The Problem With Know-It-Alls

1 CORINTHIANS 1: 18-25

(August 5)

No one likes a know-it-all. When I was in elementary school, there was a know-it-all in my class. This student had to be the FIRST to raise their hand in answer to the teacher's question, the FIRST to turn in the test, the FIRST in line for recess, and the FIRST-place winner of the weekly spelling bee. This child was an over-achieving, highly competitive, seemingly brilliant kid. This child was ME!

It is funny how much we THINK we know. We can get so comfortable with being thought of as wise, that we start to feel as if we really do KNOW IT ALL. It is not until we realize that we, in fact, don't know nearly as much as we thought we did, that we can begin to really know the One who does.

The Jews thought they knew it all. They were sure a sign would come when the Messiah arrived, and that he would be this great princely being. So, when he didn't come in the fashion that they thought he should, they rejected him.

The Gentiles, who lived by the wisdom of the world, laughed at the idea of Jesus and made fun of these "dumb" disciples who walked around proclaiming that Jesus was Lord. How ridiculous that seemed in their worldly wisdom. So, they rejected him too.

Because of this, what Paul was preaching was a stumbling block and foolishness to all of them. And while it might be foolishness to them, it is the absolute power of God to those who are saved.

God, in his wisdom, doesn't typically call the most intelligent, those seemingly the wisest according to the world. He chooses the "lesser" things of the world, the weaker. the most basic. He uses those things to put the mighty things to shame and show his true power.

Even Paul, who was given the honor of sharing the gospel with so many unbelievers, did so in a basic, humble way. He didn't use excellent speech or flowery garble. He spoke simply, stating his case in words that demonstrated the Spirit and power of God.

Paul didn't take his missionary journeys and stand before people with confidence in his own abilities and haughtiness over being chosen. He stood before them in weakness and fear, trembling at his calling.

It is obvious when we read Paul's history that he was not the first to raise his hand or the first in line. But God, in his wisdom, knew Paul was the man for the job, because God's wisdom far surpasses any wisdom we will ever have.

Our worldly wisdom says, "Take what you can get, don't believe anything you can't see, and avoid pain at all costs."

God's wisdom tells us another story, "Give all that you can give, believe in the things you cannot see, serve humbly and expect to be persecuted for it. Show the world that you are different."

In other words, don't be a know-it-all. You don't have to win the spelling bee to be considered smart. Just follow Jesus.

A Remnant’s Return

One Year Bible (Aug. 5)

Ezra 1:1-2:70

A Remnant’s Return

Exile: “The state or a period of forced absence from one's country or home”.

Have you ever been forced to be out of your home, community, and away from your family, church, and all that you hold dear for an extended, unknown period of time?

A word picture for our generation comes on the TV often as we see the faces of the people of Ukraine who have fled their country without anything except their lives. The picture of a baby stroller by a train station awaiting the mama’s arrival in a strange country by the generosity of strangers sticks in my heart. They have lost all that they possessed and have little hope of ever returning in their lifetime.

I can’t begin to fathom their depth of pain or level of loss, but I do know what it feels like to live in adverse situations for more than a year without the knowledge of whether I would return home again and have ALL of my family together. Returning without our daughter wasn't an option for me...

I was living on chairs, little metal cots, couches of sorts, and even a hallway floor for a few nights, and it sure seemed endless-- like being “stuck in time”!

Seven years ago, my daughter had hip surgery that required complete immobilization for months. She could not bend her body at all and had all kinds of complications with this surgery. She also had to learn after months, how to stand again and then to walk. I wish that I could say this was our only near-death encounter, but it was not!

One year ago we spent an entire year in ERs and in hospitalization. Things often went from bad to worse before we began the long journey back home. Praise God we made it back. All of us. Together.

One thing that I learned during this intense time is that sometimes the people that we “count on” and think will ALWAYS be there for us… ARE NOT!

At the very same time, we are surprised by the people that we NEVER expected or dreamed of coming to our rescue. They are the very hands and feet that God uses to RESCUE us… Then there are people who are complete strangers to us that become like “angels unaware” who are there at the precise moment we need help and can not help ourselves.

One of the examples of this took place on a night that I was spending in an ER with my daughter. It was our fourth all-night ER visit that week…No one that I knew had any idea that we were back in a hospital again as it seemed like things were beginning to turn around. Our daughter had her second feeding tube out and was beginning to drink on her own again… and now THIS….

It was about 3 am and I received an instant message on my cell phone. These messages continued for a very long time. It was a sister-in-Christ who I had known during my childhood from my home church. She too is a mama and has gone through struggles of her own. She was awakened in the middle of the night and wrote me… little ol’ me. Now mind you, she lives on the other side of the country and we hadn’t talked in a very long time!

Did you know that God’s technology surpasses all cellular networks and then some?

Yesterday our story left us hanging as King Josiah was warned to not get involved in another nation’s battle, but sadly he did just that, “But Josiah refused to listen to Neco to whom God had INDEED SPOKEN, and he would not turn back”.

(2 Chronicles 35:23)

Why oh why didn’t he listen? Why didn’t he consult God? I get how the last four evil kings didn’t listen, but not Josiah, a godly king. This decision cost him his life! The perils of not listening to God are great!

Now, we are beginning the book of Ezra, and right in the first verse, we see, “In the very first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the LORD fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. HE STIRRED THE HEART OF CYRUS to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom.” (Ezra 1: 1)

What a powerful beginning of our new study in the book of Ezra...HOME FINALLY HOME!!!!

Ezra is a scribe, scholar, and a direct descendant of Aaron the chief priest (Ezra 7:1-5). He was a priest and scribe in his own right. His zeal for God and God’s laws will help bring the people “home” to the God they love and establish his Temple, laws, and ways. He has answered the call and is one of those unexpected blessings that will turn this entire situation around.

The book of Ezra lets us know that there were two separate time periods following the 70 Babylonian captivity when the people returned from exile. Ezra 1-6 covers the first return of the Jews led by Zerubbabel. This is a 23-year period beginning with the edict of Cyrus of Persian that ended with the rebuilding of the Temple. The second section of people returning from exile begins in Ezra 7-10 (more than 60 years later) and picks up their story as Ezra himself leads the second group HOME.

Was God’s power thwarted by King Josiah’s human mistake even though he was a godly man and great king?

Was God limited from fulfilling his prophecy for the return of his people given through Jeremiah years before their return?

Was God able to stir the heart of a king who was not even “one of his own” followers?

He was NOT limited when HIS own did not follow. Nor, was He limited when by a king who was not a follower!

Why do we focus on humans that sometimes disappoint us, when our God has HIS WAYS of taking care of us? If all of our loved ones came through for us, we would probably place our eyes on THEM, instead of HIM.

God’s power through “A Remnant’s Return” should remind all of us of his great love for even his most broken people; HE specializes in broken people who need to find their way BACK HOME!

Paul’s Take on Problem Solving

1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-17

(August 4)

I am a problem solver. I love the challenge of finding the solution and making things go smoother. Am I always successful? NOPE! But I do my best.

Sometimes the problems are ministry/work related. Other times, they may be financial, medical, or schedule oriented. But the ones that I take the most seriously are the family problems ... problems with relationships that are important to me. That is where I really try to put my thinking cap on and find a solution.

As we begin the book of 1 Corinthians, it is good to understand that this is often known as the "problem book". Why? Because Paul is observing the problems that are going on in the wicked city of Corinth and he sees the struggles the congregation is facing ... hero worship, division, immoral behavior, legal issues, marriage struggles, questionable activities, and keeping a tight rein on spiritual gifts.

