Latest Thoughts of the Day

1 Kings 2:1

5/26/2017

When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.

David is about to advise Solomon concerning the men who have been against him, politically, but who it was not politically possible to purge. He charges Solomon not to take these things lightly, but to do the “housecleaning” needed. He will challenge him that he walk carefully before God and lead the people in righteousness. He sees the promise of having always a son of his family on the throne as connected with their walking with the Lord. It is a solemn and wonderful charge of a dying father to the son he loves. Lord, help us to die in possession of our senses, entrusting what we have done to younger hands. Carry on the work we have tried to do. By your grace, may our life’s work glorify Jesus.

2 Samuel 2:1

5/25/2017

In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah? he asked. The Lord said, "Go up." David asked, "Where shall I go?" "To Hebron", the Lord answered.

Saul is dead, and it is clear that the kingdom of Judah is to be governed by David. But David feels the need of the wisdom and help of God in deciding how to proceed. He is willing to launch forth, but where would be the best place to begin? Having received the guidance of God as to His will for our lives, are we always careful to choose the exact way that will best accomplish the goal? Do we think that, now that we know His will, we are sufficient to the task of carrying it out? Lord, make our every step bring glory to Jesus.

1 Samuel 2:1

5/24/2017

Then Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance."

The greatest grief for Hannah had been being childless, and the deepest hurts from enemies had been the jibes of Elkana’s other wife. Hers is a personal triumph and a personal deliverance from reproach, but it pictures something that includes all who are joined to God by faith. Our hearts rejoice in the Lord. He has delivered us. We have cause for rejoicing, and our delight is in His deliverance. Ordinary help He gives us every day reminds us of the greater deliverance which includes all lesser ones. How will He who delivered us from sin not give us all things? Help us, Lord, in every small deliverance, to see pictures of our deliverance in Jesus.

Ruth 2:1

5/23/2017

Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, from the clan of Elimelech, a man of standing, whose name was Boaz.

Boaz is introduced , who will be crucial to the unfolding of the story for Ruth. He is called “a man of standing”, and he will prove to be so as we see his basic walk with God and his relationship with his fellow-Israelites. Of course, we know that this is not just the story of Ruth, but the story of Redemption as God is working through seemingly ordinary people to accomplish his great Work. There is a destiny in every element of the unfolding of this story. God will bring Jesse into the world, and through him, David, and through him, eventually, the Christ. How can God use our ordinary lives for His glory? Guide us, O Lord, to give glory to Your Son, Jesus.

Judges 2:1

5/22/2017

The angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, "I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land that I swore to give to your forefathers. I said "I will never break my covenant with yhou,..."

This seems to be one of several pre-incrnate appearances of the Son of God, travelling with his people to reassure them of His presence and help. And he says to them, “I will never break my covenant with you…”
Jesus, You say that to us! Even as You bore with Your people for hundreds of years, not forsaking Your commitment, even when thy failed again and again—even so You have kept Your commitment to us as we have wandered and stumbled through the maze of our world. Thank You for traveling with us, providing, helping, warning, comforting. We worship You today, Lord Jesus.

Joshua 2:1

5/21/2017

Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent spies from Shittim. "Go look over the land," he said, "especially Jericho" So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.

Rahab knows nothing about God’s commands concerning adultery and lying, so her dealings with her own people are pretty much business as usual. What will prove important is the conviction of Rahab that Jehovah is the true God and these people are His people. God has guided the spies to this place, that Joshua may learn of the fears and uncertainties of this pagan people, and plan his approach accordingly. Thank You, Lord, for guiding the spies, that they might learn what they needed and return safely. Thank You for directing the hearts of pagans to fear You and to be used for Your glory. You have worked in us, too, Lord Jesus.

Deuteronomy 2:1

5/20/2017

Then we turned back and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea, as the Lord had directed me. For a long time we made our way around the hill country of Seir.

The people had refused to do what God said, and God judged them. Then they quick did what He had said, and received rebuke. Someone with influence keeps leading the people to do what they think is right, and they keep being defeated and disgraced. They have not learned to follow the Lord. Moses speaks here of the whole gathering moving as God directed them on this occasion. How much easier everything would have been had they been submissive to the Lord! But there will continue strife and rebellion among the people for nearly forty years. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness in working in us to bring us to Jesus.

Numbers 2:1

5/19/2017

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: "The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting some distance from it, each man under his standard with the banner of his family.

At the opening of the Olympics, the whole group feel themselves on a mission, with each country marching behind its banner, adorned with the symbols that give it national identity. It all reflects the pattern God gave to Israel, as He arranged them around the Tabernacle, leaving room for the Levites, united behind their own colors. A smaller group, united with a personal identity, gathering self-consciously to proclaim participation with the greater whole. Schools do this when they choose their colors and mascots. Cities unite around their resident teams. Lord, help us join our individuality as families to the united expression of Your Church. May we be united with one another,with our focus upon Jesus.