Date: 03-31-2020

Title: God’s Comfort in Affliction

(S) cripture:
    2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NASB77) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

(O) bservation:
    Paul is opening his second letter to the church in Corinth. He does so by encouraging them with the words of God’s comfort. This was a troubled church and many needed to hear these words and to have this exhortation to comfort others with the comfort they had received from Christ.

(A) pplication:
    Today we are facing a pandemic like nothing we have ever faced in our lifetime. People are scared and lonely and unsure about the future. I read this morning a thought that said, “The church is not empty, it is deployed.” We as the church have a great opportunity to impact our world by simply being the people God created us to be. We are comforted by God so that we can offer that same comfort to others. This morning I head to our Food Pantry and in a very real way these workers are sharing the comfort of God with people in tangible ways. I pray that they are kept safe from the coronavirus as they express the comfort of God with the hungry of our community.

(P) rayer:
    Father, today I ask that you keep our food pantry workers safe as they share your comfort with our community. I ask for your strength as I minister to those you have given to me. I want to share with them the comfort that comes from you in times of affliction. Amen

Date: 03-30-2020

Title: Cowboy Up

(S) cripture:
    1 Corinthians 16:13 (NASB77) Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

(O) bservation:
    Paul is finishing his letter to this troubled church. He concludes with greetings and a benediction. He also encourages them to move forward in their faith in Jesus.

(A) pplication:
    Tom Auvenshine was my friend in Michigan. I had the honor of being his pastor and preaching his funeral. Tom was known as the “Hay Man”. He was a cowboy in every way. On his farm he had a bunkhouse and on the wall was a plaque of Roy Rogers Rules to Live By. He would often in difficult times say it was time to “Cowboy Up”. It was his way of saying – Don’t give up or give in. When you are tired and hurt get back on the horse, when you are exhausted and have no strength, get back to business there is a horse to ride, It’s time to “Cowboy Up”. The church in Corinth had its troubles and its leaders must have been tired and worn out and yet Paul tells them to “Cowboy Up” – stand firm, act like men, be strong. This is good encouragement for me. There are times like these surrounding the covid-19 pandemic when ministry needs just keep coming and I am reminded to, “Cowboy Up” not in my own strength but in God’s. In my weakness, He is strong. I must rely on His strength. The Lord enables me to, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

(P) rayer:
    Lord, I know that my strength comes from you. Forgive me when I try to go it in my own strength. Let me experience your strength today and let me be alert and strong. Let me be the man you created me to be. Amen

Date: 03-29-2020

Title: Thirsty for God

(S) cripture:
    Psalm 42:1 & 11 (NASB77) As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for Thee, O God.
11 Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance, and my God.

(O) bservation:
    The Psalmist begins by acknowledging that his soul seeks after God like a thirsty deer seeks water. The psalm ends with declaring that regardless of circumstances his hope is in God

(A) pplication:
    As I read these verses today I began to sing to myself one of my favorite praise songs, “As The Deer” here are the lyrics:
[Verse 1]

As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longs after You
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You

[Refrain]

You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You

[Verse 2]

I want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye

[Refrain]

You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You

[Verse 3]

You’re my friend and You’re my brother
Even though you are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything

    In this trying time of the covid-19 pandemic I want my soul to seek God in this way and to experience the hope that is only found in Him. Therefore, I must continue to spend time in His Word and seeking Him. I am confident that God is in control and am excited to see what will happen on the other side of this pandemic. My hope is in the Lord and during the pandemic I will still socially distance myself and wash my hands

(P) rayer:
    Lord, my soul seeks you. Let me enjoy my time in your word and let me experience the hope that comes from you. Amen

Date: 03-28-2020

Title: Fleeces

(S) cripture:
    Judges 6:36-40 (NASB77) Then Gideon said to God, ” If Thou wilt deliver Israel through me, as Thou hast spoken, 37 behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I will know that Thou wilt deliver Israel through me, as Thou hast spoken.” 38 And it was so. When he arose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece, he drained the dew from the fleece, a bowl full of water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, ” Do not let Thine anger burn against me that I may speak once more; please let me make a test once more with the fleece, let it now be dry only on the fleece, and let there be dew on all the ground.” 40 And God did so that night; for it was dry only on the fleece, and dew was on all the ground.

(O) bservation:
    Gideon is asking God to prove that it was Him commanding Gideon to go into battle. He asks God not to be angry with him when he asks for a second sign of assurance.

