Pastor Bob DuPar
June 7, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Kings 2:1-3:3; Acts 5:1-42; Psalm 125:1-5; Proverbs 16:25.

Observation

Ananias & Sapphira were judged not because they kept some of the money for themselves from the sale of their property, but because they lied to God. They represented themselves as giving everything, even when questioned to this regard. And, they both had full knowledge of their deceit.

After the angel released the apostles from jail during the night, he told them to “go, stand in the temple courts, and tell the people the full message of this new life.” I love the phrasing of that. It’s like he’s saying, “Don’t hold back!”

The reason the Jewish authorities had a problem with the disciples’ teaching is found in Acts 5:28, “…you are determined to make us guilty of this man’s (Jesus’) blood.” Gamaliel’s advice in Acts 5:34-39 is wise – especially in 38-39:

“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Finally, Acts 5:42 is both inspiring and challenging, “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.”

Application

Sometimes I think we should react less to the things around us and follow Gamaliel’s advice. If something is not of God, it will eventually fail. If it’s of God, it will succeed. I would like to follow the apostles’ example of “never stopping in teaching and preaching the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Prayer

“God, Thank you that You are worthy of all praise and honor. Your children will never be disappointed or ashamed that they have placed their trust in You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 6, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Kings 1:1-53; Acts 4:1-37; Psalm 124:1-8; Proverbs 16:24.

Observation

O.K. I must be missing something. Did David not have enough wives to keep him warm? Was it really necessary that this “bed-warmer” be a virgin? And, that she be beautiful? Customs like this which were accepted as normal just crack me up. Can you say “dysfunctional?”

I love the story of Peter and John in Acts 4 and their response to the correction of the rulers, elders & teachers of the Law:

“Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Oh that each one of us could not stop talking about what we have seen and heard in our Christian walk. And, I love the evidence of true community in Acts 4:32-35,

“And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.”

“There was not a needy person among them.” This should be the norm in the church.

Application

Once again, I need to grow in my evangelistic boldness. Sharing my faith should be a natural, enthusiastic overflow from my life. As a guilty, materialistic 21st century American, I need to mature in my practice of “true” community.

Prayer

“God, help me to hear Your voice and possess Your eyes and Your heart as I reach out to meet the needs of those around me. Please bless me with Your wisdom to make proper decisions and choices.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 5, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 23:24-24:25; Acts 3:1-26; Psalm 123:1-4; Proverbs 16:21-23.

Observation

The story of Peter and John reminds me of the song I learned at church as a child:

“Silver and gold have I none. But, such as I have give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

What an experience that must have been for the man to enter the temple for the first time on his own – walking, and jumping and praising God. I love Peter’s humility also. He tells the people, “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?”

Acts 3:15 is a beautiful verse: “You killed the Author of Life, but God raised Him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.” And, 3:19-20 as well, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you – even Jesus.”

Finally, I like Proverbs 16:23a, “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth.”

Application

The story of Peter and John makes me think: “Do we give people what they ask for or what they really need?” As Christians, I believe God calls us to look beyond the surface, beneath the superficial, and with the Spirit’s help, address real issues.

Prayer

“God, help me to be Your witness – that You are the Author of Life. May Your wisdom guide my mouth and actions.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 4, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 22:21-23:23; Acts 2:1-47; Psalm 122:1-9; Proverbs 16:19-20.

Observation

2 Samuel 22:1 says that David sang the words of the song (which continues into today’s OT reading – the beginning of today’s OT reading) when the Lord delivered him from the hand of Saul. So, all of David’s talk today about “I have not done evil by turning from my God; I have been blameless before Him and kept myself from sin; the Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in His sight” (2 Samuel 22:22-25) is before the sin with Bathsheba, before the killing of Uriah her husband. It’s amazing to me how God can receive our praise of Him and our lofty promises, pledges and declarations one day – knowing down the road in His omniscience when we will sin and blow it. That’s grace and patience!

Today’s text had a lot of my favorite verses:

“You are my lamp, O Lord; The Lord turns my darkness into light.” (22:29)

“As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless.” (22:31)

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” (22:33)

“The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.” (2 Samuel 23:3-4)

“You have made know to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.” (Acts 2:28)
The reference in Acts 2:17-18 about “sons and daughters” prophesying is interesting in view of Scripture which seems to prohibit women from teaching in church. Understanding God-ordained roles which were set-forth from creation (not the result or punishment from the Fall) and abiding within proper lines of biblical submission, is it wrong for women to teach and preach?

