WHY Are You Doing That?

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 29: 1-22; 1 Kings 1: 1-53

Can you imagine having a father who never disciplined you?

David was that kind of father to Adonijah.  The scripture says David never once asked Adonijah,

“Why are you doing that?”

It seems that David’s children pretty much did what they wanted —remember Amnon who raped Tamar and Absalom who had Ammon killed to avenge Tamar’s death.

In today’s world of relativism…

Relativism is the philosophical position that all points of view are equally valid, and that all truth is relative to the individual—

                                                                             Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry

Many parents think they should create an atmosphere where their children can find their own truth so they never ask them,

“Why are you doing that?”

Whether you are a parent, a leader of a small group, a supervisor, or a CEO asking “why” is an important part of leading.

It’s hard for me to understand why David, who is known as a great leader, did not lead his sons by asking the tough questions and providing direction and discipline?

People need boundaries.

Children need boundaries.

Even kings’ kids need boundaries.

Thank you Lord for Your Word and Your Holy Spirit!  Teach us to ask ourselves daily, “Why am I doing that?”  Show us Your Truth Lord!

We Trust you to get Your will accomplished in our lives!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 2: 1-9, 2 Samuel 23: 1-7, 1 Kings 2: 10-12, 1 Chronicles 29: 26-30, Psalms 4,,5,6,8,9,11

How to be Fulfilled in Your Work– 1 Chronicles 28:20

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 26:1 through 1 Chronicles 28:21

Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work.  Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God is with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.  He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”   —1 Chronicles 28: 20

Wow!

In this one verse David gave us all we need to be fulfilled in our work!

I know I keep quoting the Truth Project, but one of the most powerful lessons in that series was on our heavenly Father’s view of work.  Today’s culture thinks work is just something you do so that you can get money.  Most people endure their work so they can enjoy their week-ends.  We mistakenly quote Genesis 3:17 and say work is a curse; when in fact it was the ground that was cursed, not work.  As Dr. Tackett says, “creative labor is a glorious privilege.  The creativity of man, while subject to the effects of the fall, is a mirror-image of the creativity of God.”

In Exodus 34:21, we are told that we are to work for six days and rest for one.  I believe we are suppose to enjoy our work so much that we’re tempted to do it seven days a week, hence the need to command us to rest one day a week!

And guess what?

There’s no mention of retirement in the Bible!

You’re probably thinking, “Dianne, you are crazy!  There’s no way I could feel that way about my job!”

Let’s think about today’s scripture passage; here are a few of the jobs these folks were given by God through Moses: Gatekeepers, treasurers, administrators, the King’s army and tribal leaders.  None of these jobs sound particularly exciting to me, but David didn’t ask if it sounded fun; he said, just do it!   But David did tell them how to do it…it’s interesting that most of his instructions dealt with attitude rather than aptitude.

Attitude                                                                 

• Be Strong
• Be Courageous
• Don’t procrastinate, do the work
• Don’t be afraid
• Don’t be discouraged
• Don’t worry about God failing you
• Do not fear being abandoned by God

Aptitude

• God will give you the skills and the ability to do the job correctly.  Yes, God provides supernatural ability to do secular jobs; this “anointing” isn’t just for preachers!

There is one more thing we need to remember that isn’t mentioned in this verse, but it’s critical to understanding how the Israelites did this difficult work with the right attitude—they saw great value in what they were doing; they were building the Living God’s temple!

I think this is the key to having the attitude about our work that is pleasing to God.

I know we don’t have the opportunity to build the temple for the Lord but

there is eternal value in everything we do

if we look for it.

If you don’t see it in your work ask the Holy Spirit to show you.

 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. —1 Corinthians 10:31

 May you be blessed in your work!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 29: 1-22, 1 Kings 1: 1-53

What’s Your Tagline? 1 Chronicles 23:14

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 23:1 through 1 Chronicles 25:31

Wisegeek.com defines a tagline  as “a slogan (short, attention-getting phrase) which succinctly, memorably, and descriptively sums up a company or product.”

Taglineguru.com lists these as the top five taglines of all time:

1. Got Milk  (1993)  ———————————–  Calif. Milk  Board
2. Don’t leave home without it  (1975)————-  American Express
3. Just do it  (1988) ———————————-  Nike
4. Where’s the beef  (1984)————————–  Wendy’s
5. You’re in good hands with Allstate  (1956)—–  Allstate Insurance

In today’s scripture reading I found Moses’ tagline:

As for Moses, the man of God, his sons were included with the tribe of Levi.   –1 Chronicles 23:14

Moses…the man of God

Think about it, when anyone said “the man of God” they would all say, “that’s Moses!”