(A) pplication:
    Discerning if God is the One speaking to you is always a tricky task. So often we have false or counterfeit voices claiming to be God telling us to do what we want to do and justifying ourselves with those voices. How do we know. God’s voice will always square with scripture and will never be contrary to it. As I read, study and know the scripture those false and counterfeit voices will become more and more evident. I have wondered if the fleece is a sign of faith or doubt. My strong suspicion is it is a sign of doubt because we are asking God to “prove” himself. Today I want to be so in tune with the Word that any contrary voice will be evident and God’s voice will be clear.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, I want to know You and your word so well that any false, counterfeit or contrary voice will be clearly evident to me. I want to listen and obey only You. Amen

Date: 03-27-2020

Title: Hope for the Helpers

(S) cripture:
    Psalm 41:1-3 (NASB77) How blessed is he who considers the helpless; The LORD will deliver him in a day of trouble. 2 The LORD will protect him, and keep him alive, And he shall be called blessed upon the earth; And do not give him over to the desire of his enemies. 3 The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, Thou dost restore him to health.

(O) bservation:
     The psalmist is offering hope in the time of distress to those who offer help to the helpless and sick. The hope is God’s presence and provision and faithfulness to them.

(A) pplication:
    As I read this verse today my thoughts were immediately drawn to the healthcare workers and first responders who are on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic. IT is not just them though. I thought of the volunteers that work each week in the New Baptist Food Pantry. They continue to come each week in order to feed those in need. Most of them are in the “most at risk” age range and yet they come and serve each week. I am reminded to thank God for all those serving the helpless and troubled and to pray for them.

(P) rayer:
    Father I ask that each one offering help in this crisis sense your presence, love, protection, provision and power today as they serve. Calm their spirits and give them courage to carry on. Make me aware of how I can help and serve. Amen

Date: 03-26-2020

Title: We Need Each Other

(S) cripture:
    1 Corinthians 12:27 (NASB77) Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.    

(O) bservation:
    Every believer is a part of the body of Christ and has a particular function to carry out. One function is not more important than any other because all are necessary for the body to function properly. There is no need or place for jealousy or pride. The gifts (functions) are given to us by the Holy Spirit. He determines each person’s place and function. It is the diversity of functions working together that brings unity and grace to the body. We need each other. No individual is unimportant or dispensable. We need each other if the body of Christ is to make an impact in our world.    

(A) pplication:
    It is the Holy Spirit not individuals that determines the gifts or function each believer has. We cannot teach or give them to each other. It is not Biblical to emphasize one gift over another because all are necessary. Today I will work to recognize the unique gifts the Lord has given to others. I want to help them develop their gifts in order to serve the body more effectively. I thank the Lord for the gifts I have been given. I will work to develop them and to use them properly in order that the body might be built up. I will not envy the gifts in others.    

(P) rayer:
    Lord keep fresh in my mind the need for all in the body. Make me aware of when I am arrogant and ignoring the gifts you have placed in others. Amen

Date: 03-25-2020

Title: Remembering God’s Faithfulness

(S) cripture:
    Joshua 24:2-15 (NASB77) And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘From ancient times your fathers lived beyond the River, namely, Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, and they served other gods. 3 ‘Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River, and led him through all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his descendants and gave him Isaac. 4 ‘And to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau, and to Esau I gave Mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt. 5 ‘Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt by what I did in its midst; and afterward I brought you out. 6 ‘And I brought your fathers out of Egypt, and you came to the sea; and Egypt pursued your fathers with chariots and horsemen to the Red Sea. 7 ‘But when they cried out to the LORD, He put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them and covered them; and your own eyes saw what I did in Egypt. And you lived in the wilderness for a long time. 8 ‘Then I brought you into the land of the Amorites who lived beyond the Jordan, and they fought with you; and I gave them into your hand, and you took possession of their land when I destroyed them before you. 9 ‘Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel, and he sent and summoned Balaam the son of Beor to curse you. 10 ‘But I was not willing to listen to Balaam. So he had to bless you, and I delivered you from his hand. 11 ‘And you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho; and the citizens of Jericho fought against you, and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Girgashite, the Hivite and the Jebusite. Thus I gave them into your hand. 12 ‘Then I sent the hornet before you and it drove out the two kings of the Amorites from before you, but not by your sword or your bow. 13 ‘And I gave you a land on which you had not labored, and cities which you had not built, and you have lived in them; you are eating of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.’ 14 “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 “And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

(O) bservation:
    As Joshua reviews God’s covenant with the people of Israel he recounts all of God’s faithfulness to them in the past. He reviews their history and all that God has done for them. In light of that the people renew their commitment to the covenant.

