Pastor Bob DuPar
November 29, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Daniel 6:1-28; 2 Peter 3:1-18; Psalm 119:129-152; Proverbs 28:21-22

Observation

As I read through Daniel I keep thinking that he must have been exhausted and frustrated having to prove himself to three different kings. Each time they discover his gifts and talents, and he is promoted to positions of leadership and privilege which he held previously. I can identify with yesterday’s reading when Daniel finally says to King Belshazzar, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else.” (5:17)

Daniel chapter 6 speaks to Daniel’s exceptional character and giftedness: “Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. …the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” Daniel 6:3-4

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

Application

I often wonder why God allows different things to happen in my life. Daniel’s story reminds me that it’s not always about the lessons we need to learn. Sometimes it’s about how God wants to use us in the lives of others. My mentality is: “God haven’t I learned this lesson.” But, God’s perspective is: “I’m allowing this or that in your life another time so that I might demonstrate my power and glory to others.”

God’s timing has nothing to do with forgetfulness, or stalling for time. It has everything to do with His redemptive plans and purposes. I should never abuse God’s patience and view it as acceptance of my sin.

Prayer

“Lord, please show us examples of Christian leaders like Daniel that You are allowing to excel in positions of influence in order that they might guide our nation and world back to You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
November 28, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Daniel 5:1-31; 2 Peter 2:1-22; Psalm 119:113-128; Proverbs 28:19-20

Observation

“You have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. …You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in His hand your life and all your ways.” Daniel 5:23

“You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.” Daniel 5:27

“They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity… If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.” 2 Peter 2:19-21

Application

I honor myself. I honor others. But, often I fail to honor the “God who holds my life and ways in His hands.” It’s all too easy for me to become deceived into thinking that I have orchestrated the blessings in my life, or that I have earned them.

Peter’s words are convicting to every Christian who has a conscience. Do we/I promise freedom to others, yet live a life which is enslaved to depravity? I sometimes sin as if grace were cheap. I need to view my disobedience as “turning my back” on God. That’s a mental image that quickly deflates the lure of sin and puts things in proper perspective!

Prayer

“Lord, may my knowledge of You and Your Word lead to increased holiness and purity in my life, rather than a false sense of security which mistakes knowledge for action. Help me not to intellectualize You to the point where You cease to be personal to me. Guard me from trading knowledge “of” You over against a relationship “with” You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
November 27, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Daniel 4:1-37; 2 Peter 1:1-21; Psalm 119:97-112; Proverbs 28:17-18

Observation

Our reading started today with King Nebuchadnezzar proclaiming to all peoples and nations, men of every language, “the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God had performed for him.” (Daniel 4:2) But somehow along the way, things went to his head and by Daniel 4:28 he’s singing a different tune: “Is this not the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”

God’s response to this arrogance and self delusion is found in 4:26: “…your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.”

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. By these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

Application

There seems to be a theme running through the Scripture passages of people trying to take credit for the work of God. I need to continually remember that God’s blessings in my life are the result of His goodness and grace and not anything which I have attained on my own merit or cleverness.

My knowledge of God helps me escape the corruption of the world as I learn how I can participate in His divine nature through the power of His Holy Spirit.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to experience all that You desire for me. May I not compromise and settle for lesser things which this world has to offer. Grant me wisdom to make wise choices.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
November 26, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Daniel 2:24-3:30; 1 Peter 4:7-5:14; Psalm 119:81-96; Proverbs 28:15-16

Observation

Daniel’s humility is amazing. He continually gave credit to God for his ability to interpret the visions of King Nebuchadnezzar: “No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.”
Daniel 2:27-28a

Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego’s faith in God to deliver them, as well as their resolve to honor God even if He didn’t rescue them, is inspiring to say the least. It led King Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge, “Not other god can save in this way!” Daniel 3:29

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“To all perfection I see a limit; but Your commands are boundless.”
Psalm 119:96

Application

I need to give God a lot more credit for things than I do. I miss out on ministry opportunities when I attempt to seek my own glory.

I am humbled by the faith of S., M. & A. I need to trust God to be faithful to His promises. I need to rest in His sovereignty no matter how He chooses to act in the affairs of my life.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for Your Word. It is perfect & complete, providing everything I need in life.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
November 25, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Daniel 1:1-2:23; 1 Peter 3:8-4:6; Psalm 119:65-80; Proverbs 28:14

Observation

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego were “from the royal family and the nobility – young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.” Daniel 1:3-4

“What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among men.” Daniel 2:11

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do…” 1 Peter 4:3

Application

Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us.” He is the only God, on record, in history, who lives among men. Therefore, it’s not only possible to know Him and have a relationship with Him; it’s also possible to know His will and seek His counsel.

Witnessing simply means to give people a reason for our hope. Do I display this hope?

Prayer

“Lord, help me to live in Your hope. Help others to see that You offer true hope – that You are in fact that hope.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
November 24, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Ezekiel 47:1-48:35; 1 Peter 2:11-3:7; Psalm 119:49-64; Proverbs 28:12-13

Observation

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. …For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.” 1 Peter 2:12, 15

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live to righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment …Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3, 4

Application

I should not be surprised when people try and find fault with my life. But, my actions and behavior should honor God to such an extent that others will glorify Him and seek after Him. The best way to silence irrational criticism about our behavior is by living a life that defies earthly (human) explanation.

Prayer

“Lord, help me to live a life that honors You and draws others to You.”

Pastor Bob DuPar
November 23, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Ezekiel 45:13-46:24; 1 Peter 1:13-2:10; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 28:11

Observation

“…Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” 1 Peter 1:13-14

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your Word.” Psalm 119:37


Application

I need to do a better job setting my hope upon the grace which will be revealed to me (which is being revealed to me), and not upon my present circumstances. The things which I craved in ignorance will no longer satisfy me now that I know the truth. The truth is they never did satisfy, but in my deception I didn’t know any better.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for calling me out of darkness into Your wonderful light. Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for granting me privileges and blessings I don’t deserve.”