When your family, friends, neighbors or coworkers describe you, what “tagline” do they use?  What’s the first thought that runs through their head about you?

When my son was a teenager and young adult he used a tagline when he tried to “explain” me to his friends.  I think he stills uses it.  I guess he wanted them to be on their best behavior when they were around me so that he would not get a lecture about his choice in friends.  Jeremy would say, “My Mom is real churchy.”  With that one word Jeremy hoped they would understand:

• My Mom talks about God
• There are Bibles on our coffee table
• She doesn’t like profanity; matter of fact she thinks dumb, stupid and shut up are curse words
• We say the blessing before we eat
• She prays for me before I go to school–out loud!
• She’ll probably pray for you too

While I really don’t want to be known as churchy; even though it has become a term of endearment when Jeremy says it… I would love to be described as “the woman of God” by my Heavenly Father and have something about me point others to Him.

Moses certainly didn’t start out as “the man of God.”  He was insecure, full of guilt and reluctant to step out, but God  coached him day-by-day until he became God’s man.

Coached by God?

Can we be coached by God to become His man or woman?

I believe we can, if we check in with Him on a regular basis through

• reading and meditating on His Word
• talking and listening to Him
• obeying Him

I want to be that woman of God!  I’m going for it!  How about you?

Heavenly Father, I know I’m no Moses, but I am loved by You as much as Moses!  I want to be one of Your women of God.  Please teach me and coach me!  Use me for Your Glory!

In Jesus Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 26:1 through 1 Chronicles 28:21

What Did Serving God Cost You Today? 2 Samuel 24:24

Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 24:1-9; 1 Chronicles 21:1-6; 2 Samuel 24:10-17; 1 Chronicles 21:7-17; 2 Samuel 24:18-25; 1 Chronicles 21:18-22:19

So David went up to do what the Lord had commanded him. When Araunah saw the king and his men coming toward him, he came and bowed before the king with his face to the ground.  “Why have you come, my lord the king?” Araunah asked.

David replied, “I have come to buy your threshing floor and to build an altar to the Lord there, so that he will stop the plague.”

“Take it, my lord the king, and use it as you wish,” Araunah said to David. “Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and you can use the threshing boards and ox yokes for wood to build a fire on the altar. I will give it all to you, Your Majesty, and may the Lord your God accept your sacrifice.”

But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it, for I will not present burnt offerings to the Lord my God that have cost me nothing.” So David paid him fifty pieces of silver for the threshing floor and the oxen.  —2 Samuel 24:19-24

David had just made a mistake that cost 70,000 lives.  He was in deep distress as he asked the angel of the Lord to allow His anger to fall on him and his family.  So when the time came to offer a sacrifice and prayer to ask God to stop the plague there was no way David was going to let anyone else “pay” for this offering.

How does this fit in today’s world?

Should our worship and service to our God cost us something?

Now that we’re on our third trip through the Bible, I feel safe in saying, it costs to truly serve God.  Here are three examples of the many that come to mind:

God required Abraham to leave his homeland and family. (Genesis 12:1)

God allowed Satan to test Job.  He lost everything, except his wife. (Job 1)

God gave his only Son Jesus to die for the sins of man. (John 3:16)

What has serving God cost you lately?

What offerings are you giving?

What sacrifices are you making?

• Your time
• Your talent
• Your treasure

Are you enjoying someone else’s offerings and sacrifices rather than actively worshiping yourself?

Heavenly Father, we just want to please You.  If there are prices to be paid, show us.  If there are costs to be incurred make us willing. Help us to know when You want sacrifice and when you want obedience.

But Samuel replied,“What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifice or your obedience to his voice?

Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.  –1 Samuel 15:22-23

Lord, teach us.  We give ourselves to You.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 23:1-25:31

Are You Struggling With These Four Words? 2 Samuel 22:26-28

Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 22:1-51; Psalm 18

To the faithful you show yourself faithful;
to those with integrity you show integrity.
To the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the wicked you show yourself hostile.  –2 Samuel 22:26-28

These three verses were repeated twice in today’s reading.

Do these four words describe your life?

• Faithful
• Integrity
• Pure
• Humble

What a promise!  Talk about a return of investment!

If I’m faithful, full of integrity, pure, and humble the God of the universe will be faithful, full of integrity, pure, and humble to ME…AMAZING!

These four words should be our goal for our day and our life.

Where do we learn to be faithful, full of integrity, pure, and humble?

From the example of Jesus and the Word of God.

Are you struggling in either of these four areas?

Move closer to Jesus.  He will help you.  Spend time in His Word.  He will teach you.

