Day 151 - In God's Divine Providence

Today's Reading: 2 Kings 8,9 and Ps. 62,63

I love seeing how God orchestrates things for His children, even the least of His children, through divine providences.

In 2 Kings 8 we read how there was a famine and the prophet Elisha tells the Shunammite woman (whose son that he had brought to life) that there was going to be a famine. So they left their home and went to the land of the Philistines during the seven years of famine. But then the famine was over and she returned home. But the problem was, the king had taken the land that people like herself had left behind. So she went to beg of the king that he would restore her land. But who was she to the king? Just a nobody, and he most likely would not listen. However, here is where the amazing divine providence of God came into the story. Before she arrives with her request, the king asks Gehazi, Elisha's servant to talk with him about the miracles of Elisha. So Gehazi complies. And he's telling the king about how Elisha raised a dead boy to life right when the Shunammite woman arrives to ask for her land back. "Oh king! Here is the woman whose dead son was raised back to life!" So the king questioned her. What perfect timing God has! ;-) Who could have orchestrated such an event?

As a result the king restored to her not only her land, but all the fruits of the field that had been reaped since she'd left the land... imagine getting not just your home back but like seven years of back pay as well! What generosity! But would this have happened if the king had not just heard about the miracle story of how Elisha had been used of God to restore her boy to life? Not likely!

God is good!

I loved the thoughts throughout Psalm 62 and 63 as well. We are encouraged to "pour out our heart" before God. Because He is our defense, our heart will not be moved. Our souls should follow HARD after God! Our expectation is from Him... what beautiful pictures of what a consecrated and yet ever thirsty Christian life should be... constantly seeking hard after God, constantly seeking for MORE of His filling!

What a blessing today's reading has been! (But I'm getting itching feet to come back and study some of these chapters in more detail. So many rich spiritual lessons here that I feel like I'm racing by on this reading marathon!)

Tomorrow's Reading: 2 Kings 10-12 and 2 Cor. 5

Day 150 - The Wall of Fire!

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6,7 and 2 Cor. 4

I love the miracle stories of Elisha… but today I was reminded afresh of the “wall of fire” that God puts around His people.

The Syrian army has come to Dothan with the purpose of seizing Elisha. So they surround the city one night. The next morning, Elisha’s servant discovers they are surrounded. “Oh master, what are we going to do he cries.”

But Elisha is not worried. “Don’t be afraid! There are more with us than with them.”

Then the Lord opened the eyes of his servant and he  saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire. 

Ellen White writes: “God’s faithful praying ones are, as it were, shut in with Him. They themselves know not how securely they are shielded. Urged on by Satan, the rulers of this world are seeking to destroy them; but could the eyes of God’s people be opened, as were the eyes of Elisha’s servants at Dothan, they would see angels of God encamped about them, holding in check the hosts of darkness.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 590,591)

Elisha went on to command blindness upon the troops. Then he led them away! (What an amusing scene that must have been!) I loved the correlations that I saw in 2 Cor. 4.

We are told, “If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” Those that do not believe are blinded… just like that host of soldiers. They did not believe in God and their eyes were darkened.

But God wants to bring light… I love the promise that follows, for those that are seeking: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Cor. 4:6)

[Personal note: Having wonderful time at PYC! But it's a marathon... no down time... going constantly between talking and counseling young people and preparing for the next presentations to come (Doing four sessions in the first 2 days! Then last session Friday!) I've haven't been feeling the best and am coming down with a head cold it seems.... Running quite tired. Doesn't help that God has been waking me up at unearthly hours in the morning (like 2:30-3:00am every day). But I really needed the extra time to pray, and He's giving me strength and His blessing on the presentations. So I just praise His name. So many blessings! Over and over He keeps showing me, "It's about my strength, not yours, my wisdom, not yours, my power, not yours..." Internet is slow as molasses now ... It's become virtually impossible to post anything... So... that's why this blog post never went up this morning as planned! Upcoming blog posts may be posted late, as well, if I can't get them posted daily while here. So much for not missing a day... But that's the reality of life sometimes when you are in the mission field. If that were only the worst of my worries... ;-)]

Tomorrow's Reading: 2 Kings 8-9 and Ps. 62-63

Day 149 - Oil is Given ~ According to our Capacity to Receive!

Today's Reading: 2 Kings 4,5 and 2 Cor. 3

Yesterday we were just reading about Elisha asking for a double portion of the Spirit! I love the stories and miracles in today's reading... I especially love the story of the widow who was about to lose her sons and came to Elisha for help.

His first question, "What do you have?" Well, she only had a pot of oil, but he told her, "Go borrow all the empty vessels you can, then close your door. Poor the oil until all the vessels are full.

She kept pouring and the oil never ran out...that is, until she ran out of empty vessels! And isn't it the same with us?

In Desire of Ages we are told: "Through the Spirit God works in His people “to will and to do of His good pleasure.” But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive. (p. 672)

In yesterday's reading, we saw how God sent water to fill the ditches of a land that was in drought. But what if those men hadn't believed that God was really going to do something. What if they dug only small ditches just to appease the crazy requests of a prophet. Then they would have had little water. The same with the oil pots.... She wished she had gathered MORE oil pots! So how is it with us today? What is our capacity! According to our capacity is what we will receive.

I'm praying that God will increase my capacity today!

[Personal note: Philippines Youth for Christ is off to a wonderful start! It's so inspiring to see so many hungry and eager young people, desperate for more of Him. This morning I will be giving the morning devotional/plenary and I'm going to be talking about the Beauty of Brokenness and recognizing our need... because only as we recognize our need can He fill us! Prayers appreciated. This is going to be a crazy week... and I still don't have all my seminar material together as there's been a lot of distractions, and so much has been going on and not as much time to prepare as I hoped.]

Tomorrow's Reading: 2 Kings 6-7 and 2 Cor. 4

Day 148 - A Double Portion Please!

Today's Reading: 2 Kings 1-3 and 2 Cor. 2

Today we see Elijah's final days before he was swept up in the chariot of fire.

I love how Elijah tries to shake his companion, Elisha off his trail, knowing that God is about to take him to heaven. But Elisha was not to be deterred. He was going to stay with Elijah until the very end.