Paul wrote this book while he was visiting Ephesus during his third missionary journey. During his second missionary journey, he had spent 18 months in Corinth.

While in Ephesus, which faced Corinth across the Aegean Sea, he heard about the problems that were taking place in Corinth. It was about this time that a delegation from the church in Corinth came to ask him for guidance and help solving their conflicts. Paul wrote this letter to give them some guidance.

He writes to them, greeting them warmly and reaffirming that all his thoughts of their possessing great spiritual gifts. He assures them that Christ will be their strength so that they can remain blameless in the sight of God.

He begs them to live together in harmony, without any division in the beloved church. He reminds them that he has heard of their quarrels and division, and that some were saying they followed others, instead of Christ. (Using such names as Peter, Apollos, or even Paul, himself).

Paul reminds them that neither he, nor any of those other names, were the ones who suffered crucifixion for them. That was Jesus. He also expressed his thankfulness that he hadn't baptized many people, so that no one could say they were baptized in his name. There is only one name under which we should be baptized. That is Jesus.

Paul is simply called to preach the Good News. That is what he has been doing throughout his three missionary journeys, and throughout all his days since his conversion. That is what he will continue to do as long as he can. He is standing strong in his faith. And he is urging these believers in Corinth to do the same. Only in this way, will their struggles, their problems, be solved.

How about you? How do you solve your problems? Do you tend to lean on your own understanding, or do you seek God for guidance?

Do you stand strong in your faith in Christ, following him and only him, or are you lulled in by the "wannabees" of the world ... the "preachers & teachers" who are seeking fame and notoriety by using the word of God? Be careful. They are everywhere.

But the good thing is ... so is God!

Refusal in the Land

One Year Bible (Aug. 4)

2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23

REFUSAL in the LAND

‘You can not help someone who does not want to listen to advice.” --Benjamin Franklin

Did you know that a famous prairie lawyer and former one-term congressman stunned the country in 1860 by prevailing over three rivals? Do you know the name of this man who won the Republican nomination and then became president?

His name is Abraham Lincoln. What you may not know is that there is a book written about him called, “Team of Rivals”. (Doris Goodwin)

This book points out something that most would never know about him today. He appointed all three prominent rivals as the heads of his cabinet! In our culture today, most rivals are nasty opponents, but Abraham Lincoln had learned the wisdom of listening and valuing advice and opinions… even when perhaps it was not what he wanted to hear.

As we look at three different kings in our passage today, we see that ALL have a point in time in their leadership where they are just NOT LISTENING!

Today’s passage marks the final day in the book of “The Chronicler” before we move on to the book of Ezra. Remember that this book was written from the viewpoint to remind the people of HOW and WHY they got into EXILE in the first place. It is also to record their names and help them start again after EXILE as they begin their return. The writer knows that they need to recall their PAST to move into their FUTURE. Today’s passage is their final reminder…

The train is quickly headed into the station and the final whistle is about to BLOW…

This cycle of REPENTANCE, REVIVAL, RENEWAL, and then…REPEATED REFUSAL to OBEY is headed for its final destination… CAPTIVITY IN BABYLON!

How many times have we seen a godly king with counsel from a prophet, tear down all the idols and call the people to repentance?

Yet, within the very next generation, they have “BUILT BACK BETTER”?

The issue lies with this one single question, “Who is the BUILDER?”

So, let’s take a close look at the final kings on this “Whirlwind Tour”...

The final four kings of the nation of Judah were BAD, BAD, BAD, BAD… (In that order)

Is there a common thread running behind their “EVIL FABRIC”?

Zedekiah was the final king to reign before Judah was delivered into captivity. Let’s look at what is said about him, “But Zedekiah did what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and he refused to humble himself when the prophet Jeremiah spoke to him directly from the LORD. He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, even though he had taken an oath of loyalty in God’s name. Zedekiah was a hard and stubborn man, refusing to turn to the LORD.” (36:12)

Yes, besides the words, “He did evil in the sight of the LORD his God.” we see words such as “refused to humble himself, didn’t listen to the prophet, rebelled, hard and stubborn”.

Next, let’s look at what is said about ALL the leaders of the priests and people. They “became more and more unfaithful. They followed all the pagan practices of the surrounding nations, desecrating the Temple of the Lord…” (36:14)

There is something else that we are told about ALL of the kings and their ancestors, “The LORD, the God of their ancestors, repeatedly sent his prophets to warn them, for he had compassion on his people and his Temple. But the people MOCKED THESE MESSENGERS of God and DESPISED their words. They SCOFFED at the PROPHETS until the LORD’S anger could no longer be restrained and nothing could be done.” (36:15-16)

Here is the short, but not-so-sweet summary, they did not listen and they’re not listening now!

Remember Manasseh? He was led away with a ring in his nose into captivity. He was as EVIL as they came, and yet he prayed to the Lord and the Lord saved him.

Did Manasseh's son or the next six generations remember the lessons they had heard?

Out of the last SEVEN kings, there was ONLY ONE KING, named Josiah who was FAITHFUL!

Josiah was a faithful king who spent his life serving God. Yet, the last act of his life is described like this, “But Josiah refused to listen to Neco, to whom God had indeed spoken…” (35:22)

Why, oh why did even King Josiah not listen, and why do you think we are not listening now?

Due to “The Refusal in the Land” we see the end of the kingdom of Judah …

“So, the LORD brought the king of Babylon against them.” (36:16)

One Final Appeal

ROMANS 16: 10-27

(August 3)

In every trial, there is a defense attorney. He may have been chosen by the defendant, or perhaps he (or she) was appointed by the courts. The job of this attorney is to present the case for the defendant, sometimes using witnesses for affirmation. The trial closes with that final appeal by the attorney... those last words that will hopefully make a difference with the jury.

Here, Paul has been appointed by God for the defense of the gospel. This section of Scripture is his last appeal to the believers, giving them one last word of caution and direction on how they should live their lives.

His final appeal is that they would be on the watch for people who cause division and dissention through the teaching of things that don't align with the gospel. They can be smooth talkers who make you think they are serving God, when in fact they are only serving themselves. Paul tells assures them that he believes in their obedience to the Lord and lets them know that Satan will not have the final say.

In addition to this final warning, he also sends along some final greetings. Several names are included, including Rufus. What is so special about Rufus? It seems that his mother was also a mother-figure to Paul, giving him love and guidance.

On another side note, Rufus' father was none other than Simon of Cyrene. Do you remember him? He was the man who was pulled from the crowd as Jesus carried the cross to his crucifixion. Simon was ordered to help Jesus carry the heavy cross to the top of the mountain. This man and his act were recorded in history, which I am sure was not his intention when he set off that day.

I find it interesting that the man who helped Jesus on his final day would be the father of a man who was close to Paul, and the husband of a woman who would treat Paul as her own.

Isn't God funny that way? He lines things up so perfectly, even when we don't see it in the moment. He did that for Paul time and time again, providing for his needs and getting him out of some precarious positions. (Do you remember his time at sea?)

He will do the same for each of us. Even more will he do when we go to him with our needs, making our appeal known to him. Trust in him. He will never fail you.

I will end this post with Paul's final words in Romans, "All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen."

Reversal in the Land

One Year Bible (Aug. 3)

2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33

REVERSAL in the LAND

Have you seen the new United States currency for the quarter?

The face on the coin, President George Washington used to face towards the words, “In God We Trust”. In the new 2022 coin, he is facing with his back to this phrase. Now, I need to be sure and tell you that “Fact Checks” lets us know that this “redesign” has nothing to do with religious oversight…Perhaps it is a true statement to say that no one in this generation paid any attention to detail such as this as “In God, We Trust” is in the “Rearview Mirror”.

