Pastor Bob DuPar
April 12, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Joshua 5:1-7:15; Luke 15:1-32; Psalm 81:1-16; Proverbs 13:1.

Observation

The end of Joshua 7:12 really hit me today:

“I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.”

How often we hold on to things and tolerated things that are destructive and harmful. We read about how God told the Israelites to destroy whole cities: men, women, children and livestock; and yet, we don’t catch the seriousness of God’s desire for us to be free from anything and everything that would entice us away from Him.

David wrote (today) in Psalm 81:13-14, “If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes.”

Many of the trials in our life are self-inflicted and needless. When we know that there are areas of our life that need to be surrendered, and when God has convicted us about these areas, and yet we refuse to take action – how can we complain about the consequences? I am not saying that all suffering is the result of sin. I am talking about the sin issues in our life which we “play dumb” about and then act surprised when they reap negative outcomes.

Application

I am struck by the blatant language of Joshua 7:12 – “things devoted to destruction.” I would not consciously hold on to things like this. But, most of the time these things are inconspicuous. Anything that has the power and potential to lead me away from God could be labeled such. Most things are not bad in and of themselves, but the minute they start pulling me away from God is the minute I need to start taking serious action.

Prayer

“God, help me to seek Your face and to have no tolerance for things that lead me away from you.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
April 11, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Joshua 3:1-4:24; Luke 14:7-35; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 12:27-28.

Observation

Joshua 3:7 is affirming for every to see that God helps His people to respond to leadership: “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.”

Joshua 3:15-16 is interesting that it was once the priests put their feet in the Jordan that God worked the miracle. Some miracles require action rather than a passive wait-and-see approach.

Luke 14:11 is a good reminder: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Application

Sometimes I need to step out in faith to see God work. It’s good to live lives of humility so that God can exalt us at the proper time.

Prayer

“God, help me to trust You and step out in faith more so that I can see You work in powerful ways.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
April 10, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24; Luke 13:22-14:6; Psalm 79:1-13; Proverbs 12:26.

Observation

Well according to Bible dictionaries Mount Nebo is the highest point of the Pisgah mountain range at 2630 feet! The fact that Moses climbed this mountain at age 120, right before he died, confirms the biblical account: “when he died… his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.” (Deut. 34:7)

Deuteronomy 34:9 tells us that “Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses laid hands on him.” And, God adds in Joshua 1:5, “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Yet, Deuteronomy 34:10 says that since Moses’ death: “No prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt.” It’s hard to follow a leader that had a greater blessing; and yet, Joshua entered the Promised Land and Moses did not.

Joshua 1:8 tells us: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then, you will be prosperous and successful.”
People are always wondering how to be prosperous and successful, and here the Bible spells it out clearly.

Luke 13:34: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, …how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing,” is repeated in Luke 19 after the triumphal entry. What a picture of God’s tender longing for us to “get” the free offer of salvation through Christ.

Application

I feel blessed to be in the ministry where it is my privilege to “meditate on God’s Word day and night.” God blesses leaders in different ways, but His promise to “never leave us or forsake us” is consistent and unilateral.

Prayer

“God, continue to bless me with new insights from Your Word. May I daily see You in fresh ways, and understand You in clear pictures that I can communicate to others.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
April 9, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Deuteronomy 33:1-29; Luke 13:1-21; Psalm 78:65-72; Proverbs 12:25.

Observation

I can’t imagine the emotion and anxiety that must have been felt as Moses blessed the sons of Israel before his death. What a transition. We talk about pastors who serve for years in a church and the shoes they leave to be filled. I can’t imagine following Moses.

I have always like Psalm 78:72. It has become a life verse for me and my goal and standard for ministry:

“So he (David) shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them with his skillful hands.”

Application

We must always fix our eyes and focus on Jesus and not human leaders. As disruptive as life can be, Jesus has promised that He will never fail us or forsake us.

I desire to grow in integrity and skill!

Prayer

“God, help me to keep my eyes on You. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. Help me to grow in wisdom and skill. May I be a leader that people can trust.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
April 8, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Deuteronomy 32:28-52; Luke 12:35-59; Psalm 78:56-64; Proverbs 12:24.

Observation

Today’s reading was short! It must be in honor of my brother’s birthday! Happy birthday Ted!

I really liked Deuteronomy 32:31:

“For their rock is not like our Rock, as even our enemies concede.”

This reminds me of Psalm 35:10, “Who is like God?” And, what a wonderful thing when even our enemies concede that there is no one like God.

I was reminded in the NT reading that “the faithful & wise manager” is the one whom his master finds doing what he was put in charge to do. “Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive a reward.” (Col. 3:23-24) It’s so easy to forget who our true master/boss is.

Application

I need to be bolder in my witness: “There’s no rock like my Rock!” Also, when God returns, I want to be found by Him investing my life in things which are eternal.

Prayer

“God, give me courage and confidence as I share You with others. May I be a faithful servant who does what You have asked.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
April 7, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27; Luke 12:8-34; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 12:21-23.

Observation

Deuteronomy 32:4 just about says it all:

“He is a Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.”

The NT reading spoke to me the most today:

“…a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Luke 12:15

“And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:29-34

I love the balance in Jesus’ words here. Jesus is not condemning us for wanting or needing the same things that the world wants and needs. He is commanding us to not have these wants and needs be the driving force of our life. “Seek first God’s kingdom, and these things will be added to you!” And, I love the line “Your Father knows that you need these things.” It’s not the “things” as much as it is how we go about getting these things. And, what a statement: “Your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom!” Why settle for lesser things when we’ve been offered the kingdom?


Application

I need to pay more attention to “how” I go after things. Do I trust God to provide what I need? Or, do I seek to provide for myself? Do I really trust that God wants to bless me with good things? Or, do I secretly hold views of God as the Great denier of all things fun and materially oriented?

Prayer

“God, help Me to trust You for all things. I know You see my needs and You have the power to meet them. May I trust and rest in Your perfect timing.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
April 6, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20; Luke 11:37-12:7; Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 12:19-20.

Observation

Today’s reading was fantastic. I love how God says in Deuteronomy 30:11 that His commandments are “not too difficult for us, nor are they out of our reach.” God never asks us to do things that are unattainable – especially through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 spoke to me as well:

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”

God encourages us to choose life. It is a choice! And, how do we choose life? We choose life by loving God, obeying His voice and by holding fast to Him. How beautiful! The text adds, “For this is your life…” Like don’t forget that you have no other life, you will not find life in anything else.

Psalm 78 is one of my favorite Psalms. I love to command to pass the baton of faith to the next generation “that they should put their confidence in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.” (vs. 7) It reminds me of the old saying: “Christianity (faith) is only a generation away from extinction.” We have a responsibility to be faithful in transferring our faith.

Proverbs 12:20 is golden: “Counselors of peace have joy!” Not counselors who say what people want to hear. But, counselors who speak God’s Word and God’s wisdom to bring peace and healing in broken lives.

Application

May I be a counselor of peace. I am committed to actively look for ways to live-out my faith in a winsome way with my kids/family. I am a firm believer in the saying that “faith is better caught than taught.” I can talk until I’m blue in the face, but if I’m not living what I preach – there’s no fruit. Furthermore, I’m committed to choosing life everyday through loving God, obeying His voice and holding fast to Him.

Prayer

“God, thank You that You are the Good Shepherd of John 10 who holds tightly on to me – and that no one and no thing can snatch me out of Your grasp. Help me to never forget the source of my life and the means to this life.”