Inspiration tells us:

"In his early labor of guiding the plow, Elisha had learned not to fail or to become discouraged, and now that he had set his hand to the plow in another line of duty he would not be diverted from his purpose. He would not be parted from his master, so long as opportunity remained for gaining a further fitting up for service. Unknown to Elijah, the revelation that he was to be translated had been made known to his disciples in the schools of the prophets, and in particular to Elisha. And now the tried servant of the man of God kept close beside him. As often as the invitation to turn back was given, his answer was, “As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 225)

Finally Elijah asks, "What would you like me to do or you before I am taken away?"

Elisha wasted no time pondering this important question: "A double portion of your spirit! This is what I need!"

Wow! I love it! And what a request... like Solomon asking not for riches or wealth, but for wisdom! Elijah then tells him, "You've asked a hard thing. However, if you see me go, then that means God has answered your prayer."

Well, Elisha did see his master go, and if we read through the rest of the stories of Elisha's life, we find that God worked exactly TWICE the number of miracles in Elisha's life as He had in Elijah's (complete with what happened when the dead man was put on Elisha's bones and came back to life). So God answered this bold but humble prayer!

I believe this is what we need to be asking for today too... for MORE of the Holy Spirit. For when we have the Holy Spirit, we have all we need! 

Tomorrow's Reading: 2 Kings 4-5 and 2 Cor. 3

Day 147 - The Rock that is Higher than I

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 22 and Ps. 60,61

In the final saga of King Ahab's story, we find him asking King Jehoshaphat (of Judah) to go to battle with him against Ramoth-gilead. So Jehoshaphat inquires of the prophets. But these prophets have been given a "lying spirit" and Jehoshaphat recognizes that. "Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides these?" he asks...

"Well, yes there one... but I don't like him because he doesn't say good things about me!" Ahab reluctantly admits. Isn't this interesting. I think many people turn away from God and His Word because like Ahab, they don't want to be convicted of their sins, and they for sure don't want to repent. So since the Bible speaks the piercing truth (it's the two-edged sword that divides light from the darkness), they turn away and close their ears.

However, Jehoshaphat wants the true prophet. So they call this man, named Micaiah. As Micaiah is being brought, the messenger encourages him, "This is what the other prophets are saying. Let your word be like theirs, a good word." I love the prophets response, "As the Lord liveth, what the Lord says to me, that will I speak." Didn't Micaiah understand that his life was on the line and if he spoke the truth, Ahab might say, "Away with you?" Micaiah was willing to take that risk, and he suffered the consequences as a result. He prophesied that Israel would be scattered... and they were. And the wicked king Ahab died in the battle, and the dogs licked up his blood, just as God had said would happen.

In Psalms 60 and 61, we see the cry of David for Israel. "O God, thou has cast us off, thou has scattered us, O turn thyself to us again." Although coming from different time periods of the Kingdom, what an interesting parallel to what happened to Israel in the final days of King Ahab.

David continues his plea to the Lord, "Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man." (Ps. 60:12). But I can't stop here, for one of my favorite promises comes in the very next chapter, Ps. 61:2, "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

We may be overwhelmed with the day to day spiritual battle that we face, we may be overwhelmed by circumstances that seem to be going against us. It may seem that we live in a generation that has been scattered. But He is still our Rock. And if we turn to Him, continue to humble ourselves before His throne, He will not fail His people in their day of adversity. He will yet save His people and answer the prayers that David cried.

Tomorrow's Reading: 2 Kings 1-3 and 2 Cor. 2

Day 146 - God of the Mountains and the Valleys

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 20,21 and 2 Cor. 1

In today's Bible reading, this verse really struck me:

"And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the LORD." (1 Kings 20:28)

So here we have Ahab who is king of Israel, one of the most provoking kings yet to stand in this office (the Bible says, "There was none like Ahab which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up"), and yet God had already allowed him to defeat the Syrian's once. And now He gives Ahab promises of blessings in battle again.

What is going on with the hills and the valleys... This was a little confusing to me, but at such time, commentaries can help bring some clarity. Here's some comments that I found enlightening:

"Ben-hadad is advised by those about him concerning the operations of the next campaign. They advised him to change his ground, 1Ki 20:23. They took it for granted that it was not Israel, but Israel's gods, that beat them, but they speak very ignorantly of Jehovah.... supposing him altogether such a one as their imaginary deities, they fancied he was confined to his hills, and could not or would not come down from them, and therefore an army in the valley would be below his cognizance and from under his protection. Thus vain were the Gentiles in their imaginations concerning God, so wretchedly were their foolish hearts darkened, and, professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." (Matthew Henry Commentary)

The Syrians very quickly discovered Israel's God is not confined to the hills... He's equally capable on the valleys. Although Israel's army was like two little flocks of goats compared to the Syrians who filled the whole country (1 Kings 20:27), God blessed Israel and they again defeated the Syrians. In the battle, Israel killed one hundred thousand foot soldiers. The Syrians who escaped tried to take up positions on the walls of the city of Aphek, but the walls collapsed, killing twenty-seven thousand of them. God indeed showed who was God!

However, as I was reading this story, I was also thinking of the personal application!

What is God to us? Is He only the God of the hills? There are times of heavenly bliss when we seem naturally to stand with God on the holy mountains. We have our Moriah, our Pisgah, our Tabor, our Hermon experiences. But is that all? No! God is with us in the valleys. When we descend into the valley of weeping (Psa 84:6), the valley of the shadow of death, the valley of obscurity and loneliness, the valley of conflict, we can say with the psalmist, “Thou art with me” (Psa 23:4). Most of us, perhaps, spend the larger part of life in the valleys, walking among commonplace duties, facing common place every day life, temptations and struggles. Let us see to it that in these shadowed days we walk in close companionship with our heavenly Friend, and that even in the valleys we can stand strong, knowing that God is standing with us. Then we can also say, as did Paul in 2 Cor 1:4, "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (Some of these thoughts originated from the Believer's Bible, but I have edited and modified them to suit my thinking!)

I'm thankful that we serve the God of the mountains AND the valleys!

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Kings 22, Ps. 60,61

Day 145 - Fire from Heaven, and Elijah Runs

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 18,19 and 1 Cor. 16

I love these chapters and the show-down between Ahab's Baal worshipers and Elijah's God! "How long halt ye between two opinions?" Elijah calls to the children of Israel. "If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal be God, then follow him." (1 Kings 18:21)

So Elijah instructs the priests of Baal to set up an altar, and he will also set up an altar to the Lord of heaven. And the god that answers by fire, He will be God. Everyone agrees... Baal worshipers go first. For hours they dance and cry and even cut themselves as they plead for Baal to hear. He is silent. Apparently he's sleeping. Elijah eggs them on...

