Pastor Bob DuPar
July 10, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14; Acts 27:21-44; Psalm 8:1-9; Proverbs 18:23-24.

Observation

1 Chronicles 10:13-14 says that Saul died (in battle) because he was unfaithful to the Lord, didn’t keep God’s Word, and consulted a medium for guidance instead of seeking God’s counsel. Well, King Josiah didn’t do any of these things. He’s one of the few kings who seemed to get it all right according to the biblical account. And yet, in 2 Kings 23:29 we read that Pharaoh Neco mowed Josiah down in battle. Living a godly life doesn’t always spare us from harm – “For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Mt. 5:45 But, nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8) which sustains us in the midst of trial.

Paul and the crew at sea in Acts 27 were obviously terrified and stressed as evidenced by the reference that they had not ate in 14 days! (27:33)

Psalm 8 is great! God is so majestic; and, who are we that He takes notice of us and has crowned us with glory and honor?

Finally, Proverbs 18:24 is good wisdom,

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Application

God does not promise a life free of pain or trial but He does promise a life filled with His presence, and saturated with His love. The great challenge of the Christian life is learning how to cling to His love in tangible, realistic ways.

Prayer

“Lord, teach me to hold on to Your love – in good times and bad. Teach me to know when to act and when to wait.”