Pastor Bob DuPar
July 18, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 26:12-27:34; Romans 4:13-5:5; Psalm 14:1-7; Proverbs 19:17

Observation

“God gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.” Romans 4:17

Abraham did not waver in unbelief, but was strengthened in his faith being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.”
Romans 4:20-21

The end result of suffering is hope because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:2-5

Application

Christ’s suffering resulted in our hope since His death made it possible for God’s Spirit to indwell human, sinful, hearts. Suffering also seems to be an activating agent in our lives as well as it relates to hope. In times of trial and pain God’s hope is produced in us through His limitless love which strengthens us.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to draw closer to You and to get to know You better in hard times rather than allowing them to drive me further from You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 17, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 24:1-26:11; Romans 4:1-12; Psalm 13:1-6; Proverbs 19:15-16.

Observation

Today’s OT reading had a lot of family lists which are pretty tedious to struggle through. But, it’s a good thing when, as the text says, “the families of the oldest brother were treated the same as those of the youngest.” (25:31)

Romans 4:3 says,

“Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

4:5 adds,

“To the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.”

As one person said, “Works don’t make us righteous. Works are the evidence that God has made us righteous. Works are not the means to salvation they are the result of salvation.”

Application

Grace does not mean sitting on our keister and marveling at God’s goodness. Grace means passionately serving the Lord with our life because of our complete gratitude for the immeasurable debt which Christ paid for us.

Prayer

“Lord, help me not to abuse grace. Rather, may grace be the driving, motivating force of my life.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 16, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32; Romans 3:9-31; Psalm 12:1-8; Proverbs 19:13-14.

Observation

It’s interesting how many preparations David made for Solomon and the building of the temple – knowing that Solomon was “young and inexperienced” and would need his help. David’s prayer in 22:12 is one that all of us need someone to pray over us:

“May the Lord give you discretion and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel (leadership), so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God.”

Our reading in Romans concerning the law and God’s righteous requirement is often misunderstood. Through the law we become conscious of sin. And, the law “silences every mouth” and “holds the whole world accountable to God” as Romans 3:19ff. says. But, the law is not merely some arbitrary, unattainable standard that God chose to reveal our sinfulness and expose our need for Him. The law is a reflection of His sinless character and moral perfection – in short, His absolute holiness. That’s why it’s good news that we are justified freely by His grace through Jesus; because there is no other way that we could meet this righteous standard – achieve God’s perfection.

Application

As a Christian who is saved by grace and justified through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, the law becomes a window into who God is rather than an obsolete set of rules and regulations. The law is still a mirror which aids me as I seek to be conformed/transformed into His image. The issue becomes “how” I struggle through this transformation – in my flesh, or through the power of His Holy Spirit.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to realize more and more that Your Word is not a collection of “do’s” & “don’ts” but rather an invitation and guidebook to become like You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 15, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 19:1-21:30; Romans 2:25-3:8; Psalm 11:1-7; Proverbs 19:10-12.

Observation

The huge man in 1 Chronicles 20:6 with 6 fingers and 6 toes sounds like a character out of the movie, The Princess Bride.

1 Chronicles 21:15 is a neat picture/example of God’s mercy in withdrawing judgment. The text says that God was “grieved” and intervened in suspending the angel’s hand of destruction by calling out, “Enough!”

David’s experience in 1 Chronicles 21:26 of seeing God rain fire down from heaven upon his sacrifice/altar was a memorable moment which he never forgot – I’m sure.

Finally, Proverbs 19:11 grabbed me,

“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.”

Application

I’m thankful that God displays emotions and is moved by our suffering and pain – even if it is self-inflicted.

Patience is a sign of maturity. And, what a gift, what a blessing, to be able to overlook and forgive personal offenses against us.

Prayer

“Lord, grow in me Your patience. May you cushion the blows and offenses of others against me that I might respond in forgiveness and grace.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 14, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 16:37-18:17; Romans 2:1-24; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 19:8-9.

Observation

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?”
Romans 2:1-4

“For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.”
Romans 2:13

“You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?”
Romans 2:21

Application

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that God’s truth applies to everyone else but us. God’s truth is a mirror that we need to look into daily in order to work on the things that need to change. Too many of us walk around holding up this mirror to show others their imperfections. If each of us would attend to our own issues and struggles we would have more than enough to keep us occupied and busy.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to look in the mirror of Your truth daily and deal with what I see by the power of Your Holy Spirit.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 13, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36; Romans 1:18-32; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 19:6-7.

Observation

The NT reading in Romans spoke to me today. Romans 1:20,

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

Romans 1:25,

“They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.”

And finally, Romans 1:30-32 – speaking of the callous, sinful generation that God has given over to its own lusts and depravity:

“…they invent ways of doing evil. They are senseless, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”

Application

It’s a scary thing when God gives us over to ourselves. The horrible part about sin is that it makes us callous – it desensitizes us to the things of God. The further we get away from the truth of God’s Word the more we lose our moorings.

Prayer

“Lord, keep me in Your Word. May I never lose my hunger for Your truth. Cleanse me through Your Word. Renew & transform my mind and heart.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 12, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17; Romans 1:1-17; Psalm 9:13-20; Proverbs 19:4-5.

Observation

Paul’s testimony in Romans 1:16 that “he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile,” was certainly demonstrated time and time again throughout the book of Acts in his pride in the Gospel and his boldness to proclaim it.

Application

Once again I’m convicted and challenged by Paul’s example. How can I be shy in sharing the Gospel when it is God’s power at work to change lives? If I really believe in the power of the Gospel then my actions ought to support this belief.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to joyfully and confidently proclaim Your power to save.”