Pastor Bob DuPar
August 2, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13; Romans 15:23-16:7; Psalm 25:16-22; Proverbs 20:16-18

Observation

I love Hezekiah’s encouragement to the Israelites in the face of Sennacherib’s intimidation:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because…there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.”
2 Chronicles 32:7-8

And, what a powerful response from God when Hezekiah and Isaiah call out to Him:

“The Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the leaders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And, when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons cut him down with the sword.”

Manasseh was a character. He did evil in God’s eyes, followed the detestable practices of the nations, erected altars to the Baals and made Asherah poles, built altars to the starry hosts, practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft, and to top it all off – sacrificed his sons in the fire! But, other than these things he was a pretty good guy! Ya!

The biblical record (2 Chron. 33:9) makes this editorial comment about M.

“Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites!”

God allowed M. to be captured and taken off into bondage in Babylon with a ring through his nose. But, even after all of M’s sin, when he cried out to the Lord – God “was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea,” bringing him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom.

The end result was that M. learned that the Lord is God through this experience!

Application

Don’t mess with God! Don’t compare Him to other gods! Don’t call into question His ability to deliver! Don’t limit His power or quench His Spirit. And, certainly don’t elevate your own power and ability over His!

The battle belongs to the Lord! The angel of the Lord slaughtered the whole Assyrian army without Hezekiah and his men having to even lift a finger! God is not dependent upon or limited to “visible” solutions to problems.

God’s grace to M. after all he did it a testimony to the fact that no one is beyond the reach of God’s redeeming mercy!

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for Your grace. “Grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within; grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 1, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21; Romans 15:1-22; Psalm 25:1-15; Proverbs 20:13-15

Observation

What a wonderful thing it would be if we as a people would “set our heart(s) on seeking God – the Lord.” (2 Chron. 30:19)

I wonder what it looked like in 2 Chron. 30:27 when the “priests and Levites stood to bless the people.” Did they simply stand and pray for the people? Did they lay hands on them, one-by-one individually? Whatever the case it’s neat to see this dimension of shepherding going on.

I like Romans 15:1-2,

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his own good, to build him up.”

And also 15:4, 13,

“Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. …May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Finally, I love David’s request in Psalm 25:4-5,

“Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.”

A few verses later in 25:14 comes the compliment,

“The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.”

Application

Hope is hard to come by now days. Romans 15 tells us that hope comes from Scripture. What a call to spend more time in God’s Word! I could certainly use more “joy and peace as I trust in Him” also.

I want to obey God more and more. The promise that He will “confide” in me as I fear/obey Him is incredible motivation!

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for the hope that You give, the hope that comes from knowing You. Thank You that I can live with certainty and confidence as I trust in Your promises.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 31, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 29:1-36; Romans 14:1-23; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 20:12

Observation

Psalm 24:3-4 says,

“Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.”

This pretty much rules all of us out of the equation! Thank goodness for the righteousness that comes through Christ! The only way that I will ever have “clean hands and a pure heart” is through the accomplished work of the cross. “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

Application

Hebrews 4:16 is another response to the question of Psalm 24:3,

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

My takeaway application from today’s reading is my need to come to God through Jesus more often. I don’t take advantage of that enough. In my moments of failure I need God more than ever, but I allow my sin to keep me from Him rather than to drive me to Him.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for the ability and privilege to approach You through Your Son Jesus. May I not abuse that privilege; but, may I take advantage of the benefits of this privilege.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 30, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27; Romans 13:1-14; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 20:11

Observation

How nice it would be to have someone instruct you in the fear of the Lord as Zechariah did for Uzziah. God knew that U. needed it since he was only 16 and had the awesome responsibility of being king over Jerusalem. I was struck by the simple wisdom of 2 Chronicles 26:5, “As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” This is a huge contrast to 26:16, “But after U. became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God.”

Later, in 28:23, King Ahaz thought “since the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them so they will help me.” But, as the text says, “they were his downfall and the downfall of all Israel.” Seeking help from “gods” is an insult to the Living God, and a vain effort.

Romans 13 reminded me that all authority is ultimately established by God – even sinful leaders who I take issue with. Sometimes God uses them for our punishment and correction. And, Paul teaches that if I have a problem with the leaders, I really have a problem with God who allowed them to lead.

Finally, I really liked Romans 13:12, 14,

“So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. …Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

Application

Sometimes God provides mentors who instruct us in His ways. And, other times we need to proactively seek-out such mentors.

I long for success and fruitfulness and fulfillment. Today’s reading gives a simple game plan: “Seek the Lord and be faithful to Him.”

I need to clothe myself in Jesus daily – moment by moment – through His Word and through prayer. The less knowledge I have of evil, the less possibility and potential I have to be tempted.

Prayer

“Lord, wrap me in Your righteousness. Keep me innocent in evil and preoccupied with You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 29, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28; Romans 12:1-21; Psalm 22:19-31; Proverbs 20:8-10

Observation

Sometimes I am just like Amaziah, turning to powerless things for answers instead of the Living God. God has demonstrated His power to save and deliver, yet I resort to worldly options and solutions.

Romans 12:1-2 is a reminder that we worship God through serving Him with our lives. We can sing songs of worship, donate money to worthy causes, but ultimately God wants us to surrender our very lives in dedication to Him.

Application

I have a lot of work to do/growth to realize in the area of “hating what is evil and clinging to what is good.” I’m joyful in hope (Romans 12:12) yet I’m not so good at being “patient in affliction & faithful in prayer.”

As I write from San Francisco right now I’m struck by the admonition of Romans 12:16,

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”

Say what you will about SF, but I’ve never experienced so many different people groups and languages/cultures within such a small area. And, I see a lot of harmony and respect for these cultures. I have much to learn from those who are different from me.

In the end, my challenge is to be a light and “overcome evil with good” no matter where I am.

Prayer

“Lord, may I not miss the lessons and opportunities for growth that You send my way in seemingly ordinary conversations and situations.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 28, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21; Romans 11:13-36; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 20:7

Observation

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? 35 Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? 36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
Romans 11:33-36

What a simple phrase: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things,” and yet, this phrase really sums it all up. Everything comes from God, or originates through Him. Everything that happens passes through the filter of His loving, sovereign knowledge and power. And finally, all praise and all glory are due to Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Application

As I grow in my knowledge of God and my awareness of who He is it should draw me deeper into worship. As I am awed by His “unsearchable ways” and unfathomable beauty it should motivate me to live my life in service to the One who is worthy of my devotion.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to grow in my knowledge of You that I might love You more deeply and follow You more passionately.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
July 27, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37; Romans 10:14-11:12; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 20:4-6

Observation

God always preserves a remnant who is faithful to Him and to His Word. The ability to be faithful comes from God, not us. As Paul says in Romans 10:5, “The remnant is chosen by grace.” Some choose to draw upon this power and honor Him. Others choose to live for themselves and ultimately self-destruct.

Application

My challenge is to give God all of myself and hold nothing back. The more I give to Him/yield to Him, the more He can use me. If I fail to surrender, He will use someone else; and, I will miss the blessing of being used, and suffer the consequences of disobedience.

Prayer

“Lord, I don’t fully understand Your calling and choosing, but I thank You for Your grace. And, I thank You that by Your grace I am Your child.”