"Word of God Speak"

April 18, 2013 (1 Samuel 20-21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Show me this loyalty as my sworn friend – for we made a solemn pact before the Lord – or kill me yourself if I have sinned against your father. But please don’t betray me to him!” 1 Samuel 20:8 NLT

Observation: David and Jonathan were close friends. They had made a pact with each other in the presence of God and sworn loyalty to one another. Saul, Jonathan’s father, wanted to kill David because his kingship was threatened by him. Saul knew the Lord was with David but that didn’t stop Saul from trying to kill him. Jonathan was put in a tight spot by his earthly father, would he be loyal to Saul his father, or David his friend. Thankfully Jonathan had good moral character and chose to be loyal to what was right. He chose to be true to righteousness rather than his bloodline. The thought of being betrayed into the hands of his enemy by his best friend was worse to David than the thought of being killed. Few pains in this life hurt worse than the pain of being betrayed by someone you love.

Application: Loyalty. A word that seems to have very little value in this day and time we live in. Whether a friendship, marriage, or employment relationship loyalty seems to be an old fashioned outdated method of allegiance that contains no meaningful value. Moral decay leads to character rot when loyalty is neglected. Betrayal, on the other hand, is all the more common these days. It seems to be the way up the corporate ladder. Coworkers often betray one another’s trust in an effort to gain a position of power over another. Most marriages that end in divorce are a result of betrayal. Many friendships have been severed because of betrayal. Betrayal cuts down and destroys, but loyalty lifts up and encourages. Make the commitment to be loyal today and don’t betray!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day You’ve made! Thank You for Your wonderful mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Help me to be loyal. Keep me from betraying. Open my eyes to see the importance of loyalty and enable me to stand strong when I’m tempted to betray a friend or loved one. Guard my heart and keep it cleansed and pure. Create in me a clean heart and a right spirit, in Jesus name, Amen!

April 17, 2013 (1 Samuel 19; 1 Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “And they left their nets at once and followed Him.” Matthew 4:20 NLT

Observation: Jesus began His ministry by recruiting fellow workers for His kingdom. He needed men that were willing to give up all they had to follow Him. Peter and Andrew were brothers that did just that. When Jesus saw them throwing their nets into the water trying to catch fish He offered to make them fishers of men. They left their nets at once and followed Him! They didn’t think about it. They didn’t have to check their bank account. They didn’t even have to get permission from their wives! They forsook their career at once and followed Jesus. That day was the beginning of a wonderful journey God would take Peter and Andrew on. They made the most of their journey and did indeed become fishers of men.

Application: When Jesus called Peter and Andrew to be His followers He wanted them, not what they had. Jesus didn’t ask them how much money they had or how much wealth they had accumulated by their fishing business. Jesus did not desire them to be His followers for what worldly goods they could bring to His ministry. He wanted them, not their possessions. These are the same type followers Jesus seeks today, men and women willing to give to Christ their lives. Forsaking all and following Jesus with complete trust and assurance at once. Peter and Andrew were fishermen, and when they placed their faith in Christ they became fishers of men.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for calling out to me, saying “follow me”. My life is Yours; use it to bring glory to the God of heaven. Help me surrender all to You and walk daily following Your direction. When You call to me may I be willing to forsake all at once just as Peter and Andrew did, in Jesus name, Amen!

April 15, 2013 (1 Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.” Matthew 2:12 NLT

Observation: The wise men saw the star in the east and began their journey to meet Jesus and worship Him. They went to Jerusalem and asked Herod where is the new born King of the Jews? Herod was deeply disturbed because he was concerned about loosing his authority. A new born king threatened his kingship. After interrogating the wise men Herod sent them on to Bethlehem to find Jesus. Herod asks the wise men to let him know where they found the child so he could come worship Him too. But the Lord knew Herod’s heart. He knew what his real desire was. God warned the wise men in a dream not to return to Herod. They returned to their own country by another route.

Application: The wise men traveled a great distance to find Jesus. When they found Him they responded with thanksgiving, joy and worship. Notice the wise men went looking for Jesus, Jesus was not sent out to look for the wise men. In today’s world we expect Jesus to come looking for us; we expect Him to explain His actions, prove who He is and give us gifts! One thing is for sure when a person does meet Jesus their lives take a new route. Jesus impacts our lives in such a way that we change course. Just as the wise men walked a new route back home so must we. After an encounter with Jesus we must listen to the voice of God and heed what He says. He will provide and protect us from the enemy just like He protected the infant Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Lord thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for the new direction You give to those that have met Jesus. Thank You for providing instruction that protects us from our enemies. I lift up praise to Your name and worship You for who You are, in Jesus name, Amen!

April 13, 2013 (1 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “Then Saul said, “Let’s chase the Philistines all night and plunder them until sunrise. Let’s destroy every last one of them.” His men replied, “We’ll do whatever you think is best.” But the priest said, “Let’s ask God first.” 1 Samuel 14:36 NLT

Observation: Saul had put his army at risk by making them take an oath not to eat anything before evening and he had full revenge on his enemies. The army had battled hard all day and the men were becoming faint. When evening came the men rushed for the battle plunder and began to butcher the sheep, goats, cattle and calves, but they ate them without draining the blood. Because of Saul’s foolish, and arrogant, oath the men committed sin against God. Saul tried to correct the situation by building an altar and sacrificing the animals on it. But Saul’s hunger for revenge would not allow him the opportunity to repent. His men were willing to do what he thought was best, but the priest said wait! Let’s ask the Lord first.

