|
Monday, December 31, 2012
Politically IncorrectEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help
us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue a New Year in a new book of 2nd.
Kings with chapter 1. In our text today we see the divided Kingdom and King Ahaziah's conflict with Elijah. What catches my
eye is how Elijah obeyed God and delivered the message of the Lord and was not concerned with the consequences of man. In
making application we see the need to follow God, proclaiming the truth, and need not fear man. In a day of political correctness
we need to name sin-sin and leave the consequences to God. Homosexuality is a sin, abortion is a sin, adultery is a sin, fornication
is a sin, lying is a sin, gossip is a sin, the list goes on and on so we must preach the truth with the spirit of love no
matter what society says. How about you? Do you proclaim what sin is to others no matter what the consequences might affect
you? Let us learn from our text today and the life of Elijah to preach sin even if it is politically incorrect.
11:02 pm est
The History of a Fallen Nation Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the final book of 1st.
Kings with chapter 22. In our text today we see the Kings of Israel and Judah as Jehoshaphat becomes Ahab's ally, Ahab dies
in battle, Jehoshaphat rules Judah, and Ahaziah rules Israel. We started this book with unity under David as the King who
was the most devout King in Israel's history. We end the book with a divided kingdom and the death of Ahab the most wicked
King of all Israel's History. What happened? The people forgot to acknowledge God as their ultimate leader; they appointed
human leaders who ignored God; and then they conformed to the lifestyles of these evil leaders. In making application we see
history repeating itself in our nation. People have forgot God in choosing their un-Godly leaders and now have conformed to
their leadership. As a result we see a nation who has rejected God and God has removed His presence from this Nation. Now
we are experiencing the evil of violence, financial bankruptcy, and immorality running rampant. We have drifted from God.
How about you? Do you see the our nation following the direction of Israel? Let us learn from our text today and nation of
Israel to learn the history of fallen nation.
12:22 am est
Friday, December 28, 2012
Humble Yourself Before the LordEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help
us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings chapter
21. In our text today we see Ahab taking the vineyard of Naboth through the plotting of Ahab's wife, Jezebel, puts together
a plan to steal it by falsely accusing Naboth. Ahab finds out the doings of Jezebel then repents and "humbles himself
before the Lord" to escaped the wrath of God and spares his life. In making application we see that how this "humbling"
or repentance still gains favor of the Lord. It is through our repentance and faith in Jesus-Christ that gains us salvation.
How about you? Have you repented before the Lord to gain His favor and faith in Jesus for salvation? Let us learn from our
text today and the life of Ahab to remember that humbling ourselves through repentance gains favor from God.
10:37 pm est
Denying the Evidence of God Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings
chapter 20. In our text today we see God giving Israel victory over Syria and a prophet condemns King Ahab. What catches my
eye today is how God gave Ahab victory to reveal that "He is God" to have Ahab ignore the presence of God - Go his
own way to have disaster strike. In making application we see that many today still denyies he evidence, presence, and power
of God that proves, "He is God" . Our nation has been founded, built, protected,
and blessed by the hand of God. The evidence is all around us but now our nation is taking the path of Ahab - ignoring the
evidence - and going its own way which will lead to a path of destruction. How about you? Do you see the direction this Nation
is going as it deny the evidence of God? Let us learn from Ahab, Israel, and the path of destruction that comes from denying
the evidence of God.
12:05 am est
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
The Still Small VoiceEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help
us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings chapter
19. In our text today we see Elijah fleeing for his life, how God talked to Elijah, and how Elisha follows Elijah. What catches
my eye is verse 11 where Elijah heard the still small voice of God talk to him and give him instruction. Elijah saw the power
and strength of God as he showed up in a mighty way but he had the wisdom to listen to God speak in this Still Small Voice.
In making application today we see God speaking to us through his Word in this same - Still Small Voice. If we are wise we
will listen to God as he Speaks through His Word. How about you? Do you hear the Still Small Voice of the Lord? Let us learn
from our text today and the Life of Elijah to listen to the Still Small Voice of our Lord.
11:39 pm est
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Our Sovereign Lord Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings
chapter 18. In our text today we see Elijah rebuking King Ahab which leads to Elijah's contest with evil prophets, that concludes
with Elijah praying for rain. What catches my eye is how the Lord consumed the sacrifice proving His sovereignty. In making
application we see how the Lord still proves his sovereignty (supreme power and authority) today. Many continue to challenge
the Lord but He shows He is Lord, How about you? Do you see the sovereignty of the Lord? Let us learn from our text today
with the life of Elijah that we serve a sovereign Lord.