Finally, at the end of the day, Elijah prepares his altar to the Lord of Heaven. You would think that perhaps he might be inclined to help the Lord out a bit as he sets up the altar, but he actually goes contrary to common sense as he builds a trench around the altar and then pours water over the sacrifice (3 times) until it fills the trench. What was he thinking? That's sure not going to help a sacrifice burn by fire... that's essentially making sure it will be impossible to burn! ;-/ Yet Elijah knows what he's doing... When God answers (the God of the possible!) it will be so clear, this was a work no man could do.

So Elijah prays... and barely had he prayed when fire came from heaven and consumed the sacrifice and the wood, AND the stones (since when do stones burn), and the dust...and the water around the altar! Wow!!! And when all the people saw it, they fell down and shouted, "The Lord, He is God, the Lord He is God!"

However, despite this amazing victory, the prophets of Baal being put to death, and rain once again coming upon the land... the first threat of retaliation from the woman Jezebel, and Elijah is running for his life... Could he not trust that the same God who had just spoken by fire and worked in such a dramatic way could also intervene and save his life from this heathen woman?

Ellen White writes the following regarding this failure of faith in the life of Elijah!

"It is at the time of greatest weakness that Satan assails the soul with the fiercest temptations. It was thus that he hoped to prevail over the Son of God; for by this policy he had gained many victories over man. When the will power weakened and faith failed, then those who had stood long and valiantly for the right yielded to temptation. Moses, wearied with forty years of wandering and unbelief, lost for a moment his hold on Infinite Power. He failed just on the borders of the Promised Land. So with Elijah. He who had maintained his trust in Jehovah during the years of drought and famine, he who had stood undaunted before Ahab, he who throughout that trying day on Carmel had stood before the whole nation of Israel the sole witness to the true God, in a moment of weariness allowed the fear of death to overcome his faith in God.

And so it is today. When we are encompassed with doubt, perplexed by circumstances, or afflicted by poverty or distress, Satan seeks to shake our confidence in Jehovah. It is then that he arrays before us our mistakes and tempts us to distrust God, to question His love. He hopes to discourage the soul and break our hold on God.

Those who, standing in the forefront of the conflict, are impelled by the Holy Spirit to do a special work, will frequently feel a reaction when the pressure is removed. Despondency may shake the most heroic faith and weaken the most steadfast will. But God understands, and He still pities and loves. He reads the motives and the purposes of the heart. To wait patiently, to trust when everything looks dark, is the lesson that the leaders in God’s work need to learn. Heaven will not fail them in their day of adversity. Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on God." (Prophets and Kings, p. 174)

And yet Elijah, whose faith temporarily failed, God later took to heaven. This can give us hope in our lives today! I especially love that last sentence: Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on God!

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Kings 20,21 and 2 Cor. 1

Day 144 - Israel's Apostasy and "No More Rain!"

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 16,17 and Ps. 58,59

It seems that things only keeping getting worse with Israel... each succeeding king it seems we are told, and this king "did worse than all the kings that were before him." And then Ahab arrives on the scene, and we are told, "And Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him." (1 Kings 16:29) Wow! Where do we go from here?

As I've been reminded lately in my own life,  "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." (1 Cor. 1:27-28) 

So in the midst of King Ahab's pompous idolatry, into the scene walks Elijah... a unknown Tishbite. Ellen White gives us a little more glimpse into the life of this man that came out of obscurity to rebuke the idolatry of Israel:

Among the mountains of Gilead, east of the Jordan, there dwelt in the days of Ahab a man of faith and prayer whose fearless ministry was destined to check the rapid spread of apostasy in Israel. Far removed from any city of renown, and occupying no high station in life, Elijah the Tishbite nevertheless entered upon his mission confident in God’s purpose to prepare the way before him and to give him abundant success. The word of faith and power was upon his lips, and his whole life was devoted to the work of reform. His was the voice of one crying in the wilderness to rebuke sin and press back the tide of evil. And while he came to the people as a reprover of sin, his message offered the balm of Gilead to the sin-sick souls of all who desired to be healed.  

As Elijah saw Israel going deeper and deeper into idolatry, his soul was distressed and his indignation aroused...Viewing this apostasy from his mountain retreat, Elijah was overwhelmed with sorrow. In anguish of soul he besought God to arrest the once-favored people in their wicked course, to visit them with judgments, if need be, that they might be led to see in its true light their departure from Heaven. He longed to see them brought to repentance before they should go to such lengths in evil-doing as to provoke the Lord to destroy them utterly.  

Elijah’s prayer was answered. Oft-repeated appeals, remonstrances, and warnings had failed to bring Israel to repentance. The time had come when God must speak to them by means of judgments... The apostate tribes of Israel were to be shown the folly of trusting to the power of Baal for temporal blessings. Until they should turn to God with repentance, and acknowledge Him as the source of all blessing, there should fall upon the land neither dew nor rain.  

To Elijah was entrusted the mission of delivering to Ahab Heaven’s message of judgment. He did not seek to be the Lord’s messenger; the word of the Lord came to him. And jealous for the honor of God’s cause, he did not hesitate to obey the divine summons, though to obey seemed to invite swift destruction at the hand of the wicked king. (From Prophets and Kings, p. 119-120)

So Elijah, this unknown Tishbite, visits Ahab and announces that there will be no more rain! What a bold move he has made, one he could only make knowing that he was called by God. But I love this story and how it progresses. It's hard for me not to read ahead to tomorrow, because I know what's going to happen in the ultimate show-down between God and Baal! 

However, as I consider our world today... we too are suffering for want of rain -- for want of the Latter Rain! That rain has been held back because of the apostasy, I believe, of our land and world. That rain (the Holy Spirit) is only going to fall again as God's people repent and turn back to Him. We are so far from where we should be, so far to go... may we humble our hearts and seek Him with all our heart today, while His grace is still to be found... 

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Kings 18-19 and 1 Cor. 16

Day 143 - And Then came the Morning!

Reading: 1 Kings 14,15 and 1 Cor. 15

Today's reading in Kings would all be depressing if it were not for the brief bright spot of King Asa, who did good in the sight of the Lord. But this is another reason that we can know that the Bible is an authentic account of God's people... it doesn't gloss over the ugly details. It tells everything like it is, good, bad, and often times ugly!

