What Will God Do For You?

November 3, 2011 in Weekly Email with 0 Comments

David accomplished much in his life. Almost everything he set his heart to, he was able to get done. Towards the end of his life he desired to build a temple for the Lord. But God comes back and tells David, that he would not be the one to build this temple. I imagine this was a great disappointment to David. David was not accustomed to be told “no.”

However, God makes a promise to David. It was not about what David would build for God, but what God would build for David. God had a greater plan in mind than David’s plan. God reminds David about all he had done for David. Everything David had accomplished up to this point was because of what God had done. Without God, David would have never succeeded in the way he had.

Just read this paragraph from 2 Samuel 7:8-11 (NLT). Take special note of what God accomplished versus what David accomplished.

“I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. “ ‘Furthermore, the LORD declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings!”

How much of that was David? How much of that was God? It was all God! God did it! It was not about what David did for the Lord, but what God did for David.

Too often we got it all backwards. We make it about what we do for God. But it is really about what God does for us and through us. Everything we have accomplished and everything we possess is because of God. God is not looking for more accomplished people. He is looking for more surrendered people.

Maybe you are dissatisfied right now. You are disappointed that God has said no to what you wanted to do. If so, maybe it is time to look at see what God is doing. What does God want to build in your life? If what we are working on is not from God then we are just wasting our time. It will fail. As it says in Psalm 127:1 (NLT), “Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted.”

God loves you and wants to do a great thing in your life. An incredible thought is that God wants more for you than you even want for yourself. That is hard to imagine, because I know I want a lot for me. But God wants even more!

That is why he sent us Jesus. Jesus is God’s answer. “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!”” 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT) Jesus has come that we might have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). It is in Jesus we discover everything God has done for us and wants for us.

This next weekend we will be talking about David’s Mighty Men. These were men who accomplished great feats of valor through the power of God. The reason they were able to do what they did was not because of their confidence in themselves. It was because of their confidence in God. We will take a look at what that confidence enabled then to do and how a lack of confidence will paralyze us from doing the amazing things God has called us to.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday at 8:30am or 10am for worship at Lord of Life. And don’t forget we fall back this weekend as Daylight Savings ends. Set your clocks back on an hour on Saturday night before you go to bed and then give thanks to the Lord for an extra hour of sleep.

Daily David, Week 10, Day 4

November 3, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

This week as we look at David’s Mighty Men, we cannot forget another Mighty Man in the New Testament. That Mighty Man was the Apostle Paul. Paul was a missionary to the Gentiles. He served God in an amazing way and much of his ministry is recorded in the Book of Acts. Today’s reading is from one of his many letters. It is from the letter to the Ephesian Church. Ephesus is in what is modern day Turkey. We pick up the letter at Ephesians 3

How does Paul describe himself in relation to Jesus (3:1)? What do you think he means by that? How is this similar to the Mighty Mens’ relationship to David?

Paul describes himself as a prisoner of Jesus. He was bound to Jesus. Jesus was the all that mattered to him. He could not do anything apart from that which Jesus commanded him to do.

David’s Mighty Men would have done anything David would have asked. They were bound to David and wholly committed to him.

What assignment was given to Paul (3:2-3)?

His assignment was to extend God’s grace to the Gentiles. The Gentiles were anyone who was not Jewish. He was to tell and to show the goodness and kindness of God to these new people, to whom Jesus had not yet been revealed.

What type of people does God give the most important assignments (3:8)? Why do you think that is?

It is the least deserving. It is the least qualified who get these important assignments. This is the way God has operated since the beginning. He uses the weakest, those with the least skill, those who are most humble so that he might be more greatly exalted through what he accomplishes in them. He uses these people so that there is no mistake that it is God, and not the person.

As a Mighty Man of God, what two things does Paul posses in verses 3:12?

He posses the salvation of Jesus, faith in that salvation, and the boldness to come before God and ask for his help.

How much can God do (3:20)?

I cannot accomplish anything on my own. But God can do anything through me. There is no mountain too high.

