DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MY PLANS - GOD'S PLANS

 MY PLANS – GOD'S PLANS
II Samuel 7:4-7, 11b
 
"But it happened that night that the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying, 'Go and tell my servant David, "Thus says the LORD, 'Would you build a house for me to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt, even to this day, but have moved about in a tent and in a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about with all the children of Israel, have I ever spoken a word to anyone from the tribes of Israel ... "Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?" ' .... Also the LORD tells you that He will make you a house [margin: a royal dynasty]." ' "
 
David had in his heart to build a temple for God, but it was not necessarily God's plan. God had a greater plan: To build through David a house or a kingdom that would last forever in which He would be king. The fulfillment of that plan came through the house or royal dynasty of David when Jesus, of the lineage of David, was born to set up His kingdom. God's temple would be in the hearts of people, not in a house made with hands. To build a temple of wood and stone was not a bad idea, but it was not God's assignment for David. Now, I can identify with David, because I have had dreams in my heart to do things that were not necessarily God's assignment for me. One example was my desire to teach in a Bible school. That never happened; it was not God's plan, even though it was in my heart. Just because I misunderstand God's plan does not bring condemnation. It just lets me know that His thoughts are not my thoughts, and His ways are not my ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). May His will be done.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God's plans are greater than our plans.
 
[end]
 
Have a "God's plan"  day.   Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BLESSING

 BLESSING
II Samuel 6:18-20a
 
"And when David had finished offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts. Then he distributed among all the people...to everyone a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins. So all the people departed, everyone to his house. Then David returned to bless his household...."
 
There is a pattern that David set for when God's people gather in the presence of God. The first priority is to bless God, giving Him the offering of worship due Him. The second part is to bless other people. Many people miss the second part.  They attend church to get a blessing rather than to give a blessing. They come only to receive the bread, meat, and raisins. In China they were called "rice Christians" because they only came to church to get a portion of rice. If they don't get "blessed," they feel it is not worth the effort, and they are sporadic in their attendance.  They miss the point of going to church.   The only verse in the Bible commanding us to go to church is Hebrews 6:24-25: we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, with the purpose of considering one another in order to stir up love and good works and exhorting one another. It is a mindset of giving rather than getting. The truth is that as we give, we also receive – "give and it shall be given unto you." I am blessed as I bless God and other people.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The reason for attending church is to bless God and to bless fellow believers.
 
[end]
 
Have a "blessing" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- JESUS IN THE MIDDLE

 JESUS IN THE MIDDLE
II Samuel 6:17
 
"So they brought the ark of the LORD, and set it in the midst of the tabernacle that David had erected for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offering before the LORD."
 
The ark – and the presence of God – was placed in the middle of the tabernacle. When we visited the Taos, New Mexico, we visited the Catholic Church in the Pueblo, the old Indian settlement. It is a very old church. When we entered the church, I noticed statues lined up along the front at the altar. In the middle was a female statue very much larger than the rest which I assumed was Mary, but which the guide explained, in the Indian tradition, represented Mother Earth. Off to the far right was a small statue representing Jesus, nondescript among the rest of the statutes of various saints. It reminded me of some Christians who have asked Jesus into their "tabernacle," but He is not the center focus. At the core of their being, there are other things that are large, and Jesus is somewhere off to the side. Jesus, I want You to be the center of my life.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Jesus wants to be the center focus of our lives.
 
[end]
 
Have a "Jesus in the middle" day. Love you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

                MERRY CHRISTMAS
       Rejoice!!! God has visited us.
 
Now Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
 
Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of His servant David....
Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.
                                                                                                                                                       Luke 1:67-69, 78-79
Love divine, all love excelling,
Joy of heaven,
To earth come down;
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart.
                                                                                                                                                              John Wesley

DAD'S RAMBLING -- BITTERNESS

  
BITTERNESS
II Samuel 6:16, 20
 
Now as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal, Saul's daughter, looked through the window and saw Kind David leaping and whirling before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart ... Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, 'How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself.' "
 
There will always be those who have the ministry of criticism who will throw cold water on my joy. But Michal's attitude toward David was more than just criticism of his dancing before the ark of the LORD. Her spite and sarcasm probably have their roots in the bitterness caused by David when he broke up her home and marriage (II Samuel 3:14-16). At one time Michal loved David (I Samuel 18:20). Now she despises him. Bitterness can lay dormant, but it will come out. I need to remember that when other people lash out at me with caustic words, it is probably because of some buried pain from the past. And I need to guard against bitterness in my own spirit, "...looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled" (Hebrews 12:15).
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Bitterness my lie buried, but it will express itself in criticism and sarcasm.
 
[end]
 
Have a joyful day.   Love you.

GOD'S PRESENCE

 GOD'S PRESENCE
II Samuel 6:12, 14-15
 
"Now it was told King David, saying, 'The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.' So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness .... So David danced before the LORD with all his might ... So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet."
 
The ark of God was the dwelling-place on earth of the Eternal God. Where God's presence was, there was blessing and joyful praise. When Jesus was born, the angels rejoiced because Emmanuel (God with us) had come down to live with us and bless us. Today, I am the dwelling-place of God (I Corinthians 3:16). My life and my family has been truly blessed by God's abiding presence. When I get down in the mollygrubs and lose my joy, I tend to forget God's blessing in my life because I forget that God is here – living in me. What joy that He is here! Excuse me while I dance! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The Presence of God brings blessing and rejoicing.
 
[end]
 
Have an Emmanuel (God with us) day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE WAITING GAME

 THE WAITING GAME
II Samuel 6:16-17
 
"So David would not move the ark of the LORD with him into the city of David; but David took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittitie. The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months. And the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household."
 
Obed-Edom and his sons had the assignment of being gate-keepers for the South Gate and the storehouse for that gate (see I Chronicles 26:8, 15). They were watchmen who had the responsibility of protection. So the ark was put into capable hands until it was time to move it into the city. Not every dream happens immediately. There may be a time of waiting for its fulfillment. It make take months or years, or it may not even happen in my lifetime. In the case of David's dream to build a temple, he did not see it fulfilled in his lifetime, but his son Solomon built it after David died. My dreams may be fulfilled in my children or even my grandchildren. I have a dream that Jesus will come again, but it may not happen in my lifetime. But it will happen in God's time. In the meantime,  "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (Galatians 6:9).  I need to be patiently expecting.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: There is a time for everything, and sometimes patient expectation is required.
 
[end]
 
Have a patient day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- SEEK GOD FIRST

 SEEK GOD FIRST
II Samuel 6:9
 
"David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, 'How can the ark of the LORD come to me?' "
 
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). If David had sought the LORD to begin with to get God's knowledge and understanding, he might have saved himself a lot of pain, anger, and anguish. How much this is like me. I get an idea and I run with it without seeking God's will. When it ends up in disaster, then I ask God for His plan. Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). This is the proper order of things.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Seeking God first will prevent a lot of pain.
 
[end]
 
Have a "seeking God first" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MISDIRECTED ANGER

 MISDIRECTED ANGER
II Samuel 6:8a
 
"And David became angry because of the LORD's outbreak against Uzzah....."
 
God in His holiness had every right to be angry because of Uzzah's sin. But why did David get angry? We can only guess. Was he angry at God for His righteous act? Being angry at God is always unfounded. Was he angry at Ahio and Uzzah because of their ill-conceived plan to move the ark? Was he angry at Uzzah for his irreverence (in verse 7, the marginal reading for "error" is "irreverence"). Or was he angry at himself for causing the whole situation by his personal desire to have the ark in Jerusalem? I know about anger because I am a pro. I lived angry for years because of my own unfulfilled expectations, and I vented my anger inappropriately. Often my own anger is misdirected toward others when my own plans and desires are frustrated. So I spew my anger like an exploding volcano on those around me – my wife, my kids, and anyone else I come in contact with. I need to be aware of the source of my anger. There is a place for being angry about sin, but not for God's righteous judgment nor others who do not meet my expectations. Sorrow and grief are more appropriate than anger. "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city" (Proverbs 16:32). God, please help me with my anger issues.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Inappropriate anger is usually misdirected.
 
