Pastor Bob DuPar
July 5, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17; Acts 23:11-35; Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 18:14-15.

Observation

Father Abraham had many sons, and many sons had father Abraham, I am one of them, and so are you, but we’re not listed in 1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17! For those of you who think I’m ill – it’s a song. Some of you still think I’m ill. Well, it is my journal and that was my takeaway from the OT genealogy reading today.

I thought it was neat how God’s vision to Paul came true which forewarned him that he would live to go to Rome. God is sovereign and “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
(1 Corinthians 1:25)

Application

I need to trust in God’s sovereignty more and not get so anxious over my circumstances.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You that You are always in control; and, that what seems huge to me is merely a minor detail for You. Thank you for Your patience and understanding.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 4, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Kings 23:31-25:30; Acts 22:17-23:10; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 18:13.

Observation

The crowd listened to the Apostle Paul and tolerated what he had to say until he started talking about how God had sent him to the Gentiles. Then, it was, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!” (Acts 22:22) How sad that the Jews saw God’s plan of salvation as only applying to them – reminds me of Jonah’s attitude.

Jesus stood silent before his accusers and when struck He uttered no response. Paul, on the other hand, when struck unfairly on the mouth lashed back and said, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”

Then, Paul really got things going in Acts 23:6 when he said, “I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead.” After this, the Sadducees and the Pharisees went at it over the topic of the resurrection and the debate became so violent that the commander removed Paul back to the barracks before he was torn to pieces.

Application

It’s sad when we treat people differently because they’re not like us or because they don’t share our beliefs. There is only one way to salvation. We did not make up that truth. God did. But, that truth applies to everyone who will believe and place their trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to see that Your plan for the world is so much bigger than my limited, finite wisdom – so much deeper than my life experiences. Help me to trust Your sovereignty and be willing to be stretched beyond my comfort zone.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 3, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Kings 22:3-23:30; Acts 21:37-22:16; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 18:11-12.

Observation

It’s interesting that when King Josiah wants to inquire of the Lord that Hilkiah the priest and his cronies go to Huldah the prophetess. It was rare when God spoke to the nation through a woman (cf. Miriam, Ex. 15; Deborah, Judg. 5); but, the fact that God used women to convey His truth is significant.

King Josiah not only followed the Lord, he also removed all of the temples and objects dedicated to false gods; the exhaustive account in 2 Kings 22 and 23 which details this is a tribute to his legacy. 2 Kings 23:13 says that Josiah also desecrated the high places that were east of Jerusalem on the south of the “Hill of Corruption.” These places of worship were devoted to Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Molech, the vile and detestable gods of the Sidonians, the Moabites and the Ammonites. It was shocking to read who had built these shrines – King Solomon. What was he thinking?

In the eighteenth year of King Josiah, Josiah commanded the people to celebrate the Passover to the Lord. The text says that “not since the days of the judges who led Israel, nor throughout the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah, had any such Passover been observed.” (2 Kings 23:21-22)

Once again, 2 Kings 23:25 tells us,

“Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did – with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.”
Why God allowed Josiah to be killed in battle by Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo is beyond me.

Ananias’ blessing upon Saul in Acts 22:14 is one which any Christian would love to have bestowed upon them,

“The God of our fathers has chosen you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from His mouth.”

Finally, I like the wording and wisdom of Proverbs 18:12,

“Pride goes before a man’s downfall, but humility comes before honor.”

Application

What a blessing to be involved and used by God in turning the hearts of people back to His Word and back to proper worship. Just as poor choices have a ripple effect, so also good decisions have a profound impact.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to make wise decisions. Help me to lead others back to You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 2, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Kings 20:1-22:2; Acts 21:17-36; Psalm 150:1-6; Proverbs 18:9-10.

Observation

Hezekiah’s prayer to God and God response is touching. God says, “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.” (2 Kings 20:5) And, God added 15 years to his life.

It’s hard to understand how Manasseh could be so evil and out-of-step with God with a father like Hezekiah. I would guess that some of this was simply due to age – assuming the throne at age 12. And yet, Josiah became king at age 8; and, his father (Amon) was a horrible example. Listen to the description of Josiah:

“He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.” (22:2)

I guess sometimes bad examples can impact us all the more to do the right thing and break the generational cycle of sin.

Finally, I like Proverbs 18:10 (the inspiration for the contemporary praise song, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord)

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Application

Our OT reading constantly underscores and highlights the importance of godly leadership. Kings were not only political leaders they were also fathers. And, since their sons became future kings, it was essential that they lead their families in godliness. Unfortunately, this did not happen very often. This is why the NT places a priority upon family leadership before public leadership.
Prayer

“Lord, raising kids is hard work. Leaving a godly legacy is no small task. None of this is even possible apart from Your grace and mercy. Would You please cover my family and the families at CBC with this grace?”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 1, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Kings 18:13-19:37; Acts 21:1-16; Psalm 149:1-9; Proverbs 18:8.