Today’s message is about Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, and I can assure you that God is definitely in his “Rearview Mirror” also until he finds himself being led with “a ring through his nose” by his enemy the Assyrian army. He is bound in bronze chains and a captive in faraway Babylon.

What a difference one generation can make for the BAD or good!

One minute there is Revival in the Land. The entire nation and beyond sees God Deliver his people from complete Destruction… The aroma of “Rescue in the Land” has now been forgotten and the pungent smell of idols smoldering is filling the land with a complete 180-degree reversal!

Beware as in the days of “Misguided Manasseh”, all of life can change in the “blink of an eye” when ALL EYES are not focused on “In God We Trust”!

Yesterday’s story left us hanging with “Misguided Manasseh” in chains crying out for help from the God who allowed him to be disciplined and taken captive.

Let’s look at how Monasseh got into this situation and how he got out of it…After a great season of Revival with his father, King Hezekiah, we see that Manasseh his twelve-year-old son becomes king and rules for 55 LONG YEARS!

The short story is that he completely UNDID all the good that his father did. He did a 180-degree turn. He "built back better" all the idols that his father tore down, and he even constructed more. He was brazen, brash, bold, and EVIL. He set up a carved idol in the very place where God had told David and his son, Solomon, that HIS name would forever reign. (33:7)

“But, Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem to do even more evil than the pagan nations that the LORD had destroyed when the people of Israel entered the land.” (33: 9)

Manasseh, like his grandfather, Ahab, sacrificed his own sons in the fire to idols.

Do you remember my question, “What is the PULL with POLES?”

In other words, ‘Why would the people continually turn back to such wickedness when there was NO POWER in a POLE or statue’?

Here is where it gets interesting in the descriptions of his behavior as we will find out what is behind his decisions…”

He practiced SORCERY, DIVINATION, and WITCHCRAFT, and he CONSULTED WITH MEDIUMS and PSYCHICS. He did MUCH that was evil in the LORD’s sight, arousing his anger.” (33:6)

Do we now have a clearer view of what IDOLS provided to the people?

The power was not in the object, but the objects belonged to the DARK SIDE!

People that worship evil and seek out all of these things are looking for a DARK POWER and in seeking EVIL become EVIL.

Let me take just a moment to “spell out” (pun intended) what sorcery means.

They seek to use power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits especially for divining. The synonyms are conjuring, devilry, enchantment, and bewitchery.

The practice of DIVINATION means to foresee or foretell future hidden knowledge. Witchcraft is the act of invoking evil spirits or consulting, entertaining or covenanting an evil spirit.

A medium or psychic is a person who employs the powers of the DARK REALM to give information about the unknown.

Do we better see the PULL?

The people of God were called to be in a covenant with God and seek Him for the decisions and future. God requires obedience and that man humbles himself rather than EXALT himself in PRIDE.

The Darkside has PRIDE as a foundation and exalts itself through worship of self and its many carnal pleasures. It EXALTS man and man’s evil desires.

You see after every REVIVAL, a great spiritual battle ensues!

Make no mistake, the enemy of God is in no way as powerful as God, but he certainly comes to kill and destroy. He has Manasseh right where he wants him… He is a captive to all of his sins and now belongs to the enemy. Until… he cries out to the Lord for deliverance. (Then Manasseh finally realized that the LORD alone is God.) (33:13)

On this day, God heard his prayer and now “Misguided Manasseh” is on Clean-up Duty!

He has experienced A GREAT AWAKENING and a GREAT REVERSAL is coming...

Plans to Reunite

ROMANS 15:23 - 16:9

(August 2)

I love going "home" to the place where I spent my little girl years, surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, and a granny that was so dear to me. And while I have lived other places much longer than I ever lived there, it is still "home", it is still where my heart is.

I haven't been there in a while. Life has gotten busy. I have moved across the country. Plans have been made, then cancelled. But my hope and intention is always to return. In fact, I was hoping to visit this month, but once again, life got in the way.

So, I keep up with them all on social media, along with an occasional phone call. Whenever I speak with one, I ask them to say hello to all the rest. Sometimes it sounds like a closing seen of The Waltons, with all the names that are spoken in my well wishes.

As we near the end of Romans, that is where we find Paul. He has been wanting to return to Rome, to visit those who have special meaning in his heart. He has been trying to get there, but his ministry has kept him away.

Something really cool had happened. The Gentiles in Jerusalem had collected a special offering for the church in Jerusalem, which had great financial need. Paul wanted to hand deliver this offering. He wanted to make sure everyone understood the importance of this exchange ... the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the church. Even though he was excited, he was also a little apprehensive, and he asked his Roman friends to pray for him.

He also asked about some specific friends. He talked about Phoebe, who was a Gentile Christian with wealth and influence. She was traveling to Rome on a business trip and Paul knew his believers in Rome would provide her with hospitality and fellowship.

He also asked them to greet Priscilla and Aguila. If you remember, they had risked their lives for him in the past and had become close friends to Paul. They had moved to Corinth when they, along with other Jews, had been expelled from Rome. When they met Paul there, they had invited him to share in their tentmaking business, and they shared their Christian knowledge with him.

Paul continued, asking for personal greetings to Epenetus, Mary, Andronicus and Junia, Ampliatus, Urbanus, and Stachys. All these names. All these people who had touched Paul's heart and became a part of his faith family.

No matter where we go or what we do, no matter the delays we encounter in the plans we make, we don't forget those who are special to us. We remember fondly the people from the places we call home.

And always, we make plans to reunite. If not here on earth, then in our eternal home in heaven.

Rescue in the Land

One Year Bible (Aug. 2)

2 Chronicles 31:1-33:13

RESCUE in the LAND

Revival in the Land comes when people come under deep conviction and are crying out in confession, repentance, and unity to God. When we meet God through brokenness, humility, and a holy hunger to seek ALL of His ways, GOD MEETS US!

This is exactly what happened with Hezekiah and the nation of Israel. Perhaps, God’s glory filled the place and the people could not get enough of it! They extended their celebration for another week to worship, repent, and be in the presence of God like in the days of old with David and Solomon.

How did Hezekiah go from a time of GREAT RESPECT to a time of GREAT Ridicule?

Listen to the beginning of today’s passage, “After Hezekiah had FAITHFULLY carried out his work…” (32:1) King Sennacherib of Assyria is now ready to invade Judah!

What did King Hezekiah do WRONG?

Have you ever done everything in your power to serve God and draw near to HIM and then received a Whopper of an ATTACK?

Listen to this quote, “If God were not my friend, Satan would not be so much my enemy.” (Thomas Brooks)

The enemy really doesn’t care if you say, “I believe in God”. He only cares if you intend to do something about your belief!

Today, “The rubber will hit the road!”, so to speak…

Perhaps that is because “Crises Reveals Character”.

Will the TANGIBLE PRESENCE OF GOD be felt and seen in TANGIBLE WAYS in the PRESENCE of GOD'S PEOPLE?

Assyria and beyond will be watching. All eyes are fixed on Hezekiah. Will this be a “LASTING Revival” that permeates society or a TWO WEEK CELEBRATION?

The Assyrians are ridiculing Hezekiah in the street. What does he tell the people to do?

“Be Strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! They may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to fight our battles for us! (32:7-8)

What did they do while the enemy taunted Hezekiah?

They “Waited on the Walls”!

What did they do when the enemy taunted God?

They “Waited on the Walls”!

What did they do when the enemy came to surround them?

They “Waited on the Walls”!