[end]
 
Have a "controlled-spirit" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HOLY THINGS

 HOLY THINGS
II Samuel 6:4,6-7
 
"And they brought [the ark] out of the house of Abinadab ... and Ahio went before the ark .... and when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error, and he died there by the ark of God."
 
God allowed Ahio and Uzzah to proceed with their improper plan to move the ark. God, in His great mercy, puts up with a lot of my foolishness, in which I often "stumble." But there is aline that can be crossed that arouses His anger, and that is when we treat His holy things in a common manner. Uzzah was judged because he touched God's holy ark. God had commanded that no one was to touch any holy thing, which included the ark, lest they die (Numbers 4:15). Even though it was a natural reaction to steady the ark on the cart, Uzzah still violated God's "holy thing" when he touched it. There are other illustrations in the Scriptures of people being judged for misusing things which were committed to God. Ananias and Sapphira died because they lied about money that had been committed to God (Acts 5:1-10). People in the Corinthian church were sick and even died because they abused the Lord's Supper, "not discerning the Lord's body" (I Corinthians 11:29-30). It is indeed a sobering thought that I could incur God's anger by "touching" God's holy things in a profane or common way. God, help me to treat Your "holy things" with awesome respect.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God's "things" must be treated with utmost respect in accordance with His holiness.
 
[end]
 
Have a careful day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOD'S WAY IS THE BEST WAY

 GOD'S WAY IS THE BEST WAY
II Samuel 6:3
 
"So they set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart."
 
Mistake # 1. David's desire to bring the ark to Jerusalem was right; but how he did it was wrong. In God's original plan, the priest were to carry the ark by long poles inserted through loops on the side of the ark – kind of like a casket – so that they would not touch the ark (Exodus 25:10-15). To transport it on a cart violated God's instructions, and it ended up badly for Uzzah (see verses 6-7). No matter how good our intentions are, our plans will fail is they do not conform to God's plan. In our society, we try to solve our problems regarding education, economics, criminal justice, poverty, race, child-rearing, and a host of other issues, with human wisdom instead of following God's instructions, and the problems only get worse. When will we ever learn that God's way is the best way?
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Doing things our way instead of God's way will end in failure.
 
[end]
 
Have a "God's Way" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- IN GOD'S PRESENCE

 IN GOD'S PRESENCE
II Samuel 6:1-2
 
"Again David gathered all the choice men of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale Judah to bring up from the there the ark of God, whose name is called by the Name, the LORD of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim."
 
There was a deep longing in David's heart to be near the presence of God. God's dwelling place on earth at that time was between the cherubim who were placed above the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant. So he sought to bring the ark to Jerusalem so he could be close to it. Even though Psalm 89, which is a Psalm of the sons of Korah, refers to the temple, it captures this desire: "How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of Hosts. My soul longs, yes, even faiths for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." Or to quote a contemporary song, "I just want to be where You are, dwelling daily in Your presence." My heart longs to dwell in the presence of the Living God.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Anyone with a heart for God wants to dwell in His presence.
 
[end]
 
Have a "dwelling" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BATTLES

 BATTLES
II Samuel 5:18, 20a, 22, 25
 
"The Philistines also went and deployed themselves in the Valley of Rephaim ... So David went to Baal Perazim and defeated them there .... Then the Philistines went up once again and deployed themselves in the Valley of Rephaim ... And David did so as the LORD commanded him; and he drove back the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezar."
 
David had battled the Philistines before as a youth while Saul was king, and he defeated them (remember Goliath?). Now they are back. And he will face them again and again in the future (II Samuel 21:15-22). They just won't give up! It seems I also face the same battles again and again, even some that I fought as a youth. And even though I gain victory over them, that doesn't mean I won't fight them again. The enemy does not give up and keeps attacking again and again. "But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 15:57). "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ..." (II Corinthians 2:14). 
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Even though we fight the same battles because we have the same enemy, God gives victory.
 
[end]
 
Have a victorious day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOD'S GRACE

GOD'S GRACE
II Samuel 5:10, 12-13
 
"So David went on and became great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him...So David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that he exalted His kingdom for the sake of His people Israel. And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he had come from Hebron. Also more sons and daughters were born to David."
 
There seems to be a disconnect here. David became great because God blessed him. Yet he violated God's plan for marriage – one man, one woman. In spite of God's hand on him, he still messed up. His unbridled sexual drive caused all kinds of family problems. Although he had personal problems and a dysfunctional family, yet God still used him. God's grace is great, and this gives me hope for my own life.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God can still use a person in spite of his personal deficiencies because His grace is great.
 
[end]
 
Have a grace-filled day. Love you.
 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE STRONGHOLD

 THE STRONGHOLD
II Samuel 5:9a, 17
 
"Then David dwelt in the stronghold, and called it the City of David....Now when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. And David heard of it and went down to the stronghold."
 
A stronghold is a fort, a refuge, a place of security and safety. But David also recognized that his place of refuge was not a place with walls, but the LORD Himself was his strong tower. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea" (Psalm 46:1-2). "In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God" (Psalm 62:7). "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him will I trust' " (Psalm 91:1-2). "But the LORD has been my defense; and my God the rock of my refuge" (Psalm 94:22). "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10). When the enemy of my soul comes searching for me, I have a place of refuge in The Rock, my God. I can "dwell" there.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Our security and refuge is not of our own making, but God Himself.
 
[end]
 
Have a "dwelling" day. Love you.

DERISION

 DERISION
II Samuel 5:8
 
"Now David said on that day, 'Whoever climbs up by way of the water shaft and defeats the Jebusites (the lame and the blind, who are hated by David's soul), he shall be chief and captain. Therefore they say, 'The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.' "
 
The Jebusites had spoken in derision, saying that even the lame and the blind would defeat David's army (vs. 6). But they were proven wrong, and on the day of battle, the Jebusites were all shown to be weak. There are those who speak derisively of people of Christian faith. I have been accused of using religion as a crutch. Some people think Christians are ignorant, weak-minded, and weak. But the day of judgment will tell who is really "lame and blind." The truth will be revealed, and they will not come into God's house – heaven.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: People who are strong in faith are considered weak by unbelievers, but one day, the truth will reveal who is really "blind and lame."
 
[end]
 
Have a strong day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM

 WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM
II Samuel 5:6-7
 
"And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke against David, saying, 'You shall not come in here; but the blind and the lame will repel you,' thinking, 'David cannot come in here.' Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the City of David.' "
 
David was faced with naysayers who said it couldn't be done. But David did it anyway. There will always be people – both fellowbelievers and non-believers – who will try to discourage the person of faith who is trying to do what he believes God has put in his heart. "It can't be done. You're too weak. Who do you think you are?" Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam – where never is heard a discouraging word. And Lord, help me to be an encourager and not a naysayer.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The person of faith can do what he believes is God's will in God's strength, even in the face of naysayers.
 
[end]
 
Have an encouraged – and encouraging – day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FAMILY UNITY

 FAMILY UNITY
 
II Samuel 5:3-5
 
"Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron. And King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD. And they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty three years over all Israel and Judah."
 
Finally, there was unity in the Abraham's family. The fighting was over. The nation was together again as they made a covenant "before the LORD." Unity is a wonderful thing; division is ugly. But unity is costly; it takes a lot of compromise, surrendering old hurts and grievances, pride, and personal desires. David wrote a song to express the beauty of unity: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity. It is like precious oil upon the beard...It is like the dew of Hermon..." (Psalm 133). There is healing in the oil, and refreshing in the dew. But discord brings distress. It causes wounds, turmoil, and much pain – whether in a family, a church, or a nation. How much more beautiful is unity and harmony. It is a treasure to be sought after. "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18).
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Unity is a commodity to be sought after and treasured, even if the price is great.
 
