Pastor Bob DuPar
February 16, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Leviticus 1:1-3:17; Mark 1:29-2:12; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 9:13-18.

Observation

Happy Birthday Mandy! Eighteen years ago today God blessed Denise and I with our first daughter - Amanda! What a blessing! And, where has the time gone? May God continue to bless you, protect you, give you wisdom and fill you with His joy! We love you!

As I read about all the sacrifices and regulations for these sacrifices in the OT, I can’t help but think “what a bloody mess!” I am so glad that Christ is our once for all, perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 7:26-28). I must say, though, that if we had to offer a sacrifice every time we sinned and go through all of that work – maybe we would sin less!

I’m struck by the fact that immediately after Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law of her fever, she waits on the guests. What a servant’s heart.

What an amazing example Jesus is of getting alone with His Father to spend that needed time in prayer and fellowship. The passage says that He got up early in the morning, while it was still dark, and went to a lonely place. What commitment and wisdom. Jesus knew each day He would be taxed with the demands and needs of people, but He also knew the source of His strength and the importance of connecting with His Father.

I’m always amazed at the love and dedication of the four friends who bring the paralytic to Jesus. What a picture of true friendship.

Application

May I never forget the source of my power and my need to spend time in God’s Word and prayer. The busier my schedule, the greater my need to draw from the well of Christ’s limitless resources.

Prayer

“Lord, Thank you for Your sacrifice that covers my sin once and for all. Thank you for promising to supply all my need. Help me to seek You first, before all else. Thank you for Your patience with me in my inconsistency and faithlessness.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
February 15, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 39:1-40:38; Mark 1:1-28; Psalm 35:1-16; Proverbs 9:11-12.

Observation

As I read the detail and instructions relating to the creation of all of the different elements for the Tent of Meeting I’m struck with the thought that this is further proof that the Bible is a divine record and not a human one. We would have never included stuff like this. We would have attempted to write in a way that appeared godly rather than with the simple authority which God inherently possesses.

I love in Exodus 40:35 that Moses was not even able to enter the Tent of Meeting because God’s glory had settled on it and filled it in such an overpowering manner!

Well, we’ve just begun the Gospel of Mark and already you know Mark’s favorite word: “immediately.” Mark uses the word 40 times in just 16 chapters, and 6 of those occurrences were in our 28 verse selection today.

Mark 1:13 strikes me as one of those verses we read right through and gloss-over without catching the full impact of what Jesus went through. 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by Satan, threatened by wild animals, enduring the elements… No wonder the angels were ministering to Him. Remember that the miracle of the incarnation and Jesus being fully God and fully man is that He never used His omnipotence to ease His human condition and experience. If He had He would have ceased to be fully human. Matthew 4:2 tells us that Jesus spent these 40 days and nights fasting as well. On top of the physical challenge, what a mind battle – dealing with Satan’s temptations, extreme hunger and wild animals! That’s why Hebrews 4:15 is able to claim that Jesus was “tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”

Application

When I really stop and think about what Jesus went through and endured on my behalf it inspires me and motivates me to step-it-up. I have a tendency to think that because Jesus was/is God that things were somehow easier for Him. I’m convicted and challenged to live-out my Christian walk with greater intensity and passion.

Prayer

“Jesus, Thank you for loving me, for being obedient to the point of death. Lord, thank you for sending Your only Son to die for a world that didn’t deserve it. I’m humbled and encouraged by your amazing love.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
February 14, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 37:1-38:31; Matthew 28:1-20; Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 9:9-10.

Observation

It’s hard to believe that the Israelites lugged all of this stuff through the desert and had to continually set up these huge elaborate tents. Some scholars have questioned whether this happened or whether it is a foreshadowing to the Temple under Solomon. Critics have also wondered how all these things could have been made in the wilderness. I personally don’t see these issues as big concerns. After the miracle of the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea,.. Do we have to explain everything and understand everything in human terms to believe it? I agree with the old adage: God said it (through His Word), I believe it, and that settles it.

The NT account of the resurrection, and particularly the lengths to which the authorities go to hide the Easter miracle, always fascinates me. There are so many problems with the theory that the disciples stole Christ’s body. But perhaps the greatest issue is: If the disciples deliberately and consciously perpetrated a lie, would they all have been willing to die for this lie. And, furthermore, how do you account for their transformation – from fear to courage, from followers to leaders, from men who hid while Christ was arrested to men who were martyred for their faith. Was all this a lie? A conspiracy? I don’t think so.

I love Psalm 34:14, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Sometimes peace does not come easily or quickly. Many times we need to pursue it and be persistent until God blesses us with His peace.

Application

All too often I only believe and trust what I am able to understand or logically explain. This is nothing less than quenching the Spirit and doubting God’s power and ability. I need to look with spiritual eyes and not natural eyes.

Prayer

“Lord, please increase my faith. Help me to trust You more – to not put limits on Your ability. May I witness great things because I believe in Your power and desire to do amazing things. May I not miss any miracles from lack of faith.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
February 13, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 35:10-36:38; Matthew 27:32-66; Psalm 34:1-10; Proverbs 9:7-8.

Observation

What a wonderful thing to have the people of God give so much that they have to restrain them “because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.”

