing. It has the power to win battles, overcome obstacles, and lead us to or away from God. 

The writer is giving us “the last words of David” (1 Chron. 23:27) as well as the last works of David as he prepared Solomon and the people for the building of the temple. At the end of his life David was more concerned about the glory of God  than his own glory. He wanted to build a tremendous building not for his legacy, but so that the Lord would be praised for generations to come. David not only “served his own generation” (Acts 13:36), which every child of God should do, but he also served generations to come. In other words he left a legacy. What kind of legacy are you leaving behind? David did what he could to provide the materials to build the temple; he helped to organize the temple ministry; and he wrote songs for the temple singers (many are recorded in the book of Psalms). 

It is worth remembering that the desire of David's heart was to build the Temple. However, God did not allow him to do so. He could have been bitter or resentful, but he chose to help the next generation. When you are disappointed or don't get your desires how do you react? What does this say about your heart? 

In verse 8 David reminds the people that need to follow the commands of the Lord. Having a beautiful building means nothing if we are in disobedience to God. This is a lesson that is still true today. While there are many magnificent buildings that have been built in the name of God, too many of them are nothing but museums today. Never forget we are called to be a hospital for the spiritually sick, not a museum for the saints. 

We are called to be stewards of what God has blessed us with. If we do not take care of what God has blessed us with we will not leave anything (physical or spiritual) to our children and grandchildren. 

In verse 9 David says that the most important thing that Solomon needed was a heart for God. He could have all the wealth, fame, and glory in this life, but if he did not have a heart for God he could not build the Temple. In your service to God know that the most important thing is your heart. Why do you serve? How do you serve? And who do you serve? 

In verses 10 and then again in verse 20 David tells Solomon to be, "strong and of good courage." Solomon did fall into sin as he fell in love with foreign women and their idolatry crept into his life (1 Kings 11). What can you do to protect yourself from falling into sin today?

Has you read in the first 9 verses of Chapter 29 about the materials for the Temple, how much wealth does this constitute? Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-23, how does this relate? 

David's last act as king was to pray and make sacrifices to the Lord. He blessed the Lord and showed  his humility. Can you see the heart of David in this prayer? What should public prayers look like? What is the purpose of public prayers?  

In this chapter David praises God because: God is great (10-12); God deserves glory (13); God has given so much to us (14); life is short and we must do what we can to make it count (15). 

As you read this chapter why did the people and how did the people give? Now read 2 Corinthians 8-9 and see what Paul says about giving.  Why should we give generously to the Lord and his work?

Ponder the words of 1 John 2:17 "He who does the will of God abides forever." These are words to live by and to die by.  

I apologize that I put the wrong dates on here  yesterday. Getting ready for VBS is a wonderful thing, but it is also tiresome. 

June 24, 2013            1 Chron 26–27, Acts 2:1–13, Ps 77:6–11, Prov 15:28–30

June 25, 2013            1 Chron 28–29, Acts 2:14–47, Ps 77:12–20, Prov 15:31–33

June 26, 2013            2 Chron 1–3, Acts 3, Ps 78:title–4, Prov 16:1–2

June 27, 2013            2 Chron 4–6, Acts 4:1–22, Ps 78:5–9, Prov 16:3–5

June 28, 2013            2 Chron 7–9, Acts 4:23–37, Ps 78:10–17, Prov 16:6–8

June 29, 2013            2 Chron 10–12, Acts 5:1–16, Ps 78:18–22, Prov 16:9–10

June 30, 2013            2 Chron 13–16, Acts 5:17–32, Ps 78:23–28, Prov 16:11–13

VBS Begins Tonight

(This picture does not do it justice, I'll take more)

Today we begin our annual Vacation Bible School and I am excited. It is a major undertaking to do it right. Our stage and props are excellent (one volunteer spent over 80 hours on it and did a tremendous job). The story tellers, craft leaders, worship leaders, and many others are well prepared. Our children's director Tacey has went above and beyond the call of duty as has our early childhood director Kristy. We do all this because we believe it can make a real impact upon both the kids that attend and the adults that help. 

God loves kids and so do we. Jesus called the little children to him so he could bless them. He used them to teach a spiritual lesson about humility in God’s kingdom. We too see the value of every child and do not hesitate to put effort, resources, and energy into serving children. Statistically, the mass majority of those that commit their lives to Christ do this as children. We have a tremendous opportunity to teach kids about the Christ in a fun and creative way.