[end]
 
Have a unity day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- LEADERS VS. DRIVERS

LEADERS VS. DRIVERS

II Samuel 5:1-2

"Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and spoke, saying, 'Indeed we are your bone and your flesh. Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the LORD said to you, "You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel." ' "

The people of Israel recognized the difference between Saul and David, and they came to him. He did not have to go out and conquer them. It was apparent that David was a shepherd because he led, while Saul was a driver. David had learned leadership principles as a lad while tending sheep. A shepherd does not drive his sheep – he leads them and is willing to lay down his life for them rather than use them for personal gain. The shepherd has the good of the sheep at heart rather than his own good. That's why Jesus is pictured as The Good Shepherd (Psalm 23; John 10:11). We need leaders – not cattle drovers – who rule over us for our good and not for their own profit or aggrandizement.

TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: True shepherds lead rather than drive.

[end]

Have a Good Shepherd day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A POWER VACUUM

 A POWER VACUUM
II Samuel 4:1
 
"When Saul's son [Ishbosheth] heart that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost heart, and all of Israel was troubled."
 
Abner had been the power-figure in Israel, and when he died, there was a huge vacuum left in the political structure. Ishbosheth felt that vacuum because he knew that he was weak without Abner. But that vacuum also allowed other men with evil ambitions to take advantage of the situation.  Chapter 4 tells the story.  As so often is the case, the military took over, and there a coup of sorts. Two army officers assassinated Ishbosheth and took his head to David. Instead of receiving the reward they expected, David had them executed. The fact is that lawlessness and evil abound where thee is a vacuum with no authority structure. If there is no godly authority to keep the peace, Satan will make sure the vacuum is filled with turmoil and ungodliness. That is why I need to keep my life filled with godliness under the Lordship of Jesus. If I don't, the vacuum will be filled with all kinds of junk.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Civil authority is instituted by God to provide social stability (I Timothy 2:1-2), and confusion reigns where
there is no authority structure.
 
[end]
 
Have a day filled with righteousness. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BACKBONE

 BACKBONE
II Samuel 3:33, 37-39
 
"And the king sang a lament over Abner....Now all the people and all Israel understood that it had not been the king's intent to kill Abner the son of Ner. Then the king said to his servants, 'Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? And I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zuruiah, are too harsh for me. The LORD shall repay the evildoer according to his wickedness.' "
 
David knew that Joab was a harsh man – churlish, cruel, impudent, obstinate, and stubborn – who had no respect for David's authority. He was a law unto himself, doing his own thing in disobedience to the king's commands. Perhaps Joab saw David's esteem for Abner and killed Abner to remove any competition to this own position as commander of David's army. At any rate, David should have taken authority over Joab, but he didn't, and lived to regret it. Later, Joab even killed Absolom, David's son, in defiance of the king's command. David had a sensitive spirit, but he was weak in dealing with Joab's rebellious nature. It is incumbent on a person in authority – whether a parent, a pastor, or a president – to have the guts to handle tough situations. David had no backbone as king. Instead of taking control of Joab, he took the easy way out and shifted the onus onto God, when he should have taken care of the situation himself. Not doing the hard work of leadership causes problems down the road.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A leader needs to have both a sensitive spirit and a backbone to govern well.
 
[end]
 
Have a tough love day. Love you.
 
P.S.:  Thank you, Loren, for your insight regarding Joab's insecurities.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOD'S HEART

 GOD'S HEART
II Samuel 3:30-32
 
"So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed his brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle. Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, 'Tear your clothes, gird yourselves with sackcloth, and mourn for Abner.'  And King David followed the coffin. So they buried Abner in Hebron, and the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept."
 
Abner came to David seeking reconciliation, but Joab killed Abner in revenge. When David heard of this, he was deeply grieved. King David and  Joab lived out of two different world-views. David lived by mercy; Joab lived by revenge. David saw in Abner a man of honest character and integrity, even though he had been an enemy; Joab lived in suspicion of Abner's motives (vs. 25). No wonder the Bible says that David was "a man after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22; I Samuel 13:14). God is merciful when we come to Him and does not demand vengeance.  He sees an honest heart seeking reconciliation.    I also want to be a man after God's heart.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE:  A "God-hearted" person is full of mercy, not revenge.
 
[end]
 
Have a "God-heart" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PEOPLE OF CHARACTER

 MEN OF CHARACTER
II Samue 3:20-21
 
"So Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. Then Abner said to David, 'I will arise and go, and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.' So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.' "
 
Making peace and reconciliation with an enemy is not an easy thing to do. But here were two men of great character. The one, Abner, recognized that the LORD's hand was upon David to rule over the entire nation. And David received Abner with respect, without demanding retribution in his surrender. It reminds me of Lee and Grant at the surrender at Appomattox. Grant treated the surrendering Lee and the Confederate army with grace and respect, and required no reparations. After Lee's soldiers surrendered their weapons – about 28,000 troops, they were sent home in peace. Lord, help me to have the character of Abner and David, seeking forgiveness when I am wrong, and extending forgiveness to my enemies without retaliation.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: People of character seek forgiveness and extend forgiveness with grace and charity.
 
[end]
 
Have a forgiveness day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HAPPY THANKSGIVING

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 
The proverb says:
     "In the house of the righteous there is much
                  treasure." (Proverbs 15:6)
 

I am thankful that my house is filled with treasure.

I am rich.

But it is not with material wealth –

gold,

silver,

diamonds,

or dollars.

 

I am rich because of things of true value –

family and friends,

good health,

a sane mind,

purpose for living,

hope for the future,

and peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am truly blessed and thankful.

 
                                          Love, Dad
 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE

LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE
II Samuel 3:12-15
 
"Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to David, saying ... 'Make your covenant with me, and indeed my hand shall be with you.' And David said, 'Good, I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you: you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face.' So David sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saul's son, saying, 'Give me my wife Michal ... And Ishbosheth sent and took her from her husband, from Paltiel, the son of Laish. Then her husband went along with her to Bahurim, weeping behind her....."
 
Michal had been a pawn throughout her life. The story goes back to I Samuel, when David was promised one of Saul's daughters after he killed Goliath (I Samuel 17:25). When it came time to fulfill that promise, David was offered Saul's daughter Merab. But then Saul gave Merab to Adriel as a wife. Now Michal loved David, so Saul gave her to David for the price of 100 Philistines (I Samuel 18:17-27). Michal proved to be a loyal wife and helped David escape when Saul wanted to kill him (I Samuel 19:12-17). After David fled into exile, Saul gave Michal to Palti as wife (I Samuel 25:44). To cloud the picture even further, Michal apparently had children by Merab's husband, Adriel (II Samuel 21:8). What a mess!!!  But I think there is a moral to this story: "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie." Sometimes we look with nostalgia at times gone by and fantasize how wonderful they were, and we want to recreate them.  David was trying to relive the past.  But a lot of water had gone under the bridge, and to try to relive the past only brought pain and regret, not only for David but for others as well. Palti was a loving husband, but David wrenches that family apart. I think David probably rued the day he did that, because Michal no longer loved David. In fact she despised him and mocked him, and she bore him no children (I Samuel 6:16-23). I need to let the past be the past.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Trying to relive the past is never as good as it was.
 
[end]
 
Have a "today" day. Love you.
 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- LOYALTY

 LOYALTY
II Samuel 3:8-11
 
"Then Abner became very angry at the words of Ishbosheth, and said, 'Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah? Today I show loyalty to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David; and you charge me today with a fault concerning this woman? May God do so to Abner, and more also, if I do not do for David as the LORD has sworn to him – to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.' And he could not answer Abner another word because he feared him."
 