What was “Their Wall of Waiting”?

“They cried out in PRAYER to their God in heaven.

Notice that Hezekiah did a really strange thing when challenged by the enemy.

He and his advisors “decided to stop the flow of the springs outside the city”. (32:2)

Does this seem strange to you? Well, they ran the water underground so that the enemy could not just “Wait Them Out” and cut them off from their water supply.

The people all were led in one direction They acted quickly in one accord. They were silent against their accusers and attackers and instead depended on the LORD. These are signs of REVIVAL.

The angel of the Lord not only “took out the enemy” it tells us that “Hezekiah became highly respected among all the surrounding nations”. (32:23)

REVIVAL in the LAND brings RESCUE to the LAND… and both begin with PRAYER!

Building a Team

ROMANS 15: 1-22

(August 1)

For years, NBA players have been going against each other during basketball season ... one team trying to out-dribble, out-shoot, and out-score the other. They are rivals, on a scheduled path to discover the champion.

But at the end of the season, there are all-star games. Some years, there are even Olympic teams. On these occasions, these rivals are chosen and put together to create one united team of players who bring glory to the sport of basketball with their skills and abilities. Now THOSE are the GAMES TO WATCH!! That is when the sport of basketball really shines!

Paul's message in today's reading is that we are to make the Lord shine. But how can this be done when there is this opposition, this rivalry, between believing Jews and believing Gentiles?

He puts out a plea for these two "teams" to find their way to a harmonious relationship. And while there will be those who are "stronger" in their knowledge and faith, they are not to self-indulge in their own superiority, but they are to be kind and gracious to those who are a little weaker.

When we live to please others instead of ourselves, we will be united. When we unite in our worship of God, what glory that brings him!

Why should we not be accepting of others when Christ has been accepting of us? Dare we ask for that which we are not willing to give? Jesus included both Jews and Gentiles in his ministry without prejudice. We should live in the same way.

The Gentiles were blessed along with the Jews, because they, too, sang the Lord's praises and glorified him. When we live in unity, we receive the gift of joy and peace. It is our reward. We may not get a championship trophy, but we get something so much better.

Paul makes another point as we read on. These all-star players know they are the best of the best. They are very aware of their talents and the fame those talents bring.

Paul encourages us to not be boastful in our gifts and talents. The only glory we give in the glory we give to God. It is he who has given us all that we have, so the boasting should be in him. It is okay to KNOW your talent. It is okay to USE your talent. But the glory for any success it brings you should be given to the Giver.

We may not be all-stars on the basketball court. But when we use our gifts wisely in a way that unites us to other believers, and when we give the glory to God instead of ourselves, we are all-stars for Jesus.

That is when we a crucial part of building the greatest team ... the team for God.

Revival in the Land

One Year Bible (Aug. 1)

2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21

Revival in the Land

“Revival is an invasion from heaven that brings a conscious awareness of God.” --Stephen Olford (Billy Graham called him “the man who most influenced my ministry.)

Billy Sunday was a famous preacher in a past era of revival meetings. They say that one lady asked him, “Why do you keep having revivals?”

His reply to her was simple, “Why do you keep taking baths?”

True Revival is.. the Tangible Manifestation of God where Godliness in people can be seen in Tangible ways! What is dirty can be made clean and pure!

King Hezekiah was the son of one of the worst kings of Judah, Ahaz, who had followed after the evil kings of Israel rather than after David. Ahaz had made idols for Baal worship. The valley he created was called “the place of burning” where Molech worship including infant sacrifice was practiced. Ahaz even offered up one of his own sons to this Molech idol.

King Hezekiah offered an invitation and call to revival to the people of Judah during a very dark time. Not only does Hezekiah appear in the midst of a very black backdrop personally as the son of Ahaz, but he enters into a very dark time for the nation of Judah. These people had no temple.

On the very FIRST MONTH of the VERY FIRST YEAR of his reign, his very FIRSt GOAL even before fortifying the walls of the city was to REOPEN the DOORS of the Temple.

So, he sent out an invitation for all to come. Some mocked him openly! What proceeded this invitation?

There was the reading of the Word of God and what he required of HIS people. Here is what Hezekiah learned, “God is with those who are with HIM!”

The people had departed from God in every way possible and life had become impossible!

The first secret about REVIVAL is that it often occurs against a very BLACK BACKDROP in time! Perhaps that is because the light can be seen best in broken people! The light oozes through all of their CRACKS!

Hezekiah lived out the RECIPE for REVIVAL found 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, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

Hezekiah humbled himself through repentance and prayerfully sought to follow the leadership of Isaiah, Hosea, and Micah. He learned the ways of David who truly sought after God and the commandments of Moses. He was determined to restore worship, sacrifices, and all the celebrations of God back to the people so that they could truly worship. Before that, he actively destroyed the pagan idols and called the priests and Levites to join him in purifying The Temple.

We see that they had to push the celebration back for a month as they weren’t ready. Not only that but he needed to intercede for the people because they had not “properly purified themselves” to come and sacrifice. God heard his prayer. (30:17)

When they did offer the celebration of “The Festival of Unleavened Bread”, we see that it went on for an extra SEVEN days! It lasted 14 days rather than 7 days! Why?

“There was great joy in the city, for Jerusalem had not seen a celebration like this one since the days of Solomon, King David’s son. Then the priests and Levites stood and blessed the people, and God HEARD their prayer from his HOLY DWELLING IN HEAVEN.” (30:26)

There are THREE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES ABOUT REVIVAL that are evident here:

1. PURIFICATION PROCEEDS REVIVAL

2. PERSISTENT PRAYER ACCELERATES REVIVAL

3. PRAISE FOLLOWS REVIVAL

Another term for REVIVAL is AWAKENING… People experience brokenness, repentance, renewal, and restoration.

Strongholds are TORN DOWN and God is LIFTED UP!

You see, many seek the supernatural, but NOT MANY seek “THE SUPERNATURAL”!

Hezekiah sought to obey the Word of God, humble himself, pray, and seek after God wholeheartedly. He called the people to join him in full complete, obedient worship.

IDOLS can’t fill hearts that are wholeheartedly filled with God. Hezekiah knew the key to revival, “Return to God and He will Return to you!”

In the darkest of times came a great awakening because there was REVIVAL IN THE LAND!

Come Together

ROMANS 14: 1-23

(July 31)

Those four famous musicians from decades ago, also known as The Beatles, had a lot of hit songs throughout their years. Once such song was "Come Together". Come together, right now, over me.

I feel like this is the message Paul is trying to get across. The people, Jews and Gentiles, should be coming together, over God. But first, they had to deal with all their disagreements.

Disagreements having always been an issue among people. Remember Syntyche and Euodia? They were the two women we find in the first part of Philippians 4 who were in a battle against each other that was causing a rift in the church.

Time and time again, we see it in biblical history, and it still happens today. A couple of the big things we see in the arguments between the Jews and the Gentiles were their diets and the special days of celebration.

Some believed eating meat to be a sin, as was neglecting Jewish holidays. And we all know that when we disagree, we tend to voice our disagreements instead of keeping them to ourselves. So the rumbling and complaining starts, and the feuding begins.

Paul had a 3-part remedy for this:

Accept Each Other

It is not a Christian's responsibility to judge another Christian , or to decide what "credentials" are for Christian fellowship. Remember when Peter went to preach the message to the Gentiles? The Jews criticized him for eating and fellowshipping with these new believers. The Jews felt superior because they were "stronger in the faith". But these "new Christians" deserved just as much consideration as they did.