It is a joy to see the efforts of so many dedicated people come together as it is going to in about an hour.  Please pray for our V.B.S. because it has the potential to be wonderful.

Here are the texts for this week:

July 24, 2013            Job 7–8, Acts 19:11–41, Ps 86:12–17, Prov 18:10–11

July 25, 2013            Job 9–11, Acts 20:1–12, Ps 87, Prov 18:12–13

July 26, 2013            Job 12–14, Acts 20:13–38, Ps 88:title–4, Prov 18:14–15

July 27, 2013            Job 15–16, Acts 21:1–14, Ps 88:5–10, Prov 18:16–18

July 28, 2013            Job 17–19, Acts 21:15–36, Ps 88:11–18, Prov 18:19–21

July 29, 2013            Job 20–21, Acts 21:37–22:21, Ps 89:title–5, Prov 18:22–24

July 30, 2013            Job 22–24, Acts 22:22–23:10, Ps 89:6–11, Prov 19:1–2

July 31, 2013            Job 25–28, Acts 23:11–35, Ps 89:12–20, Prov 19:3–4

The Indispensable Relationship Between Faith And Prayer

We pray in faith that God will hear and answer our prayers because he has promised to do so. We pray with vigor when we have a pressing need like immediate danger or sickness for one we love. We appeal to the nature and promises of God in prayer as we bring the desires of our hearts to him. Our goal is we can capture the will and heart of God and put it into action. It could be said that prayer is an act of faith. In faith we pray believing that God will either answer the prayer or that he has something better in mind for us. We realize that we cannot see the whole picture or the future, but he can and thus we trust. Too often we come to God in prayer with a lack of faith, perhaps that is because we do not seek to pray without ceasing? Like exercise, prayer and faith are strengthened when practiced often.

As I read the words of Jesus in Mark 11 and Luke 11 about the relationship between faith and prayer I am struck by the reality that we are called to pray with faith and joy. With this in mind, I wonder how many prayers we utter need to be reformed? I wonder if we ask amiss (James 4:3) because we are not praying in faith? We are called to bring our requests to God, not to tell God how to fulfill those requests. Often what we think is best is not. It is sinful to pray in unbelief and it is also sinful to pray in a manner in which we believe we can command God to do our will. Rather, we pray for God’s will to be made clear and for him to give us what is best.

Are your prayers honest and from the heart? Do you try to put a false face of humility or sincerity in your prayers in some misguided belief you can fool your Creator? Where do you need to grow in your faith and trust in God? Too often we overcomplicate prayer. We come to the Lord as a child comes to a loving, just, and powerful father. We come in humility and in honesty to the One that wants to hear our requests.

What are you crying out to God about on a consistent basis? I am praying for so many things. I am praying for Dough Hardy my friend and co-laborer in Christ. I am praying for the excitement I read about in the book of Acts to come upon our congregation with power. I am praying for God to raise up more workers and more leaders. I am praying for wisdom to lead our congregation in discipleship and leadership development. I am praying for a personal mentor for myself. I am praying for energy and focus to get a major project done that I have been working on for five years.  I am praying for my baby, my wife, and well so many others. Join me in these prayers please.

(This will be in the church newsletter as well)

Seeing God's Grace Though The Remembrance Of Forgiven Sin

As I am reading through Chronicles a thought occurs to me. God did not want them to forget either their blessings/accomplishments or their curses/failures. Perhaps that is a lesson for us today as well. We need to constantly be thanking God for the blessings of our lives. We also need to thank him for what we have learned from our mistakes and that his grace showed us through.


We have been forgiven of the sins we have repented of before God (1 John 1:9), they are as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). That being said, any remembrance we have of forgiven sin should bring us to praise God for his mercy and grace. We stand in constant awe and praise of the Ancient of Days that chooses to forgive us, though our sins are like filthy rags before him (Isaiah 64:6). Praise God that there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

Why read 1 & 2 Chronicles

As you are reading through the Bible we are in a tough section for many. 1 and 2 Chronicles at first seems like noting more than lists of names and a retelling of the story we have already read. You might ask yourself why do I care? What difference does it make to my life today? Of course all the Word of God is powerful and life changing, but some parts need more digging to see how it applies.