Loyalty -- to a spouse, to a boss, or to a nation -- is a rare commodity, and is a thing to be treasured. But Abner's loyalty meant nothing to Ishbosheth. For whatever reason, perhaps jealousy, Ishbosheth wanted to destroy Abner's influence – to take him down a notch. So Abner transferred his loyalty to another king. A loyal person will be loyal, even if it is to someone else. I shouldn't be surprised when others do not appreciate my loyalty to them, and they diss me. It comes from their own insecurities that they are trying to cover.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Loyalty is not always appreciated or praised, but that does not diminish its value.
 
[end]
 
Have a loyal day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- ACCUSATIONS

 ACCUSATIONS
II Samuel 3:7-8a
 
"Now it was so, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner was strengthening his hold on the house of Saul. And Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizphah, the daughter of Aial. So Ishbosheth said to Abner, 'Why have you gone in to my father's concubine?' The Abner became angry at the words of Ishbosheth."
 
People in leadership are especially vulnerable to all kinds of accusations of misconduct. The Scripture does not say whether or not the accusation against Abner was true. Abner did not deny it; he just became angry (perhaps because his misconduct was discovered). And we don't know Ishbosheth's motivation (perhaps jealousy because Abner was becoming so strong). So maybe the accusation was true and maybe not. This I do know: It is difficult to defend oneself from accusations. Bill Cosby is in the news again, being accused of sexual indiscretion from 30 years ago. I don't know if the alleged improprieties are true or not. And I don't know the motivation of the women who are accusing him (perhaps for money?). (And denial means nothing; Remember Bill Clinton's famous statement, "I did not have sex with that woman"?) So how does a person defend himself? After I left the pastorate in a certain town, I heard that there were rumors in the community that I had an affair with a woman in the church. It was not true, but I had no way to rebut the rumor. And I ask myself, how could I respond if someone from 40 years ago accused me now of misconduct? Accusations are hard to answer, especially when there is no proof. One is presumed guilty until proven innocent. My only defense is where it really counts – between me and God who knows all things. Furthermore, it is wise to erect safeguards when dealing with the opposite sex to minimize the possibility of accusations.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Accusations are a horrible thing when there is no evidence to substantiate the charge, because there is no defense.
 
[end]
 
Have a careful day.   Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- TALKING PEACE

TALKING PEACE
II Samuel 2:12-13
 
"Now Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. And Joab, the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. So they sat down, one on one side of the pool and the other on the other side of the pool."
 
Here's the story: Abner, the general of the army of Israel, came to attack Judah, and he met with Joab, the general of the army of Judah. They met for a parlay at the pool of Gibeon, and Abner suggested that they let a select group of soldiers from each army have a contest to determine the winner, as was a custom of the day (re: David and Goliah). But neither side won because all of the soldiers in this contest killed each other. So the armies attacked each other and Judah prevailed. As Abner was retreating, Asahel, the brother of Joab, pursued Abner to kill him. Abner pleaded with Asahel to back off, but Asahel would not relent, so Abner killed him. This caused even more bad blood between Abner and Joab. Even though Joab was David's nephew (II Chronicles 2:16), it seems that Abner was more honorable than Joab (as is evident in the next chapter), and Joab was a thorn in David's side throughout his reign. Abner was more inclined to settle their differences by talking than by fighting. If there is a take-away from this story, I think the lesson is that it is better to talk than to make war. The Apostle Paul admonished us, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). It is not always possible because some people would rather fight. But I need to do all I can to live in peace, even if it means retreating from my own position. War, whether in the family, the church, or between nations, should be the last resort, and only when righteousness is at stake.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Talking is a better way to resolved differences than physical combat.
 
[end]
 
Have a peaceful day. Love you.
 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- TIMES OF DELAY

 TIMES OF DELAY
II Samuel 2:8-11
 
"But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul's army, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim; and he made him king...over all Israel .... Only the house of Judah followed David. And the time David was king over the house of Judah was seven years and six months."
 
Seven and a half years can be a long time waiting for the fulfillment of what you believe is God's plan. David had been anointed by Samuel at a young age. After all the years of running from Saul, perhaps David thought that now he would be made king over Israel. Instead, Saul's son is made king, and there began a long war between Israel and Judah (3:1). Things don't often happen according to my timetable. Those times of delay can be filled with struggle, but they are times of testing to see if I really trust the Lord. God works things out in His time if I will be patient.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Delays can be a test of my commitment to God's timetable.
 
[end]
 
Have a patient day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
II Samuel 2:4-6
 
"Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, 'The men of Jabesh Gilead were the ones who buried Saul.' So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, 'You are blessed of the LORD, for you have shown this kindness to your lord, Saul, and have buried him. And now may the LORD show kindness and truth to you. I also will repay you this kindness, because you have done this thing.' "
 
Jabesh Gilead was on the east side of the Jordan River, where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh had settled when Israel came to the Promised Land (see Numbers 32). Beth Shan was on the west side of the Jordan, but map-wise, it appears that Jabesh Gilead was the closest town. After Saul was nailed to the wall in Beth Shan by the Philistines (I Samuel 31:10), the valiant men of Jabesh Gilead retrieved his body and buried it. This meant going out of their way in the face of danger.  The motivation was not for reward, but because it was the right thing to do. Random acts of kindness are not done for praise or reward, but because they are the right thing to do. Reward may come later, because what goes around comes around, but that is not the reason to be kind.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Acts of kindness are not done for reward, but because they are the right thing to do.
 
[end]
 
Have a "kindness" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- SEEKING GUIDANCE

 SEEKING GUIDANCE
II Samuel 2:1-3
 
"It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, 'Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?' And the LORD said to him, 'Go up.' David said, 'Where shall I go up?' And He said, 'To Hebron.' So David went up from there...And David brought up with him the men who were with him, every man to his household. So they dwelt in the cities of Hebron."
 
David sought the LORD for guidance, and he was very specific in his inquiry, asking not just "shall I" but also "where." It is so easy to fall into the routine of life of doing my own thing, depending on my own reasoning without asking God for His guidance. Lord, I want and need your leading: not just "should I," but also "where" and "how."
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The prayer for guidance should be specific.
 
[end]
 
Have an inquiring day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- SINGING

 SINGING
II Samuel 1:17-18
 
Then David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son, and he told them to teach the children of Judah The Song Of The Bow; indeed it is written in the Book of Jashur."
 
David sang in good times and bad times.  I can't imagine what life would be like without singing. It is such a powerful way to express sorrow and joy, lament and praise, national pride, love and love denied, and especially praise and love for God. No wonder the Bible has so many exhortations to "sing unto the Lord" (I Chronicles 16:23; Psalms 9:11, 30:4; 95:1; 96:1-2; 98:1, 5; 147:7; 149:1; Isaiah 12:5; 42:10; Jeremiah 20:13), and no wonder that the Book of Psalms is the largest in the Scriptures. So, let your heart "sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19; 3:16).
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Singing is a powerful way to express the deep emotions of the heart.
 
[end]
 
Have a singing day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- RESPECT FOR GOD'S ANOINTED

 RESPECT FOR GOD'S ANOINTED
II Samuel 1:13-16
 
"Then David said to the young man who told him [that he had killed King Saul], 'Where are you from?' And he answered, 'I am the son of an alien, an Amalekite.' So David said, 'How was it you were not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?' Then David called one of the young men and said, 'Go near, and execute him!' And he struck him so that he died. So David said to him, 'Your blood is on your own head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, "I have killed the LORD's anointed." ' "
 
David had a huge respect for authority. He understood that it was God who had appointed and anointed Saul to be king. Perhaps his mind went back to the times when he himself had opportunity to kill King Saul, but he would not, saying, "I would not stretch out my hand against the LORD's anointed" (I Samuel 24:6; 26:23). It is a dangerous thing to attack those whom God has placed in positions of authority. I need to let God take care of them in His time.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: To attack a God-anointed leader is to bring judgment on my own head.
 
