Pastor Bob DuPar
May 31, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 17:1-29; John 19:23-42; Psalm 119:129-152; Proverbs 16:12-13.

Observation

What a sad commentary in 2 Samuel 17:4 that Ahithophel’s plan seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

I’ve said it before but I think it’s so amazing that Christ was in control of His life right down to His final breath when He delivered up His Spirit. (John 19:30) And, prophecy continues to be fulfilled even after Jesus’ death – “Not one of His bones will be broken.” (19:36)

I’m impressed that Jesus had such an effect on Nicodemus that here he is involved in Jesus’ burial and final preparations.

Finally, I love Psalm 119:133,

“Direct my footsteps according to Your Word; let no sin rule over me.”

Application

Ahithophel is a good reminder that wicked counsel ends up reaping destruction, not personal gain. Nicodemus is a testimony to the power of discipleship, and the loyalty which is cultivated through such an investment. Lastly, God’s Word is the practical means through which we can find direction and power to keep sin from ruling over us.

Prayer

“God, I pray along with David that ‘sin would not rule over me.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
May 30, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 15:23-16:23; John 18:25-19:22; Psalm 119:113-128; Proverbs 16:10-11.

Observation

Today’s OT reading was a little weird, especially the part about Ahithophel advising Absalom to sleep with David’s concubines in order to humiliate his father; and, that somehow this sinful act would strengthen his followers. Furthermore, the text says in 2 Samuel 16:23 that both David and Absalom regarded Ahithophel’s counsel the same as inquiring of the Lord. Well, the prophecy was certainly fulfilled that David’s family would put him to shame in broad daylight.

I love it when Jesus says to Pilate, “You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:11) This obviously affected Pilate because from this statement on Pilate tried to set Jesus free; and he was unwilling to change what he had written on the sign which hung above Jesus’ head on the cross. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and that perhaps He was important, but he abdicated his power in the end to do anything to help Jesus.

Application

Often I am like Pilate in that I have a sense of what is right but I fail to act and follow-through. James 4:17 says, “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.” It doesn’t do any good to wash our hands of something and pass the blame on others if we have failed to uphold justice while we had the power to do so.

Prayer

“God, my prayer is the same as Psalm 119:125, ‘I am Your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
May 29, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 14:1-15:22; John 18:1-24; Psalm 119:97-112; Proverbs 16:8-9.

Observation

2 Samuel 14:14b is such a beautiful insight into God’s heart, and I don’t remember ever noticing it before:

“But God does not take away life; instead he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from Him.”

2 Samuel 14:25 is quite a statement: “In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom.” A verse later it says that he would cut his hair occasionally when it would get too heavy, and it weighed 200 shekels. That’s 5 pounds! I guess so!

14:28 is a sad commentary on the relationship David had with his son Absalom. Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem (after David brought him back) without seeing David’s face. How is that possible?

Later in the next chapter (15) this poor relationship between David and his son plays out in Absalom secretly candidating for the throne by capitalizing on the complaints of the people with empty promises of how he would make a better king.

I love it in John 18:6 when Jesus reveals His identity to the soldiers and officials and they fall to the ground. Now that power and authority!

Jesus’ words to Peter in 18:11 – “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?” – are such an affirmation that Jesus knew His purpose and calling and was not going to bail out or avoid it.

Finally, Psalm 119:97-112 is such an amazing passage speaking to the power of God’s Word and the Psalmists deep love for it: “Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,” “I have more insight than my teachers, because I meditate on Your statutes,” “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path,” “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end!”

Application

How easy it is for people to undermine our leadership when we are not in close relationship to them. Jesus’ words in John 18:11 convict me of all the times I run from God’s will for my life, deceiving myself that alternate choices will accomplish the same purpose. God gave me Proverbs 16:9 in college as a life verse: “The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” I’m still learning the delicate balance of my freewill and God’s sovereignty, but it’s comforting to know that I am being led and guided by One much wiser than me – One who sees the beginning from the end, and One who “works all things together for good!”

Prayer

“God, my prayer is Psalm 119:112, ‘My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end. Please help me. Give me the strength and determination to never back away from this goal.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
May 28, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 13:1-39; John 17:1-26; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 16:6-7.

Observation

O.K. the story of Amnon and Tamar is sick. But, Tamar’s maturity and answers to Amnon in the midst of her terror are remarkable. How insulting that Amnon sends her away as well. I find it interesting that Amnon was filled with hate after he got what he wanted. If anyone should have been hateful it was Tamar.