Of course these books are important for the continuity of the history of God's people. The story is told from the perspective of the priests and it helps us to see the history from a different point of view. Having said that here a few questions and thoughts to ponder as you read through these books:

• When you think of key figures in the Hebrew Bible there are only a few names like David, Moses, Abraham, and such that come to mind. However, there are many lesser known figures that play a significant role. Here are few from 1 Chronicals that are worthy of note and perhaps can make you think about your own spiritual walk.
• Nimrod, the Mighty Hunter (1:10) - Genesis 10:8-10 speaks of this man. The word “hunter” carries the connotation of hunting people, not hunting animals. He rebelled against God and set up the kingdom of Babylon. After the flood it did not take long for sin to come back in force. Why do you think this is the case? How can we teach our children and grandchildren to choose the right path?
• Er, the Wicked Son (2:3) - Genesis 38. It is not clear what Er did to insult God, but we do know that God killed him for his sin. His brother Onan was killed as well.  How seriously do we take the holiness of God?
• Achan, the Troubler of Israel (2:7) - Joshua 6-7. Why was his sin such a big deal to God? How does our sin effect our family and nation today?
• Amnon, the Unclean (3:1) - 2 Samuel 13-14. Why was the sin of Amnon so horrible? How did David handle it? What can we learn from this?
• Jabez, the Undaunted (4:9–10)- Genesis 35:18-19. Jabez was rejected by his family, but he overcame his name and his family issues by turning to God in prayer. We cannot allow our past or family to define who we are in Christ. In what ways have you done this? 
• Reuben, the Uncontrollable (5:1–2) - Genesis 35:22; 49:3-4. Notice how one act of sin caused a lifetime of problems for a man and his family. What is the cost of sin? 
• I could go on but you get the point.
• Many times the books speak of special days of religious celebration. Why are these important to the spiritual life of a religious community? What are some ways we can celebrate God today though we do not have to follow the Law? 
• These books are all about spiritual renew of God's people. Is there a need for spiritual renewal today? What do we learn about spiritual renewal in these books?
• God chastised his people to bring them back to the truth. In what ways do you think in your own life you have experienced chastisement? Did it bring you to God or to more rebellion?  
• What difference dose the morality of national leaders make to a nation?

Those are a couple of questions to ponder. I could go on, but I think that is enough for now. 

Is Prayerlessness the worst sin?

It was P. T. Forsyth that said, “Prayerlessness is the worst sin, because it bespeaks as nothing else does, that root of all sin: ‘For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him’ ” (Rom. 1:21). Do you agree with him?

I am not sure that I do (blasphemy of the Holy Spirit makes sense to me), but what I do know is the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ does not rely upon the power of prayer nearly as much as we should. There is power in prayer beyond our earthly means. There is power to cure sickness, change hearts (starting with mine), defeat the forces of evil, and most importantly to communion with the Lord of all Creation, the Ancient of Days.

What keeps you from praying? Is it business, laziness, distractions, or a lack of perceived connection with God? Too often we try to rely on our own strength and wisdom to accomplish the tasks before us. I admit I am not strong enough or wise enough to accomplish all that is before me. Perhaps that is first step in the right direction.

If we are to be the Church as seen in the New Testament we are going to follow the example of the early Church and be a people of prayer.

Here the texts for this week:

June 17, 2013            1 Chron 9:3–10:14, John 18:24–38, Ps 74:title–6, Prov 15:11–12

June 18, 2013            1 Chron 11–12, John 18:39–19:16, Ps 74:7–13, Prov 15:13–15

June 19, 2013            1 Chron 13–15, John 19:17–42, Ps 74:14–23, Prov 15:16–18

June 20, 2013            1 Chron 16–17, John 20:1–18, Ps 75, Prov 15:19–20

June 21, 2013            1 Chron 18–21, John 20:19–31, Ps 76:title–4, Prov 15:21–22

June 22, 2013            1 Chron 22–23, John 21, Ps 76:5–12, Prov 15:23–25

June 23, 2013            1 Chron 24–25, Acts 1, Ps 77:title–5, Prov 15:26–27

One Nation Under God

Today is Flag Day. I realize this may not mean too much to many in our country, but I was indoctrinated with patriotism by drill sergeants at Fort Benning in the summer of 1996 and it has really stuck with me. This is the day that President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into the law the "words under God" be added to the pledge. 