[end]

Have a respectful day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A TIME FOR SADNESS

 A TIME FOR SADNESS
II Samuel 1:11-12
 
"Therefore [when he learned of Saul's death] David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him. And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son, for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword."
 
David was a Ziklag when he received word that Saul was dead, along with Jonathan. No longer would David be pursued like a criminal and exiled from his country and people. The normal human response would be happiness. But David did not exult and rejoice at the news of Saul's death. Instead, he mourned and wept. Even though Saul had forsaken God, he was still God's anointed king. When God's anointed servants fall (like preachers sometimes do), it should be a time of sadness. When people receive the just reward for sin, it should not make me rejoice, but to mourn. Oh, to have a tender heart like David.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: When God's anointed fall, it should cause mourning and weeping, not rejoicing.
 
[end]
 
Have a tender-hearted day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MEN OF VALOR

 MEN OF VALOR
II Samuel 31:11-12
 
"Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and traveled all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh and buried them there."
 
What distinguishes a valiant man? Valor is defined as "strength of mind or spirit that enables a man to encounter danger with firmness; personal bravery." A valiant person is willing to sacrifice his own comfort and safety in order to do what is right. Saul may have been a lousy king, but he did not deserve such ignominious treatment. These valiant men put their own selves at risk in order to give Saul and his sons a proper burial. It takes strength of character to be a valiant person. I want to be a valiant follower of the Lord Jesus and be willing to put my own comfort, my reputation, and my very life at risk to do what is right.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Valor calls for strength of mind and spirit to do what is right.
 
[end]
 
Have a valiant day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A TRAGIC ENDING

 A TRAGIC ENDING
I Samuel 31:5-6
 
"And when his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword, and died with him. So Saul, this three sons [Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua], and all his men died together that same day."
 
What a tragic ending to a story that had began so well. In the beginning, Saul had been a mighty man of power (I Samuel 9:1), yet humble (10:21-22), who had experienced the Spirit of God upon him (10:9-10), and had seen God's victory over his enemies. But along the way, he became proud, rebellious and stubborn, and because he rejected God, God rejected him (15:23). Now at the end of his life, he commits suicide, his enemies decapitate him, strip him of his armor and nail his headless body to a wall, and he is finally cremated (I Samuel 31:8-12). It's not how a person begins that counts, but how he finishes the race. He who endures to the end will be saved (Matthew 10:22). By God's grace, I want to end well.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: It is not how a person begins but how he ends that is important.
 
[end]
 
Have an "enduring" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- EUTHANASIA

 EUTHANASIA
I Samuel 31:1a, 3-4
 
"Now the Philistines fought against Israel ... The battle became fierce against Saul. The archers hit him, and he was severely wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armorbearer, 'Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and thrust me through and abuse me.' But his armorbearer would not for he was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it."
 
Euthanasia (easy or good death) and suicide (self-killing) are becoming more and more acceptable by a culture that has no fear of God. Saul had left God behind years before, so he feared suffering at the hands of the Philistines more than he feared God. My Bible still says, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) and forbids murder because we are all made in the image of God (Genesis 9:5-6). Only the government is given the authority to "bear the sword ... an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil" (Romans 13:1-4). Euthanasia and suicide are still wrong, regardless of societal acceptance. The desire to avoid pain and suffering is real, but it is better to leave death in God's hands than to play God by doing it myself.   "But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.'  My times are in Your hand"  (Psalm 31:15). 
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God gives life and only He has the right to take it.
 
[end]
 
Have a "life" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GENEROSITY

 GENEROSITY
I Samuel 30:26, 31
 
"Now when David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the spoil to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, 'Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of the LORD – ' .... and to all the places where David himself and his men were accustomed to rove."
 
In contrast to the selfishness of some of his army who did not want to share the plunder God had given even with their fellow-soldiers, David sent some of the spoil of battle to the elders of other cities where he had found refuge during his flight from King Saul. David demonstrated to his followers a spirit of unselfishness and generosity. God has demonstrated His spirit of generosity – "God so loved that He gave" (John 3:16). Nothing I have is my own; it is a gift from God, and He calls me to follow His example of generosity.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A generous and unselfish spirit demonstrates God's nature.
 
[end]
 
Have a generous day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- SHARING THE VICTORY

 SHARING THE VICTORY
I Samuel 30:24b
 
" 'But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.' "
 
When David and his 600 soldiers when to pursue the Amalekites, 200 were so weary that they could not continue the attack, so they stayed behind at the Brook Besor (vs. 10). After God gave David's army a great victory, they returned to Brook Besor to the 200 who did not fight. Some of the "wicked and worthless men" said that because they were not involved in the battle, that they should not share in the plunder. But David decreed that they would all share the booty alike. Sometimes people become so weary of the battle that they need to drop out for some R and R. How do I treat them? Do I have compassion on them and encourage them? Or do I consider them as inferior and unworthy? Do I think badly about them in my heart because they have been resting while I was in the heat of the battle? God, help me to have a proper compassion for my fellow-soldiers who need to replenish their strength, and encourage them instead of criticizing them. After all, sometimes I need rest also.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: All the soldiers in God's army share alike in the victories, even those who were not in the battle.
 
[end]
 
Have a compassionate day.   Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BE VIGILANT

 BE VIGILANT
I Samuel 30:9, 11, 13, 16-17
 
"So David went, he and the six hundred who were with him .... Then they found an Egyptian in the field ... And David said to him, 'Can you take me down to the troop?' ... And when he had brought him down, there they were, spread out over all the land, eating, and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil which they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah. Then David attacked them from twilight until the evening of the next day."
 
The Amalekites were having a great time celebrating their great victories, and they let their guard down, unaware that they were about to be attacked by David's army and defeated. The problem is not the celebrating, but the lack of vigilance. When a people – whether an army, a nation, or a church, or a person – is focused on living the good life, unaware of the dangers facing them, they are in grave danger. I fear that the citizens of America are "spread out over all the land, eating, and drinking and dancing because of all the great spoil," oblivious to the great danger facing our nation. Jesus warned about the state of affairs before His coming: "But as in the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking ... until the day Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away" (Matthew 24:37-39). Jesus' admonition was to "watch" (25:13). That is, stay vigilant.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: There is grave danger waiting for those who are not vigilant.
 
[end]
 
Have a vigilant day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- SEEKING GOD'S WILL

 SEEKING GOD'S WILL
I Samuel 30:7-8
 
"Then David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimielech's son, 'Please bring the ephod here to me.' ... So David inquired of the LORD, saying, 'Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?' And He answered, 'Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.' "
 
It would seem a natural and obvious response to go after those who had attacked Ziklag, and rescue the women and children who had been taken as prisoners. But David did not act on his own impulses. He wanted to be sure that he knew God's will. It is so easy to make rash decisions based on my own emotions and understanding without seeking God's mind in the matter. Even when the choice seems obvious, it is best to include God in the process.
 
TODAY'S THOUGHT: Decisions need to be brought before the Lord even when they seem natural and obvious.
 
[end]
 
Have a "God's will" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE TRUE SOURCE OF STRENGH

 THE TRUE SOURCE OF STRENGTH
I Samuel 30:6
 
"Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD."
 
[NOTE: Previous devotionals from Samuel can be found in Dad's Ramblings from 2010. This series is starting with the last chapter of I Samuel. To view the other studies, go to thisdadsramblings.blogspot.com]
　
 
David and his army (along with their families) were still on the run from King Saul, and were quartered in Ziklag. While David and his men were away from Ziklag fighting a battle, the Amalakites attacked Ziklag and captured the women and children and then destroyed the city. When David returned to Ziklag and his army saw the devastation, they turned on David, their commander, and wanted to kill him. In his distress, the only place David could turn to was the LORD, his God. There is really only one place to go when my soul is distressed and everyone has turned against me, and that is to the Lord Jesus. He alone can strengthen my spirit.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: When the world around collapses, the only place to find strength for the troubled soul is in the Lord God.
 