What is your assignment from God? How are you rooted and established in his love?

Our assignment is to serve him. We each have unique things given to us by God, to serve him in unique ways. My specific assignment may be different from yours, but we serve a common mission of bringing the kingdom of God to earth. We are rooted and established in love because we have been set apart by him who is the very definition of love.

Daily David, Week 10, Day 3

November 2, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

We look at the New Testament today and the parallels between Jesus’ disciples and David’s Mighty Men. Our reading is from Matthew 10 when Jesus sends his disciples out.

How are the exploits of Jesus’ disciples similar to those of David’s Mighty Men? How are they different?

They both do impossible things that can only be done by God. The difference was that the Mighty men were victorious in battle. They killed other men. The disciples brought life and hope. They brought the opposite of death.

When we experience failure, how do we respond (10:14)?

The disciples are told to wipe the dust off their feet and move on. When we experience failure we learn from it and move on. Those who have the greatest success in life often have the greatest failures to go along. The road to success is a bumpy one. It is easy to get discouraged along the way, but hold your head up high. God is with you, and he wants you to succeed in his mission even more than you want to succeed.

Is it easy to be a Mighty Man or Woman of God (10:17-18)? But what is Jesus’ promise (10:19-20)?

No it is not easy. If you are a Mighty Man or Woman of God you will have those who oppose you. But Jesus promises that you will have everything you need to stand for him. Don’t fear because you have the God of the universe on your side.

Why are we able to have courage and not be afraid even when the odds are stacked against us (10:26-31)?

Our life on this earth is nothing. This is not our home. We are only passing through. The life that God intends for us is waiting for us. So while we are here, we can go all out and serve him with everything we got, even if it costs us our life, we have lost nothing, only gained.

What does it mean to acknowledge Jesus before men (10:32)?

It means to live for him. It means not to be ashamed of him. It means that everything we do and say should reflect how he is our God and our Lord.

What does verses 10:37-39 say about being a Mighty Man or Woman for Jesus?

Being a Mighty Man or Woman of God is a selfless thing. The most important thing in our life is Jesus. We will sacrifice and give up everything out of our commitment to him. In the same way the Mighty Men of David would have given everything for the sake of their king. How much more should we who serve the King of Kings.

Daily David, Week 10, Day 2

November 1, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

Happy All Saints Day. This is a day we celebrate those who have died in the faith who have gone before. Not only do we celebrate the victory that is theirs, but we also anticipate the time when we will be joined together with them.

Our reading today is from 2 Samuel 24. This is a curious story when David decides to take a census of the nation.

Why does David want to take a census of the fighting men (24:1-2)? Why is Joab against it (24:3)?

At the end of verse 2 it says David took this census to know how many people there were. The text does not specifically state the motivation for taking this census. We can speculate it was an issue of pride for David. David wanted to see how vast his kingdom was. Another purpose of the census was to see how many men were fit to fight in battle. This might have been done for David to consider his ability to build an empire beyond the nation of Israel.

Joab does not support David and tells David upfront he should not take the census. He tells David that there is no reason to take the census. God is on their side and that is all that matters. If they do what God calls them to do it does not matter the size of the army.

Why is David conscience stricken after taking the census (24:10)? How is it that we can sin even when we have good intentions?

David realized he was putting more trust in man than trust in God. We can sin when we have good intentions but we realize that we are doing what we think is best rather than what God thinks is best. There is a way that seems right to us, but ultimately leads to destruction.

Why did David insist on paying for the threshing floor (24:24)?

He says that a sacrifice that costs him nothing is not really a sacrifice. Later Jesus would tell the story of the widows might. The offering people were giving in that story did not really cost them anything. They were giving out of their wealth. But the widow gave everything that she had. Even though she gave less, it cost her more. Do we offer to the Lord sacrifices that cost us nothing? Can we really call that a sacrifice?

What was the main purpose of making sacrifices in the Old Testament (see Leviticus 1:4)? Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said “grace is free, but it is not cheap.” What do you think this means(Romans 3:25)?