“He trusts in God. Let God rescue Him now if He wants Him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” How hurtful these words must have been to Jesus in His human state as He felt abandoned, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

I love how Jesus was in control of His life down to His last breath. The text says, “He gave up His Spirit.” He said, “It is finished.” He said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” Death did not overcome Him! And, what a scene with the veil in the Holy of Holies tearing in two, the violent earthquake, the sky turning black, and dead bodies resurrected and roaming throughout the city! Yah, maybe He is the Son of God! You think?!

The authorities anticipate the disciples stealing Jesus’ body for they think, “This last deception will be worse than the first.” This is further proof that the disciples did not steal His body since the tomb was heavily guarded, protected and sealed.

Psalm 34 is one of my favorites:

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. …Taste and see that the Lord is good; …Fear the Lord, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. …those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”

Application

I need to trust You Lord that as I follow You, You will provide. And I will lack nothing that I need – nothing that You desire and see fit for me to have. I desire to “taste and see that You are good” much more than I do. This is an invitation that I fail to respond to – at least with the kind of frequency that acknowledges the unbelievable opportunity which is offered.

Prayer

“Lord, may I fear You as Solomon defined fear in Proverbs the other day: “to hate evil.” I long for the good things which You have for me over against the cheap imitations and golden calves that I resort to when I get impatient and lose my trust in You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
February 12, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 34:1-35:9; Matthew 27:15-31; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 9:1-6.

Observation

What a supernatural experience Moses must have had during his time with God on the mountain top that he was able to survive for 40 days and nights without bread or water. And, I love the fact that every time Moses spent time with the Lord – his face radiated afterward.

I love the NIV translation of 2 Corinthians 3:13-18 as it comments on this event:

13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

What a picture! The radiance and glory of Moses’ face faded over time, but as we look into the face of Jesus we are transformed with ever-increasing glory! That’s pretty amazing!

All I can say about Pilate is that he was a weak leader. It sounds like he had a wise wife. He should have listened to her. I think of James’ words, “He who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it – for him it is sin.” (James 4:17) He was not innocent of Jesus’ blood. It was his responsibility. And, what a huge statement the Jews make in their ignorance: “Let His blood be on us and on our children!” What a wonderful blessing to hand down to your children. They had no idea. We have no idea.

Application

I want to spend more time beholding God’s face – in His Word, through prayer and through His creation. I desire to be transformed with ever-increasing glory!

Prayer

“Lord, make me like You, a little more every day, and every moment. May I not stay the same. May I not be content to stay the same. May I notice the difference.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
February 11, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 32:1-33:23; Matthew 26:69-27:14; Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 8:33-36.

Observation

It seems that although Aaron might have been more eloquent than Moses, he lacked wisdom and leadership skills. God chose Moses for a reason. Moses shrugged God’s choosing and passed the buck to Aaron. And, we see the unfortunate consequence here. Aaron was not the leader Moses was. Aaron made excuses for his behavior and did not take responsibility. Moses came down from the mountain and immediately took charge asserting his leadership.

I like the picture of God meeting with Moses in the “Tent of Meeting,” and speaking with Moses “face-to-face as a man speaks with his friend.”

I’m shocked by how direct Moses is with God: “Remember that this nation is your people.” And, later: “Show me Your glory.”

That whole scene when God hides Moses in the cleft in the rock and shows him the back side of His glory sounds a lot like the Wizard of Oz to me. I understand why Moses could not look directly at God, but it just strikes me as humorous.

I can’t help but feel for Peter and Judas, in both cases, in their betrayal. What a devastating experience.

Application

I need to rise to the leadership challenges which God gives me and not try and find someone else for the task or job. If God gives me something it is for a reason.

Prayer

“Lord, I echo Moses’ prayer, ‘Teach me Your ways so I may know You. And, please show me Your glory.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
February 10, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Exodus 30:11-31:18; Matthew 26:47-68; Psalm 32:1-11; Proverbs 8:27-32.

Observation

God’s warnings to Aaron and his sons strike me as unusual and interesting: they needed to wash before entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar or else they would die! If more restaurants posted signs and warnings like this in their restrooms I think it would be effective! But, seriously, this command shows the holiness of God and the purity that He requires when we approach Him. Thank the Lord that we approach Him today dressed in Christ’s righteousness and not our own.

Also, the command that no one copy the specific mixture of spices making-up the special perfume which God decreed to be associated with the priests and the priestly activities demonstrates God’s desire that everything holy and sacred be “set apart” and distinct.

I’m fascinated that the text says that God inscribed the tablets of stone entrusted to Moses with His finger! Wow!

The NT passage is one of tremendous sadness to me, but at the same time one which underscores Jesus’ amazing mercy and grace. How sad that Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss. That kiss must have been extremely hard to accept. And yet, Jesus greets him by saying, “Friend, do what you came for.” Jesus demonstrated love and self control infinitely beyond what I possess unless I allow Him to love through me and guide my actions.

And, what a sad note in the text when it says that “all the disciples deserted Him and fled.”

When Jesus said to the high priest, “In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” this was something reserved for God alone. Only God did these things. And, so it was construed as blasphemy.

Finally, what an accurate and powerful description of guilt and forgiveness David gives in Psalm 32:

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away …Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped. …Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. …and You forgave the guilt of my sin.”

Application

I’m overwhelmed that Jesus loves me and extends mercy to me – even in the face of my betrayal, my unfaithfulness. I resolve to live for Him at all costs.

Prayer

“Lord, thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for continually offering me forgiveness and Your unconditional love. Please give me the power to live a life that is pleasing to You and which expresses appreciation and gratefulness through my actions.”