Pastor Bob DuPar
August 9, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Ezra 8:21-9:15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 21:1-2

Observation

The end of Ezra 9:8 stood out to me in today’s reading,

“Our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage.”

The simplicity of 1 Corinthians 5:7 as well as the connection of Christ as our Passover lamb is neat.

1 Corinthians 5:9-11 is a great reminder that God never calls us to disassociate from immoral people, only immoral Christians. As Paul says, otherwise we would have “to leave this world.” God calls us to be in the world but not “of” it. Even Jesus in His high priestly prayer of John 17:15 says, “I do not ask You (God) to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.” Sometimes we take verses like 1 Corinthians 15:33 out of context, “Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals;” and, we use them as proof texts for abandoning our relationships with unbelievers, thereby also relinquishing our witness.

Finally, I liked Proverbs 21:2,

“All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.”

Application

I need to spend more time with those who don’t subscribe to my beliefs. I need to nurture relationships with them, and not merely invite them to Christian events. I need to demonstrate that my concern and interest in them goes further than their soul (as important as that is).

Prayer

“Lord, once again, provide opportunities for me to form friendships with those who don’t know You. Please use me to communicate to them how much You love them.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 8, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Ezra 7:1-8:20; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 20:28-30

Observation

“Ezra devoted himself to the study and observance of the law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:10)

This is a simple line in our reading today; and yet, what a noble pursuit and activity to “devote” oneself to. We need more people today who are devoted to studying and teaching God’s Word.

I love Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 4:4-5,

“My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. …He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts.”

Nothing escapes God’s notice. He will bring all things into the light – even the motives of men’s hearts!

Finally, what a great reminder in 1 Corinthians 4:20,

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”

Application

I’m glad that I devoted my life to the study and teaching of God’s Word. My challenge is to never grow complacent in my devotion; and, to never try and sustain myself on “yesterday’s manna.”

I’m convicted that too often the Kingdom of God is more about talk than power. And, perhaps this is because there is so little action – so few people who translate their faith into works. As a pastor, I run the constant risk of saying more than I do. I need to strive to keep these things in balance.

Prayer

“Lord, grant me opportunities to be powerfully used by You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 7, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Ezra 5:1-6:22; 1 Corinthians 3:5-23; Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 20:26-27

Observation

When Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, and Shethar-Bozenai approached the elders of the Jews and asked them their names so they could report back to their leaders, I love the response they got:

“We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple…” Ezra 5:11

I was struck by a number of verses in 1 Corinthians today:

“Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow.” (3:7)

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (3:11)

“Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a ‘fool’ so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” (3:18)

Finally, I liked Proverbs 20:27,

“The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.”


Application
I would like to follow the example of the Jewish elders and refer to myself as a “servant of the God of heaven and earth,” rather than seeking name recognition.

My job is to plant and water. God’s job is to bring about growth.

People lay foundations all the time, other than Jesus, but they don’t last. May we not attempt to build anything except that which is built upon the foundation of Christ.

Prayer

“Lord, search my heart, my inmost being, and fix what is broken and displeasing to You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 6, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Ezra 3:1-4:24; 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4; Psalm 28:1-9; Proverbs 20:24-25

Observation

I love Ezra 3:3, “Despite their fear of the people around them, they built an altar…offered both morning and evening sacrifices” and honored God by their obedience.

It would have been pretty discouraging to lay the foundation of the new temple while the older priests are weeping because it pales in comparison to Solomon’s temple. That would be just a little demotivating to say the least.

What a blessing that God’s wisdom, previously hidden but now revealed through Christ, has been “destined by God for our glory before time began.
(1 Corinthians 2:7)

What a beautiful promise in 2:9,

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

And, 2:10-2:16,

“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. …no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. …For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ!”

Finally, what a wonderful prayer and picture in Psalm 28:9,

“Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.”

Application

Obedience and blessing often result when our actions are not influenced or restricted by our fear of people.

There’s a huge blessing and accountability that comes with having the mind of Christ. Jesus said that to whom much is given much is required.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You that we are Your inheritance, Your children, Your prized possession. Be our Shepherd and carry us forever – even when we don’t want to be carried or feel that we’re too big to be carried.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 5, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Ezra 1:1-2:70; 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5; Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 20:22-23

Observation

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. To the saved it is the power of God. God’s economy and wisdom is not the same as man’s. Even God’s foolishness (if there were such a thing) is wiser than man’s wisdom, and His weakness stronger than man’s strength (1 Corinthians 1).

The world would never choose to be represented by foolish and shameful and weak things, yet God does. God chooses “lowly” and “despised” people to communicate His power “so that no one may boast before Him. As Christians, Christ is our righteousness, holiness, redemption and wisdom.

Application

I need to understand that God’s wisdom will not always make sense to me. As Paul says later in Corinthians, God’s power is made perfect in weakness. How humbling to realize that we bring nothing to the table. In fact, God’s true power is magnified in the face of my weakness. It shines all the more.

Prayer

“Lord, I’m so grateful that You are not limited by my weakness and inadequacy. Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for Your faithful love.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 4, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23; 1 Corinthians 1:1-17; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 20:20-21

Observation

I’m puzzled by the events surrounding Josiah’s death. Josiah has just finished leading the Israelites in a renewed celebration of Passover
and then God allows him to be killed by Neco king of Egypt. Neco claims to have been commissioned by God, and he warns Josiah not to interfere (presumably with God’s judgment through Neco against the people at Carchemish on the Euphrates.) I guess this is just an example of Josiah getting involved in a battle that wasn’t his business – a case of misplaced zeal, and misdirected energy.

In 1 Corinthians 1:17 the Apostle Paul warns against emptying the cross of Christ of its power by muddying our message with human wisdom rather than the wisdom of God.

Application

One practical way that I can “gaze upon the beauty of the Lord” is by spending time in His Word to discover more of who He is.

My lesson from Josiah is to keep focused upon what God has for me and not to get swept-up by diversions or distractions.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:17 are a challenge to me to preach God’s Word and not use the pulpit or my title to further my own personal opinions, agendas, or biases.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for the glimpses of Your beauty which shine through the pages of Your Word.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 3, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33; Romans 16:8-27; Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 20:19

Observation

What an interesting comment in passing about Amon: “Unlike his father Manasseh, he did not humble himself before the Lord; Amon increased his guilt.” When we fail to follow the Lord, we only increase our guilt.

How could Amon have a son like Josiah? Even though Josiah was extremely young he followed God and did what was right in God’s eyes. 2 Chronicles 34:33 is a testimony to Josiah’s leadership:

“…He had all who were present in Israel serve the Lord their God. As long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the Lord, the God of their fathers.”

That’s leadership! Leading by example and leading in such a way that those under your charge follow your example.

Paul’s statement in Romans 16:18 is strong but accurate: “those who cause divisions in the body of Christ are not serving the Lord, but rather their own appetites. And, I love 16:19-20, “I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. (Was that not the state of the Garden of Eden before the Fall?) The God of peace will soon crush satan under your feet.”

Finally, Proverbs 20:19 is golden advice:

“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.”

Application
What a blessing it would be if people under my care “did not fail to follow God during my lifetime.” I don’t think a leader could have a better legacy than that!

I desire to be innocent in the things that are evil. That means limiting and restricting my exposure to things that are questionable or simply not edifying.

I love to be around people who are funny with words and easy to talk to – people who are “the life of the party.” But, I’m not going to trust them with my secrets or confidential matters.

Prayer

“Lord, I would love for You to crush satan under my feet on a daily basis. Thank You for all the times that You protect me that I’m not even aware of.”