Pastor Bob DuPar
July 26, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34; Romans 9:22-10:13; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 20:2-3

Observation

King Ahab was pretty immature as evidenced by the fact that he said that he “hated” the prophet Micaiah because he never prophesied what the king wanted to hear. Jehoshaphat showed more wisdom in rebuking Ahab, “The king should not say that.”

Micaiah is pressured to prophesy like all the other prophets who feared Ahab and told him exactly what he wanted to hear. He chooses to speak the truth and gets slapped by the prophet Zedekiah who sarcastically questions whether he is listening to the same “spirit.” Zedekiah intended to intimidate Micaiah and discredit his testimony, but it did not work. Instead, Micaiah prophetically responds to Z. that one day when he’s hiding in a closet because M’s predictions come true – then he will know the truth!

Even though King Ahab disguises himself in the battle which M. warned him to withdraw from, a random arrow finds Ahab and fatally strikes him between his armor. Is that the sovereignty of God, or what?!

Paul’s teaching regarding Israel in Romans 9 is perhaps the clearest treatment in Scripture on why the Jews missed Christ:

“Because they pursued a law of righteousness by works rather than by faith. …they were/are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” (Romans 8:31-9:4)

Finally, what a blessed promise that “whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (9:13)

Application

Today’s reading challenged me to examine the motivation behind what I tell people. Do I tell people what I think they want to hear? Do I preach and teach merely what’s popular? Do I cave to peer pressure and parrot the party line? Or, do I preach and teach God’s truth despite the reaction, despite the consequences?

Prayer

“Lord, grant me courage to speak Your truth with uncompromising boldness. May I trust You with the outcome. May I trust You to honor Your Word and protect me as Your ambassador.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 25, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14; Romans 9:1-21; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 20:1

Observation

I’m beginning to think that there’s a connection between those who “did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord” and those who whom the Lord gave peace and rest from their enemies (2 Chron. 14:2-6)

I love Asa’s prayer in 14:11,

“Lord, there is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You.”

Asa viewed an attack against God’s people as an attack against God. And, he acknowledged his powerlessness without God’s help.

2 Chron. 15:3-4 is interesting in light of the times in which we live,

“For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them.”

This outcome sounds like the fruit of verse 7,

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

Verses 12-13 crack me up,
“They (the Israelites) entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. (Sounds good) All who would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, were to be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman.”

That’s certainly one way to increase commitment and buy-in. Maybe this is what the Church is missing today!

2 Chronicles 16:9 is encouraging,

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

The Truth Project was great in revealing the testimony of creation recorded in Psalm 19. As 19:3 says, “There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” The testimony of creation to the existence of a loving Creator is universally understandable.

Finally, God’s Word revives our soul, is trustworthy, gives joy to our heart, and enlightenment to our eyes! “In keeping (God’s commands) there is great reward!” (Ps. 19:7-11)

Application

I underestimate the blessing of God which comes from living a godly life. I take so much for granted, and fail to make so many connections. As I see it – there is only an upside to living a righteous life. There is no liability beyond worldly persecution – which for most of us is minimal to non-existent.

Prayer

“Lord, forgive me for my hidden faults and keep me from willful sins. May sin not rule over me. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
(Ps. 19:12-14)

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 24, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22; Romans 8:22-39; Psalm 18:37-50; Proverbs 19:27-29

Observation

“After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the Lord.”

How often we abandon God and act like we don’t need him when we feel “strong” and “established.”

In 2 Chronicles 12:8 God allowed the Israelites to subject to Shishak. In fact, God even poured out His wrath on Israel through Shishak so that they might “learn the difference between serving Me (God) and serving the kings of other lands.”

When we refuse to follow God and His leadership, we are ultimately choosing our own plan or the plan of another over Him – to our determent.

2 Chronicles 12:14 says it all (no commentary needed),

“He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord.”

Compare this with the example of Abijah in 2 Chronicles 13:10-12 who said, “As for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken Him. …God is with us; He is our leader.” Later in the chapter, Abijah, though completely outnumbered and ambushed by Jeroboam, won the victory through God’s help.

Romans 8:28 does not state that everything that happens to us is good, but that God’s sovereign power is such that He is able to work all things together for good.

The passage which immediately follows (vss. 29-30) is commonly referred to as the “Golden Chain.” I personally find it interesting that God’s “foreknowledge” precedes His “predestining” and “calling.” In my opinion, this solves the issue of predestination. God has foreknowledge of those who will respond to the Gospel; and, they are the chosen. The power to choose comes from God and is given to all. Some respond, some don’t. This is different than the view that says that some never have a chance and are destined for Hell from the beginning.

Application

The amazing inseparable love of God for us in Romans 8:38-39 is not an excuse to set our lives on “cruise control” until He returns. No, Paul also says that the “love of Christ compels/controls us (2 Cor. 5:14-15) and that “He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” And, as Paul says in Philippians 2:12-13,

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

Prayer

“Lord, I know that good works don’t earn salvation, they follow salvation. Help me to ‘bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matt. 3:8)

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 23, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19; Romans 8:9-21; Psalm 18:16-36; Proverbs 19:26

Observation

2 Chronicles 9:22-23 is impressive:

“King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.”

Where are the mighty leaders of our time who use their power and influence to draw an audience for God? What a great platform and opportunity to speak God’s wisdom into lives.