Observation

I could not believe the king of Assyria’s arrogance and the insulting accusations he made against Hezekiah and God. On one hand he tells the people to rebel against H. and not to trust his claim that God would deliver them. Then, he also claims,

“Have I come to attack and destroy this place without word from the Lord? The Lord Himself told me to march against this country and destroy it.”

He goes on to say that no god of any nation has ever delivered his people from the hand of the Assyrians. The people of Judah wisely remain silent to these accusations and charges as H. had instructed them. They don’t get drawn in to the verbal assault. And, I love H’s response. He tears his clothes and goes into the temple to seek God’s face and lay out the situation before Him. Again, in 2 Kings 19:14 when H. receives another threatening letter from his enemies “he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord.”

As H. prays to God he rightly understands that the insulting words of Sennacherib are ultimately directed against God and not him. Furthermore, he acknowledges that the inability of foreign gods to deliver their people from the Assyrians is because they are impotent objects of wood and stone, fashioned by sinful, human hands. Finally, H. calls upon God to respond in power so that “all the kingdoms on earth may know that You alone, O Lord, are God!” (19:16-19)

God’s response to the king of Assyria is powerful:
“Who is it you have insulted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!” (19:22) And then, in classic language God basically says, ‘I know where you live so watch out!”

That night the angel of the Lord took out 185,000Assyrian soldiers. And, not too long afterward two of Sennacherib’s sons killed him while he was worshipping his god. What an ironic twist of fate. S. had taunted Yahweh for being impotent. But, where was his god to deliver him?

Application

I was moved by the visual of Hezekiah “spreading out” his troubles before the Lord and seeking God’s face. I have not got down, with my face on the ground, before the Lord in a long time – too long. But, today I felt compelled. It was the only response that seemed appropriate. There’s nothing magical about posture. But, I have personally become too comfortable in God’s grace and the open access to Him through Jesus that I take for granted all too often. I spread out my issues before Him; and, I am now trying to wait upon Him (Sunday’s lesson).

Prayer

“Lord, help me to hear You in silence. Help me to take time to be silent before You. Grant me the patience to wait upon You and to trust You completely.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 30, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Kings 17:1-18:12; Acts 20:1-38; Psalm 148:1-14; Proverbs 18:6-7.

Observation

2 Kings 17 speaks of numerous people groups who worshipped God but also continued to worship the gods of their cultures. Verses 40-41 put it this way,

“They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. Even while these people were worshipping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.”

Not much of a legacy to pass on to your children. Their mentality was that if they worshiped every god they would receive whatever blessing or benefit that god had to offer. Or, so they thought. Never mind that these gods, beliefs, principles, and practices were in direct conflict with one another.

Finally, I knew the day and passage would come: Hezekiah – the one king who honored God and tore down the high places, abolishing the idol worship and shrines. Listen to the commentary on his life:

“Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.” (2 Kings 18:5-7)

Paul’s words in Acts 20:24 are inspiring and challenging,

“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Application

Often times are problem is not that we fail to worship God; it’s that we worship God and other things, rather than God exclusively. Hezekiah is a great model of single-focused devotion to God.

Acts 20:28 spoke to me: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood.” Many kings looked out for themselves but not their people. Excellent leadership requires both.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to follow You and You alone. Grant me wisdom and discernment to lead and be aware of not only myself but also those around me.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
June 29, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Kings 15:1-16:20; Acts 19:13-41; Psalm 147:1-20; Proverbs 18:4-5.

Observation

I’m still waiting to read about a king who not only did what was right in the eyes of God but also removed the high places and idol worship!

Menahem sounds like one sick dude – ripping open all the pregnant women! Unthinkable! I looked up his name in Hebrew to see if it meant something sadistic and evil. Turns out Menahem means “comforter” – go figure!

2 Kings 15 & 16 must be the Hall of Shame. In 16:3 we read about king Ahaz who sacrificed his son in the fire, following the detestable ways of the nations. I’m sorry, but when you’re the king you can’t use “peer pressure” as an excuse. Kings never did anything they didn’t want to do. They called the shots. What a sick father.

My favorite part of today’s reading was the story of the seven sons of Sceva who thought they would use Jesus’ name to cast out demons even though they obviously had no relationship with Him. One demon responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Classic! The demons ended up overpowering the brothers, beating them and leaving them running away bleeding and naked. The results of this incident were even better: “Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus were all seized with fear and started holding the name of the Lord Jesus in high honor!” (Acts 19:17) Many people came and openly confessed their evil deeds, and sorcerers denounced their wicked ways. Not bad!

Application

The biggest application that stands out to me today is using God’s name as if it were a divine incantation. Throwing around God’s name for show, without personally knowing Him and having a relationship with Him, is spiritual manipulation. And, God made it clear that He cannot be manipulated by ignorant men for their own purposes.

Prayer

“Lord, I often “throw” Your name around in conversation, and speak about You as if You were a “force” rather than a person. Forgive me, and help me to seek You for “who” You are and not just for “what” You do.”