John 17:3 is great: “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” 17:5 is a neat affirmation of Christ’s preexistence. 17:15 is a great verse to support God’s protective power in the midst of trials rather than a mentality which expects God to always deliver us by removing us from conflicts.

The unity of the Trinity in 17:22-23 is a wonderful model for the love and oneness which should exist between believers. And, Proverbs 16:7 was my favorite verse as a kid and it sums everything up:

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies to live at peace with him.”

Application

Amnon is a great example of how sin turns sour in our hands. How ironic that sin causes us to loathe the things we once thought that we loved. The theme of unity in John 17 is a life application for all of us – something that will take some time to live and apply.

Prayer

“God, protect me from the evil one. Sanctify me in Your truth. Help me to experience “complete unity” with my brothers and sisters in You, as you prayed and desired.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
May 27, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 12:1-31; John 16:1-33; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 16:4-5.

Observation

It’s shocking that the same man who treated Saul and his family with such respect and godliness could steal a man’s wife and then heartlessly have him killed in battle. David seems to be lacking a conscience until Nathan issues the famous words: “You are the man!”

I give David credit for receiving Nathan’s words with humility and understanding that ultimately he had sinned against God (2 Samuel 12:13). David expresses this fact more clearly in Psalm 51:4:

“Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned, and done what is evil in Thy sight, so that Thou art justified when Thou dost speak, and blameless when Thou dost judge.”

Nathan reminds David that his sin has given God’s enemies the opportunity to talk trash (12:14). I believe that David’s words in 12:23 “I will go to him, but he will not return to me,” are more than a statement of resignation over the reality that he will one day die as well; his words affirm a strong belief in an afterlife and they support the principle that children who die before the age of accountability go to be with the Lord.

Finally, I love Jesus’ words in John 16:27 because He says that God does not act merely because of the prayers and wishes of Son. Rather, Jesus affirms: “No, the Father Himself loves you!”

Application

Not one of us is immune to sin or it’s tempting snare. Any one of us can fall. And, if we are disobedient to God (living outside of His will & Word) we can count on this happening sooner rather than later. The mark of a leader and godly person is how they respond to correction, whether they repent, and how willingly they submit to discipline.

Prayer

“God, help me to avoid the heartache of sin. Protect me from self-destruction and inflicting hurt on those I love. Wash me in Your Word. Protect me through Your power. Surround me with others who passionately seek Your face.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
May 26, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 9:1-11:27; John 15:1-27; Psalm 119:49-64; Proverbs 16:1-3.

Observation

The story of David’s kindness to Mephibosheth is touching. It made me sad that M. considered himself like a “dead dog.” Yet, David made sure that M. ate at his table like one of the king’s sons and that M. was taken care of and provided for. David even gave M. a part of his father Saul’s land to live on. I’m sure this was a boost to his dignity and sense of independence.

In 2 Samuel 11:2 you get the sense that David knew exactly what he was doing when he took that evening walk around the roof of his palace. He was not the victim of a tempting coincidence. He knew there would be women bathing and that he had a royal view that probably no one else had given the height of his palace.

The rest of 2 Samuel 11 is just plain sad. David makes Uriah drunk. But, he is so honorable he still doesn’t go home and sleep with his wife. Instead he sleeps on a mat with David’s servants.

I wonder if Joab lost respect for David when he received David’s instructions regarding Uriah. Maybe, Joab was used to doing whatever he was asked and more concerned with power and position than matters of conscience.

2 Samuel 11:27b: “the thing David had done displeased the Lord” is a comment I would expect to see more in the OT – especially relating to the common practice of polygamy, temple prostitution, offering daughters to homosexual predators to protect guests…etc.

John 15:5 is a great reminder:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”

15:8 tells us that our “bearing much fruit” not only brings God glory, but also is a sign of our being Christ’s disciples.

Application

Today’s story of David is a great example of all the times that I get into trouble because I go looking for sin. Too many times sin happens because I’m in the wrong place at the wrong time. David knew better. I know better. We all know better. I need to constantly remain in Christ so that I can bear fruit, glorify God, and represent Him well to a world that’s watching.

Prayer

“God, I want Your joy to be in me and I want my joy to be complete as You promised in John 15:11. Help me to feed on You rather than the things of the world.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
May 25, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 7:1-8:18; John 14:15-31; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 15:33.

Observation

What a thought in John 14:23 that God not only dwells in our midst (“pitches tent” with us); He makes His home in us! And, in 14:27, Jesus says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”

I also really liked Psalm 119:37,

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word.”

Application

What a difference our lives would make if we would take our eyes off worthless things and focus them on God’s word.

Prayer

“God, help me to guard what I look at and spend more time in Your word.”