Pastor Bob DuPar
August 16, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:2; Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 21:14-16

Observation

I especially liked 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 31 today,

“Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. …So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble…”

And 1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1,

“For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

Application

Not everything which is permissible brings glory to God. So, two guiding factors for our behavior should be: 1. Does it bring glory to God? Or, does it detract from His glory? (Some things are neutral) 2. Does it cause others to stumble?

The salvation of others is great motivation to give-up things which we feel entitled to if they are a hindrance in people coming to Christ. I should be living-out my life before God in such a way that I would feel comfortable and confident in others following my example.

Prayer

“God, help me to concentrate on Your glory not mine. Give me strength and focus to live for You and be an example for others.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 15, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Nehemiah 9:22-10:39; 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13; Psalm 34:1-10; Proverbs 21:13

Observation

The corporate confession in Nehemiah 9:33 is neat because there is no attempt at rationalizing or justifying their sin,

“In all that has happened to us, You have been just; You have acted faithfully, while we did wrong.”

I love 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, especially in light of the Olympics,

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”

I have often quoted 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says that “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

But, I don’t know that I have ever noticed the verse immediately preceding (10:12),

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”
I never grow tired of Psalm 34:8-9,

“Taste and see that the Lord is good. …Fear (obey) the Lord, for those who fear Him lack nothing.”

Finally, I thought that Proverbs 21:13 was powerful, “If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.”

Application

In everything I do I need to “run in such a way that I may win.” Good training leads to good running, and the possibility of winning races. To train hard and then give a half-hearted effort in a race is a waste of time and energy as well as God-given gifts and abilities. To be undisciplined and irregular in training and then go-all-out on race day is to foolishly attempt to draw from a foundation of fitness that was never laid.

It strikes me that 1 Corinthians 10:12 is saying that I need to make sure I’m standing on the firm foundation of Christ when I enter into temptation and testing. And, spiritual training and discipline helps me to stand firm.

Prayer

“God, may I never shut out the cries or needs of the poor and disadvantaged. You are good! I have tasted of Your goodness. Help me to spread the Word that only You satisfy.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 14, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Nehemiah 7:61-9:21; 1 Corinthians 9:1-18; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 21:11-12

Observation

I’m amazed by the reference in Nehemiah 8:3ff. that Nehemiah read the Book of the Law of Moses to the people from “daybreak till noon” (at least 6 hours), and that N. and the people stood the whole time! The text even adds, “And all the people listened attentively.” No one dosed off slipped in and out of consciousness.

Nehemiah 8:10 has been a favorite verse for a long time,

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The phrasing of Nehemiah 9:17 is so illogical that it’s embarrassing:

“…in their rebellion they appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery.”

Nehemiah 9:21 records a miracle which is often overlooked and which receives little attention in pulpits,

“For forty years You (God) sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.”

Finally, I really liked Psalm 33:13-22 – but especially verse 18,

“The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love.”

Application

I need to rely on the joy of the Lord more to be my strength rather than an artificial boost through favorable circumstances or my own personal energy.

Whenever we sin it leads to slavery. We don’t need to appoint a leader to take us there! Satan is the silent leader in this. I need to realize that when I disobey God I set myself up to be led to places I don’t want to go.

Prayer

“God, I wait in hope for You. You are my help and my shield. In You my heart rejoices. May Your unfailing love rest on me even as I put my hope in You.” (Psalm 33:20-22)

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 13, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Nehemiah 5:14-7:60; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 21:8-10

Observation

When Sanballat, Tobiah & Geshem attempt to discourage Nehemiah and prevent him from being successful, Nehemiah responds with such articulation:

“Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.” (6:8)

Nehemiah’s efforts and fortitude paid off by the time we read 6:16,

“When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.”

I liked 1 Corinthians 8:6,

“There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”

Finally, Psalm 33:10-11,

“The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.”

Application

When we stand our ground against the opposition it’s a wonderful thing when they realize that God is the One who is helping us. That’s the best vindication and outcome that we could hope for. I need to take that stand for the Lord, trusting that He will support me with power and divine affirmation.