Application: Often times our enthusiasm can get us into real trouble. It can blind our eyes from seeing God’s plan and stop up our ears from hearing His voice. In the heat of the moment bad decisions are made. We must remember to seek God and His will in all that we do. Every decision we make and every action we take should be bathed in prayer first. Many mighty warriors have fallen prey to defeat because they did not seek the Lord. Many more have fallen prey because they did not heed the voice of God when He did speak. Be careful of doing what others think is best, seek God for yourself and hear Him speak. Obey His voice and look for Him in all situations you face. He may lead you into the wilderness, but He will not lead you astray.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I seek You for direction in my life. You know the situations I face and the decisions I need to make. Reveal Your will in these matters to me. Strengthen me to do the right thing in Your eyes. Keep my eyes focused on You and keep my ears open to hear Your voice. Protect me by Your strong right arm that does not fail! Thank You for Your grace and mercy that provide and protect me every day, in Jesus name, Amen!

April 12, 2013 (1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2-3; 2 Corinthians 12)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior.” 2 Corinthians 12:20 NLT

Observation: Paul had already made two visits to Corinth. On the first visit the church was established, on the second visit Paul had to issue a warning of correction. Now as he plans to make a third visit he is concerned about what he might find going on. The church at Corinth was really struggling keeping sin out of their assembly. The people obviously struggled with sin and repentance. He had instructed them the first and second time he was there and the third time he was going to deal openly with any that refused to repent and heed his instruction. Paul was afraid he would be grieved by what he found because many of them had not given up their old sins. They simply failed to understand the importance of repentance.

Application: I believe today’s modern church is a fine replica of the Corinthian church. Far too many churches today embrace sin and tolerate it within their assemblies. Sin is no longer dealt with openly and publicly by a lot of churches because sin has infiltrated the church leadership. It is very difficult to deal with the issue of sin when those that are in charge of dealing with it are living in it. As the church goes, so goes the people. If sin is tolerated and allowed to remain within the church why should it not be tolerated and allowed to remain within the people? The standard for Christian living has been established by God and His church is to be the leading example that the people follow. No time in history has repentance been needed more, and it seems no time in history has the importance of repentance been ignored more by the church than now.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Remind me often of the importance of repentance. Keep me from becoming comfortable with sin. Cleanse me and help me walk uprightly pleasing You in all I do. Purge sin from my life so that I may be an example worth following, bringing You all the honor and glory You deserve, in Jesus name, Amen!

April 11, 2013 (1 Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve Him. Think of all the wonderful things He has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24 NLT

Observation: Samuel gives his farewell address. He starts by asking the people to tell of any wrong he had done unto them. He said if he had taken anything from anyone unjustly, stolen from them, cheated them, oppressed them, taken a bribe or perverted justice in any way they should speak up. They replied, “No, you have never done any of these things”. Samuel goes on to instruct them one last time even though the people had made the poor choice of demanding a king like other nations. He tells them to be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve Him. Think of all the wonderful things God has done for you in the past. Don’t forget them!

Application: We often make poor choices and decisions just like the children of Israel. We demand our own way and desire what we want, when we want it. We enjoy freewill and love to ignore and reject God’s will. Yet as Christians our will should be crucified daily. We should be submitted to God’s will and understand His won’t. If He says go, we go. If He says no, He means it. One way we can help ourselves stay on the right path is to remember all the good things God has done for us in the past. Thinking back on the way God has delivered and provided for us can renew our courage and strength to stand. Maybe if we would spend a little more time remembering what all God has done we could avoid going astray so much.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You so much for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me daily! Remind me of all the wonderful things You have done for me in the past. Renew my mind and fill me with courage and strength to stand strong and faithful to You. Help me make right decisions that please and honor You. May my freewill be crucified and Your will rule my life, in Jesus name, Amen!

April 10, 2013 (1 Samuel 8-10; 2 Corinthians 10)

From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:

Scripture: “So Samuel repeated to the Lord what the people had said, and the Lord replied, ‘Do as they say, and give them a king.’ Then Samuel agreed and sent the people home.” 1 Samuel 8:21-22 NLT

Observation: The people of Israel were not content with the provision and protection God had provided. They wanted to be like to other nations that surrounded them. They wanted a king to rule over them even though God warned them it would not be good. They refused to listen to the warning God gave. Their hearts were hard and they did not even consider the consequences they would face. They wanted what they wanted and they wanted it now! So God said, ok give it to them. They will regret it, but give them what they want. Samuel knew this was not best for the people but after consulting God about the matter he agreed and sent them home.

Application: How many times we act just like the children of Israel. We want what we want and we want it now! Who cares about the consequences? Who cares about the pain and suffering our choices will lead us to? Our feelings today are what’s most important. Oh how often we forfeit God’s best for our good enough. How often we reject God and His will and settle for what we think is best. How often our eyes are blinded by our own desires. If we continue to ignore God and refuse to listen to His warnings, He will eventually give us what we want. Many want God to get out of their lives; they don’t want to hear anything about holiness or righteousness. He has patiently and faithfully provided warnings, and we have ignored them. Make no mistake about it; we will suffer the consequences of our actions.

Prayer: Dear Lord, protect me from myself! I don’t realize the heartache and pain that I’m choosing when I reject Your warnings. Save me from my own ignorance! Help me submit to You completely. Deliver me from my own desires. Make Your desire my desire. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Without them I would be in much despair. In Jesus name, Amen!