Every church has its share of strong believers and weak believers, and God takes care of all. He gives each of us just what we need to grow in the faith, and our ability to have a productive Christian life should not depend on the opinion of others, or their attitudes about us.

Jesus is our Lord and our Judge. Whether you consider yourself a strong Christian or a weak Christian, it is Jesus who will sit in the "judgement seat" and consider your life.

Encourage One Another

Christians have an effect on each other. Strong Christians have the power to cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble. The example you set in the way you live your life speaks volumes to those who are watching.

Instead of the arguing over whether or not meat should be eaten, Paul tells them that it is dependent upon the person and what they feel convicted of. We, as Christians, are to prioritize things in a way that assures the "little things" don't' get in the way when we are looking at the bigger picture of our faith.

Does food draw you closer to God? Or is in more about living our lives with the Fruits of the Spirit evident to anyone who sees us?

Instead of coming against each other over irrelevant things, we should be loving each other and helping each other prosper in the faith. We don't need to force our opinions on others, but guide others in love.

We are not to be selfish, but we are to be generous and loving. What can you do today to make another Christian happy? How can you help a weaker Christian grow in spiritual maturity?

These are things to think about. And we need to remember that if we want the power to accomplish all of this, we need to be in the Word of God and spending time in prayer. That is where our spiritual power comes from, and that is what will help us to help others.

Then, and only then, we will be able to Come Together.

May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'Come Together'

A Little Leaven

One Year Bible (July 31)

2 Chronicles 29:1-36

A Little Leaven

Perhaps you have heard the saying, “A little leaven leavens the whole loaf”.

Do you know what that means and where it came from? Well, today we will look at that very principle…

When I was but a young bride, the boxes of Jello were not my friend! Somehow and for some reason they think that you are going to read every single little direction on the back of that box and follow it to a “T”. I don’t know, but something escaped my notice…

I made my very first chocolate pie. (Well, that was the plan, Stan! Then, I hopped on the BUS with Gus! Actually, I hopped in the car with Ed and we SHRED!)

Back in that day, he was wearing a long-sleeved dress white shirt with a tie on… (Hard to comprehend, I know.) He was preaching for a Sunday evening service of about 500 people.

All I was in charge of was “The Homemade pie”. Frozen pie crust and a little box of chocolate jello pudding mix. The results would be a glorious chocolate “Homemade pie” of the caliber that my grandma often made. I was filled with anticipation!

I was holding the pie in my hands as we headed to church as I was to bring it for a big “Pie fellowship” following the evening service. As we turned a corner some of the chocolate pie mixture flew out and hit the front window and some landed on his white shirt. Then as we turned in the opposite direction it went all over my window.

The food channel people always say to just “eyeball it” and put in a little of this and that!

My pie never “set up” because it obviously had a SLIGHT VARIATION in ingredients.

When “the church ladies” saw my Emulsified Slight Variation on the Theme of PIE, they dumped it in the trash faster than you can say “AMEN”. I had been CHOPPED!

As for our car, It looked like a scene from NCIS just sitting in the church parking lot for all to see!

When King Hezekiah took the throne it looked like an NCIS episode as well, as there had been king after king who had played a Sonata with “SLIGHT VARIATIONS”.

This good and faithful king set out to reopen the doors of the Temple and restore the people to God. Before they could do this, he called all of the Priests and Levites to purify themselves according to God’s original RECIPE. NO VARIATIONS!

Listen to the scene that they found in the Temple, “Remove all the DEFILED things from the sanctuary. Our ancestors were unfaithful and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD our God. They abandoned the LORD and his dwelling place; they turned their backs on him. They also shut the doors to the Temple’s entry room, and they snuffed out the lamps. (This was God’s abiding presence.) They stopped burning incense and presenting burnt offerings at the sanctuary of the God of Israel.” ( 29:5-7)

The Lord had made Judah “an object of DREAD, HORROR, and RIDICULE”! (29:7)

Look at what King Hezekiah asked of the people, "Purify. Cleanse. Be Careful. Consecrate. Return to Covenant. Offer Sacrifice. Rejoice. Give Thanks".

These were the Ingredients of the ORIGINAL RECIPE.

Many kings had “TWEAKED THE RECIPE, and some had made complete unholy substitutions. All deviations were DETESTABLE in God’s sight!

Man doesn’t DEFINE the TEMPLE of God, God DEFINES our TEMPLE!

Speaking of “SLIGHT VARIATIONS” let’s take a look at leaven in Galatians 5:9, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump”. What does this referring metaphor used by the apostle Paul refer to in this passage?

A “leaven” figuratively means anything that spreads SILENTLY, QUIETLY, or SECRETLY that has a STRONG INFLUENCE in changing conditions or opinions.

Leaven causes FERMENTATION to the entire loaf or body.

You see, “The Secret Recipe” of the family spreads to affect and infect the entire BODY!

Recently, I drove by a church marquee and saw posted a symbol and slogan that was contrary to the teachings and Word of God. They like many other churches have made “Slight Variations” to the Original Instructions. The result of their “Slight tweak in the recipe” will be devastating to the “PIE that they bake”.

Deviation caused disaster and leprosy for Uzziah and many others who followed his “Secret Family Recipe”.

Hezekiah was there to remind the people to “Purify themselves and Return to God’s plan. There would be no more Tweaking, Twisting, or Altering the message of God!

There is an important message found here for God’s people today, “A little leaven leavens the whole Loaf”!

The Price of Rebellion

ROMANS 13: 1-14

(July 30)

I spent a good part of my childhood in the South. I became very accustomed to the image of the Rebel flag. In fact, my hometown high school teams are called Rebels. These flags fly proudly from homes along shady streets, farms down country roads, and pickups cruising down the highway.

But what does this flag really mean? In March of 1861, less than a month before the Civil War began, a German/Prussian artist by the name of Nicola Marschall designed this flag, which would be one of three Confederate flags. It first flew in Montgomery, Alabama, over the dome of the first Confederate capitol.

Nicknamed the "Stars & Bars", this flag was a symbol of rebellion. South vs. North. For as long as there has been mankind, there has been rebellion. (Adam & Eve were the first.)

As long as there has been rebellion, there has been consequences. Paul reminds us in Romans 13 that there are consequences when we don't submit to authority.

Often, we resist authority because we don't like who is in authority over us. But Scripture tells us that those in authority have been placed there by God, for his reasons and timing, and we are to submit or suffer the consequences.

He reminds us that if we don't want to live in fear of authority, we should live in submission to it. Then we have nothing to fear. Not only are we to submit to government authority, but we are also to pay our debts to our government and do so with respect. How many of us send our check to the IRS with a happy face?

Paul talks about debt in this passage as well. We should owe nothing to anyone, except the love we are commanded to give. Of all the commandments, this is the greatest ... that we love God and love our neighbors. By doing so, we fulfill God's law.

When we walk in opposition ... to authority, to payment of debt, to loving our neighbor ... we walk right into punishment. God holds us accountable for these things. That can be hard.

I just moved into a new neighborhood this past year, and not all my neighbors are the nicest. Perhaps you have experienced that too. What can we do? We are required to offer them kindness and help them whenever they may need it. (Be neighborly)

Scripture reminds us that this is "serious business", and we need to "Wake up!" Jesus can come at any moment, and we don't want to be standing there with hate in our hearts, debt in our tills, and a lack of respect for those God has placed above us.

Times are urgent and there is a price to be paid for our rebellion.

Follow the Recipe

One Year Bible (July 30)

2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27

Follow The Recipe

Have you ever “Tweaked a Recipe” just a little bit?