Psalm 33 says that God’s plans stand firm forever – not my plans, but His! I need to continually check and examine my motives to make sure that I’m following His game plan and not my own.

Prayer

“Lord, 1 Corinthians 8 sums it up beautifully: “everything came from You and You are the One for Whom we live. May my life and actions demonstrate this truth.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 12, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Nehemiah 3:15-5:13; 1 Corinthians 7:25-40; Psalm 32:1-11; Proverbs 21:5-7

Observation

I was amused by all of the references to the people in Nehemiah 3 who worked on portions of the wall which were right in front of their house or next to their home. It makes a lot of sense in that people are motivated to rebuild a wall that directly protects their living area.

I enjoyed Nehemiah’s words of leadership in 4:14,

“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

Every good leader needs to calm the fears of his/her followers by directing them to the Lord and His awesome power. I also loved the visual of the workers fighting with one hand and building with the other.

Nehemiah took a wonderful stand against the nobles and officials and their oppression of their countrymen; and their response to his challenge was truly an act of God. I like that he took it a step further and made them promise in front of the priests. The result was that “the people did as they had promised.” (5:13)

Finally, I liked Psalm 32:7-8,

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Application

As a leader I need to continually direct people to the Lord and His sufficiency. Sometimes as leaders we have a tendency to try and fix everyone’s problems. And, this creates an unhealthy dependence upon us rather than the Lord. I also need to confront injustice and trust God with the results. Taking a stand for what is right is not always easy but it does come with God’s blessing.

Prayer

“Lord, continue to help me point people to You. Please give me daily opportunities in which I can direct the focus to You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 11, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Nehemiah 1:1-3:14; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24; Psalm 31:19-24; Proverbs 21:4

Observation

How would you like to start your day with news that “the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire?” Such was Nehemiah’s predicament. But, Nehemiah was a man of God and he prayed, “Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man (King Artaxerxes).” (Nehemiah 1:11) And, God granted his request and gave Nehemiah success.

I’m impressed not only by Nehemiah’s vision and leadership but also by his personal knowledge of his team. In reading Nehemiah 3 it becomes evident that Nehemiah knew each and every person who was working together to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The phrase “next” or “next to” is mentioned no less than 23 times in chapter 3! Nehemiah knew each person, each family that was working.

I particularly liked Nehemiah 3:12,

“Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters.”

How cool that Shallum’s daughters rolled up their sleeves and joined the workforce. With three of my own daughters I can visualize this, and can relate to the joy Shallum must have felt in having his daughters team with him in the task.

Finally, 1 Corinthians 7:23 stood out to me,

“You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.”

Application

My takeaway from today’s reading is that good leadership places a high priority upon the importance of personal relationship. Seeing teammates and coworkers as indispensable partners rather than just as “means to an end” is the prescription for successful and enduring ministry. I need to continually take the time to tell people and demonstrate to them their value and importance on the team.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for the joy of team ministry. Thank You for gifting and equipping each of us in such a way that we work better together rather than in isolation.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
August 10, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Ezra 10:1-44; 1 Corinthians 6:1-20; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 21:3

Observation

Shecaniah’s plan in Ezra 10:3 to send off the foreign wives and children in an attempt to be faithful to God once again sounds noble, but listen to the phrasing:

“Now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all these wives and their children.”

Either Shecaniah wasn’t married or he wasn’t very attached to his wife and children – “all these wives and their children.” The agreement/covenant was successful because a proclamation went out which everyone had to respond to within 3 days or they forfeited all their property.

Verses in 1 Corinthians which stood out to me are:

“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (6:11)

“Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me – but I will not be mastered by anything.”
(6:12)

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (6:19-20)


Application

I must never forget that I am a sinner saved by grace. The only difference between me and those who are trapped in lifestyles of sin and destruction is that I have been washed, sanctified and justified. Because of this, I need to extend the same grace to others that I have been offered.

A lot of things are lawful or permissible for me, but they also have the potential of enslaving me by their addictive nature. I will grow in Christian maturity as I deny myself things that I’m entitled to in order to be truly free – free to enjoy life as God intended.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to honor You with my body. I was created to glorify You. Help me to remember this in the times when I think it’s all about me.”