Pastor Bob DuPar
June 14, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Kings 12:20-13:34; Acts 9:26-43; Psalm 132:1-18; Proverbs 17:6.

Observation

The interchange between King Jeroboam and “the man of God” is humorous. One minute King Jeroboam is stretching out his hand and saying, “Seize him!” And, the next minute he’s begging the prophet to ask God to heal his shriveled hand. Then, Jeroboam has the audacity to ask the Seer if he wants to come over to his house for fish and chips! Oh yes, and he says, “I’ve got a gift for you.” That sounds like someone from the mafia saying, “Let’s go somewhere private and quiet. I’ve got something special for you.”

The next scene between the “old prophet” and the “man of God” is difficult to understand. The old prophet tricks the man of God by lying to him. He gets the man of God to go against God’s command, and then prophesies about his impending judgment and death. Then, the old prophet mourns over the man of God, feeling no apparent responsibility for his plight. I guess implicit within the text is the notion that God used the old prophet to test the man of God. Otherwise you have God honoring the actions and prophesy of a liar. But, as a fellow prophet I would not even conceive that lying would be an option for a man who represents God.

In Acts 9:27 it’s neat that Barnabas befriended Saul when everyone else was afraid of him and doubted the authenticity of his conversion. Acts 9:31 describes a time of blessing for the early church – one that unfortunately seems to be an exception rather than a normal condition:

“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”

Application

Barnabas is a great example of how we all should be when someone comes to faith in Christ. We should not judge them according to their background or past behavior.

Living in the fear of the Lord, leads to strength and encouragement in the Holy Spirit as well as growth – both spiritually and numerically.

Prayer

“God, help me to be a Barnabas to others – to believe in them, encourage them, and reach out to them.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 13, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Kings 11:1-12:19; Acts 9:1-25; Psalm 131:1-3; Proverbs 17:4-5.

Observation

Solomon was doing so well, but his heart turned away from the Lord. 1 Kings 11:4 sums up the reason for his downfall: “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.” Verse 6 adds, “So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely.”

Why do leaders seem to fall and be most vulnerable after the completion of a mighty vision? It’s almost like Solomon gave up, let his guard down, kicked his feet up and turned his focus from pleasing God to pleasing himself. Leadership means finishing strong, not just starting strong.

It’s interesting that the voice which speaks to Saul on the road to Damascus is that of Jesus. One would expect the wording to be “God.” It’s clear from the context that it was God. And so, we have another text which lifts up the divinity of Jesus.

God’s words to Ananias in Acts 9:15 remind us that we never know who God will select as His “chosen instrument” to carry His Word forth and lead people to salvation. So often it’s someone who comes out of a background similar to those God is drawing to Himself.

Finally, Proverbs 17:5a is a beautiful glimpse of God’s heart and a helpful warning for those of us who see the disadvantaged as somehow less worthy of their Father’s love:

“He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker.”

Application

How often I am like Solomon and others who think that they can get away with following God partially rather than completely. God’s will is not negotiable; His commands are not optional. I am guilty of overlooking and marginalizing those whom God has marked to be His chosen vessels. I need to focus my attention more on the hearts of people and less on the exterior superficials.

Also, God’s final words to Ananias regarding Saul are, “I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.” Suffering is a process of identification with Christ and one of the most powerful means through which we experience His presence. Too often we view suffering as negative and even as punishment. Yet, God allows some suffering, not as a consequence of sin, but as a way of revealing His power and glory in us:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for (My) power is perfected in weakness. …Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10

“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,”
Philippians 1:29
Prayer

“God, help me to follow You completely, without rationalization or excuses, and without modifying Your requirements to my taste and comfort level.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 12, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Kings 9:1-10:29; Acts 8:14-40; Psalm 130:1-8; Proverbs 17:2-3.

Observation

Solomon’s wealth and wisdom sound truly staggering. What a blessing to have people throughout the world seek you out because of your reputation for being able to answer questions. What an opportunity to use this wisdom for the Lord.

Peter rebukes Simon in Acts 8:20 for thinking that he could buy the gift of God with money. Simon responds wisely: “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” (vs. 24)

Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch provides a good model for evangelism: “Go & stay near,” help others to understand God’s Word, and make the most of invitations to tell others about Jesus.

Application

I wonder how often we miss experiences like what Philip encountered with the Ethiopian because we never “go” – we never respond to God’s prompting. We make excuses: “The timings not right, the circumstances are less than ideal, they’ll reject me, they won’t be interested in my message…” Instead, we need to leave these issues with the Lord. If He calls us (and He is calling) then He is able to provide.

Prayer

“God, help me not to miss opportunities. May I be faithful to go. Help me to hear Your voice and Your leading.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 11, 2008

Journal Entry

*Happy Birthday to Denise! (My Wife)


Scripture

1 Kings 8:1-66; Acts 7:51-8:13; Psalm 129:1-8; Proverbs 17:1.

Observation

1 Kings 8:5 sounds like a ton of sacrificial bloodshed if there were so many sheep and cattle that “they could not be recorded or counted.” It’s a good thing that no modern day organizations against cruelty to animals existed at this time.

1 Kings 8:27 speaks to an interesting mystery in that God now lives inside of us:

“Will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain You. How much less this temple I have built.”