[end]
 
Have a "strengthened" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A THREEFOLD CORD

 A THREEFOLD CORD
II Corinthians 13:12-14
 
"Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen."
 
What binds believers together? It is the common salvation through the grace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God we have experienced, and the sharing of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Without these, the church would be just another social club like the Elks Lodge. God's grace, love, and communion (fellowship) give greater meaning to the greetings we give to each other, whether a simple "hi," a hug, or a holy kiss. We are bound together in Christ with these three cords, and "a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12b). We are one in the bonds of love.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Believers are bound together by God.
 
[end]
 
Have a bound-together day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- COMFORT AND PEACE

COMFORT AND PEACE
II Corinthians 13:11b
 
"Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you."
 
Paul ended this letter with the same word he began with: comfort. Remember Chapter 1 – "the God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our tribulation" (vss. 3-4). Comfort is not necessarily the same as ease. God has not promised us a life of ease – of just floating through life with no struggles or cares. There are battles to be fought. Even being of one mind and living in peace (in harmony with those around us) can be a challenge. But God has promised to be with us with His love and peace. I can rest in Him.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God has promised His love and peace in the midst of our struggles.
 
[end]
 
Have a comforted and peace-filled day. Love you.
 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- REJOICE AND GROW

 IMPERATIVES: REJOICE AND GROW
II Corinthians 13:1a
 
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete."
 
Paul closed this letter with some words of instruction. They are plural imperatives to the church as a whole at Corinth, but can be applied to individuals as well. The first is to rejoice. The Greek word, xairete, is a form of salutation (as in farewell), but the basic meaning is to rejoice. God loves rejoicing people. The second imperative is to become complete. The Greek word, katartizesthe (present passive), means to be being made whole, complete, or mature. Maturity and wholeness do not happen in an instant by my own effort. They are a growth process, the result of learning from the experiences that I go through.. Experiences can make me better or bitter. Experience is the best teacher if I will submit to the learning and growing process. If I don't learn from experience, I will remain stunted and never grow into wholeness and maturity.

TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God want His children to be rejoicing, growing, and maturing.
 
[end]
 
Have a rejoicing and growing day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- WORDS OF CORRECTION

 WORDS OF CORRECTION
II Corinthians 13:10
 
"Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction."
 
A common form of correction is to cut people down – to destroy them. Using a sharp tongue of sarcasm or belittling leaves the offender bloody, wounded, and sometimes scarred for life. The tongue can be a fire (James 3:6), but a fire can either warm, or scorch and burn. I know, because I have been burned badly by other people's comments, but I have also been warmed and encouraged, even when being corrected. The goal of correction should always be to build up the other person, or as verse 11 says, to make complete or whole. My ego should not be built up by putting down someone else.  If I can't correct with a gracious tongue, perhaps I should keep my mouth shut.  Lord, help me to use words of grace, even when correcting other people.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The intent of words of correction should always be to build up other people, and not to destroy them.
 
[end]
 
Have a building-up day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- COMPLETELY COMMITTED

 COMPLETELY COMMITTED
II Corinthians 13:8-9
 
"For we can do nothing against the truth but for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete."
 
Integrity is the issue. Integrity is being one, whole, complete, undivided in heart, soul, and spirit. There was only one goal in Paul's life: Truth. He was wholly committed to ministering the truth of the Gospel and all it entails – holiness, sacrifice, love, discipline, giving, and all the things that "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior" (Titus 2:10b), even if it demanded that he appear weak. His prayer for the Corinthians was that they would have the same commitment, being completely dedicated to living the truth of the Gospel. May that be my heart's desire also.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The Christian's one focus is to live the truth.
 
[end]
 
Have a complete day.   Love you.
 
 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- LIVING HONRABLY

 LIVING HONORABLY
II Corinthians 13:7
 
"Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified."
 
Here is a prayer to pray for fellow-Christians – that they avoid evil and live praiseworthy. When a Christian sins, it brings dishonor to the Savior. So the motivation to live honorably is not so the preacher or the church should look good and be praised, but that Jesus Christ should receive glory and honor.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A godly and honorable life brings praise to the Savior.
 
[end]
 
Have an honorable day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PASSING THE BIG TEST

 PASSING THE BIG TEST
II Corinthians 13:5-6
 
"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified."
 
To be disqualified is to flunk the test. We have all kinds of qualifying tests. We test money to make sure it is not counterfeit. We test gold to see if it is real. A racer must pass a qualifying heat to be approved for the big race. In school, I had to pass a test to qualify for an A grade. The test of being a Christian is: Do I really believe that Jesus died for my sins and that now He lives in me? This is the big test. If I don't pass this test, I am just a Christian in name only and am a counterfeit. The Living Bible puts it this way: "Check up on yourselves. Are you really Christians? Do you pass the test? Do you have Christ's presence and power more and more within you? Or are you just pretending to be Christians when actually you aren't at all? I hope you can agree that I have stood that test and truly belong to the Lord." There is only one thing that makes me a Christian, and that is faith in Jesus. If I don't pass this test, I flunk.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Each person must test his own faith to make sure it is genuine.
 
[end]
 
Have a "qualifying" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE CHRISTIAN'S POWER

 THE CHRISTIAN'S POWER
II Corinthians 13:4
    
"For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you."
 
Anyone who thinks he can life for God in his own strength is only deluding himself. We are weak in our own ability to live godly. If it wasn't for the Holy Spirit invading my life with His power, I would be hopelessly defeated. The disciples before the power of Pentecost are prime examples of weakness. They stumbled and fell, and generally messed up. But after they received power (Acts 2:4), they became strong in their witness and faith. Paul said, "If the Spirit of Him who raised Christ from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:11). The answer to my weakness is the power of God in me by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus took on Himself the weakness of a physical body so that the power of God would be demonstrated through Him in resurrection. And I have that same Spirit and power.  I must rely on Him and His power.  That is my only hope.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The strength of a Believer to live for God is rooted in the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
 
[end]
 
Have a powerful day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- JUDGMENT

 JUDGMENT
II Corinthians 13:2-3
 
"I have told you before, and I foretell as if I were present the second time; and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare — since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but is mighty in you."
 
Paul did not finish the sentence, "If I come again I will not spare —." He would not spare judging them for sin. God would bring His judgment through Paul. God does judge sin, even in His church. Before judgment comes warnings, and if a people do not heed the warnings, there will be judgment. Either we can heed the warnings and repent, or we can receive the judgment. Christ is not weak in this regard but is mighty as the head of His church. He is powerful in His people, even in judgment. As a side note, I believe America is receiving and will receive more judgment because she has turned away from God. She has spurned the warnings and continued in her rebellion against God. The only way to avoid judgment is repenting of our sin and crying out to Him (see I Samuel 12:8-10, 15). He is not weak, but mighty in judgment.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God will mightily judge sin on a personal and a corporate level.
 
[end]
 
Have a "repenting" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- WITNESSES

 WITNESSES
II Corinthians 13:1
 
"Ths will be the third time I am coming to you 'By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.' "
 
This quotation. "By the mouth of two or three witnesses," is an established Scriptural principle. Moses first stated the principle in reference to accusations in a court of law (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; Hebrews 10:28). Jesus used it in reference to accusations of wrong-doing by another person (Matthew 18:16), and also as confirmation of His own ministry (John 8:17). And Jesus used the writings of Moses and the Prophets to confirm that He was indeed the risen Christ (Luke 24:27). No accusation or pronouncement should be accepted on the merit of only one witness. Paul's use of this principle almost seems like a proof-text (taking a Scripture out of context to make a point) because he seems to use himself as the three witnesses. Be that as it may, the principle remains solid. If anyone brings an accusation or a new revelation, it is wise to get confirmation from other witnesses or sources before I accept it as true, lest I be sucked into believing something that is not true.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Having confirmation by more than one source will help avoid being deceived.
 