Heavenly Father, we want to be our best for You. Lord, today help us to move one step closer to the person You have planned for us to be.  Make us more like You today.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 24:1-9; 1 Chronicles 21:1-6; 2 Samuel 24:10-17; 1 Chronicles 21:7-17; 2 Samuel 24:18-25; 1 Chronicles 21:18-22:19

I’m Determined NOT To Be a Barzillai–2 Samuel 19:34-35

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 19:31 through 20:26; Psalm 7; 2 Samuel 21: 1-22; 1 Chronicles 20: 4-8

Today I got a glimpse into my future and it wasn’t pretty!  My Grandma is 96 years old and my Mom turns 78 today (Happy Birthday Mama!).  I definitely want to follow in their footsteps and have a long earthly life, God willing, but after today a long life doesn’t sound like a whole lotta fun!

At the beginning of today’s reading David is again showing kindness to someone who helped him out in the past.  Barzillai of Gilead had provided food for the king during his stay in Mahanaim.

David wanted Barzillai to cross the Jordan River and go with him to Jerusalem.  David’s plans were to take care of him for the rest of his life.  This is just one more example of the heart of David.

I don’t know if Barzillai was just a negative person or if his comments are in the Bible to prepare us for old age.  Let’s read it together and see what we think…

Here’s Barzillai’s response to David’s invitation:

“No,” he replied, “I am far too old to go with the king to Jerusalem.  I am eighty years old today, and I can no longer enjoy anything.  Food and wine are no longer tasty, and I cannot hear the singers as they sing.  I would only be a burden to my lord the king.”  –2 Samuel 19:34-35

Can I say—DEPRESSING?

The more I have thought about this, the more I think Barzillai was just a “glass-half-empty” kinda guy!  Think about it, Barzillai had the opportunity to be taken care of by the King of Israel.

Who knows God may have wanted Barzillai to be one of David’s advisors?

Who knows Barzillai could have been created by God for such a time as this to provide words of wisdom at just the right time. But Barzillai thought he was too old.  So guess what; if he thought he was too old…he was too old.

I don’t want to be like Barzillai.  Yes, I know I’m going to have aches and pains as I get older.  What am I talking about about—I already have aches and pains!  But I want to serve the Lord with Gladness all the days of my life.

Here’s a verse that would have helped Barzillai and it should be on our refrigerator as well.  I’m quoting the King James Version because that’s what I memorized:

Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.   —Proverbs 6:2

Father, help us to watch what we say.  Our words become self-fulfilling prophesies for our lives. Lord, help us to be ready and willing to serve you until to promote us to heaven!

In Jesus Name.  Amen and Amen!

Determined NOT to be a Barzillai!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

This Week-end’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 19:31 through 20:26; Psalm 7; Psalm 63; 2 Samuel 18:1 through 19:30

Lord, Have Mercy on Our Wayward Children–2 Samuel 18:5

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 17: 15-29; Psalm 3; Psalm 63, 2 Samuel 18: 1 through 19:30

My heart breaks for King David.

His son

not his friend

not a co-worker

but

his son—flesh of his flesh and blood of his blood betrayed him and was trying to kill him.

I had my share of trials when my kids were teenagers. At some point I probably “thought” I was going to die but my life was a walk in the park compared to David and it’s was a walk in the park compared to what some of you are dealing with today.

David was running for his life from his own son; hiding like an animal pursued by a hunter.

I know that most of us aren’t hiding in caves to keep from being killed by one of our children.  But I do know there are parents out there who didn’t get a good night’s sleep last night because of one of their children.

And yes, for all you young parents, that instinct to protect your children from life’s hard knocks is still there when your kids are adults.

And yes, when someone just “seems” to be treating your adult child poorly, you come unglued and want “to hurt somebody!”

When King David heard the news of Absalom’s death he took his King hat off and began to grieve like a parent.

The King was overcome with emotion.  He went up to the room over the gateway and burst into tears.  And as he went, he cried, “O my son Absalom!  My son, my son Absalom!  If only I had died instead of you!  O Absalom, my son, my son.   –2 Samuel 18: 33

I have many friends who are walking with God on a road they never wanted to travel with one of their children.  Like David, this was NOT the way you planned it.  Whether it’s teenage rebellion, a gay or lesbian lifestyle, an addiction, divorce, criminal conviction, financial irresponsibility, teenage pregnancy, or a host of other issues.

I’m sure you can relate to David when he said to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom.  –2 Samuel 18:5

As parents, we have pleaded and begged for mercy for our wayward children, just like David.  Sometimes it’s hard to keep going; to even keep praying.  What do we do when it seems no mercy is coming?