I was really touched today by the reading in 1 Cor. 15... especially regarding the resurrection. "If Christ be not risen, then our preaching is in vain," Paul wrote. "If Christ is not risen, our faith is in vain."

Thankfully we can have HOPE because Christ is risen, and He is even now at the right hand of God, ever living to make intercession for us! As in Adam, all died, so in Christ all are made alive. Eventually death will be swallowed up in victory. The last enemy to be destroyed? Death! Praise the Lord!

As I was reading today, I was reminded of the song that they played a few months ago during spring council, "Then Came the Morning...." This song really moves me. I'm going to include a link to that song here... Looking forward to the morning!

THEN CAME THE MORNING - Video Song

[Personal note: Doing well and God is blessing my time here in the Philippines. This past Monday I flew south to the city of Iloilo. It's on the island of Panay, south of Manila. It's quite hot here as I expected. But I'm thankful for an upper room sanctuary with fans and AC. I'm staying only three floors up above the world now, rather than 29! I'm not a huge fan of heights and tall buildings (even though where I was staying in Manila was super nice), so I'm thankful that I don't need to ride the elevators anymore. Today I'm working on my PYC seminar workshops. I have two plenary sessions and three workshops for this upcoming conference, and haven't had much time to prepare until now. The workshops will be largely new material, especially my session on "Keys to Vibrant Living as a Single." I never dreamed I'd be one-day talking to young people about this topic, but the need is great, so I feel God is calling me to be vulnerable and share some of the lessons He's taught me (and is still teaching me) about surrender and service over the years. Also, I will be speaking tonight at a church here in the community where we are staying. Tomorrow will be our one sightseeing day here as my friend Gem is taking us to the beach. (There is a group of us PYC speakers staying at his home with his family this week. They've been wonderful to us all!) Then Friday and the weekend I am speaking again... and next week we start PYC. Praising the Lord for His many blessings! But it's hard to believe that my time here is going so fast.]  

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Kings 16,17 and Ps. 58,59

Day 142 - No Confusion with God

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 12,13 and 1 Cor. 14

Sad to see what happens when Solomon's sons continue to turn away from God, reaping the seed that their father had sown by his marriage with heathen woman. But what I find really interesting and a bit puzzling from today's reading is the conflict between the prophets.

A prophet of God comes from Judah and speaks against King Jeroboam. The king is angry and wants to reach out and destroy the prophet, but as he stretches forth his hand, it instantly withers. Recognizing that before him stands a true prophet of God, he begs the prophet to pray that his hand would be healed. The prophet prays and the king's hand is healed. Then the king's attitude changes as he begs the prophet to stay and eat. But the prophet responds, "If you will give me half your house, I will not return with you, nor will I drink water or eat bread in this place." He refused because God had told him not to stay or even eat or drink there.

However, after the prophet goes on his way, another man comes after him, who also claims to be a man of God and begs him to come and eat. The prophet resists, but then the man tells him, "I'm a prophet also. An angel came and told me that you should come and eat with me." Here the prophet should have seen warning signs. Why would God contradict His word.... by telling him one thing, and this claimed prophet another thing? But without further argument he goes and eats and drinks with this man. And his disobedience to God cost him his life, for later as he returned home, a lion killed him.

This story is a little hard to understand, and it seems harsh that this prophet would die as a result of following what appeared to be God's word leading him in a new direction. But I think perhaps God allowed the second prophet (who came and lied to him) to come as a test...to prove and see if this man would really follow what God had told him to do.

In 1 Cor. 14 I was reminded that God is not the author of confusion, but of order. So my take-away from this morning's study is... If there is fog in an area of our lives, or we feel conflicted over which way to go (knowing that God has given us other directions previously)  perhaps we should wait until we have spiritual clarity before we move forward. As I've heard it said, "If in doubt, don't!" Clarity comes through God's Word, through prayer and fasting. Secondarily it comes through providential circumstances, and even through counselors. When I don't know what to do or I'm confused about something, I always claim the promises of James 1:5, Isa. 30:21, Ps. 32:8, Ps. 119:105, and Prov. 3:5,6. It's also important that my will is neutral... willing to go any way that God leads. When I pray and wait on God, stay surrendered in will and desires, and don't impatiently seek to run ahead going my own way, God has always given me spiritual clarity. ALWAYS! He is not the author of confusion!

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Kings 14,15 and 1 Cor. 15

Day 141 - The Half was not Told Me!

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 10,11 and 1 Cor. 13

I love what happened when the Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon... She'd heard of his glory, and she'd heard of his wisdom. So she came to test and prove him, to see if what she had heard was really true! And when she saw and heard, there was no more spirit left in her... for she recognized that she was standing in the presence of someone that was ordained by God.

Here's what she said: "Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came and mine eyes had seen it: and behold, the HALF WAS NOT TOLD ME: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard..."

Then she says something very profound... instead of exalting King Solomon, she gives glory to the One who alone deserves the honor and glory!

"Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel forever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgement and justice." (1 Kings. 10:7,9)

Ellen White writes:

"By the time of the close of her visit the queen had been so fully taught by Solomon as to the source of his wisdom and prosperity that she was constrained, not to extol the human agent, but to exclaim, “Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel forever, therefore made He thee king, to do judgment and justice.” 1 Kings 10:9. This is the impression that God designed should be made upon all peoples. And when “all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart” (2 Chronicles 9:23), Solomon for a time honored God by reverently pointing them to the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Ruler of the universe, the All-wise. 

However... Solomon's blessing eventually led to his downfall... The reading continues...

Had Solomon continued in humility of mind to turn the attention of men from himself to the One who had given him wisdom and riches and honor, what a history might have been his! But while the pen of inspiration records his virtues, it also bears faithful witness to his downfall. Raised to a pinnacle of greatness and surrounded with the gifts of fortune, Solomon became dizzy, lost his balance, and fell. Constantly extolled by men of the world, he was at length unable to withstand the flattery offered him. The wisdom entrusted to him that he might glorify the Giver, filled him with pride. He finally permitted men to speak of him as the one most worthy of praise for the matchless splendor of the building planned and erected for the honor of “the name of the Lord God of Israel." 

I have to include this as well... as it speaks so much to us today!

