Tag Archives: daily walk

June 16

2 Replies

I miss my Dad. It’s been nine months since he died so this is my first Father’s Day I don’t get to celebrate with him. Dad didn’t like getting gifts so we quit that years ago. But I always sent him a card. And he always opened it and pretended to look for money inside. And I always laughed.

Dads are so important to their children no matter how old their children are. Men, you have such an influence on those precious ones you have in your home – for better, or for worse.

Children need to see godly men.

Whether or not you have children of your own you can be that man in the lives of nieces and nephews, grandchildren, family friends, or neighbors. You can be that godly influence as a mailman, a mechanic, a doctor, a coach.

And if you are a godly father, a godly man I celebrate you today. The psalmist encourages you to trust God. He’s your help and your shield. God will bless those who fear him – small or great alike.

Then in Psalm 115:14&15 the psalmist pens what I pray for you today:

May The Lord make you increase,
both you and your children.
May you be blessed by The Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

Happy Father’s Day, men of God.

June 15

2 Replies

I Kings 17-19

Elijah has to be one of my favorite Old Testament characters. This prophet of God stood up to Ahab, but ran in fear of Jezebel. I wonder what he thought about taking bread and meat from ravens.

Elijah prayed for a widow and her flour and oil were never used up during the famine. He even prayed for her dying son and the boy was healed. And Elijah had a little fun taunting the prophets of Baal.

But here’s what spoke to me today. Elijah could challenge those 450 prophets because he knew Baal was not a god of any kind. It wasn’t that Elijah “believed” that Baal was no threat. Elijah knew Baal had no power. He knew without a doubt that no amount of praying or dancing or shouting could produce fire on Baal’s altar. And you know what? Elijah didn’t feel the need to apologize for being sure about that, either.

Elijah repeatedly and very publicly challenged them because Elijah knew the Truth.

How sure are you that the Bible is true and God is who he says he is? How sure are you that Jesus is the only way to God? Are you convinced that Christianity is the only true theology? Can you stand up for God without apology?

I am not asking you what you believe. I’m asking you what you know to be true. Have you experienced the life-changing presence of God as you ask Jesus to be your Savior? Do you see him work in your life and in the lives of others? Do you recognize his power in creation?

If God asked, would you defend him as publicly as Elijah did that day? Would I?

Father, may your children know you. May we define what we know is true. May we never apologize for knowing the truth. And may we be ready to put ourselves out there because we are sure that you are who you say you are.

June 13

2 Replies

I Kings 14:29-51, 15:1-15, 25-31, 14:19-20; 2 Chronicles 12:15-16, 13:1-15:19

Rehoboam’s grandson Asa became king of Judah after Rehoboam’s son Abijah died. Abijah’s heart was not devoted to the Lord and he only reigned three years. Asa, however, did have a heart for the Lord.

Asa took down the altars of the false gods and once again the sons of David worshiped the one true God. In fact, anyone who refused to seek the Lord was put to death.

But in 2 Chronicles 15:15 it says all Judah rejoiced about the oath because they swore to follow David’s God wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly and God blessed them with rest and peace on every side.

Once again I am reminded that rest and peace come from seeking God.

Oh, restless spirit, look to the Lord. If you think happiness and fulfillment lies in wealth or popularity or a spouse or children or success you are looking in the wrong places. Seek God. Love God. Trust him. Submit to him wholeheartedly and you will find rest for your soul.

It’s a promise demonstrated in the life of Asa and Judah during his reign. And we worship the same God they did way back then. He has not changed. He still brings rest to those who seek him.

Let’s be seekers of God today.

June 9

Leave a reply

Ecclesiastes 7-10

Solomon continues his quest to find happiness and meaning to life. In these chapters he takes a look at morality and suggests maybe living life in the middle of the road is the answer. But once again he will have to admit that there is still something lacking.

I knew a young man fresh out of seminary. He was an eager young youth pastor who knew God had called him into ministry and looked forward to the day when he could pastor his own church. There was nothing middle-of-the-road about this young man.

After church one Sunday evening he and I were sitting around talking about God and life and our church and he asked me what I thought was the meaning of life, the reason for humanity. It caught me off guard and I said something brilliant like, “I don’t know”.

He said something I will never forget. Something that changed my life. He said we are all created to love God. Period.

In Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 Solomon once again throws up his hands and laments that man can never discover the meaning of life. Well, Solomon, my young friend would disagree with you. He would tell you you can’t find the meaning of life because you are looking in the wrong places.

The truth is life is not a mystery. God has lovingly spelled it all out in his Word. Why are you here? To love God. What does God want you to do today? Love him. What is his plan for you? To love him more.

Period.

Everything else in life comes as a result of our love (or lack of love) for God. True meaning, happiness, contentment, joy, whatever it is you are looking for is found in that relationship with the Lord, the One who created you to love him in the first place.

Dear God, forgive us when we make life so complicated. Help us to grasp the enormity of the truth that we are created to fellowship with you, that we are meant to love you, that nothing is more important and nothing more satisfying.