The story of how this came to be I find a bit fascinating and inspiring. Eisenhower went to church on February 7 at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D. C. and heard a sermon from George M. Docherty. It was Lincoln Day and on that day Eisenhower was seated in the same pew that Abraham Lincoln had regularly occupied in that church as President. In that sermon Docherty stated:

There was something missing in the pledge, and that which was missing was the characteristics and definitive factor in the American way of life. Indeed apart from the mention of the phrase, the United States of America, it could be the pledge of any republic. In fact, I could hear little Muscovites repeat a similar pledge to their hammer and sickle flag in Moscow with equal solemnity. 

The preacher argued that the American pledge as it then existed could just have been recited by citizens from any country, even those from communistic nations that hated God. Obviously this sermon had a great impact on several that were there. The next day U. S. Rep. Charles Oakman from Michigan introduced a Joint Resolution (H. J. Res 371) to add the words "Under God" into the pledge, explaining:

Mr. Speaker, I think Mr. Docherty hit the nail squarely on the head. One of the most fundamental differences between us and the Communists is our belief in God. 

Two days later, on February 10th, Senator Homer Ferguson from Michigan introduced the Senate Joint Resolution (S.J. 126), explaining to the Senate:

Our nation is founded on a fundamental belief in God, and the first and most important reason for the existence of our government is to protect the God-given rights of our citizens. . . . Indeed, Mr. President, over one of the doorways to this very Chamber inscribed in the marble are the words “In God We Trust.” Unless those words amount to more than a carving in stone, our country will never be able to defend itself. 

These resolutions were passed, and on June 14, 1954 (Flag Day), President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill into law, officially adding the words "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance, telling the nation:

From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty. To anyone who truly loves America, nothing could be more inspiring than to contemplate this rededication of our youth, on each school morning, to our country's true meaning. . . . In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource, in peace or in war. 

I often wonder if what I preach makes any real difference in the lives of those that hear it, much less upon the whole culture in which we live. I know that any authority I have comes directly from the Word of God and it does have power. Nevertheless, this story gives me hope that from the pulpit major changes in culture can happen. This one single sermon appears to have had a tremendous impact. Let us consider today the words "under God." 

(I did not cite anything here, if you want sources I can give them to you just ask, I find most people don't)

As Iron Sharpens Iron

This past week we talked about how we can stand strong with the help of family and friends. It got me thinking today about what is a real friend. I began reading in Proverbs and it has a lot to say about friendship. 

I read that Ben Franklin formed a support group of very brilliant people and called it "My most ingenious friends" group. That group got together and they would write papers and discuss them, discuss questions, help each other in their careers & goals., They met every Friday night for 40 years. Franklin was accomplishing things in his 80’s and 90’s. Why? He had a support group that kept him growing.

Thomas Edison had a support group called "My mastermind alliance". He put people with a similar life mission together and that group in a six year period came up with over 300 patented inventions. They were averaging one minor invention every 6 weeks, and one major invention every 6 months. 

David surrounded himself with his "mighty." Paul always had trusted people around him as he served the Lord. We all need trusted friends around us. 

Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Are you the type of friend that helps others to be the best they can be? Do you have people around you that do the same? 

Here are the texts for several days. 

June 08, 2013            2 Kings 19–20, John 12:23–50, Ps 71:8–17, Prov 14:24–26

June 09, 2013            2 Kings 21:1–23:25, John 13:1–20, Ps 71:18–24, Prov 14:27–28

June 10, 2013            2 Kings 23:26–25:30, John 13:21–14:4, Ps 72:1–5, Prov 14:29–30

June 11, 2013            1 Chron 1, John 14:5–31, Ps 72:6–11, Prov 14:31–32

June 12, 2013            1 Chron 2, John 15:1–17, Ps 72:12–20, Prov 14:33–35

June 13, 2013            1 Chron 3–4, John 15:18–16:15, Ps 73:1–6, Prov 15:1–3

June 14, 2013            1 Chron 5:1–6:30, John 16:16–33, Ps 73:7–12, Prov 15:4–5

June 15, 2013            1 Chron 6:31–81, John 17, Ps 73:13–19, Prov 15:6–7

June 16, 2013            1 Chron 7:1–9:2, John 18:1–23, Ps 73:20–28, Prov 15:8–10

June 17, 2013            1 Chron 9:3–10:14, John 18:24–38, Ps 74:1–6, Prov 15:11–12