11:53 pm est
Monday, December 24, 2012
Your Ministry Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings
chapter 17. In our text today we see Elijah's Ministry as Elijah predicts the drought, how Elijah miraculously supplies food,
and how Elijah restores a boy to life. What catches my eye is this Ministry of Elijah as he did what the Lord said and the
Lord supplied the resources for all that God asked Elijah to do. In making application we see that the word Ministry means
"Servant" and all who are saved have a Ministry. Your Ministry is to listen, obey, and act upon the instruction
of the Lord as He supplies the needs for the task at hand. How about You? Do you see the Ministry that God has for you? Let
us learn from out text today. Seeing the life of Elijah that we have a Ministry and as a servant of the Lord we need to listen,
obey, and act upon the instruction of the Lord.
11:17 pm est
Learning from HistoryEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help
us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings chapter
16. In our text today we see Baasha ruling Israel followed by Elah, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab. What catches my eye is how Baasha
and the subsequent leaders of Israel repeated the same mistakes that Jeroboam did with his sin. You would have thought the
future leaders would have learned from the past but instead they went their own way suffering the same consequences of their
sins. In making application we see a principle we need to learn from. We must learn from history and our past failures so
we do not repeat the same mistakes as others have made before us. How about you? Do you see the need to learn from the mistakes
of others. Let us learn from our text today and the nation of Israel to learn from the mistakes of others.
12:07 am est
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Teaching: Our Sinful InfluenceEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help
us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings chapter
15. In our text today we see Abijam ruling Judah followed by Asa while Nadab ruled Israel followed by Baasha. We see all of
the decedents of Jeroboam because he and Israel went into sin. Sin is always judged harshly, but the worst sinners are those
who lead others into sin. In making application we see a ripple affect of sin as our sin, like Jeroboam, has influence on
others and affects others. It reminds me of a time when I was living in sin and I found this truth to evident. Others were
affected by my sin and followed in the same path. I repented and the Lord but many of those I had influence on did not and
continue to suffer the fruit of their sin and unfortunately, my influence. I pray for them to this day but some things can
not be undone and our sinful influence carved a large path of destruction that others may never recover from which should
cause us to think twice before we sin. How about you? Do you see your sinful influence affecting others? Let us learn from
our text today and the life of Jeroboam to remember our sinful influence affects others.
12:09 am est
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Teaching: The Blessings of GodEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help
us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings chapter
14. In our text today we see God's judgement on Jeriboam while Rehoboam rules Judah. What catches my eye is how that only
5 years after Solomon died we see the Temple and Palace were ransacked by foreign invaders. How quickly the glory, power,
and money disappeared when the people became spiritually corrupt and immoral. In making application we see how out nation
is following this same path. Once a nation under God, we now see a nation that wants nothing to do with God. As a result we
see the hand of God's blessing leaving this nation. How about you? Do you see the U.S.A. following the nation of Israel in
out text today? Let us learn from our text today that to be one nation under God and receive the blessings of God we must
repent and follow the Word of God.
10:01 pm est
Teaching: Suffering from not Following God's WordEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help
us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings chapter
13. In our text today we enter a section to the Kings of Israel and Judah and todays account of the incident of the Prophet
dying from his disobedience as he listened to a man claiming to have a message from God verses listening to the Words of God.
In making application we see that many false prophets give messages that are contrary to the Word of God. If we listen to
these messages and follow them - then - we too will follow the path of of this Prophet who suffered judgement from this disobedience.
How about you? Do you follow the Word of God over the word of man? Let us learn from our text today and the Prophet who suffered
from not following the Word of God
12:44 am est
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Teaching: Making Decisions Based on God's Word Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings
chapter 12. In our text today we see a divided kingdom as the northern tribes rebel against Rehoboam. We see in the divided
Israel we see that the leaders, Jeroboam and Rehoboam, did what what was good for themselves and not what was good for their
people. As a result the Lord was not with them and both of their plans backfired on them. In making application we see that
when we are place of spiritual leadership we have the responsibility to make decisions based on God's instruction. Just because
we have power we cannot ignore the Word of God. I saw an example of this principal in a recent court case where the Pastor
of a Church ignored the Word of God and made decisions for his own selfish motives. The result was as our text today as it
backfired on him and he lost everything. How about you? Do you make decisions based on God's Word or do you make decisions
based on your position or power? Let us learn from our text today and this division of Israel to remember to make decisions
based upon the Word of God.
11:01 pm est
Monday, December 17, 2012
Teaching: Pride Cometh Before a Fall Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings
chapter 11. In our text today we see the down turn of Solomon's wife as he marries wives
that led him into idolatry. Ignoring the Word of God we see the adversaries of Solomon leading to his eventual death. In all
of this we see a principal of the Scriptures coming to light. Pride leadeth to a fall. Solomon was blessed of God as he sought
God and when he received the blessings of God - He forgot God and His Word. In making application we the same principal today.