Finally, in reading the account of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 and how they daily devoted themselves to prayer, God’s Word, fellowship, sharing & meeting needs… I think we’ve lost something. The early church witnessed “wonders and miraculous signs” and also enjoyed “the favor of all the people.” It’s time for the church of God to look in the mirror and take inventory.

Application

My application from today is to look at the church in Acts 2 and reflect on our mission, and how we can reclaim it.

Prayer

“God, holiness and godliness begin with choices and people who will stand with You, uncompromising and passionate to live-out Your Word. Help me to be such a person, and to make choices that will bear this kind of fruit.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 3, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 20:14-21:22; Acts 1:1-26; Psalm 121:1-8; Proverbs 16:18.

Observation

I’m sure Mephibosheth was grateful that David kept his promise with Jonathan and spared his life. God really looked out for M. throughout his life.

Psalm 121 is a beautiful psalm though short. Four times the psalmist talks of God’s keeping power:

“He who keeps you will not slumber.” Vs. 3
“Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Vs. 4
“The Lord is your keeper.” Vs. 5
“He will keep your soul.” Vs. 7

And, there are two other references to God’s protection with similar phrasing:

“The Lord will protect you from all evil.” Vs. 7
“The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.” Vs. 8

All 6 occurrences of the word go back to the same Hebrew word which means “to hold secure, guard, keep, care for.” Quite a picture of God’s loving protection for His people.

Acts 1 is full of great stuff as well. I love the promise that the disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit would come upon them, and that they would be witnesses throughout the earth. One has to wonder – where is that power today among God’s people? The cults put us to shame in their zeal for witnessing. And, we claim to know the Truth.

I also like Acts 1:14, “These all (disciples) with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” It’s very neat to see how connected Mary stayed with the disciples, and that she was devoted to prayer and seeking God.

Application

I definitely underestimate and take for granted the “keeping” power of God in my life. I have no idea how much God protects me on a daily basis. I also desire to experience God’s power through the Holy Spirit in my life to be His witness. I want to grow in boldness. Finally, I would like to be part of gathering believers together “with one mind” for the purpose of prayer.

Prayer

“God, thank You for Your keeping power in my life. Thank You for protecting me in ways I’m not even aware. Help me to be bold in my witness for You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 2, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 19:11-20:13; John 21:1-25; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 16:16-17.

Observation

The exchange between Mephibosheth and David is sweet. M. is finally able to defend himself and tell David that he was betrayed by Ziba. And, M’s perspective of how David has treated his family is commendable. It’s nice to hear someone acknowledge the fact that David went above and beyond to extend kindness to Saul’s household.

The text isn’t really clear in 2 Samuel 20:3, but David confined his 10 concubines which he left in charge of his palace because of their sexual infidelity with Absalom. David provided for them until the day of their death, but he ceased to have relations with them.

I’ve heard and read so many different treatments of the “Peter, do you love Me?” passage that I don’t know what I think anymore. I need to study it in more depth. But, on the surface I’m inclined to think that “Do you love Me more than these?” might be a gentle rebuke along the lines of: “I made you a fisher of men, and now you’re back to fishing for fish. Feed my sheep.”

Application

My takeaway from today’s reading in short and simple: One of the most powerful and practical ways that I can express my love to God is to feed His sheep and take care of them.

Prayer

“God, thank You for all of Your blessings and goodness. Help me to live with a consistent spirit of gratitude.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 1, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

2 Samuel 18:1-19:10; John 20:1-31; Psalm 119:153-176; Proverbs 16:14-15.

Observation

David’s grief over Absalom’s death is heartbreaking. But, this is the same David who did not talk or see his son’s face for two years. I guess the finality of it all hit David. Perhaps the lack of closure on things David wished he had done differently also contributed to his sorrow.

I would love to hear and read about the “many other miraculous signs” which Jesus did (John 20:30) which are not recorded. Hopefully we can watch the footage one day in heaven. I love the phrasing of 20:31 – that “by believing we have life in His name!” What a neat reality!

Finally, how comforting it is to hear the Psalmist himself at the end of the longest chapter in the Bible (Psalm 119:176) confess that he strays like a lost sheep, but that he desires for God to “seek His servant.”

Application

I guess the lesson and application from David & Absalom’s relationship is: make the most of the time you have. And, don’t allow toxic residue to build in your relationships – especially your relationship with your immediate family/children.

Prayer

“God, I echo David’s prayer, ‘Seek after me. Save me from my wandering. I think of the words of the great hymn: ‘Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart, oh take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above.”