Pastor Bob DuPar
February 2, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 15:19-17:7; Matthew 22:1-33; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 6:20-26.

Observation

Moses hit the nail on the head when he told the people that their complaint was not ultimately against him and the leaders but against God, “You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.” If we understood this principle/reality I think we would complain a whole lot less!

I’m always fascinated by the parable of the king and the wedding banquet. Who wouldn’t respond and come to a king’s banquet? So, the story says that the servants “went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.” Those who were improperly clothed were the ones who refused to dress themselves in the king’s righteousness. The offer and invitation is extended to everyone but it is not without responsibility.

Jesus’ charge against the Sadducees is right on target: “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” The Sadducees were asking a question relating to the resurrection and they did not even believe in a resurrection!

I love Psalm 27:4,

“One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”

Application

I need to realize and understand that all of my complaining and grumbling from time to time is ultimately against God who has sovereign power over my situation and life circumstances.

I want to hide God’s Word in my heart and life that I might not be in error or deceived by sin.

I don’t think I look forward to gazing upon God’s beauty or living with Him in His house as much as I should.

Prayer

“God, Proverbs says that Your commands are a lamp, Your teaching a light, and the corrections of Your discipline are the way to life. Help me to live a life of obedience. Guard me and guide me according to Your Word.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
February 1, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 13:17-15:18; Matthew 21:23-46; Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 6:16-19.

Observation

What an amazing experience to be led & protected by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. And, what a terrifying sight to see the Egyptians coming after you in full force. But, despite all of his faults, Moses gets it right this time when he says,

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. …The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

What a powerful east wind to open the sea and dry the land! It must have been an eerie experience with the darkness and the wind howling and the enemy close behind as well as huge walls of water on either side.

The last thing that grabs me from Exodus is the closing comment recorded in 14:30-31,

“That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians,.. And when the Israelites saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.”

Sadly, what the text leaves out is: “For a day!” How often God does something amazing in our life and we trust Him for a day. Our hope and confidence in His sovereign power is renewed – for a day!

The following NT passages jumped out at me:

Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.” Matthew 21:31

“Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” Matthew 21:43

Three things in Proverbs convicted me (things which the text says that the Lord hates and are detestable to Him):

“A lying tongue; feet that are quick to rush into evil; and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.”

Application

May I trust the Lord everyday and not just in times of blessing or success. I need to stand firm and be still more to witness God’s victory. Too often my eyes are focused on the problem, the trial, the crisis – and not upon the Lord who is my deliverance.

May my response to God’s Word be repentance and belief. Also, I need to ask myself more often, “Am I producing the fruit of the kingdom or the fruit of the flesh?”

Prayer

“God, May I not be quick to run toward evil, may I not spread dissension or lies, and may I allow Your Word to transform me – daily.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
January 31, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 12:14-13:16; Matthew 20:29-21:22; Psalm 25:16-22; Proverbs 6:12-15.

Observation

Wouldn’t we all love for our kids to initiate spiritual discussions like, “What does this ceremony mean to you?” Yet, the reality is that we as parents and adults and leaders need to constantly be looking for opportunities to prompt spiritual discussions about why we do what we do. It’s so easy to fall into routines and never examine or discuss the motivation and meaning behind our activity.

What a beautiful picture in Exodus 12:42 when the Lord “kept vigil” all night as he safely led His children out of Egypt.

Oh that we might do more things as a church that cause the “whole city” to be “stirred” and ask, “Who is this (Jesus)?” (Matt. 21:10)

Application

May I capitalize on opportunities to share my faith with my children and people in general and explain to them the meaning behind the madness.

I need to continually be involved in activities that cause others to ask, “Who is this Jesus?”

Prayer

“Lord, You have promised that I will receive whatever I ask for in prayer if I believe. Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
January 30, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 10:1-12:13; Matthew 20:1-28; Psalm 25:1-15; Proverbs 6:6-11.

Observation

How stubborn we can be at times! Pharaoh’s officials come to him and say, “How long will you let this man be a snare to us? …Do you not yet realize that Egypt is ruined?” I’m amazed that Pharaoh did not give up sooner. But, it’s almost like it became a game with him – “if I just cry out to Moses, he will make it stop.” Pharaoh never seemed to grasp God’s power, or the consequences of not responding to God’s warnings. Once again this sounds a lot like each one of us and our experience with sin.