(A) pplication:
    It is important from time to time to review what God has done in your life, to remember all he has done and provided. When I do this, I am reminded of just how faithful God has been and that gives me confidence for the future. As I observe responses to the Coronavirus pandemic I need not be afraid because God is faithful. I choose to trust the lord and to follow the best practices for limiting the spread of the virus. This is an opportune time for me as a follower of Jesus to live with confidence in God’s faithfulness as an example to those around me. Here is the truth, whether I am infected with the coronavirus or not, God is faithful. Today I choose to trust and serve the Lord.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for being faithful even when I am not. I trust you in the midst of this pandemic. Thank you for continuing to be faithful and working in and through me.

Date: 03-24-2020

Title: Pride

(S) cripture:
    1 Corinthians 10:12 (NASB77) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

(O) bservation:
    Paul is using some illustrations from the Old Testament to warn the people about pride. He tells the Corinthians that these things happened as examples for them. He then gives this warning about pride, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

(A) pplication:
    My grandfather used to say, “If you ride a high saddle you have a long way to fall.” It was his warning about the dangers of pride. He was not and the scripture is not talking about a pride that drives me to excellence but rather one that puts my nose in the air as better than others. It is the “snooty” pride that leads to a fall. I must admit that I have taken some sinful delight, for which I have confessed, in the fall of some high and mighty politicians in the past. Those who have set themselves up as better and higher and “the laws don’t apply to me”, when exposed the crash is great. I know pastors who call themselves “God’s anointed” and dare anyone to challenge their authority or instructions. Many times this authoritarian rule is used to cover their personal sin and immoral behavior. The illustrations are many from both politics and the religious world. In my life I must never let pride separate me from the people I am called to serve. The only place where I can boast is in the cross of Christ.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, make me aware of areas of pride that hinder your work in and through me. Let me be so consumed with you that pride has no chance to grow in me. Amen

Date: 03-23-2020

Title: Compelled to Preach

(S) cripture:
    1 Corinthians 9:16 (NASB77) For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.

(O) bservation:
    Paul is making a defense of his apostleship. He has the right to be paid but does not exercise it. He simply must preach this gospel. It is God’s call in his life.

(A) pplication:
    I too have been called to preach this gospel and cannot imagine not doing it. Since retiring my preaching has taken on a different look. I am now at New Baptist where I teach and preach generally four evening services each month. I also teach the Radio Bible Class each week. I cannot imagine a time when I would not be preaching. I feel like Paul when he said, “woe to me if I do not preach.” Today I will renew my efforts in study and preparation for messages I will deliver. I will do the work required to be relevant to the listeners and rooted and faithful to God’s Word. I want my preaching to point people to Jesus.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, use my thoughts and words to communicate the gospel clearly and consistently. Amen

Date: 03-22-2020

Title: A Little Knowledge

(S) cripture:
    1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NASB77) Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. 2 If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know;

(O) bservation:
    Education is a wonderful thing. It is one of the greatest gifts I Have received. Knowledge is a great asset when used properly. Knowledge alone is not enough, though, to make a difference in the world. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. It can cause pride and lead to a feeling of self-importance. This does nothing to help others. Love is what makes the difference. Not the mushy feel good emotion but love that acts and builds up. That kind of love coupled with real knowledge can make a difference in our world.

(A) pplication:
    Most of us know far more than we practice. We’ve been to a seminar or read a book and now think we are an expert. How foolish is it to go off without any experience or maturity. Knowledge is a good thing and very important. Knowledge must though be coupled with a constant study and search of the scriptures so we will know just how to use and implement the knowledge we have. We are to do all we do as unto the Lord. We are to glorify God with our work. All that without love that builds up is worthless. No one wants to be around a know-it-all who is always showing off their knowledge and putting others down. Everyone wants to be around someone who loves them and builds them up. The exciting thing is that we get to choose the kind of person we want to be. Today with the knowledge I have, I choose to be one who loves and builds people up.

(P) rayer:
    Lord help me to know you and to love others. Help me to build people up today. Thank you for what I know but I want most to be known by you. Amen