Pastor Bob DuPar
January 19, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Genesis 39:1-41:16; Matthew 12:46-13:23; Psalm 17:1-15; Proverbs 3:33-35.

Observation

I love Joseph. I think he’s my favorite OT character. He’s the man - godly, good looking, and God blesses everything he does! In all of Joseph’s misfortune there is a recurring theme: “The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered…the Lord gave him success in everything he did.” God is with Joseph and prospers him after he is sold into slavery, falsely accused, thrown into jail,.. And, I love what he says to Potiphar’s wife: not “how could I do such a wicked thing and sin against your husband,” but “how could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God.” Joseph knew well that sin is first and foremost against God. King David affirms this in Psalm 51:4, “Against You, and You only, have I sinned, and done what is evil in Your sight,..” And, the text says that Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph “day after day!” Joseph showed himself to be wise, not just in refusing to sleep with her, but also in refusing to “even be with her.”
How hard it must have been for Joseph to feel forgotten for two full years (Gen. 41:1) by those whom he had helped and even by God! What humility he shows when he’s finally released: “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Finally, I love Psalm 17:3b, “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.” That’s some resolution!

Also, Psalm 17:15, “In righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness!” Wow! What can you add to that! All comments pale!


Application

I desire to be a man of God – to not only reject sin but also to keep myself away from opportunities to sin. I need to trust God to fulfill His work & promises in me despite circumstances which might suggest that He has forgotten about me or given up on me.

Prayer

“God, may I trust You explicitly. May I draw my confidence from Your Word and Your promises – not from circumstances or popular opinion. May I live trusting that “He who began a good work in me will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
January 18, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Genesis 37:1-38:30; Matthew 12:22-45; Psalm 16:1-11; Proverbs 3:27-32.

Observation

What a sad commentary that a man of God sleeps with a prostitute and then has no shame in asking the whole town where she went! At least he gets a reality check in the end: “She (Tamar) is more righteous than I,..”

I loved the Psalms today (Psalm 16): “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing. …The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. …I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. …You have made know to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Good stuff!

Proverbs 3:27, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.”

Application

May I live a life that reflects and acknowledges that God is the source of everything good in my life. You, Lord, are the One who fills me (Jeremiah 2) with joy (in Your presence!) and eternal pleasures! What a concept: “eternal pleasures.” We talk about the fleeting, temporary pleasures of this life, but God offers us lasting pleasure. This reminds me of Moses in Hebrews 11:25-26: he valued the reward which he was looking forward to more than the “passing pleasures of sin.”

Finally, what a tie-in with Psalm 16 & Proverbs 3! God is my one “Good Thing” and I am not to withhold “good” from those in need! And, it is always in my power to act! So, I need to be thoughtful, intentional and proactive!

Prayer

“God, may I be a channel of Your blessing, Your “good things,” to others. May I never forget that I have not only been called to inherit a blessing but also to be a blessing (1Peter 3:9).”

Pastor Bob DuPar
January 17, 2008





Life Journal Entry





Scripture

Genesis 35:1-36:43; Matthew 12:1-21; Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 3:21-26.


Observation

Jesus says that He desires mercy not sacrifice in Matthew 12:7. Jesus encounters a man with a shriveled hand in the synagogue. The Pharisees ask, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? They want to catch Jesus in a legalistic trap. Knowing that the Pharisees don’t care at all about the man, Jesus being the Master Teacher, tries to get them emotionally involved and invested in the man through the questions about if one of their sheep were to fall in a pit. Nothing! The Pharisees obviously care more about following the letter of the law than displaying compassion and mercy to this man! And, after Jesus heals the man they leave determined to kill Him.

Application

May I never lose my heart in the pursuit of righteousness! What is righteousness if it is not the transformation of our heart to God’s heart? Do I treat others with mercy on a regular basis?

Prayer

“God, create in me a new heart. Help me to love people as you love them, to see them as you see them. And, help me to value what you value.”