My daughter loves to watch all of the cooking shows on TV. “Guy this and Guy that!” We especially love the cooking challenges. Have you ever noticed how they are given the craziest mixture of ingredients and then “throw something spectacular together”?

Well, most of the time they do, except for this one time. One of the cooks was getting so frazzled that he was literally shaking! This guy actually dropped one of the food items on the floor and picked it up without even noticing and put it BACK on the plate!!

Oh, Myyyyyy! (There’s my mother’s voice in my head again! Speaking of following directions…)

He may not have been aware (or he wanted the prize money) but the judges were certainly aware! He was CHOPPED!

It is always amazing to hear the stories of the contestants on these shows. Many of them can put together any variety of crazy ingredients together because they have a “foundation” or “base” to build within the area of cooking. Chef after chef tells of their heritage of cooking with a parent or grandparent who taught them all of their “Secret Family Recipes”. They use that knowledge as their guide in their techniques, spices, and execution of cooking.

Yesterday, we talked about, “What is the voice you hear in your ear?”

King Joash’s advisor and mentor, Jehoiada died and that left him open to the ungodly advice of his inner counsel. Why was he surrounded by those guys, to begin with? Hmmm…(That is something for all of us to ponder about our inner circle.)

Remember King Jehoram in a previous passage? Here is what is said about him, “But Jehoram followed the example of the kings of Israel, and was as wicked as King Ahab for he MARRIED one of Ahab’s daughters. So Jehoram did what was evil in the LORD’S sight.” (21:6)

He was the king whose “Bowels came out” much like Ahab’s wife Jezebel. She splattered on the streets below and the dogs came for MOST of her! “What GOES DOWN… FLOWS DOWN”.

What about Jehoram's son, Ahaziah? He was twenty-two years old when he became king and he only reigned for a whopping ONE YEAR. Oh MYYYYY… I wonder what happened here…

Let’s check out the rest of the scoop about his advisors, "His mother was Athaliah, a granddaughter of King Omri. Ahaziah also followed the evil example of King Ahab’s family, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong. He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, just as Ahab’s family had done. They even became his advisers after the death of his father, and they led him to RUIN.” (22:2-4)

Let us stop and make mention that Amaziah like his Father Joash had both started their journey as kings following God’s commandments. They are BOTH listed as GOOD kings on my “Kingly Chart”.

Yet, both of them did not end well. They started out young doing well, but when they should have had “More Wisdom” they seemed to have “Less Wisdom”.

This is what prompted my question, “What changed?’ The answer to that one little question is simple, “Their advisors changed!”

As we can see, Ahaziah also followed “The Secret Family Recipe” late in his life and it led him to RUIN!

He too was “CHOPPED”! Literally!!

In today’s story, we see Amaziah’s 16-year-old son, Uzziah (also known as Azariah) crowned as the tenth king of Judah. This kid barely had his driver's license!!! (Did chariots require that?)

What is his driving record you may wonder… Well, He DROVE the kingdom of Judah as king for 52 years and he is recorded as a GOOD KING. Whew!! That’s a relief…

How was his LONGEVITY?

“He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight, just as his father, Amaziah, had done. Uzziah sought God during the days of Zechariah who taught him to fear God. And as long as the king sought guidance from the LORD, God gave him success. (26:4-5)

Did you get that? As long as he was receiving the teaching of Zechariah and seeking guidance from the LORD, God gave him success… AS LONG AS!

"When he became POWERFUL, he became PROUD, which led to his downfall.” (26:16) Uzziah became “Too big for his kingly britches” and “too BLIND to follow the Lord’s recipe”. He also became DEAF and unable to hear the warning of 81 priestly voices!

In spite of the confrontation of the high priest and 80 other priests of the Lord, Uzziah “UZIED HIMSELF” into the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense to the Lord.

This was not the place of the king, but when faced with confrontation he became ENRAGED with ANGER and then OVERCOME with LEPROSY!

He was CHOPPED by THE JUDGE!

This story reminds us that is essential to examine the “Voice In Our Ear” and to "Follow the Recipe”.

Plain & Simple

ROMANS 12: 1-21

(July 29)

I don't know about you, but I like to keep things simple. I like plain, easy-to-follow instructions without a lot of complication. EASY PEASY works great for me!

But life isn't always simple. Life gets very complex at times. Our relationships get complicated. Our plans get complicated. Our finances get complicated. Our health gets complicated. Everywhere we turn ... COMPLICATED!

That is one reason why I am so grateful for the instructions we find in Romans 12. They are PLAIN & SIMPLE. There are no "ifs, ands, or buts" in these scriptures; just a solid plan for how to live your life.

How are we to live out our relationship with God?

1. We turn away from the sinful pleasures of the world and use our bodies for his glory. With the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us, this will give us the strength to give our bodies over to God.

2. We stop allowing the world to conform us to its way of thinking and start allowing God to transform our way of thinking through the Holy Spirit. We literally go from being conformed to being transformed. I like the sound of that!

3. We give over control of our willpower to God. How do we do this? A great way is to be in prayer. Pray about all things and trust God's plan in all things. Believe me ... his plan is better than ours. And remember what scripture says, "Not my will, but thy will be done."

How are we to live out our relationship with other believers?

1. Take an honest evaluation of what your spiritual gifts are. Each one of us is given at least one spiritual gift. Your gift may not be flashy and noticeable to many, but it will definitely be noticeable to God and to the people you share it with. These spiritual gifts are like beautifully wrapped presents from God. You don't know what it is until you take time to open it. And it is a waste of a gift if you don't use it. Even if you feel it is something you are not able to do, just exercise your faith and give it a try. If God brings you to it, he will help you through it.

2. Be faithful to cooperate with other believers, working together with your individual gifts to build the church into the best it can be and glorifying God through the process. Remember, your gift isn't better than anyone else's and YOU don't need the glory. The glory goes to the gift-giver.

3. Have a great and loving attitude with your spiritual gift. Don't use it in a manner that is unworthy. Honestly love other believers and appreciate their gifts. Don't be a hypocrite, don't be proud. Philippians reminds us about "Preferring one another".

How are we to live out our relationship with our enemies?

When we live in obedience to God, you better believe you are going to have people come against you. It is a simple fact of life. Even Jesus had enemies while here on earth.

The questions to ask is "Do I have enemies who come against me in my faithfulness, or is it because I am falling short in love and patience?"

Am I sharing in the "offense" done to Jesus, or am I being an offensive believer?

We are reminded in Matthew 5:44-45 exactly how we are to treat our enemies:

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

WHEW!!! That sounds like it can be tough!!! Well, friends, God never promised it would be easy ... only worth it!

The first line in Loch Lomond by Peter Hollens is this: O you take the high road, and I'll take the low road. As believers, we are to take the high road. It is that and only that ... very Plain & Simple.

“Who Has Your Ear?”

One Year Bible (July 29)

2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28

“Who Has Your Ear?”

Are there phrases that sometimes just pop in your head and then come out of your mouth that originated with a different source?

“Well, I wish you'd “LOOK-EE There”! That was my grandpa’s voice!

“Are you NEW HERE?” That’s the voice of a southern friend of mine.

“Ohhhhhhhhh MYYYYYYYY!” That’s my mother’s voice.

We live in the “age of the microphone”. Can you even begin to imagine life without this device? Its purpose is to Amplify. Transmit. Record. It is a powerful tool for Good or Bad.

We can record anything, movies, phone messages, personal notes, or even blackmail. All we do is “Play It Back”.

I have a phone message of the very last message that my mom ever left me, and I hope to keep it forever. She always began her messages with “Debbie, this is your mother.” That part makes me laugh! As if I wouldn’t know it was her. I hear her voice in my head on “Auto-Play” every single day. No introduction is necessary!