June 4

3 Replies

Proverbs 24:23-27:27

Some of the proverbs make me laugh outloud. Especially the ones about the quarrelsome wife. I’m sure old Solomon had his share of quarrelsome wives.

Some of the proverbs are puzzles to me. I find myself reading and re-reading those and even then I’m not sure what they mean.

Others grab me by the throat. They convict me and drive me to my knees.

And sometimes a proverb will stop me in my tracks. It’s like I’ve never seen it before or thought about God’s truth in that light. Like today.

I know we are tested every day. Things happen and our reaction to those things measure our faith in the Lord. They measure our commitment, our belief. But I guess I pictured those tests as the bad things that happen. The big things like illness, loss of job, infidelity, death. Or smaller things like gossip, my reaction to the slow driver on the road ahead.

In Proverbs 27:21 Solomon says… The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.

Did I misread that? We are tested by praise? What?

Is it hard for you to accept a compliment? Sometimes I think Christians believe it’s a sin, or prideful to admit when we are able to do something well. Maybe we fail the test if we deny what God has gifted us with.

I don’t think Solomon means we are to deny our God-given gifts. But I also know God doesn’t want us bragging about them, either. 27:2 says… Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.

It says LET another praise you. People tell my nephew all the time that he is a good baseball player. My sister is often complimented for being a good nurse’s aide. Are they to deny those gifts because they are Christians? I used to receive praise for my ability to play the clarinet. Was I wrong to say, thank you?

There is a difference between being prideful and arrogant, and being humbly aware of the blessing God has given us. Maybe passing the test isn’t always minimizing our gifts or denying them. Maybe passing the test is acknowledging God’s hand in our accomplishments. Just maybe we can actually pass this test without letting praise go to our heads.

Remember, God didn’t gift you with an ability because you are so special. He gifted you with that gift so he can use it to reveal himself to those who benefit from your gift. 

Can you sing? Then get out there and sing for the Lord. Can you make friends easily? Then do it and give God the glory. Are you a good policeman, speaker, lawn mower, artist, parent, teacher, cook, mechanic, writer… whatever! Do it for the Lord. 

And when someone says you’ve done a good job or recognizes your talent, accept the praise humbly, graciously, and thankfully. And point them to your Savior, the giver of gifts. That’s what he had in mind all along when he gave you that gift, anyway.

God, I pray that your people will be aware of the tests that come our way today. Whether trials by fire or by praise I pray that you will find us faithful, that we would pass the test with flying colors and that others will see you in what we do and say. Thank you for gifting each of us with something special. Help us to use those things with confidence and for your glory.

 

May 26

2 Replies

I Kings 10:1-13, 4:1-19, 29-34; 2 Chronicles 9:1-12; Proverbs 1

I think Solomon just might be the very first science professor. People came from all around to learn about God’s creation from Dr. Solomon. And he could answer all their questions. Solomon’s wisdom and his love for God were very well known.

The Queen of Sheba said something that stood out to me this morning. After spending time with Solomon she said… how happy your men must be.

The Queen acknowledged God’s power and his love for the nation of Israel. She recognized God’s blessing on Solomon. And she realized those around Solomon were blessed because of him.

So the question is – what do people say about your family because you are in it? Are you a husband, wife, dad or mom? Are you a grandparent, aunt, uncle, son or daughter? And are you representing God in such a way that people recognize it and say – how happy his family must be?

Do your children recognize Christ in you in the home you share with them? Are they blessed because Christ lives in you?

Solomon’s proverbs begin with “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Let’s put God first in our lives and receive his wisdom. And let that wisdom spill over into our every day lives.

May others look at our example and be able to say about our family, our church, our workplace – how happy they must be to have him (her) with them.

Father, I find myself wanting to pray for parents again this morning. May they live such godly lives that their children are blessed, that observers recognize your presence in their families, and when it is said … how happy they must be… may it truly be so. May parents fear and honor you, and raise their children with Godly wisdom. Bless Christian households today in such a way that unsaved neighbors and friends will want you in their lives, too.

May 25

3 Replies

I Kings 8:62-66, 9:1-14, 17-19, 24-28, 10:22; 2 Chronicles 7:4-22, 8:1-8, 11-18, 9:21; Psalm 132

There were conditions for God to dwell in the temple Solomon built. And it had nothing to do with how much gold was used. The condition for God to remain with Israel was their obedience. If they followed the Lord there would always be a descendent of David’s on the throne and God would bless the nation. If they disobeyed the opposite would be true.

We know that Israel chose the latter and God was true to his word.

America has been blessed. Was there ever a nation since the Old Testament nation of Israel that was founded on Biblical principles? And in just a couple hundred years of existence God honored obedience until The United States became the riches, most powerful, best nation on earth. But we, like Israel have chosen the latter. And God can’t bless disobedience.