"Man cannot show greater weakness than by allowing men to ascribe to him the honor for gifts that are Heaven-bestowed. The true Christian will make God first and last and best in everything. No ambitious motives will chill his love for God; steadily, perseveringly, will he cause honor to redound to his heavenly Father. It is when we are faithful in exalting the name of God that our impulses are under divine supervision, and we are enabled to develop spiritual and intellectual power." (Prophets and Kings, p. 68)

Wow, wow, wow!!! Once again I am reminded... our ONLY SAFETY is staying at the foot of the Cross. He must increase, we must decrease. He must get the glory! May the world see when they hear of what God has done... the half was not told me... God is truly the One to be praised!

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Kings 12,13 and 1 Cor. 14

Day 140 - And God's Glory Filled the Place!

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 8-9 and Psalms 56-57

I love 1 Kings 8... another favorite location in the Bible for me personally. So much depth and spiritual application to our lives today...

1 Kings 8:10 shares how when the priest came out of the holy place, that the cloud of the Lord filled the house of the Lord so much so that the priest could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the GLORY OF THE LORD HAD FILLED THE PLACE.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! As I read this chapter again, my heart wants to cry out, "Lord, do it again! Do it now! Do it in our lives, in my life. May your glory so fill this temple and this life, that I will not be able to do the work, that I will not be seen, that nothing of self will take possession of the ministry, but that YOU alone will receive the honor and glory." 

I believe this should be the life of every converted and consecrated servant of God. We should be so filled with the Holy Spirit that God's presence will overflow our life. We simply cannot, but when we step aside, and surrender, He can and He will.

I love Solomon's prayer of dedication... His recognition that the "heavens and the earth cannot contain [God], much less this temple" and yet he humbly entreats God's blessing. He even pleads on behalf of the strangers in the camp. "Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name." (1 Kings 8:43)

Regarding this part of the prayer, Ellen White writes, "One of the most touching portions of Solomon's dedicatory prayer was his plea to God for the strangers that should come from countries afar to learn more of Him whose fame had spread among the nations." (Prophets and Kings, p. 66)

In 1 Kings 9 God responds... "I have heard thy prayer and they supplications."

What a glorious and beautiful time in Solomon's reign...

[Personal Updates: I've had a beautiful time speaking for a couple different churches here in Manila. Great attendance at meetings and very hungry and eager listeners. Wish I could stay longer with these precious friends. Today I will do a little sightseeing in Manila (my only free day to do this), and then tomorrow I fly to another island in the south, Ilio Ilio, for more speaking appointments. I will stay in Ilio Ilio Philippines for the remainder of my time here. And I've been so taken care of and spoiled by the care of the people here. The hospitality of everyone is so touching. We could learn some lessons. And the food has been amazing...my only complaint, TOO MUCH of it!! :-) I think I'm gaining weight. I don't usually have so many meals... sigh... but since that's my only real trouble, I really have nothing to complain. God has been so good. Manila is a bustling busy city, and I'm not a city girl... but the people here have certainly captured my heart. I haven't been able to fulfill all the requests and speaking entreaties I've received. So I expect I will be coming back at some future time... God has been good!] 

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Kings 10-11 and 1 Cor. 13 

Day 139 - The Building of Solomon's Temple

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 6,7 and 1 Cor. 12

I enjoyed reading today about how Solomon's temple was built. It took seven years! What a special work. It was also interesting to note that the stones were made ready and brought to the site already chiseled to the right shapes and sizes.

1 Kings 6:7 says, "And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so the there was neither hammer nor are nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building."

It's hard to imagine such an impressive structure coming together without any of the typical sounds of hammering and iron striking iron. This really impresses me with the reverence that Solomon had for this house that he was building for God's glory.

Ellen White gives some further insight into the building of the temple:

"Of surpassing beauty and unrivaled splendor was the palatial building which Solomon and his associates erected for God and His worship. Garnished with precious stones, surrounded by spacious courts with magnificent approaches, and lined with carved cedar and burnished gold, the temple structure, with its broidered hangings and rich furnishings, was a fit emblem of the living church of God on earth, which through the ages has been building in accordance with the divine pattern, with materials that have been likened to “gold, silver, precious stones,” “polished after the similitude of a palace.” 1 Corinthians 3:12; Psalm 144:12. Of this spiritual temple Christ is “the chief Cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.” Ephesians 2:20, 21. 

At last the temple planned by King David, and built by Solomon his son, was completed. “All that came into Solomon’s heart to make in the house of the Lord,” he had “prosperously effected.” 2 Chronicles 7:11. And now, in order that the palace crowning the heights of Mount Moriah might indeed be, as David had so much desired, a dwelling place “not for man, but for the Lord God” (1 Chronicles 29:1), there remained the solemn ceremony of formally dedicating it to Jehovah and His worship.  

The spot on which the temple was built had long been regarded as a consecrated place. It was here that Abraham, the father of the faithful, had revealed his willingness to sacrifice his only son in obedience to the command of Jehovah. Here God had renewed with Abraham the covenant of blessing, which included the glorious Messianic promise to the human race of deliverance through the sacrifice of the Son of the Most High. See Genesis 22:9, 16-18. Here it was that when David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to stay the avenging sword of the destroying angel, God had answered him by fire from heaven. See 1 Chronicles 21. And now once more the worshipers of Jehovah were here to meet their God and renew their vows of allegiance to Him. (Prophets and Kings, p. 36-37)

I had forgotten that this temple was built on Mount Moriah! How beautiful to see how this symbolic place was honored of God over the centuries. Today He wishes to dwell in the living temple of our heart. Do we make Him room. Do we reverence His ownership and give care to our bodies as His living temples... ? This is fruit for lots more thought and discussion, another time and day...

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Kings 8-9 and Psalm 56-57

Day 138 - Solomon's Sweet Humility like a Child

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 3-5 and 1 Cor. 11

It's hard to know where to begin to make comment on today's Bible reading. In these chapters we see Solomon beginning his reign with the sweet humility of a child. He then asks for wisdom, and God grants it. He judges his first case and everyone marvels. Everyone begins to come to hear his wisdom. And he begins to build the temple... In 1 Corinthians 11, we read more about the call to godly masculinity and Biblical femininity, a partnership, a deference, a service of love, with the ultimate head being Christ.

However, for today's comments, I'm going to focus on 1 Kings 3:7. I think every time I read this story, my heart is grabbed by the sweet humble way that Solomon started his reign. "I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in," he tells the Lord.