My grandsons both attended a Christian preschool and every week they had a chapel service led by one of our staff members, Pastor Mark. How many pastors do you know that would take time out of their busy schedules to lead chapel for very small, wiggly people every single week? Not many, I would venture to say! He plays guitar and leads them in worship and then shares a message from God’s word with them.

One of my “GRANDS” made a funny comment one day. He was in a church service with me at the time, and he was pretty small. He pointed to the stage and said “MARK-A-PHONE”.

This kid makes me laugh… But after I quit laughing, I realized that he was talking about the “Microphone” but he doesn’t know the difference… Pastor Mark’s teaching words about the Lord and his songs are Amplified. Transmitted. Recorded. Yes, they are magnified in his little life… for the good!

I was thinking about the importance of teaching, wise counsel, and the Word of God in our lives and how this pertained to the kings’ lives and outcomes. Let’s take a look at this very principle.

In today’s study, we read about young Joash who became king at the age of seven. He was kind of like my little grandsons. Can you imagine your grandson being in charge of the kingdom?

“Oh, Myyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!” (See what I mean there. I just heard my mother in my head, and she didn’t even have to introduce herself to me!)

Yet we are told that this “Kingly Kid” excelled in obeying when he was just a “Mini Monarch” but he declined in his old age. (Well, we knew that part, but I mean spiritually as a leader and follower of God.) What went wrong?

“Joash did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest.” (24:2)

He was handed the scroll with the very words of the Lord by Jehoiada as a very young child and he was given wise counsel. King Joash repaired and refurbished the Temple of the Lord during this time.

Lucky for the kingdom, Jehoiada lived to be 130 years old! He was then buried among the kings in the City of David, “because he had done so much good in Israel for God and his Temple. But after Jehoiada’s death, the leaders of Judah came and bowed before King Joash and persuaded him to listen to THEIR ADVICE. They decided to ABANDON THE TEMPLE of the LORD, the God of their ANCESTORS, and they WORSHIPED Asherah poles and idols instead!”(24:15)But after Jehoiada’s death, the leaders of Judah came and bowed before King Joash and persuaded him to listen to THEIR ADVICE. They decided to ABANDON THE TEMPLE of the LORD, the God of their ANCESTORS, and they WORSHIPED Asherah poles and idols instead!”(24:15)

What in the world was this “Mini Majesty” thinking? Now, I don’t say that because he is still small in size, but because he seems to be using only a very SMALL part of his brain! Did he not know better?

I am sure he did, because Jehoida placed the scrolls in those little hands of his to read with his little brain for “such a time as this”, but he was missing the accountability that God desires for each and every one of us.

I would venture to say PEER PRESSURE replaced the PERSISTENT PRESENCE of Jehoida’s wise godly counsel in this ear…

Do you think that King Joash was the only king with a “listening problem”?

Think back on the other kings that we have studied? Who “Had Their Ear” and how did it turn out for them?

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear your comments. So, seriously, be brave and type in the little comment box…

I also want to ask you a serious question for reflection, “Who has YOUR ear”?

Broken Branches

ROMANS 11: 13-36

(July 28)

I read a book recently that was filled with colorful characters and many surprises. A side note in the story was the apple orchard business that one of the families owned.

They had created these exquisite apples that were being sold all across the United States and Europe. It had started as a teenager's interest in fruit, specifically in grafting. This teen had taken this interest, applied a whole lot of studying, and much trial and error. The result was these much-sought-after apples.

This specific type of apple was created by grafting small limbs of various apple trees together. These limbs would "take root" to the tree, becoming part of that tree, even though they were actually foreign to the tree.

These limbs would merge with the tree, resulting in a crossbreeding of the apples, which created this entirely new type of apple. This sounds like a lot of time and work to me, but then ... I sure do love a good apple!

Paul explains to us that the Gentiles are much like those grafted limbs. They are not who salvation was originally offered to. The original beneficiaries were supposed to be the Israelites. But their rejection caused God to offer that salvation to the Gentiles.

In other words, he broke of the "Israelite" branches, and grafted on the "Gentile" branches to his tree of salvation. They now receive the blessing that was once offered to Abraham and his children. They will be nourished from the root of God's special tree.

You and I are much like them. When we believe, we are grafted to God, sharing in his love and grace. We are branches of his family tree.

But we are warned not to get too "full of ourselves". You become a part of that tree, not because of anything you have done to earn it, but because of your faith. If God can break off the branches of the "originals", he can surely do the same to us.

But what about those broken branches? Do they get tossed in the fire to be fruitful no more? If they were branches of the apple tree, the answer would be "YES".

But God is a graceful, loving God. If those who don't believe would turn back to him, he would lovingly graft their branch back to the tree. As eagerly as he joined the Gentiles to the tree, he would even more eagerly reunite the Israelites who would turn to him.

Picture yourself, a branch on the tree created by God. Maybe you are one of the deep, thick branches that extend from the trunk. Many leaves have grown from your arm.

Perhaps you are just a slim branch that extends from the very tips of the tallest arm. No leaves have budded yet, but you are gaining strength day by day, and soon your branch will bloom.

Either way, you are in the right place. You are connected to the best root. Stay strong. Keep growing. Start blooming. Let there be no broken branches in your life.

Surrounded: Pegs Will Fall

One Year Bible (July 28)

2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21

Surrounded: “Pegs Will Fall”

The Cracker Barrel is one of my all-time favorite places to eat. To me it is more than just an eating place; it is a destination back in time…I love the little gift shop, the rocking chairs, and the little wooden game on each table. Perhaps, you too have played it. This little triangular-shaped game with 15 pegs and one blank hole is called “The Peg Game” or “Peg Solitaire”. It was first invented in 1969 when the store/restaurant opened to draw families together in conversation. It definitely requires patience, skill, and strategy! Some people call it the “Tricky Triangle”.

Our son has been a master of this little game and can complete the entire thing in just seconds. He sees the game as a baseball triangle and can tell you the saying with each master-planned move. It goes something like this, “Build your baseball diamond. Outfielders come in. The batter hits a triple and rounds first, second, and third base. The crowd is cheering now! During the commotion, the batter steals the base and runs for home. The crowd goes wild, and you just won the game!

Today’s lesson is about a “Tricky Triangle”, and much like the game, P.E.G.S. will fall and the crowd will GO WILD!

Now, when I say, “P.E.G.S.” I mean People Engaged in Grievous Sin.

As you remember, FAT FAT JEHOSHAPHAT was FAT and OVERFLOWING in FAITH and FASTING.

His son, King Jehoram, and grandson, King Ahaziah were “LEAN & MEAN”, however!

They were LEAN on knowing about God’s Word, and they were just plain OL’ MEAN!

Jehoram reigned for eight years and when he died these are the words said of him, “No one was sorry when he died. They buried him in the city of David, but NOT in the royal cemetery.” (21:21)

Yikes! That is a very sad commentary about this guy! Evidently, he was LEAN on friends and a fan club as well!

Then there was his son, Ahaziah. He reined for a grand total of ONE VERY LONG year before God had him taken out! He had no fan club just like his father.

Let the P.E.G.S. fall where they may!

Let’s look at how King Jehoram operated…

He operated “undercover in darkness”. (21:9)

"Jehoram had abandoned the Lord of his ancestors. He had built pagan shrines in the hill country of Judah and had led the people of Jerusalem and Judah to give themselves to pagan gods and to go astray." (21:10-11)

God brought out “the big gun prophet”, Elijah, to deal with this king, He wrote him a little letter.