I believe God is saying to us what he said to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14. “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

This is Memorial Day weekend. We set aside a day to honor the men and women who have served our country in the military. I am a proud daughter of a Marine and a proud aunt of a Soldier. I believe in our military and thank each and every one of those who serve. I remember with gratitude those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms designed for us by our forefathers.

You know we are losing those freedoms, though, don’t you? God cannot bless a nation or an individual who refuses to obey. Christian, let’s determine to pray for our leaders. Let’s speak out in love. Let’s demand that the constitution be followed for a nation under God. Let’s be careful to vote for and support those who desire to obey God.

God wants to bless his people. But here are the conditions: 1) humble ourselves, 2) pray, 3) seek his face, 4) turn from our wicked way. Then and only then can we be blessed. And God promises to bless us when we take those steps.

I trust you will have a good holiday weekend. And I hope you take some time to ask God what he would have you do. I pray that God will lay on the hearts of Christian young people to get involved in our political system. We need leadership willing to obey him.

Dear God, I thank you for the United States of America, one nation under God. I thank you for the Christians who are in positions of leadership. Give them the courage to stand for what is right according to your Word. Convict those in authority who are not following you. Convict those of us who sit back and allow decisions to be made that don’t glorify you. May we humble ourselves, call on you, seek your face and turn from sin. Thank you for the men and women who have served and are serving this nation in the military. Give wisdom to their leaders, grant safety to the troops. Bless their families. God, I pray that we will be the nation under God that our forefathers expected us to be. May we honor you. 

May 22

Leave a reply

I Kings 5:13-18, 9:15-16, 20-23, 6:1-38, 7:1-12; 2 Chronicles 2:2, 1718, 8:7-10, 3:1-17; Psalm 127

Did you read how elaborately Solomon built the Temple? So much gold! Such intricate details! Thousands of men worked together to make it fit for a king – The King! 

It was where God would dwell on earth. It must have been magnificent.

We don’t need that gold-covered stone and cedar building today. God lives in the hearts of believers here on earth. We are his temple.

But God is asking me if my heart is fit for the King. Solomon took great care in preparing that building to welcome God. He saw to every detail. 

Sometimes I think we believe all we have to do is ask Jesus to come into our hearts, then life goes on as usual. But I don’t see that here. Yes, Jesus is faithful to forgive us when we ask and he makes our hearts his home. And if that’s all you want out of your relationship with him I guess that’s between you and God.

Myself, I want his home to be magnificent. I want my life to welcome him. I don’t want a cheaply built temple. I’m sparing no expense. So I’ll continue to read his word and pray. I’ll continue to choose a life set apart. I’ll choose to praise him in all things. I’ll choose to recognize sin and flee. Not because any of that will earn me salvation. His grace did that. I want to live a life that honors him, that provides him with a beautiful place to call home here on earth.

When people looked at Solomon’s temple they must have been in awe. They must have said, “Wow, that’s where God lives”. I want them to say the same thing about me.

May 21

Leave a reply

Song of Solomon 5-8; Psalm 45; I Kings 5:1-12; 2 Chronicles2:1,3-16

When I read the Song of Solomon I see two people who love each other. They see the best in each other and long to stay in each others’ company. She loves him. He loves her.

Isn’t it tragic when love is one-sided? If you have been in that situation you know how devastating it can be. One person pours himself or herself out and the other holds back. The one who loves waits by the phone in anticipation of hearing the other’s voice. The other doesn’t call. Disappointment becomes a way of life for the one who loves.

God is reminding me today that he is the one who loves in our relationship. And when I don’t return his love he is hurt, disappointed, sad. He has poured himself out for me, gave up everything for me, loves me unconditionally. And he’s the one waiting by the phone.

When I get too busy to read his word or attend church, when it’s days between prayers, when he isn’t the first thing on my mind every day, he still loves me. But it hurts him if I do.

I want  my relationship with God to be like the lovers in Solomon’s Song. 

God, forgive me when I allow our love to be one-sided. I want to love you like you deserve to be loved. 

May 19

Leave a reply

I Kings2:13-3:28; 2 Chronicles 1:1-13; Psalm 72

So Solomon is king and the first thing he does as king is to marry an Egyptian girl. Just one of about 600 poor choices Solomon will make in his lifetime. We will see later how this trend effected Solomon’s reign. Because at first, and in what we read today it was a little thing, barely worth mentioning.

Solomon is remembered for being the wisest man who ever lived. His proverbs alone still impact wisdom to 21st century readers. Given a blank check, Solomon chose wisdom over riches, over health or long life, over peace. When God asked him what was the one thing Solomon wanted more than anything, Solomon asked for wisdom. God granted Solomon his wish beyond what Solomon could have imagined and threw in abundant wealth, too.

I wonder, if God asked me the same thing, what I would want more than anything in the world. More money? Youth? A perfect husband? Health? To change the past? Or would I ask for wisdom? Would I ask for power over sin? A better witness? More of Jesus?

I feel like God is asking me to prioritize my desires and find out where he fits. Is he asking the same of you today?