THE WAY TO GO

READING: 1 KINGS 22:6-14

Verse 8: “So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man, Micaiah the don of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil...’”

Micaiah honestly and truthfully spoke as the Lord appointed him to do. The king had 400 other prophets who told him exactly what he wanted to hear. Micaiah told him the word of the Lord even when it was displeasing. He faithfully told the king what the king needed to hear. How little things have changed since that time. People still consistently choose to select what they want to hear, rather than to receive the truth of God that they need to hear. Why is that? The prevalence of that reality indicates that some examination is needed. It isn’t necessary to go very far for such an examination. The needed conclusion is provided in verse 35 of this very same chapter of scripture. The king’s choice of what he wanted to hear lead ultimately to his death. What a person wants hear can destroy them. The Bible instructs us the alternative that is available to God’s people. What a person needs to hear can produce life instead of death. According to Deuteronomy 30:19, we can choose life. That is what needs to be heard. What was true for the king in that day, is true for the children of the King today. The Lord saves by providing what we need to hear. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Do you know of someone in our time who is hated because he does not speak in the manner others want to hear?

2. Do you expect to ever need to speak unpopular truths?

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

READING: 1 KINGS 15:9-14

Verse 13: “Also he removed Maachah his grandmother from being queen mother, because she had made an obscene image of Asherah. And Asa cut down her obscene image and burned it by the Brook Kidron.”

“Grandma, you are fired!” Can you imagine yourself saying such a thing to your grandmother? He didn’t use those exact words, but in effect Asa, one of the kings of Judah; did precisely that. He removed his grandmother from being queen mother, just as it says above. Now that is an intense example of all out zeal for righteousness! None of us will ever be called to that particular test of righteousness, however Asa’s response should compel us to examine ourselves regarding where we stand with regard to enforcing righteous behavior. There are times when, in the face of difficult decisions to uphold righteousness, we can be tempted to use excuses and justifications. At such times, we can look to King Asa’s example. Using his behavior as our model and encouragement, we also can display a zeal for righteousness. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What do you remember as a difficult stand for righteousness you have taken?

2. How can a person know when to take a courageous stand and when to step back?

IT’S A BIG DIFFERENCE

READING: PSALM 40:7-10

Verse 8: “I delight to do your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.”

The business had two customer service representatives. Both operated under the same rules covering the proper manner of relating to customers. There were frequents compliments about one of the employees and frequent complaints about the other. Observing this, their supervisor determined to learn the difference between the two. Investigation revealed that one employee memorized and meticulously followed the established rules, but intensely resented them. The other had read the rules thoroughly, digested them and established the intentions of the rules in her heart. It’s easy to know which person was successful. The order and principles of God are freely offered to us. Some, like the resentful employee, obey them but are resistant and motivated primarily by compulsion, fear or similar motives. On the other hand, there are those who obey and are motivated by their willing acceptance of the principles of God. These have become surrendered to the will and the dominion of the Father. Therefore, as this verse says, they are able to delight in doing His will. Godly success comes to those who readily respond to Him in spirit and heart. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is it that blocks surrender to the will of the Lord?

2. Is your level of delight in doing His will increasing, decreasing or remaining about the same?

THE WAY TO BE CROWNED

READING: PROVERBS 16:27-33

Verse 31: “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.”

People are living longer and being blessed with healthier and more active lives as senior citizens, than has ever formerly been so. As there is continuing increase in the number of people living in their post-retirement years, our society is becoming more and more aware of this segment of our population. Added consideration, provisions and respect are being given to older people. They are being recognized as a group who are worthy of regard. However, this is not a novel reality. It is not new because we are informed by the ancient wisdom of the Book of Ecclesiastics that there is nothing new under the sun. The equally ancient wisdom of Proverbs teaches us that the potential for the righteous silver-haired head to be a crown of glory, has long been possible. It is true that those who are aging should be able to freely accept the respect they are due. However, there is a still greater purpose for them. That is to receive God’s glory. For that to happen it is not sufficient to just become advanced in years. There is a further requirement. The crown of glory is found in one way. It comes only as “seasoned saints” are granted their righteousness in Christ. That’s a thought – about God’s  Word.

RESPONSE

1. What comes to mind when you think of the possibility of older years to come?

2. What do you respect regarding those who are older?

THE PROPER MIX

READING: HEBREWS 4:1-10

Verse 2: “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.”

The telephone book for my community and the surrounding area lists nearly 150 Christian churches. These churches meet at least once a week, and if they are truly Christian services, those meetings will be times when the word of God is preached. Some churches even have multiple services on our accepted day of worship. Most of these churches also provide Sunday School, Bible classes and other types of Christian education opportunities. Further, the majority of them have meetings during the week when added preaching and teaching take place. To all of that we can add Christian books, radio, television, and numerous other media as well as a multitude and variety of ministries. Such richness in the expression of God’s word is wonderful, but there is at least one caution. I’m referring to the caution stated in the verse above. I pray, in this critical time in the continuity of the Church, that we will not lack faith as we turn to the preaching and hearing of the Gospel. Indeed may our much preaching, teaching and hearing be also mixed with much faith; for only as such will it truely produce godly profit. That’s a thought about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What results if the gospel is heard and not mixed with faith?

2. What type of profit results from hearing the gospel with faith?

GETTING IT RIGHT

READING: HEBREWS 11:4-7

Verse 6: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

It seems we are being taught by this verse that God exists, and that He rewards those who diligently seek His rewards. Is that about it? Is that pretty much right? Of course it isn’t! That is not an accurate
representation of what verse 6 states. It actually says He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, not those who seek His rewards. Too frequently, however, people do act out what is misquoted. At those times they are found aggressively pursuing what they want the Lord to do for them. In the process of reaching so intently for His providence, they fall short of the greater fulfillment and  blessing He intends. That is because their focus on the rewards they seek, distracts them from relating to He Himself, our glorious Heavenly Father. He, in person, is our greatest possible delight and  reward. It is when we seek the Lord for Who He is, that we then receive the rewards that exceed those that come from what He does. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Is there a particular promise of reward that has special appeal for you?

2. How would you classify your level of diligence in seeking God?

GETTING AWAY WITH NOTHING

READING: ECCLESIASTES 8:9-14

Verse 11: “Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.”

Some who are sincere Christians are occasionally discouraged to see sinful works that seem unpunished. Workers of evil can appear to be getting away with something. The quotation above corrects that appearance. This verse grants that sentences against evil works may not always come about quickly, but there is a fact that cannot be overlooked or neglected. We can be assured that even though at times it may not be immediate, sentences that have been pronounced will be fulfilled. Verse 13 in this chapter goes on to promise that it will not be well with the wicked, and that their days will be as a shadow. A shadow is something that has no life or substance of its own. It exists only because there is light and an object that blocks some of the light. A shadow can’t accomplish much or even maintain its own existence. The instances of influence, value or purpose for a shadow are rare. Although it may appear for a season to be otherwise, the destiny of workers of evil is every bit as empty and unfulfilling as a shadow. It is also like that for the wicked. However, for those who fear God, His promise is that it will be well with them! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What can you think of as a reason that consequences are not always immediate?

2. Can anything be done about consequences that are pending?