[end]
 
Have a "true" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PRACTICING SIN

 PRACTICING SIN
II Corinthians 12:20-21
 
"For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you as I wish, and that I shall be found of you such as you do not wish, lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; lest when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced."
 
Paul planned to visit the church at Corinth again, and he pleaded with them to clean up their act before he got there. He listed a catalogue of sins which they were allowing to continue in their midst with no apparent repentance. He did not want to find these things in their fellowship, and he threatened them with a rod of correction which they would not want. These sins are not just "accidental" sins; they are continuing lifestyles of ungodliness. We all sin and fall short of God's glory, and there is cleansing of these sins by the blood of Christ (I John 1:7). But blatant, willfull, and unrepented sin as a lifestyle is another story. "Practicing" sin as a way of life is repugnant to the true Christian. I think that Paul was incensed because he understood that Christ died so that He might have a church "not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish" (Ephesians 5:27). To claim to be a Christian and yet continue to live in ungodliness is a slap in the face of Jesus, and a contradiction of the name "Christian." May it never be! As a Christian, I need to practice holy living as an intentional lifestyle.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Sin is repugnant, but practicing sin is even more repugnant.
 
[end]
 
Have a godly day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A SOFT GLOVE

 A SOFT GLOVE
II Corinthians 12:16
 
"But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by
cunning!"
 
I think this may be another example of Paul's use of sarcasm. I'm not sure that being crafty and cunning are truly admirable Christian attributes. As an apostle, Paul could have demanded that they support him, but he chose to not be "burdensome" (vs. 14) in order to win them. But be that as it may, an oblique approach – call it crafty and cunning if you want – often gets better results than direct confrontation. It is called "tact." Harshness and abruptness are usually not effective ways to communicate. If I boldly tell someone the truth (like, "you have halitosis"), it will probably not be received well. There are better ways to get my point across, like giving them some breath mints. It does not change the truth, but it makes it more likely my message will be received. In any relationship, a soft glove is usually more effective than a steel bat.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A "soft glove" approach is usually preferable to direct confrontation.
 
[end]
 
Have a "soft glove" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- TO SPEND AND BE SPENT

 TO SPEND AND BE SPENT
II Corinthians 12:15
 
"And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved."
 
This is pure agape love – to spend and be spent regardless of whether I am loved back. Paul's love for the Corinthians was not based on requited love. Jesus set the pattern. I believe Jesus would have given His life as an atoning sacrifice whether or not  anyone would have loved Him back  because of His great love for His creation. I heard a story recently of a man who loved a woman but she did not return his love. He wooed her faithfully for 30 years without any reciprocation of his love. It was not until he died that she understood how much he loved her. This raises the great question: How much of my love – for Jesus and for other people – is based on how much I get out of the relationship? Agape love is hard because it does not depend on my being affirmed or loved in return.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: To love without any requirement of reciprocation or return is evidence of true agape love.
 
[end]
 
Have an agape day. Love you (with agape love).

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GIVERS AND TAKERS

 GIVERS AND TAKERS
II Corinthians 12:11, 13-14
 
"I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing .... For in what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me for this wrong! Now for the third time I am ready to come to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children."
 
Paul's sarcasm shines through again – "Forgive me for not being a burden to you!" He was not a sponger, trying to get all he could for himself out of this relationship. Paul did not want their money – he wanted them. The world is full of people trying to work the angles to advance themselves – even using friends and relatives to pad their pockets. The mature person does not want to take advantage of any relationship for his own profit. Instead, he wants to bless. That's why people save up for the twilight years, so they will not be a burden to their kids in their old age, and maybe there will even be enough left over to bless their progeny. I truly want to be a giver, and not a taker. Lord, make me a blessing to someone today.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The mature person wants to bless other people – not use them.
 
[end]
 
Have a blessed day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS

 STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS
II Corinthians 12:9b-10
 
"Therefore most gladly will I boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

It seems like a contradiction – strength in weakness. God reveals His power in my needs. When I think I can handle things in my own abilities and strength, He will let me try. But it is in the testing times that my need of His power is most evident – when I am at the end of my own strength. I keep coming back to one of my favorite quotations of Jesus, Matthew 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit" – those who know their need of God. Paul could even take pleasure and gladly endure the tough times. Knowing Christ's strength helped him keep a positive attitude when things didn't go right. Lord Jesus, I need Your strength today.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: We are strongest in Christ's power when we are weak and needy.
 
[end]
 
Have a weak/strong day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE THORN

 THE THORN
II Corinthians 12:7-9a
 
"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' "

What was Paul's thorn? This has caused much speculation, since he did not elaborate. Was it a physical ailment, such as his eyesight as many have proposed? Was it psychological (like depression)? Was it an spiritual (like an unconquerable habit)? Or, as one preacher I heard who suggested that it was his mother-in law? Whatever it was, it caused him much anguish, but God chose not to answer his prayer to remove it. It was a reminder to Paul of his humanity to keep him humble. It also was a reminder of Paul's reliance on God's strength in his weakness. Most of us have a "thorn in the flesh" that we have pleaded for God to deliver us from, but He has chosen to leave it. The pain of that thorn reminds me of my own weakness, and God's promise of grace to get me through.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A thorn in the flesh is God's reminder of our own weakness and His strength for living.
 
[end]
 
Have a "grace" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FOOLISH BRAGGING

 FOOLISH BRAGGING
II Corinthians 12:1-2, 5-6
 
"It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man .... such a one was caught up to the third heaven. .... Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me."
 
It is a human weakness to try to present an inflated image to other people to cause them to think more highly of myself than I really am. So I brag. But it is not profitable, because it doesn't change me into a better person. Even though I try to gloss over my infirmities (weaknesses), they are still there. Paul did not want people to think more of him more than he was – a sinner saved by grace whom God used. It is a fool who brags about himself rather than speaking the truth of his weaknesses. The fact that God used him mightily in visions and revelations was not because Paul was great, but because God was great. I can testify of what God has done, but the glory belongs to Him. No matter how I try to present a better persona, I am still a piece of clay, a cracked pot.  An honest assessment of myself is best.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Bragging does not increase my stature one iota; I am still an imperfect piece of clay with weaknesses whom God, in His grace,  may choose to use.
 
[end]
 
Have an honest day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
II Corinthians 11:12-13
 
"But what I do, I will continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light."
 
Satan is always trying to infiltrate the Church to preach his deceit, pretending to be an angel of light. So we find heretical doctrine – such as post-modernism – being taught by false apostles and prophets in our churches. Last night, I had a dream. In the dream I was visiting a church where the pastor invited a Buddhist to speak. Half the congregation walked out of the service, while the other half supported the pastor and the Buddhist. There is a trend in America toward ecumenism, which treats all religions as equals. So we have services – especially after 9/11 – where Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims are all given equal opportunity to participate. The ungodly mind regards all religions as being the same, but not all religions are equal. Non-christian ideologies are really messengers of Satan posing as angels of light. We need to be alert with spiritual discernment to recognize false apostles and prophets and deny them opportunity to preach their deceit in our churches.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE – Satan comes as an angel of light to deceive people by false doctrine.
 
[end]
 
Have a discerning day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BOASTING

 BOASTING
II Corinthians 11:10-11
 
"As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the region of Achaia. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!"
 
This section of this epistle (II Corinthians 11:10-12:11) seems peculiar. The word that ties it all together is the word "boast" or "boasting" ("glory" or "glorying" in the King James), which occurs 14 times in this passage. Paul has just written, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord" (10:17). Yet now he proceeds to boast. Yet, as I read this passage, it is apparent that he is not boasting in his status and position as an apostle but in the his sufferings (beatings and stonings, imprisonment, deprivation, and dangers – vss. 23-27), his weaknesses and infirmities, and God's grace that brought him through (12:9). I guess I could boast in the sacrifices that I have made as a minister of the gospel. But if I have anything to glory in, it is the faithfulness of God through the times of trial and tribulation, and even my own weaknesses and failures. "God forbid that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:14).
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The sacrifices and trials of life are opportunities to glory in the grace of God that
brings us through.
 