A couple days ago in my devotions I read some sobering quotes on pride and humility that really pricked my heart afresh... why, because I recognize my own struggle with pride, especially spiritual pride. Unfortunately, when God humbles me, I then find myself struggling with pride in my humility (LOL!). I know I am not alone in this struggle... It's like the battle over self... you can't win for losing anyway you go because pride/self is so strong. That's why our only hope is clinging to Christ. Only can Christ save us from this deadly cancerous disease that tries to infiltrate every area of our life.

Here's what I read. I think it is very fitting with Solomon's prayer:

"Those who have a humble, trusting, contrite heart, God accepts, and hears their prayer; and when God helps, all obstacles will be overcome. How many men of great natural abilities and high scholarships have failed when placed in positions of responsibility, while those of feebler intellect, with less favorable surroundings, have been wonderfully successful. The secret was: The former trusted to themselves, while the latter united with Him who is wonderful in counsel and mighty in working to accomplish what He will." (Testimonies for the Church vol 4:538, 539.) 

"Will the people of God continue to be so stupefied with selfishness? His blessing hangs over them, but it cannot be bestowed in its fullness because they are so corrupted with the spirit and practices of the world. There is spiritual pride among them; and should the Lord work as His heart longs to do, it would but confirm them in their self-esteem and self-exaltation." – (Ye Shall Receive Power, 290)

Talking about this topic this morning with a friend I realized that while we may always have the struggle, the important thing is to pray that God continues to give us discomfort when we are applauded or highly esteemed because we find ourselves genuinely in fear of stealing the glory from God. As long as we are uncomfortable with the applause, as long as we fear stealing God's glory, then we know God is still working to keep our heart. But the moment we become comfortable with the acclaim, with the success, with the applause of the stage, when we begin looking for the words of affirmation and the esteem of men... then we know we are on a dangerous path, and we must repent lest we fall. Pride always goes before a fall. Sadly... Solomon did not keep this sweet humility, and he eventually fell. (We will read about this in coming chapters!) And it's true for us today as well. Few men or women who achieve great success truly stay humble unless they are very near God! That's why our only safety is to stay at the foot of the cross. As we always keep in mind always WHO He is, we will always remember who we are--Nothing apart from the grace of God!

Like Isaiah let us cry, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man [woman] of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." (Isa. 6:5) How desperately we need to be covered and converted by the righteousness of Christ!

Dear Lord, please save us from the disease of pride, especially spiritual pride...

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Kings 6-7, and 1 Cor. 12

Day 137 - The Call to Godly Masculinity

Reading: 1 Kings 1-2 and Psalm 55

In today's reading, as David is nearing his final days, there is yet another attempt to take his throne, this time by Absalom's younger brother Adonijah. But David promptly gives the throne to his son Solomon and appoints him as king. Immediately Adonijah recognizes that his attempted siege for the throne is over! Once again God has delivered and given David's kingdom peace. As the corresponding verses in Psalm 55 say, "He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me." (Ps. 55:18) Although there were many battles during David's reign, thankfully this was his final testimony.

However before David died, he gave his son Solomon a final charge. This is what really jumped out to me and impressed me from today's reading. In 1 Kings 2:2 David tells Solomon, "I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man." Here I see David calling his son Solomon to live a life of godly masculinity... the kind that few men in his generation seemed to display. In David's day, godly upright honorable men were lacking....as he spent most of his life in conflict with selfish and self-serving men who only cared about having the highest place. However, we have the same challenge in the society of today. Godly masculinity and Biblical femininity seem to be largely a thing of the past. Now it's becoming more popular for men to be feminine and women to be more masculine... (And if there was a devotional post of mine that FB is going to ban--as it has one of my posts already on this topic, this will probably be the one!) This topic is becoming so touchy, we cannot even talk about it freely without censorship or arrows flying... what is happening to our world?

Over a hundred years ago, author Ellen White wrote: "The greatest want of the world is the want of men--men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heaven's fall." (Education, p. 57)

How can we restore a generation of such men? 1 Kings 2:3 tells us how Solomon could "Shew Himself a Man" and the same principles apply today. The Bible reads, "And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgment, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayes prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself."

It's really all about honor of God, obedience to His Word, daily discipleship and surrender...

A number of years ago, my friend Eric Ludy wrote out what he called "The Measurement of a Man." I know it's kinda strange for me to be sharing this topic as I'm a woman... but I'm going to post what he wrote here in the blog as I believe it can be an inspiration to many to aim for higher goals, and to pray that God will grow us to be all that He's called us to be. Of course, the same measurement he gives for men also applies to women. Remember though, this is not about a religion of works. This is simply about praying that God would make us men and women after HIS HEART.... That He would help us rise up to show ourselves to be the Christians He's called us to be. But we can't do this in our strength. Only as we abide in Christ and He works in and through us can we be anything of significance.

May God help us not settle for mediocre, comfortable living any longer... May we truly honor God and live unashamed for His glory.

The Measurement of a Man
{Calling Men to become Spiritual Giants!}
May the following inspire men to rise up and seek to be the men God is calling them to be.

The Self-Filled Man – Apart from Christ
{This man has no discernment. He does not know between truth and error, life and death...He has not been captured and converted by the spirit of God, but is just going on his own merry way trying to make a good life for himself! His aim is to please and gratify self, to promote self, to uplift self. Danger! This is not a safe man to make alliances with in business or in marriage!}

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” - Proverbs 16:25

“And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding . . . (The “strange woman”) With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird casteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.” - Proverbs 7:7, 21-23

The Gripped – Where it all begins!
{This man realizes the call that God has on His life. Great manhood starts when one realizes He is weak and nothing apart from God...but He looks to God and stands in His Strength!}

“In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” - Psalm 18:6

“He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me . . . He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.” - Psalm 18:16-17,19

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” - Col 1:13 KJV

The Given
{This man has followed the call and poured everything out for Christ - He has broken the spikenard at Jesus feet and said, "Here am I - take all!" His life manifest a complete abandonment and un-reserved surrender to Christ.}

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” - Matthew 16:24

The Immovable
{This is a man that is unshakeable, he stays on his "steed" - the one that God has called him to ride. He may get bucked off, but he keeps getting back on! He is a rock and he is going the distance. He is unwavering in trust and faith in His God!}