What horrible words: “There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt – worse than there has ever been or ever will be again!” Wow! That’s pretty intense.

Thank God for His Passover Lamb!

I can’t believe that after Jesus spells out in great detail His arrest, suffering, crucifixion and resurrection that John’s mom asks the question which she asks. Preoccupation? Self-absorption? Who knows. But, not the kind of response I would have expected or have wanted – not the kind that reflects that they heard the seriousness and reality of Jesus’ words.

Finally, I love Psalm 25:14,

“The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.”

Application

May I listen to those around me and not allow my sin or rebelliousness to negatively affect others. May I realize that no sin goes unpunished or without consequences, and that those consequences will continue until I allow God to change me.

Prayer

“Lord, I would love to be a person that You confide in and make Your ways known. Please help me, empower me to live the kind of life that leads to this type of intimacy with You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
January 29, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 7:25-9:35; Matthew 19:13-30; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 6:1-5.

Observation

I have always been intrigued by the fact that Pharaoh’s magicians displayed their powers by copying the plagues which God created through Moses. Something is wrong with this picture! If you’re Pharaoh wouldn’t you want relief from the judgment rather than more of the same? I would have said, “Show me your power by delivering us from this annoyance!” But, in the end, only God had that power.

It is surprising as well that when Moses asks Pharaoh when he wants God to stop the pain, Pharaoh says, “Tomorrow.” What a picture of rebelliousness. This scenario sounds a lot like us and our tolerance of sin. God says to us, “Have you had enough hurt and pain and misery? Are you ready to surrender and give it up?” And, we respond, “Yes, I’m sick of it. But, I’m not ready for change. Maybe tomorrow!” Wow!

I love God’s response to Pharaoh at the end, “…this time I will send the full force of my plagues against you… so that you will know that there is no one like me in all the earth. For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth.”

Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:26 are something I need to continually remember: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!”

Application

I desire to get to a point where I just don’t tolerate sin in my life. Tomorrow is too late. I need to act today! I’m reminded of Hebrews 3:7, “Today if you hear His voice…” And, “so encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘today’ lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13)

I also need to stop quenching the Spirit and quit putting God in a box (as if that were possible!) and believe and act like He is the God who makes the impossible possible.

Prayer

“Lord, increase my faith in You. Decrease my tolerance and enjoyment of sin. And, help me to hear and act upon Your voice today.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
January 28, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 5:22-7:24; Matthew 18:23-19:12; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 5:22-23.

Observation

Moses’ complaint at the beginning of our reading today is a reminder to me that sometimes we can be carrying out God’s will and still encounter trouble, complaints and opposition. Often this resistance has to do with where people are coming from. For the Israelites, their lack of receptivity had to do with their “discouragement and cruel bondage.”

For all of us that are busy (who isn’t?), Psalm 23 is a good message. God “makes” us (deliberate word choice) lie down in green pastures, He leads us beside “quiet” waters. It appears that “stopping” our activity and being “quiet” are key to restoring our soul.

Application

I need to intentionally schedule rest – not necessarily physical rest, but definitely spiritual rest. I need my soul to be restored daily! This will help me to stay on track with the Lord, even when earthly indicators might suggest that I’m off-target or ineffective.

Prayer

“Lord, please help me to take time to be quiet and still before You. Would you provide green pastures for refueling? Quiet waters for refreshing?”

Pastor Bob DuPar
January 27, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 4:1-5:21; Matthew 18:1-22; Psalm 22:19-31; Proverbs 5:15-21.

Observation

How is possible to say “no” to God when He makes you the following offer: “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Yet, we all ignore God in one way or another.

What a reminder from Jesus that it takes the humble nature of a child to qualify a person to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

I am most convicted by Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:7, “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!” May I not be that man!

Finally, what a good reminder in Proverbs 5:21, “For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all his paths.”

Application

I want to be careful not to cause people to sin or to stumble. I want to grow in humility. I desire to say “no” to God less and less.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to live my life acknowledging that all my actions are in full view before You. Please help me to stop playing games and to live passionately for You.”