Pastor Bob DuPar
July 11, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18; Acts 28:1-31; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 19:1-3.

Observation

Two of David’s mighty men, Jashobeam and Abishai, are recorded as killing 300 men in one encounter with only a spear. These guys sound like true warriors. I wouldn’t mess with them! They could be part of my protective inner circle any day.

The account in Acts 28 where Paul heals Publius’ father of a fever and dysentery is interesting. The text says that “when this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.” (28:9) That’s the power of God at work!

Acts 28:23-24 tells us that “from morning till evening (Paul) explained and declared the Kingdom of God” to the people of Malta and “tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets” with the result that some believed and some did not.

Finally, Acts 28:30 is proof of Paul’s words in Philippians 1:12,

“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel…”

“For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Acts 28:30-31)

Application

I’m convicted and challenged by Paul’s example. I have never preached the gospel to someone from morning till evening.

Another application for me from Paul’s experience is that God uses our circumstances to give us greater opportunities to share the Gospel. I need to look not to the pleasantness of my situation, but to my opportunity to share the Gospel. In the end, that’s what really matters.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to trust You in all of my life circumstances. Help me to see how You use everything for Your glory and purposes. Nothing is by chance. Nothing is without purpose and meaning.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 10, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14; Acts 27:21-44; Psalm 8:1-9; Proverbs 18:23-24.

Observation

1 Chronicles 10:13-14 says that Saul died (in battle) because he was unfaithful to the Lord, didn’t keep God’s Word, and consulted a medium for guidance instead of seeking God’s counsel. Well, King Josiah didn’t do any of these things. He’s one of the few kings who seemed to get it all right according to the biblical account. And yet, in 2 Kings 23:29 we read that Pharaoh Neco mowed Josiah down in battle. Living a godly life doesn’t always spare us from harm – “For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Mt. 5:45 But, nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8) which sustains us in the midst of trial.

Paul and the crew at sea in Acts 27 were obviously terrified and stressed as evidenced by the reference that they had not ate in 14 days! (27:33)

Psalm 8 is great! God is so majestic; and, who are we that He takes notice of us and has crowned us with glory and honor?

Finally, Proverbs 18:24 is good wisdom,

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Application

God does not promise a life free of pain or trial but He does promise a life filled with His presence, and saturated with His love. The great challenge of the Christian life is learning how to cling to His love in tangible, realistic ways.

Prayer

“Lord, teach me to hold on to Your love – in good times and bad. Teach me to know when to act and when to wait.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 9, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40; Acts 27:1-20; Psalm 7:1-17; Proverbs 18:22.

Observation

Paul’s experience in Acts 27 comes after being falsely accused and imprisoned for a few years. I’m sure there were many times that Paul felt discouraged. His life and his fate seemed to be controlled more by politics than by facts and the truth. Acts 27:20 strikes a sad note,

“When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.”

Spiritual despair is a struggle in and of itself, not to mention when it is compounded by the physical threat of losing one’s life.

David’s words in Psalm 7 are beautiful but I don’t know that many of us would have the confidence to voice them for ourselves:

“Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. O Righteous God, who searches minds and hearts…”

I want God to judge me according to His grace and mercy, not according to my “righteousness” and “integrity.”

Finally, Proverbs 18:22 is great:

“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”

One of the sweetest blessings in life is a good wife!

Application

My takeaway from today’s reading is simply to trust God during the hard times when there seems to be no end in sight. He is faithful. He is sovereign.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to trust You. Trust is such a hard thing to hold onto.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 8, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81; Acts 26:1-32; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 18:20-21.

Observation

In the opening verses of our OT reading today we read,

“He (God) answered their prayers because they trusted in Him.”
(1 Chronicles 5:20)

Then a few verses later, in reference to a different group of people, we read,

“They were brave warriors, famous men, and heads of their families. But they were unfaithful to the God of their fathers and prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land...”

What good is it to be a brave warrior, a famous man, a head of your family, if you get the most important thing wrong – being faithful to God?

I like Paul’s words in Acts 26:8 to King Agrippa and those hearing his trial:

“Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?”

God’s commission to Paul is also inspiring,

“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” (Acts 26:18)

To “kick against the goads” in Acts 26:14 was just another way of saying “to offer vain or pointless resistance.”

Agrippa says sarcastically to Paul in 26:28, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Little did he realize that he missed his divine appointment.

Finally, I thought that Proverbs 18:21 was powerful,

“The tongue has the power of life and death.”

Application

Faithfulness to God is more important than any other character trait or attribute.

Why am I surprised when God works miracles? Should I expect anything less from God?

Those who have not given their life to God through Christ are under satan’s power.

I want to use my tongue to heal and give life, not to destroy and cause death.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to realize that what may seem like a horrible situation or circumstance from my perspective may be an opportunity for salvation in someone else’s life. Help me to remain open to be used by You, even in the midst of suffering and trial.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 7, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17; Acts 25:1-27; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 18:19.

Observation

I’ve always loved Psalm 5. In today’s reading I was particularly impressed with verses 11-12 because of our studies on Sunday mornings relating to God being our refuge:

“But let all take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord, You surround him with favor as with a shield.”

If I were Paul I would have been pretty discouraged having my life hang in the balance with someone like King Agrippa. It’s hard to trust someone’s judgment and objectivity when they’re living incestuously with their sister. Agrippa clearly had his own moral code and set of “rights” and “wrongs.”

Application

In a crazy world of sinful, mixed up, people - it’s hard to trust anyone. I choose to trust that God will sovereignly work through people and situations for His purposes and His glory.

Prayer

“Lord, help my hope not to fade when situations and people seem not to change. Please show me signs of encouragement that You are still at work.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 6, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4; Acts 24:1-27; Psalm 4:1-8; Proverbs 18:16-18.

Observation

Paul’s words to the governor of Rome in Acts 24:16 stood out to me:

“So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”

Acts 24:27 indicates that Paul sat in prison two years, unjustly, because of political favors between Felix and the Jews. This sounds similar to what Joseph went through.

Finally, I liked Psalm 4:2-3,

“How long, o men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.”

Application

Paul’s words in Acts 24:16 sound like a great application to me – “always strive to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” That just about covers all the bases!

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for the gift of a clear conscience – not because of my righteousness but Yours!”