Romans 8:14 is convicting and challenging,

“Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”

I’ve always liked Romans 8:18, yet I’ve missed part of the beauty of the verse in my NASB (New American Standard Bible) translation,

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

The NIV version says, “…the glory that will be revealed in us.”

The Greek preposition supports both translations, “to” and “in;” and I think both are encompassed in the root word and both are intended. But, having said that, “the glory that will be revealed in us” is going to be the real glory since we will be transformed into God’s image! (1 Cor. 15:52; 1 John 3:2)
Psalm 18:19 is encouraging,

“He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.”

What a thought that God delights in us!

And Psalm 18:28,

“You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”

Application

I have to ask myself whether I am being led by God, or if I am allowing Him to lead me.

I also have to ask myself whether I use the opportunity of an audience for myself or for the Lord.

Also, 2 Corinthians 3:18 would suggest that our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is being revealed in us even now as God transforms us into His image – moment by moment.

Prayer

“Lord, grant me an audience to proclaim Your truth. Help me to see the evidence of Your transforming work in my life.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 22, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 6:12-8:10; Romans 7:14-8:8; Psalm 18:1-15; Proverbs 19:24-25

Observation

I like Solomon’s humble prayer in 2 Chronicles 6:18,

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

The truth and the mystery is that God not only dwells with men He dwells in them through the power of the Holy Spirit! A temple built not with human hands, but divine.

Every pastor would love to have his prayer end with God raining fire down from heaven (2 Chronicles 7:1). You can’t ask for a better object lesson than that! And, look at the response of the people,

“When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, ‘He is good; His love endures forever.”

Finally, Paul’s words in Romans 7:21-25 are so true,

“When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. Though I delight to do God’s law, there is another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind making me a prisoner… What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Application

The only way to win the spiritual battle that rages within our body is to deny our flesh the sinful things it desires. Sin, like many other things, is an appetite. The less we feed it, the less it roars. Also, the mind set on the Spirit yields “life and peace” (Rom. 8:6). Practically speaking, I set my mind on the Spirit by reading God’s Word, by praying, through praise and through spending time with His people.

Prayer

“Lord, increase my appetite for You!”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 21, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11; Romans 7:1-13; Psalm 17:1-15; Proverbs 19:22-23

Observation

What an experience that must have been to see the temple fill with the cloud of God’s glory! That would certainly be an unforgettable memory that would change a person for the rest of their life.

Paul says in Romans 7:4 that we died to the law that we might “belong to another” and “in order that we might bear fruit to God.”

What a prayer in Psalm 17:3! It’s difficult to understand how David could make such a statement:

“Though You probe my heart and examine me at night, though You test me, You will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.”

David makes it clear that those who live for themselves rather than for God have their reward in this life, and this life alone. (17:14)

Finally, what an awesome thought in 17:15 that one day we will awake and “be satisfied with seeing His likeness.”

Application

I’m reminded of an old poem, “One day we will see face to face the One Whom we have known heart to heart. My challenge, my goal is to strive to know God more deeply; and, that in this process sin will lose its appeal and power in my life.

Prayer

“Lord, draw me to Yourself. May I see glimpses of Your glory and beauty. Grant me the strength and patience to hold out for more than this world has to offer.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 20, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 1:1-3:17; Romans 6:1-23; Psalm 16:1-11; Proverbs 19:20-21

Observation

Solomon asked God for wisdom to rule God’s people, and God gave him not only wisdom but also wealth, riches and honor.

Romans 6:1 is powerful and simple. Grace does not give us license to sin more. “How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (6:2) Grace saves us from God’s punishment of sin. But, sin also has its own destructive consequences apart from God’s judgment. If you stick your hand in the fire, you’re going to get burned. That’s not God’s judgment or punishment, that’s just the natural consequence of your action.

I especially like Paul’s admonition in 6:11-22,

“Count/consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. …Do not let sin reign over you that you should obey its evil desires. …You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, reaping holiness and eternal life.”

May I never forget Psalm 16:2,

“You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.”

And 16:8,11:

“I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”
Finally, Proverbs 19:21,

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Application

Grace does not make me immune to the effects of sin. There’s a spiritual side of sin and a practical side (physical reality). Sin does not ultimately lead to my happiness and fulfillment. God (the manufacturer/designer) has told me that the car (my life) does not run on vinegar; in fact, it will ruin the engine. And yet, I keep trying, believing that my misguided efforts will somehow yield the first successful test case. This is what is referred to as “stupidity.”

Prayer

“Lord, save me from myself. Forgive me for my stubbornness in constantly insisting that I know better than You. Thank You for Your grace. Grant me the wisdom and strength to not abuse it.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 19, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30; Romans 5:6-21; Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 19:18-19

Observation

David gave also of his personal treasures of gold and silver for the building of the temple. 1 Chronicles 29:9 says that David and the people gave “freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.” David prays in 29:14,

“Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.”

I like the wording of Romans 5:6,

“At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”

And the present tense of 5:8,

“God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Application

Sometimes God calls us to give and sacrifice personally above and beyond our normal duties and calling.

God continues to demonstrate His love for me every time I sin in forgiving me and canceling my debt.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to give freely of all that You have given me. Thank You for Your constant, unending love.”