Here are the highlights of that “Telegram”', “You have not been a good example like your father, Fat Fat Jehoshaphat, or your grandfather, Avenger Asa”. Oh, and by the way, it has not gone unnoticed that you actually killed all of your siblings in your struggle for greatness. You struck them down with a heavy blow and now, ‘You’ve got to GO’!” (My paraphrase)

Speaking of “You’ve got to GOOOO”. The real version of the Bible is actually MORE graphic than mine, “You yourself will suffer with a SEVERE INTESTINAL DISEASE that will get worse each day until ‘YOUR BOWELS COME OUT’.”

I am speechless, clueless, and a bit faint at the description of this disease!

So, against my better judgment, I looked up the information. What could this possibly be and do I even want to know?

A modern physician looked at the story of Jehoram and says that possibly he suffered from “colorectal carcinoma”. This dude was literally the original “Slip & Slide”.

He “slipped into grievous sin” and “Slid right into destruction”. His bowels followed his life!

Have you noticed all of the violent deaths of those that “lived by the sword and died by the sword”? Those that abandoned God and chose idols were given over to the protection that idols provided. That should tell us all we need to know about making an idol the IDOL of your life!

We might call it the “Tricky Triangle” like the P.E.G.S. game that I mentioned earlier.

There is no room for a triangle in our lives. That is way too crowded! There was the evil King in the middle surrounded on one side by his idol and on the other side by God. There is no question how this game is going to turn out as it isn’t called “PEG Solitaire” for no good reason!

The little triangle may look like random moves to us, but with God, in charge, there is a master plan.

GOD AlONE WILL PREVAIL…So, let the P.E.G.S. fall where they may!

Finders, Keepers

ROMANS 10:14 - 11:12

(July 27)

I'm sure most of us can recall memories of our childhood playtimes, where the most important thing was to WIN!

Maybe it was a scavenger hunt, and your team found all the clues. "Finders, Keepers!"

Or you were on the playground and looked down to find a shiny coin. "Finders, Keepers!"

Maybe you were walking down the street with friends and right in front of you was a $10 bill. "Finders, Keepers!"

There is something so gratifying about being the winner, finding the prize. It can make a bad day into a good day. It can turn our gray skies to blue.

There are a few more words that finish off that famous quote ... "Losers, Weepers!" Nobody wants to be the loser.

The greatest prize we can ever find is our salvation. I love the way Paul questions how a person finds that salvation. It is not through a silly childhood game, or a lucky moment of circumstance.

We find salvation through the people who share the love of Jesus with us. People like parents, other family, friends, neighbors, pastors, Sunday school teachers. Those people who believe with a firm conviction and also know their responsibility to share their knowledge and increase the family of believers.

Where would we be without them? According to Paul, a person cannot have salvation until they BELIEVE. They cannot believe until they have heard about Jesus, and they cannot hear unless someone else is willing to tell them.

That is what makes you and I, and others who are willing to share the message of Christ with others, so important and so special.

Those who believe this Good News are the ones who can say "Finders, Keepers!" They find that salvation and they keep it for eternity.

But what about the "Losers, Weepers?" There will be those who refuse to believe. Or they will be like the Israelites, who heard the message, understood the message, but refused to live accordingly. They will look at the "Finders", and hopefully want what they have.

It is God's hope that they will see and believe, that they will walk away from their wickedness and walk towards him in obedience. Look around you and you will see those people. They are lost, hurting, and broken. They are confused, depressed, and angry.

But there is still hope. They can still walk away from their sin and begin to know, love and serve Jesus. Only then will they go from being "Losers" to being "Finders" ... and only then will they be "Keepers" for eternity.

Surrounded: The Valley of Blessing

One Year Bible (July 27)

2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37

Surrounded: The Valley of Blessing

“Hear Ye! Hear Ye! This is Where It’s At. Bow to King Jehoshaphat"!

Indeed, it is time for another royal announcement. The kingdom of Judah welcomes another king to the throne and he is the son of a good king, Asa the Avenger, who ruled faithfully for 41 years.

Yes, “Asa the Achilles Heal” had some kind of severe foot problem that turned into a spiritual problem! But, other than “sticking his foot in his mouth” later on in life, he had a “pretty good run of things”. Well, actually, his feet could not run, but you know what I mean. Now, it is time for his son to grab the reigns for 25 years.

Many years ago, I remember doing a children’s musical called, “Fat Fat Jehoshaphat”.

“Fat Fat Jehoshaphat, what a good, good king he was, The he, da dah, da, dah"… (Kathie Hill Music)

I remember thinking that I am sure glad that my name doesn’t end in “AT”! Cause that’s not where it’s “AT”! (Nicknames can be brutal, Just ask King J.)

Anyway, I know this sounds strange to say, but his title was actually a compliment!

You see, Fat Fat Jehoshaphat was Livin’ Large in the kingdom! He was Abundant in Prayer to his God, and actually Overflowing with Praise to the Lord!

How many positive synonyms do I know for “Fat Fat Jehoshaphat? Well, A LOT, actually!

But, seriously he had an AMPLE amount of faith that we can learn some lessons from... (Sorry, I just can’t seem to un-synonym myself!)

He was Bulletproof! (All of my struggling Keto friends will get that one!)

He had a HEFTY amount of problems, but he also had a Supersized God!

Sorry, I am binge-eating or waffling with words now. It is pretty bad when you need to highlight all your cinnamon, I mean synonyms. If you are a “Foody” like me and are on your way to the kitchen for a late-night snack, I apologize. Just be sure to say your prayers first because this is what our lesson today is all about…

You see, King Jehoshaphat was surrounded by MANY enemies. There were the Moabites, The Ammonites, and The Meunites. GOOD NIGHT! That’s a LOT of “NITES”!

On top of all of that, the Edomites are coming at him with a VAST army from beyond the DEAD SEA. (20:1-2) The next verse tells us that Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED because he thought he was going to be “DEAD you SEA”.

That was his very first reaction, but do you know his second?

He called on the name of the Lord and begged for guidance. He then asked all the people to join him in prayer and fasting on behalf of their nation.

Here the message was given to him from God through the prophet, Jeruel, “Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (20:15)

They were instructed to do just three things, March. Stand. Watch.

The Battle would be the Lord’s!

When problems, pressure, pain, and persecution come your way… Remember good ol’ Fat Fat Jehoshaphat. With a name like that he had a LOT to overcome! The message given to him was that problems aren’t problems when you pray!”

So “GOLO”, I mean “Go Low” to your knees in prayer. Next, go “Lean on the Cuisine” as in FAST before the Lord in prayer. Lastly, Follow in his footsteps and contact WW, (That’s Weight Watchers) because after you fast and pray, you can Watch the Weight fall off your shoulders!

The Lord delivered them through prayer and fasting. Without lifting a sword, all the enemy lay dead around them with three days' worth of bounty to carry home.

They called it “The Valley of Blessing”, the place where an Unsurmountable Foe became an Unforgettable Lesson in Faith!

Fat Fat Jehoshaphat was “Fat on Faith” and “Lean on Mean”.

What obstacle has you terrified in your “valley” right now?

I pray that today is the day that we learn a BIG, JUMBO, SUPERSIZED lesson about Fasting, Faith, and Fortitude from

FAT FAT Jehoshaphat!

Jehoshaphat’s greatest valley began with SHEER TERROR but ended with TREMENDOUS TRIUMPH.

May we too be “LIVIN’ LARGE” in “The Valley of Blessing”!

(2 Chronicles 20:26)

“When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord HIMSELF had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of the Lord came over them.” (2 Chronicles 20:29)