Pastor Bob DuPar
May 17, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Samuel 20:1-21:15; John 9:1-41; Psalm 113:1-114:8; Proverbs 15:15-17.

Observation

It sounds like Saul was not only a madman but also a very poor aim. This is the third time he has hurled a spear at someone (this time his own son) and missed. 1 Samuel 20:34 says that Jonathan was filled with “fierce anger” and was “grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David.” I can’t imagine how disillusioned Jonathan felt having his father now trying to kill him as well. Saul’s rage was certainly out of control.

I love the blind man’s sarcasm with the Pharisees in John 9. The Pharisees have asked the blind man a hundred questions trying to find fault with Jesus, and the blind man has lost his patience. He responds to the Pharisees in 9:27, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”

Later in 9:30-33, the man says, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where He comes from, yet He opened my eyes. …Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

The Pharisees respond, “How dare you lecture us!” (9:34) And, they threw the blind man out. How wonderful that Jesus seeks the man out when He hears how he has been treated.

Finally, I liked Proverbs 15:15b: “The cheerful heart has a continual feast.”

Application

The Pharisees are representative of so many people who want to discredit Jesus and His miraculous works. Why? If Jesus does what only God can do, then why do people refuse to believe that He is God? Saving faith requires leaving our preconceptions and pride at the door, and accepting Jesus for who He claimed and proved to be.

Prayer

“God, thank You for seeking us out when we are discarded by the world. Thank You for healing us and making us whole.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
May 16, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Samuel 18:5-19:24; John 8:31-59; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 15:12-14.

Observation

David certainly was blessed by God so that he was successful in all that he did:

“Whatever Saul sent him to do, David did it so successfully that Saul gave him a high rank in the army.’ (1 Samuel 18:5)

But, after the song that the ladies sang in which David was the true hero, “from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.” (18:9)

Saul’s proposition for his daughter Michal’s hand in marriage is bazaar and gross at best. How are you going to get Philistine foreskins unless you kill them? And, once you kill them – why the foreskins? What’s the point?

Jesus’ discussion with the Jews in 8:31-38 reveals that we are all slaves: either slaves to sin and evil or slaves to God for righteousness.

Finally, I love Jesus’ claim to deity in John 8:58, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” Jesus is not just claiming existence before Abraham, He is claiming to be the great “I Am” of the OT: Yahweh Himself!

Application

Jealousy is a sad condition. No good ever comes of it. I would rather be a slave to God than a slave to sin. (The deception of Satan is that when we live in the flesh and for the flesh we really think that we’re living-out our own passions and desires rather than his.)

Prayer

“God, please guard me from jealousy. May I live for Your will and not mine.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
May 15, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Samuel 17:1-18:4; John 8:21-30; Psalm 111:1-10; Proverbs 15:11.

Observation

Goliath was certainly one tough dude! 1 Samuel 17:5 says that his coat of armor weighed 5,000 shekels (that’s 125 lbs!) And, the tip of his spear weighed 600 shekels (15 lbs.) Have you ever tried holding a long pole/shaft with a 15 lb. weight at the end?!

King Saul offered quite the proposition to any potential giant-killers who could dispose of Goliath: wealth, his daughter’s hand in marriage, and tax exempt status for the entire family. Not a bad deal. If you live to enjoy it!

David’s response to Goliath’s challenge is one of the boldest, most beautiful displays of faith and power in the entire Bible. Talking smack against Israel was talking smack against God – their creator. And, David doesn’t say, “If God delivers you into my hand,” he says “when.”

I must be missing a piece of the puzzle though. Why does Saul ask Abner who David is and what family he is from? David has been in Saul’s service, playing the harp for him; and, Saul was very pleased with David and had already requested of Jesse for David to remain in his employ. (1 Samuel 16:22)

Finally, I love Jesus’ answer to the Jews’ question, “Who are you?” Jesus responds, “Just what I have been claiming all along.” (John 8:25) Jesus continued in 8:28, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be.”

Application

Battles are not won with weapons. The battle is the Lord’s. God uses our past experiences to prepare us for present tasks and challenges – no matter how impossible they may appear. We are to respond in faith and trust despite the circumstances or opposition.

Prayer

“God, may I realize more often that I go into battle, clothed in Your power, representing You. May I exercise bold faith like David. May I declare the victory as if it has already been secured.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
May 14, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Samuel 15:1-16:23; John 8:1-20; Psalm 110:1-7; Proverbs 15:8-10.

Observation

Today’s OT reading is a lesson in following God’s instructions to the final detail. Details like: “these they were unwilling to destroy completely,” (1 Samuel 15:9) and “Saul has set up a monument in his own honor,” (15:12) are signs that Saul is not only headed for trouble but is also losing his anointing. Yet, Saul insists in 15:13 that he has carried out God’s orders. Samuel’s response is a riot:

“What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?” (15:14) Saul persists with excuses, but Samuel quickly responds, “Stop!” Samuel has had enough of the self-justification; and, he utters that famous statement, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” (15:22) I can hear Keith Green singing these words right now!

Finally, Saul confesses the truth in 15:24:

“I have sinned. I violated the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them.”