We keep asking!

Father, I pray for my friends who are going through a heart-breaking time with their “Absalom” child.  Holy Spirit comfort them as only you can comfort.  I join them is asking for mercy on their child’s behalf.  I pray that today is a day of miracles for those wayward children. Bring them home like the prodigal son.  Help those children to “come to themselves” and run to you Jesus!   Give these parents strength for today and hope for tomorrow!  Heavenly Father, we trust you with our children!

In Jesus Name.  Amen and Amen!  Let it be so Lord!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 19:31 through 20:26; Psalm 7; 2 Samuel 21: 1-22;1 Chronicles 20: 4-8

Do You Have a Spirit of Absalom? 2 Samuel 15:32-38

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 15:1 through 17:14

Today’s reading is not just another day in the life of David and his dysfunctional family.

The story of Absalom is a story that stands as a warning to all of us.  For every leader in any organization there are usually one or two subordinates or under-leaders who think they could do a better job than their leader.

Absalom…

• bought a chariot and horses
• Hired 50 bodyguards
• Got up early and went to the gate of the city
• Told people that David didn’t have anyone to hear their case
• “Appeared” to be humble
• Stole the hearts of the people
• Had time for them
• Stirred up a rebellion against his father, King David

He literally devised a plan to steal the kingdom from his father David.

What happened to Absalom to cause him to betray his own father?

• Offense
• Hatred
• Unforgiveness
• Bitterness

Have you ever been deceived by an Absalom?

It has happened to me.

While suffering at the hand of an Absalom is a tough pill to swallow, there is something worse—being an Absalom.

The next time you find yourself working in a team atmosphere where there’s an appointed leader, watch your self-talk (the thoughts that are going through your head).

Are you thinking things like…

• This person isn’t that great of a leader
• This person is insensitive to the needs of the people
• I could do a much better job leading this team

Let’s go one step further; what are you saying to the other folks on your team or in your organization?

Does it sound anything like Absalom’s words in 2 Samuel 15: 32-38?

• You really have a strong case here
• It’s too bad the King doesn’t have anyone to hear it
• I wish I were the judge
• Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgement
• I would give them real justice

Someone with an Absalom spirit is the under-leader with hidden agendas who eventually draws away disciples unto himself. An “Absalom” is the wolf in sheep’s clothing who steals sheep for his own gain.

This “spirit of Absalom” is rooted in pride.

I can’t believe how a five-letter word:  P-R-I-D-E can cause so many problems.  There is so much deception going on in this type of situation, but the person who is deceived the most is the “Absalom.”  He or she thinks their heart is right.

Friends, let’s make a commitment to check our motives daily.

Why are we saying what we’re saying?

Are we trying to elevate ourselves and put someone else down?

One of Satan’s greatest tools is the spirit of offense which he uses to breed disloyalty and rebellion.

Here’s a great motto to write on the walls of our hearts:

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.  –Author unknown

Thank you Lord for your Holy Spirit who shines a light in the crooks and corners of my heart!  Help me to always repent quickly and turn from my sins.

In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 17: 15-29; Psalm 3; Psalm 63, 2 Samuel 18: 1 through 19:30

Is It Satan or The Law of Sowing and Reaping? 2 Samuel 12:11-12

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 12: 26-31; 1 Chronicles 20: 2-3; 2 Samuel 13: 1 through 14:33

In yesterday’s reading Nathan spoke for the Lord and confronted David of his sin of murdering Uriah and sleeping with Uriah’s wife.  As we discussed yesterday David was sincerely repentant.

The Lord immediately forgave him

but

there were consequences to his actions that would go on throughout his life and into the next generation:

• The child that he fathered with Bathsheba died
• From that day forward David’s family would live by the sword
• David’s household would rebel against him
• David’s wives would be given to another man before his very eyes and he will go to bed with them in public view
• All these things would become public knowledge

As we move into today’s reading we begin to see these things come to pass.

I found an interesting article that helped me to understand how these hard things could happen to someone who was forgiven and set a part for God’s service.

Here is an excerpt from The Law of Sowing and Reaping  by Don Rousu:

In the Book of Genesis we find the expression of a seed principle that runs throughout the scriptures, and a principle that will endure as long as the earth. Chapter 8, verse 22 reads, “As long as the earth endures, seed-time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” In other words, seed-time and harvest, that is “sowing and reaping”, will be as unchangeable and predictable as day and night.