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” - Romans 4:20

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” - Psalm 46:1-2

The Harnessed
{This man has begun to realize that there is more to the "Call" then He had yet realized. He has learned to walk by the Spirit and to relinquish his right to position, possessions, and pride. Many men in Christianity today can quote scripture and give a Bible study by heart, but they don't quote it in their lives. "One is not truly holy until He is holy at home and with those nearest. This man is well on the way to being "holy" - He quotes scripture IN his life in action by the abiding strength of the Holy Spirit.}

“And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.” - Ezekiel 1:12

“These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth . . .” Revelation 14:4

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20

The Misunderstood
{In order for God to prove that He has the man, He must allow him to be misunderstood, humiliated and broken. It is then that you prove while you may not appear to be a man to the world, you are a true man to God. And despite being absolutely misunderstood, you keep pressing on! This man has real strength of character and is a rare gem in the making!}

“And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?” - John 11:37

“But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” - Psalm 22:6-8

The Hero
{This man serves the weak and needy. He's not worried about exalting himself or his status, but seeks the lowest place. He works only for the approval of God. He sees the orphan and poor as not equal to himself, but as MORE valuable than himself. - This is God's caste system! He is a hero when no one is looking!}

“. . . I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. And I broke the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.” - Job 29:12- 17

“For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall . . . He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.” - Psalm 18:29, 33- 37

The Chief
{This is the man that has reached a level of authority and leadership, not by self-promotion, but by simply doing what God has commanded Him to do. He has lived in obedience, and now He leads others to obedience. Too often today we have clowns in the pulpit and in the places where a "Chief" should be standing. Men must be measured by scripture and not by charismatic ability or worldly degree or status. Only the men that have proven themselves should be in this rank!}

“Who through faith, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” - Hebrews 11:34

“When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street! The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up. The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth. When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me.” - Job 29:7-11

“I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.” - Job 29:25

The Dead Man
{When we start out as Christians we think we are dead, and we may have crucified a few areas of our live, but usually still much of us is alive. This level a man has become completely dead - He does not defend himself, his reputation, his authority or his name. He stands only to defend others in Christ.}

“. . . Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” - Luke 22:42

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” - Isaiah 53:7

The Mighty Intercessor
{This man has become strong in God to be poured out for others. This is the kind of man that does not just stand in the gap for friends and family and a few in his church - He has become strong to stand in the

gap for Nations. He will even wish himself accursed that others may be saved. Radical abandonment and poured out life in hours of prayer...think of George Mueller or Praying John Hyde!}

“I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” - Romans 9:1-3

“He hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” - Isaiah 53:7,12

The Measure of Perfection
{This is what a man ought to be...are any of us there yet - probably not - yet this is what we aim for. This is what the church should be about, raising the standard, aiming high. When Christ died to make us like Himself how dare we settle for a superficial attainment of manhood! If you know who Jesus Christ is, you don't stay where you are, you go higher....you grow, you grow and you keep growing! This is our goal. How dare we settle for mediocrity, living in the wilderness when God has called us to Canaan!}

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” - Ephesians 4:13

The Measurement of a Man was written by Eric Ludy

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Kings 3-5 and 1 Cor. 11

Day 136 - Holding Tight to our Sword

Today's Reading: 2 Sam. 23-24 and 1 Cor. 10

Quick thoughts from today's reading... I really love the section on David's Mighty Men. It reminds me of what I believe that God's people are suppose to be today... in spiritual strength and might.

I especially love 2 Sam. 23:10 where it says, "His hand [clung] unto his sword: and the Lord wrought a great victory."

I wonder if we would cling with unyielding faith to our Sword, the Word of God, what victories would we see God given in our day? I'm sure more giants would be overthrown, more captives and prisoners delivered, and more people brought into the safety of the King's fold. The problem is, instead of leaning upon the Word of God in prayer and faith, we are fighting these spiritual battles in our own strength... and we don't hold on to the Sword.

My prayer is that God will raise up more MIGHTY MEN [and women!] to stand strong for His Kingdom! Men and women that will hold tightly to the Sword!

Tomorrow's Reading: 1 Kings 1-2 and Psalms 55

Day 135 - As for God His Way is Perfect

Today's Reading: 2 Sam. 21-22 and 1 Cor. 9

Today's reading contains one of my favorite passages in the whole Bible. In fact, I remind myself of this again and again, especially when I don't understand the pathway that God is leading me on.

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he taketh my way perfect." (2 Sam. 22:31-33)

As I look back on these past 25 years of life and ministry, I recognize how different everything has turned out than I hoped or planned in my early youth. Nope! This definitely was not what I envisioned for my future. Yet, I have to say, God really is good... and the life He's given me is so much better than I hoped or planned. God truly knows what He's doing...and if we keep following Him, He will lead us in that perfect path. It doesn't mean it is always easy... (It hasn't been easy for me, still isn't at times). It doesn't mean there is no pain (there's been pain and lots of tears along the way). But oh... how can I describe the joy, the fulfillment, the peace of knowing you are following His path and His will. It also gives me peace knowing that the life He leads us on is just what we need to prepare us for Heaven, and to help prepare those around us from heaven. That's why I take comfort in these passages! 

In the words from Inspiration we are told:

"In the future life the mysteries that here have annoyed and disappointed us will be made plain. We shall see that our seemingly unanswered prayers and disappointed hopes have been among our greatest blessings." (Help in Daily Living, p. 13)

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor." (Desire of Ages, p. 224)

So as I sit here in the bustling city of Manila Philippines, preparing to speak to more hungry souls who are eager to go deeper in their walk with Christ, I am reminded again, that God's way is best. This may not have been the path of my choosing... I'm homesick, I'm tired, a bit travel weary and craving some personal quiet space, privacy and rest... but God led me here to this beautiful country and these beautiful people. I know this is the path of God's choosing, and He knows best! And I rejoice that I have the joy and privilege of walking with Him and seeing lives changed for eternity!

Tomorrow's Reading: 2 Sam. 23-24 and 1 Cor. 10

Day 134 - Is it Obvious that We Love God?

Today's Reading: 2 Samuel 19-20 and 1 Cor. 8

More and more I can understand why God did not want David to build him a temple/tabernacle. David's reign really was a bloody reign in so many ways. It's hard to imagine what it might have been like to live in that day.... when so many were killed in battles or in vengeance of something that occurred (and that was normal), when one often had many wives, and when you never knew who would turn against you next and stab you in the back. I am reminded again however, that this world is a constant battle and great controversy between good and evil. And someday all this war and bloodshed (that continues even today), will be put to an end... So looking forward to that day!