15:35 is a sad consequence of Saul’s sin:

“Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him.”

I have always loved 1 Samuel 16:7:

“…The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
I want to investigate John 8:9 further because verse 8 says that Jesus “stooped down and wrote on the ground” (no mention of Him continuing to talk). And then, verse 9 begins, “At this, those who ‘heard’ began to go away one at a time…”

Application

Never partially obey God’s commands. Personal sacrifices don’t mean anything if we use them to barter with God for our disobedience in other areas. It’s better to follow God’s leading than to give in to the pressures of people. I need to look beyond appearances more and try and observe the hearts of people.

Prayer

“God, help me to be completely obedient. Help me to see people as You see them. May I not miss out on Your blessing due to sin in my life.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
May 13, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Samuel 13:23-14:52; John 7:30-53; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 15:5-7.

Observation

1 Samuel 13:14 describes a side of Jonathan we don’t often hear about – the warrior. Most discussions about Jonathan usually relate to his friendship with David. But, in this verse, you have Jonathan and his armor-bearer mowing down 20 men in a half-acre space. Sounds like a scene from Braveheart!

You can just hear the sarcasm in Jonathan’s voice in 1 Samuel 14:43 when he responds to his dad (Saul), “I merely tasted a little honey with the end of my staff. And now I must die?” And, earlier in 14:29 when Jonathan openly speaks his mind about his dad’s strict oath, “My father has made trouble for the country.”

I love it when (in John 7:32-46) the Pharisees send temple guards to arrest Jesus and the guards come back empty-handed. The Pharisees respond, “Why didn’t you bring Him in?” And, the response is priceless: “No one ever spoke the way this man does!” I’m sure that’s just what the Pharisees wanted to hear. What a blow to their egos!

Finally, I love the simple line in Psalm 109:28 “they may curse, but You will bless,” because it so perfectly describes and reminds us of God’s power to bring about His blessings in our life despite whatever opposition we encounter.

Application

Once again the lesson: Don’t make dumb, impulsive, promises/oaths before considering the ramifications. May God’s presence in us – the words He speaks through us – give pause to our enemies, causing them to reflect on the power and glory of God.

Prayer

“God, my prayer is similar to Peter’s words in 1 Peter 2:15, ‘Help me to silence the ignorance of foolish men by doing what is right, by carrying-out Your will.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
May 12, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Samuel 12:1-13:22; John 7:1-29; Psalm 108:1-13; Proverbs 15:4.

Observation

I thought that 1 Samuel 12:21-22 was powerful:

“Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you because they are useless. For the sake of His great name the Lord will not reject His people, because the Lord was pleased to make you His own.”

I wonder how far into Saul’s kingship the Gilgal incident occurred. Samuel’s words to Saul in 1 Samuel 13:13-14 are sad, “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, He would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after His own heart and appointed him leader of His people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” This punishment seems to come early in Saul’s reign. Sad.

Jesus’ words in John 7:24 are convicting and to the point, “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.”

Part of me identifies with the confusion of the Jews in John 7:26-27. Their knowledge of Jesus’ origins/relations (Joseph & Mary) did not fit their understanding of the Messiah’s credentials (from God).

Application

How often I turn to useless things expecting to derive joy, fulfillment, encouragement, strength… and so many other things – knowing all along that it’s a losing proposition. But sadly, this doesn’t keep me from trying.
I do not want to lose God’s blessing like Saul. What a tragic illustration of rising from nothing to everything, and then losing it so quickly.

Prayer

“God, please protect me. Guard me and guide me in Your ways. May I not miss out on Your perfect will for me because of disobedience.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
May 11, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Samuel 10:1-11:15; John 6:43-71; Psalm 107:1-43; Proverbs 15:1-3.

Observation

What an amazing thought in 1 Samuel 10:6-7 that the “Spirit of the Lord would come upon you (Saul) in power; and you will prophesy… and you will be changed into a different person! Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” What an assurance of God’s presence and blessing! However gifted and talented Saul was before (the text had said that there was no one in all Israel who was his equal), God changed him (1 Samuel 10:9 says God changed his heart as well) and he was an even better leader.

I’m impressed by Saul’s humility and restraint in 1Samuel 10:27 in that he “kept silent” in the face of his opposition; and in 1 Samuel 11:13 that he did not seek revenge upon these troublemakers, though given the opportunity.

John 6:43 affirms that no one comes to God apart from God drawing them. The power to come to God is given as a gift by God to all, but Jesus goes on to say in 6:45 that it is only those who listen to the Father and learn from Him that come to faith.

I love Jesus’ statement in John 6:57, “The one who feeds on Me will live!” And what a powerful reminder in 6:63, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.”

Finally, what a beautiful passage in Psalm 107:8-9,

“…Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

Application

Saul is a powerful object lesson of how we lose our effectiveness, authority and power when we forget the true source of our power. I don’t ever want to lose God’s blessing – personally, ministerially, or as a leader in general.

Prayer

“God, change me. Make me a new person, a new creation. Change my heart and use me powerfully. May I feed upon You; and, may I find my hunger & thirst satisfied in You.”