Sowing and reaping is a law, like the law of gravity. The law of gravity always works the same way for everyone. So does the law of sowing and reaping. It’s a fixed principle that God built into his creation. In Galatians 6:7, we are told, “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

Essentially, this means that every action has a predictable consequence. If I sow corn, I’ll get corn, not potatoes. If I sow radishes, I’ll get radishes, not squash… It also works the same way in the spiritual realm. If I sow (give away) life to others, I will reap life myself.  If I sow provision for others, I will reap provision for myself. If I sow forgiveness toward others, I’ll reap forgiveness for myself…

If I sow hate for others, I will reap hate from for myself.*

If I sow unforgiveness toward others, I’ll reap unforgiveness for myself.*

*Dianne added

Today the rebellion of David’s household begins:

• The tragic rape of Tamar
• David becomes angry but does nothing to address this family sin
• Absalom determines to kill Amnon and conceals his intentions for two years
• Absalom begs his father David to attend a feast at his house but for some reason he refuses
• Amnon goes in David’s place; Absalom’s servants kill Amnon
• David refuses to see his son for two years
• Absalom forces Joab to intercede, and David welcomes Absalom home

There have been many times I tried to pray the Satan, the enemy of my soul out of my life, when in reality  I was reaping what I had sown.

Here are a few examples that come to mind:

• Financial problems-trying to live beyond my means
• Health Issues-Not treating my body as the temple of God
• Scheduling Issues- Over-committing and wondering why I can’t get it all done
• Bitterness-Lack of Forgiveness that was sucking the life out of me

I know that there are times God makes an exception and minimizes the reaping process but many times He does not.

As I look back on my life I may have made the same mistakes again if I had not had to do some reaping!

Heavenly Father, I don’t want to reap tough times and tough situations.  Help me to sow good things into my life and the lives of others.  Lord, when I make a mistake and sow the wrong thing, help me to learn from my mistakes and move through the reaping as quickly as possible.

In Jesus’ Name!  Amen and Amen!

 

©2012, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 15:1 through 17:14

Is It Possible to Remove the Stains of Sin? Psalm 51:1-9

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 20:1; 2 Samuel 11: 1 through 12: 14; Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12: 15-25; 2 Samuel 5: 14-16; 1 Chronicles 14: 3-7; 1 Chronicles 3: 5-9

Can I be candid?

I’ve often wondered how David could have been a murderer and an adulterer and still have been “a man after God’s own heart.”

Don’t get me wrong, I’m so thankful he was, because it gives me hope; it’s just hard to understand.

After reading David’s prayer of repentance in Psalm 51, I think I know a bit more about the heart of the man who touched the heart of the God of the Universe.

David revealed his broken spirit and repentant heart in that Psalm.  He came clean before the Lord.  David prayed to the Lord in verse 17, The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit, You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

I encourage you to read Psalm 51 out loud; David said the words we would like to say but can never articulate.  I’ve prayed David’s prayer many times when I needed God’s forgiveness but couldn’t put my feelings into words.

There were two phrases that caught my eye in this beautiful Psalm, “blot out the stain of my sins” (1 b) and “remove the stain of my guilt” (9 b).

What do you do with a garment that has a stain that you can’t get out?

I either save it for yard work or give it to Goodwill.  I can’t stand to wear clothes with stains on them.  I wonder if David felt the same way about stains and worried that he would be cast aside because of his imperfections.

Oh the wisdom of David.

He knew these were two separate issues.

He knew he couldn’t get rid of the stain of either by himself.

I have asked the Lord to forgive me of my sins many, many times but I can  never remember asking Him to take away my guilt.  I have often thought that guilt was a consequence of sin that I had to live with; a battle I had to fight alone.

Friends, I have good news!

God answered David’s prayer and He will answer ours as well!

I can’t wait for you the read the rest of the Psalms and see

• the joy flowing out of David’s heart
• the confidence that could only come from a life that was stain-free before the Lord

Both the sin and the guilt were gone forever!

David found out how he could be perfect, even after committed sins so bad that he is remembered for them to this very day.

From his own lips…

• God is my strong fortress and He makes my way perfect (2 Samuel 22: 33).
• God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect (Psalm 18:32)

It’s God who makes us perfect.

It’s God who removes the stain of sin and the stain of guilt.

Father, we pray with David…

Create in us a clean heart, O God. 

Renew a loyal spirit within us.

Do not banish us from your presence,

And don’t take your Holy Spirit from us.

Restore to us the joy of your salvation

and make us willing to obey you.

                                                      Psalm 51: 10-12

 

 

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

©2012, Dianne GuthmullerTomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 12: 26-31; 1 Chronicles 20: 2-3;2 Samuel 13: 1 through 14:33