On a different, more uplifting note, I was really encouraged by 1 Cor. 8:3, "If any man love God, the same is known of him." As I read this passage, I have to ask the question, "Is it obvious to the world around us that we love God." As I have heard it asked, "If we were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us?" If not, something is wrong... For truly, if we love God and if He's captured our hearts, that will be seen in our daily life, from the time we get up to the time we go to bed, to the way we live seeking to bring glory to God in everything we do. If we truly love God, we also will be very careful, not wanting to be a stumbling block to others. As we are told in 1 Cor. 8:12, when we do something that causes a weaker brother to sin, we are not only sinning against them but against Christ. In this passage I see that we are accountable to each other, and in our life and witness, we need to consider how what we say and do will influence others. While we need to hold our ground and stand strong for Christ, even when this goes against or offends popular culture or opinion, we also need to be mindful of there who may be convicted about certain things perhaps that we have not... We don't want to cause anyone to send by being careless...

I think this chapter holds very practical and relevant thoughts for our daily life, and I'm encouraged afresh to seek a deeper walk with Christ that will naturally spill over in joyful witness to all that may cross my path... This is not about modeling a certain set of standards... this is about displaying the beauty and glory of Christ! This is about winning others by the love of Christ...

[Personal Updates: Just finishing a wonderful weekend at AUP (Adventist University of the Philippines). What a beautiful campus with many beautiful people! I shared some of my testimony Sabbath for the divine service at the big church (some 2-3,000 students and staff were in attendance). I think this may be one of the biggest audiences I've ever spoken to. I praise the Lord for complete peace and strength to share. In the afternoon I did another sharing time for the students. They were very hungry and eager to learn. Now I'm preparing to head back to Manila to get ready for my week of prayer at Pasay SDA church. The weather is warm but not miserably hot as I expected. The food has been wonderful, although always too much of it. I eat and I'm stuffed, but they still think I'm not eating enough and ask me how I can be so tall and eat so little, when they eat so much and they are short. LOL!!!! The flowers everywhere are breathtaking... I'm still my mom's flower girl as I take photos everywhere I go. Perhaps I will publish a collection of the flower photos I've taken on this trip. So many evidences of God's love. What a blessed time I'm enjoying here in the Philippines. God is good!]

Tomorrow's Reading: 2 Sam. 21-22 and 1 Cor. 9

Day 133 - David Weeps for Absalom

Today's Reading: 2 Sam. 17-18 and Ps. 52-54

Another dark day in Israel. Today we read the tragic story as Absalom finally meets his end. The "would-be-king," who tried to take David's throne, is now hung by his own hair in a tree, and not long after he is killed.

The pain and untold havoc that Absalom created is hard to describe. Because of Absalom's revolt, thousands died. Yet, when David hears news from the battle front, his first question is about Absalom's well being: " 'Is the young man Absalom safe?' Unable to conceal the heavy tidings, the herald answered, 'The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.' It was enough. David questioned no further, but with bowed head he “went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept:
"Oh my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" (2 Sam. 18:33)

No one could understand how David could weep so passionately over the one that had sought to destroy Israel. I wonder, perhaps, if this is a small picture of how God weeps over us today, and those who are lost as they try to destroy His kingdom??

Sobering story... raw pain... real life! That's why I love God's Word. It's no fairytale. It tells events as they happened, good, bad, ugly, and real. In our case, Christ did die for us that we do not have to suffer the end that Absalom did... that is good news! If we will only repent and confess our sins and turn to Him...

Tomorrow's reading: 2 Sam. 19-20 and 1 Cor. 8

Day 132 - David remains Humble in Unjust Circumstances

Today's Reading: 2 Sam. 15-16 and 1 Cor. 7

Today we find King David again on the run... this time from his own son Absalom who tries to win the affections of the people and steal the throne.

David is unjustly accused, insulted and hunted, yet he remains humble and meek crying out to the Lord for his help. His men want to go and take vengeance against those that curse David's name and throne, but David responds: "It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite me good for this cursing this day." (2 Sam. 16:5)

What an attitude. Is that the kind of response we give when wrongfully accused, when our name is smeared, when someone tries to tarnish our reputation. David didn't fight back or try to prove himself or avenge himself of his enemies. He knew that he too was a sinner and did not deserve mercy, yet he held on to Christ. He remained quiet and trusting in God's hand... and God delivered once again.

In Patriarchs and Prophets we are told:

"While his faithful subjects wondered at his sudden reverse of fortune, it was no mystery to the king. He had often had forebodings of an hour like this. He had wondered that God had so long borne with his sins, and had delayed the merited retribution. And now in his hurried and sorrowful flight, his feet bare, his royal robes changed for sackcloth, the lamentations of his followers awaking the echoes of the hills, he thought of his loved capital—of the place which had been the scene of his sin—and as he remembered the goodness and long-suffering of God, he was not altogether without hope. He felt that the Lord would still deal with him in mercy.  

Many a wrongdoer has excused his own sin by pointing to David’s fall, but how few there are who manifest David’s penitence and humility. How few would bear reproof and retribution with the patience and fortitude that he manifested. He had confessed his sin, and for years had sought to do his duty as a faithful servant of God; he had labored for the upbuilding of his kingdom, and under his rule it had attained to strength and prosperity never reached before. He had gathered rich stores of material for the building of the house of God, and now was all the labor of his life to be swept away? Must the results of years of consecrated toil, the work of genius and devotion and statesmanship, pass into the hands of his reckless and traitorous son, who regarded not the honor of God nor the prosperity of Israel? How natural it would have seemed for David to murmur against God in this great affliction!  

But he saw in his own sin the cause of his trouble. The words of the prophet Micah breathe the spirit that inspired David’s heart. “When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him, until He plead my cause, and execute judgment for me.” Micah 7:8, 9. And the Lord did not forsake David. This chapter in his experience, when, under cruelest wrong and insult, he shows himself to be humble, unselfish, generous, and submissive, is one of the noblest in his whole experience. Never was the ruler of Israel more truly great in the sight of heaven than at this hour of his deepest outward humiliation." (PP 737-738).

Wow! What the enemy intended for evil, God still used as good as David's character was refined and his soul tested through this experience of pain.

Tomorrow's Reading: 2 Sam. 17-18 and Ps. 52-54