I guess the issue is not the size of the “home/temple” but rather who builds it - as Paul highlights in Acts 17:24 where he says that “God does not dwell in temples made with hands.”

You know as a leader that you have completed the vision with success when you have a response like 1 Kings 8:66. Solomon, upon finishing the temple and dedicating it to God in the presence of Israel, had to send the people away – the next day no less! And, listen to the record of their ownership in the vision:

“They blessed the king and then went home, joyful and glad in heart for all the good things the Lord had done for His servant David and His people Israel.”

The story of Stephen’s testimony and attitude in Acts 7 while being martyred is incredibly inspiring and challenging. The fact that the Christians were scattered through persecution seemed to be a bad thing until you read 8:4, “Those who had been scattered preached the Word wherever they went.”

Acts 8:5ff. gives insight and perspective to the preparatory work of Jesus when He ministered to the woman at the well in John 4. When the woman ran to the neighboring village to share her testimony, a foundation was laid; seeds were planted, for Philip and others to follow.

Finally, I like Psalm 129:2. Though others oppress us, God is the One who keeps them from gaining victory over us.

Application

I am challenged by the story of Solomon and the people. God gave Solomon the task of fulfilling David’s vision to build God a temple. Solomon involved over 30,000 laborers alone (1Kings 5:13), and who knows how many other people in the ownership of this vision. So, when the temple was completed everyone was joyful. Everyone felt like they contributed and played a valuable part – not just Solomon.

I’m also challenged by the lesson that what may appear to us as unfavorable circumstances or even God’s punishment when we are “scattered” from time to time, can actually be God’s sovereign means of spreading the Gospel – if we “catch-on” and see it as an opportunity.

Prayer

“God, help me to lead by teaming with others. Discourage my attempts to fly solo. Grant me wisdom and discernment to see the opportunities in every circumstance.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 10, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Kings 7:1-51; Acts 7:30-50; Psalm 128:1-6; Proverbs 16:31-33.

Observation

The intricate details of the temple which Solomon built sound amazing, and yet at many points hard to visualize. I love how each of the skilled workers used their gifts and talents to contribute to this stunning “house” for the Lord. The attention to detail in the biblical record is sometimes tedious to “plow” through when reading; and though it’s incredibly encouraging to know what an accurate historical account we have which is divinely inspired and carefully handed down to us.

Our NT reading today is a continuation of Stephen’s reply to the high priest’s question in 7:1, “Are these charges true?” How many of us could respond, from memory, on-the-spot, without notes, with such a thorough description and in-depth understanding of significant biblical events leading up to the present? Impressive & challenging!

Application

Today’s reading makes me think of two verses by way of application:

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of Truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15

“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” 1 Peter 3:15-16
Prayer

“God, help me to be ready at all times and in all places to give an account and a reason for the hope that is within me. And, would You grant me the mind to commit Your Word to memory.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 9, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Kings 5:1-6:38; Acts 7:1-29; Psalm 127:1-5; Proverbs 16:28-30.

Observation

What a fantastic political climate for Solomon as the new king:

“But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster.”

Wouldn’t our presidential candidates love that kind of environment as they go into office next January?

Seven years is a long time to build a temple, but given the technology of that day and lack of power tools and equipment – that was probably pretty fast.

Joseph did not lead an easy life but Acts 7:9-10 speaks to his success, “God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles.”

The NIV version of Acts 7:20: “At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child,” loses something in its translation of the Greek. The word for “ordinary” better translates as “beautiful, or chosen for a special mission.”

Psalm 127:1 is one of my favorites: “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” The Hebrew word for “house” also means “family” which gives this Psalm a whole different flavor, especially in light of the verses which follow.

Finally, Proverbs 16:28 provides a warning and a true test of character:

“A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.”

Application

Proverbs labels many of us as perverse (evil) who consider ourselves to be good. That’s how seriously God takes dissension and attacks to Christian unity. Gossip has the destructive power of separating close friends. One word, a careless conversation, a betrayal of trust, an inappropriate joke, all have the ability to taint intimacy between friends with the corrosive residue of doubt, mistrust and guarded self-disclosure.

Prayer

“God, help me to be a true friend - one who promotes unity and who strengthens relationships rather than one who tears them down.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 8, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Kings 3:4-4:34; Acts 6:1-15; Psalm 126:1-6; Proverbs 16:26-27.

Observation

Solomon’s sacrifices to God at the high places were not ideal, but as 1 Kings 3:2-3 says, the people were presenting burnt offerings here because a temple had not yet been built for the Lord.

I’m always impressed with the way God answered Solomon’s request: “I will give you a wise and discerning heart so that there will never have been anyone else like you, nor will there ever be.”

Plus, God gave Solomon wealth and honor and made him unparalled among kings (1 Kings 3:12-13).

Acts 6:15 speaks to Stephen’s character. Even when falsely accused and condemned Stephen’s face was like that of an angel.

Finally, Proverbs 16:26 is humorous and true:

“The laborer’s appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.”

Application

Wisdom is the most practical and useful trait that a leader could hope to possess. Solomon had the insight to understand that so many of the other gifts that he might desire were “packaged” within the gift of wisdom.

Hunger can be a positive, motivating force if it drives us to be productive.

Prayer

“God, grant me wisdom to make tough decisions. Bless me with wisdom to lead courageously. Please provide discernment to minister to people with understanding and sensitivity.”