[end]
 
Have a "boasting" day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BURDEN OR BLESSING?

BURDEN OR BLESSING
II Corinthians 11:7-9
 
"Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked, the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you and so I will keep myself."
 
It is a principle of the church that those who are ministered to are to financially support those who minister (I Timothy 5:17-18). However, the minister cannot put a price on his ministry. If a candidate for a pastorate demands a certain salary and benefit package as a requisite for his labor, then he is not worthy of being a shepherd. A true shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Any other kind of shepherd is a hireling and only in the ministry for financial reward (John 11-13). It may mean that the minister will be in financial need, but God will supply from other sources. The preacher can either be a blessing or a burden. Paul was determined to not be a burden. I want to be a blessing, not a burden.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The person who puts a price tag on his ministry is not worthy of his calling.
 
[end]
 
Have a blessing day. Love you.
 

THE IMPORTANT THINGS

THE IMPORTANT THINGS
II Corinthians 11:5-6
 
"For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things."
 
The Corinthians knew Paul. They knew that he did not speak as eloquently as some of the other teachers. Here I am reminded of Moses' inability to speak well (Exodus 4:10). But there were other things that Paul demonstrated by his life that were more important than his speaking ability – his love, his faith and devotion to God, his integrity, his knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, and his purity of life. At any rate, Paul knew who he was and his calling by God. I respect a person who knows what he is talking about and demonstrates godly character – the important things – even if he does not have great communication skills. There are things more important than flowerly speech.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE:  There are more important things than the ability to talk eloquently.
 
[end]
 
Have an "important things" day. Love you.
 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- DON'T PUT UP WITH IT!

 DON'T PUT UP WITH IT!
II Corinthians 11:4, 19
 
"For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted – you may well put up with it .... For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise!"
 
Paul's sarcasm is cutting. The Corinthians were "putting up with" doctrines and teachings which were contrary to what he had taught them. These groups are all around us – Unitarians, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses – who preach another Jesus and another Gospel. They are a different spirit. They are tools of Satan who, by his craftiness, corrupts the minds of people in order to draw them away from the true Jesus and the true Gospel. The message is clear: Do not put up with or entertain any doctrine that is contrary to sound biblical instruction.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The wise person is alert to any teaching which changes the doctrine of Jesus or the Gospel from what is taught in God's Word.
 
[end]
 
Have a discerning day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- Correction

It is O'Reilly, not O'Reily.
 
Sorry. 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE NO-SPIN ZONE

 THE NO-SPIN ZONE
II Corinthians 11:3
 
"But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
 
Satan is a deceiver. He is the original spin artist. He can take a truth and change it into a lie. He did it with Eve, causing her to question whether what God said was true. I am not immune from his craftiness. He can twist God's word and make it mean something totally different. His tactic is to make me question whether God's word is true. May I never move away from the simple truth of the Gospel – Christ died for my sins. Faith is not complicated. It is just believing what God said. As O'Reily says, "You are entering the no-spin zone."
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: There is a deceiver – Satan – who corrupts God's truth, and we need to resist him.
 
[end]
 
Have a simple day.   Love you.
 
 

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE CHASTE VIRGIN

 GODLY JEALOUSY
II Corinthians 11:1-2

"Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly – and indeed you do bear with me. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."

When God gave the ten commandments to Israel, He said forbade them to worship other gods because "I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God" (Exodus 20:5). Paul had this kind of godly jealousy for the Corinthians. As a missionary evangelist, he was a matchmaker (ala Fiddler On The Roof) bringing people to Christ. He was concerned that their love, adoration, and devotion would remain strong, and that they would not be drawn away by other teachings and philosophies. When two people are engaged to be married, the each commit themselves to be faithful and to keep themselves pure for each other until they are married. Even in the betrothal period, they forsake all other lovers. I am looking forward to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb when I am finally united with Jesus. Until that day, I want to keep myself only for Him.

TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A Christian is betrothed to Christ and commits all his love, adoration, and devotion to the Lord Jesus.
 
[end]
 
Have a chaste day.   Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- TAKING THE CREDIT

 TAKING THE CREDIT
II Corinthians 10:16-18
 
"...to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishments. But 'he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.' For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends."
 
Most of us have had occasions when someone else got the credit for our work. It is a common practice – a professor who steals a student's thesis; a scientist who uses a subordinate's research. I remember when I sold vacuum cleaners. I clinched a deal with a bank to buy a commercial model and my trainer took the credit – and the profit – for the sale I made. Let it not be in God's work. No matter what successes I may have, God deserves the glory. As Paul wrote in another letter, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase" (I Corinthians 3:6-7). The reaper has nothing to boast about for a good harvest; let him glory in the Lord's provision of sunshine. I may not get much recognition for my efforts in this world, but heaven will reveal the truth. Better to be commended by the Lord Jesus than by the world.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The approval of the Lord Jesus is more important than the praise of people.
 
[end]
 
Have an approved day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BUSYBODIES

 BUSYBODIES
II Corinthians 10:14-15
 
"For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as you faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere...."
 
There are limits to my sphere of authority (see vs. 13). It is tempting to butt into other people's business when I have no authority. Even when I see them make mistakes, it is not my place to correct them when I have no authority to do so. For example, when my children were young, I had God-given authority and responsibility for them. But now that they are adults, I have no authority to tell them what to do. When I was pastoring, I had a measure of authority over the flock. But that is history. To stick my nose into other people's business would make me a busybody, and we don't need any more busybodies in this world. This is liberating, because just as I cannot boast in their successes, I am not responsible for their failures. At this point in my life, I have authority over only one person – myself, and that is a full-time job. Lord, help me to not be a busybody.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The wise person does not exceed his or her sphere of authority.
 
[end]
 
Have a liberated day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MY SPHERE

 MY SPHERE
II Corinthians 10:13
 
"We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God has appointed us – a sphere which includes you."
 
It is called a "sphere of influence" – the circle of relationships around me. It includes anyone I come in contact with – family, friends, work associates, church family, even casual contacts like a grocery checkout clerk. I have an impact on everyone my life touches, either positive or negative, depending on my demeanor and attitudes. I need to understand that my sphere is God-ordained and every person within the limits of my sphere is God-appointed. He has placed me here to be a messenger of His love and grace.  My sphere includes you.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God places us in a sphere of relationships to express His message.
 
[end]
 
Have a positive day. Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE MEASURE OF A MAN

 THE MEASURE OF A MAN
II Corinthians 10:12
 
"For we dare not class ourselves or commend ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
 
It is a common trap – comparing myself to some else. The trap springs both ways. If I compare myself with someone I feel is inferior to me, then I will be filled with pride. If I compare myself with someone who seems smarter, more gifted, or can communicate better, then I will be discouraged with who I am. Either way is not wise. I may not do things as well as someone else. But my identity is not based on how I compare to someone else. I am who I am because that is the way God has made me, and I need to accept myself as God accepts me. I am His, and I am content and secure with who I am in Christ.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The wise person does not compare himself with others, but is content with who he is.
 
[end]
 
Have a secure day.   Love you.

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- CHAMELEON

 CHAMELEON
II Corinthians 10:10-11
 
" 'For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is contemptible." Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will be in deed when we are present."
 
I don't want to be a chameleon who changes to fit the environment. I want to be who I am whoever I am with. It is true that Paul tailored his approach to the people he was ministering to. And it is also true that some of us write better than we speak. But whether here or there, whether writing or speaking, let me be transparent, without hypocrisy with the integrity of the real "me," so that what you see is what you get.
 
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: God calls us to be who we are wherever we are.
 
[end]
 
Have a transparent day. Love you.