As we are humble and seek God through obedience we receive the blessings of God. If we are not careful - we will then take
credit for how God blesses us and tend to forget God. How about you? Do you forget where your blessings come from? Let us
learn from our text today and the life of Solomon to remember the principal that Pride cometh before a fall.
7:21 pm est
Teaching: A Testimony of God in Our Lives Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings
chapter 10. In our text today we see the queen of Sheba visits Solomon to see the blessings of God and the great wealth as
an testimony of God working in his life. In making application we see that if God is working in our lives that there will
be an evidence of that working. Today we the same evidence, or fruit, will be in the life or a believer. It might not be riches
or "earthy things" but could be persecution, suffering, or martyrdom. The evidence will be the Lord Himself indwelling
the life and heart of the believer manifested in the Spiritual Gifts and changed lifestyle of the Christian. How about you?
Do you see Christ manifested in your life? Let us learn from our text today and the life of Solomon to see the testimony of
God in the life of the believer.
12:33 am est
Friday, December 14, 2012
Teaching: A God-Less Nation Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings
chapter 9. In our text today we see God's warning to Solomon that he would follow His Statutes that he would establish Israel
forever and if Solomon served other god's then he would cut them off from the land He gave them. In making application we
see the same true today. God has blessed us with land, houses, family, and community. If we follow God's laws and His Word
then he will bless us but if we follow other gods and reject His Word then God will remove his hand of blessing and we will
suffer the result of our own doings. Today we are seeing this come to pass as the U.S.A. has rejected the Word of the Lord
embracing abortion, homosexuality, and corrupt business practices has caused the hand of God to be removed from this land.
A financial downfall, storms of huge economic impact, and violent crimes are a result of a nation turning from God unto itself.
How about you? Do you see how our nation is turning from God and as a result suffering the results of a God-less nation? Let
us learn from our text today and the warning that God gave to Solomon - to follow God and be blessed of God - or to turn from
God to become a God-less nation.
8:41 pm est
Teaching: Rededicating Our Lives to God Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings
chapter 8. In our text today we see Solomon bringing the Ark to the temple and the dedication of the temple. Solomon gathered
the people not just to dedicate the Temple but to rededicate themselves to God and His Service. In making application we see
the need for us to rededicate ourselves to the Lord. Solomon's words are still relevant of "Let your heart therefore
be perfect with the Lord, our God, to walk in His statutes, and to keep his commandments, at this day." How about you?
Are you in need of rededicating your life to God? Let us learn from our text today and the Instruction of Solomon to walk
in His statutes - Rededicating our lives to God.
12:10 am est
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Teaching: A Holy God Worthy of WorshipEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help
us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings chapter
7. In our text today we see how Solomon builds his Palace and the equipment for the Temple. You can see the details placed
in the construction of these structures had one theme of holiness and worship. In making application we see that God still
wants us to know Him. That He is a Holy God, and the only one worthy of true worship. Today we have Churches made with symbols
of crosses, pulpits, alters, and stained glass to symbolize these emphasis of God being a Holy God and worthy of our worship.
How about you? Do you see God as Holy God and worthy of your worship? Let us learn from our text today with the materials
and details in the construction of the temple to realize that we serve a Holy God who is worthy of our worship
12:41 am est
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Teaching: God Dwells With UsEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help
us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings chapter
6. In our text today we see Solomon beginning to build the temple with great care and detail. I believe the passage was not
given for how we are to build a Church but rather to show us how God dwells with us and how God will not leave us. In making
application we see this principle still with us today. God says He will never leave us nor forsakes us. This does not mean
we will not go through the valley or through a storm but rather that the Lord goes with us through the valley and through
the storm. I have seen this 1st hand as the Lord has been with been with me every since I received Him as Lord. Through sickness
and famine to health and plenty - my Lord has been with me every step of the way. How about you? Do you realize the Lord has
not left you nor forsaken you? Let us learn from our text today and the building of the temple to see how God dwells with
us.
11:58 pm est
Monday, December 10, 2012
Teaching: Building the House of God Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings
chapter 5. In our text today we see Solomon begins to build the Temple. In this venture we see Solomon and Hiram working together
to build the house of God. In making application we see this principle to work together in the House of God is still relevant
for today. It takes all the members working together to build the Church of today. There are not any big I's and little U's
but rather a body working together under the direction of the Holy Spirit using their Spiritual Gifts to accomplish the task
of the Church. How about you? Do you see the need to work together in the Church? Let us learn from our text today and the
life of Solomon as he directs the Nation of Israel to work together to build the House of God.
10:26 pm est
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Teaching: A Godly NationEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help
us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings chapter
4. In our text today we see Solomon's cabinet members, Solomon's dominion, and Solomon's wisdom. In this text we see an era
as an ideal of what a nation can become when united in trust and obedience to God. Today we live in a nation that is far from
God. The U.S.A has denied God and forgot that we escaped from the Godless British empire to be free to worship God. How about
you? Do you see our Nation getting away from its Godly heritage? Let us learn from our text today and the life of Solomon
seeing that a unified Nation under God will prosper.
11:27 pm est
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Teaching: Ask the Lord for Wisdom Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings
chapter 3. In our text today we see Solomon's wisdom as he asks God for wisdom and then demonstrates great wisdom in a conflict
between two wisdom. In making application we see the key to wisdom is found in God and our acknowledging this fact with a
simple request to Him. Today we simply need to follow the fact of the Scriptures. If any man lacks wisdom let come to the
Lord and ask of the Lord who giveth liberally and freely and abraidth not. How about you? Do you ask the Lord for wisdom?
Let us learn from our text today and the life of Solomon to ask the Lord for Wisdom.
12:38 am est
Friday, December 7, 2012
Teaching: Walk in the Ways of the Lord Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings
chapter 2. In our text today we see David's charge to Solomon and Solomon removing his opposition. What catches my eye is
the advice that David gives to Solomon to walk in the ways of the Lord, to keep His statutes, and to keep his commandments.
Here David reflects on His life and gives Solomon some wisdom to apply to his life. Today we who are getting older give the
younger generation the same charge to walk in the the ways of the Lord and your instruction is in the Bible. The younger generation
simply needs to read the Word of God, understand its meaning, obey its precepts, and apply its teachings under the direction
of the indwelling Spirit of God to the believer. If wise, like Solomon, this simple advise it will gain many years of heartache
and mistakes. How about you? Do you heed the Word of God and the advise of those who have gone before us? Let us learn from
our text today and the advise of David to Walk in the Ways of the Lord.
12:20 am est
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Teaching: The Hand of God Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of 1st. Kings
chapter 1. In our text today we see Solomon becomes King although Adonijah tries to seize the throne but as we read Solomon
is declared King by David. In making application we see Adonijah's selfish motives as he places his will above everyone and
even God himself. Today we have many that want their own will in every situation of life. God is in control and no amount
of man's will can force the hand of God. I see this in the Church today as some pronounce a "name it claim it" doctrine
that simply says if I want it, I can claim it in the name of Jesus and it will be mine" The truth is that if it is not
God's Will it will not come to pass. God does want you to have every good thing but, just as Adonijah, we cannot force the
hand of God. How about you? Do you believe you can force the hand of God? Let us learn from our text today and the life of
Adonijah to realize we cannot force the Hand of God.
11:15 pm est
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Teaching: The Sin of Pride Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we finish the book of 2nd Samuel in
chapter 24. In our text today we see David taking a Census and David submitting to the judgement of God for starting this
act as a symbol of pride and independence toward God. In making application we see that God hates pride for our pride is a
form of self worship. When we are proud we lift ourselves up above others and even God Himself. The Bible tells us how God
even hates us having a proud look - and in our text today - the actions of pride. It is a common occurrence that we do when
we are blessed of the Lord. We take credit for the Lord's doings instead of being humble before the Lord and acknowledging
Him as the source of all we are blessed with. How about you? Do you see yourself acting proud or even having a proud look
about ourselves? Let us learn form our text today understanding the Lords view on our pride to remember to stay humble before
the Lord.
11:39 pm est
Teaching: Fight the Good Fight Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text
to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in 2nd Samuel chapter 23.
In our text today we see David's last words and a description of David's Mighty Men as he assembled a great army to fight
the enemies of our God. In making application we see the need to assemble and organize many great men of God to fight the
battle. Today we fight not against flesh and blood but of powers and principalities of
the air, the devil and his demons. God is in control but our influence to a lost and dying world will be fought through the
Church. For the leaders of the Church we must do as David did to organize an army of soldiers of the Lord who will fight.
Fighting for the lost, fighting against sin, and fighting against wickedness as we raise the Blood Stained Banner of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ. How about you? Do you see the battle? Are you willing to fight? Let us learn from our text today
and the army of David to remember to reach the lost, preach about sin, restore the wounded, and fight the good fight
12:41 am est
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Teaching: A Song of God in Our HeartEach day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help
us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in 2nd Samuel chapter 22. In our
text today we see David's song of praise. In this song we see the lyrics to many hymns and songs we sing today. David made
many mistakes but he was a man after God's own heart. In making application we see that no matter what you do or how far you
drift from God that God is there when ever you turn from your sin and come to Him. Unfortunately the consequences and scars
from our sin remain but forgiveness is just a repentive prayer away. How about you? Do you know that Jesus can and will forgive
your sins and restore you in any walk of life? Let us learn from our text today and the life of David to understand that no
matter what we have done in the past we can still be forgiven and have a song of God in our heart.
10:26 pm est
|