Sacrifices are made for the purpose of cleansing God’s people from sin. The animal that died would be killed in the place of one who sinned. When Bonhoeffer says that grace is free, it means that forgiveness does not cost us. But it is not cheap because it cost Jesus his life.

What would eventually be built upon the threshing floor of Araunah (see 2 Chronicles 3:1)?

This would be the sight for the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This temple would be built by David’s son Solomon.

Promise and Prayer

October 31, 2011 in Sermons with 0 Comments

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Happy Reformation Day! Today we celebrate the reformation which was a rediscovery of God’s grace. It is not about what we do for God. It is about what God has done for us.

In this message we look at God’s grace in the Old Testament. It was not about what David accomplished for God. It was about what God did for David. The story is found in 2 Samuel 7:4-16.

Often times we work hard to try to do great things for God, but we end up spinning our wheels. When it comes to our relationship with God it is not about being more accomplished, but more surrendered.

Daily David, Week 10, Day 1

October 31, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

Happy Reformation Day. Today is the day Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the Wittenburg Church door to spark the Reformation. October 31 is also known as All Hallows Eve. It is the eve of All Saints Day. Since we celebrate All Saints Day this week we are going to look at David’s Mighty Men recorded in 2 Samuel 23:8-39. These Mighty Men are heroes of old who distinguished themselves through accomplishments of faith. As we think about the saints who have gone before we think of them as mighty men and women.

Why do you think that is is significant David had three Mighty Men set apart from the others (23:8)? How do you think this might be related to Jesus having 3 disciples as part of his inner circle (see Mark 5:37, 9:2, 14:33)?

These men were part of David’s inner circle. They separated themselves from the rest. They showed their commitment to the king that went above and beyond others. We all need mighty men in our lives. These are people who will go out of their way for us. They are the people we can call in difficult times and we know they will be there.

It is interesting how Jesus had three disciples who were part of his inner circle. These were the men who were closest to him. The difference between David’s mighty men and Jesus three disciples was that the disciples relationship with Jesus served his disciples. In David’s relationship with his mighty men, it was his mighty men who served him.

Who are the Mighty Men or Women in your life?

These may be people in your family, friends, or brothers and sisters in Christ. These are people who we can count on. They are the ones who we know will be there for us in the difficult times. At the same time we know we will be there for them when they go through difficult times.

How did “The Three” distinguish themselves (23:8-17)?

They distinguished themselves in battle. They overcame great odds in battle to stand victorious. They were able to stand in desperate situations when many others ran because they knew God was one their side. They had faith and courage in extra measure.

They were also separated by their commitment to their leader. There was a story told of how they snuck behind enemy lines to get a glass of water for David. They would do anything David asked. This was their commitment to him.

Where did the Mighty Men originally come from (see 1 Samuel 22:1-2)?

They were men who were in debt, in trouble, or discontented who had come to David at the Cave of Addulam when David was on the run from Saul. These were the nobodies who God had made into somebodies.

What do you believe gave the Mighty Men courage to stand against incredible odds?

They knew that if God is for us, then nothing could stand against us. It doesn’t matter how big the challenge is before you, there is no challenge that God cannot overcome.

Who is the last Mighty Man listed (23:39)? How do we honor the Mighty Men and Women in our lives?

Uriah the Hittite is the last mighty man listed. Unfortunately, David did not honor this mighty man by stealing his wife and then having him murdered. The best way we can honor the mighty men and women in our lives is through our commitment to them. We pray for them and their families. We go out of our way, to help them and show kindness and generosity.

An interesting note at the end here. Notice in 23:34 that Ahithophel the Gilonite was the father of Eliam. We read about Ahithophel two weeks back as he helped Absalom in Absalom’s attempt to take his father’s throne. Do you know who Eliam’s daughter was? In 2 Samuel 11:3 Bathsheba is introduced as the wife of Uriah and the daughter of Eliam. This would mean that Ahithophel, who was a leader in the revolt against King David, was the grandfather of Bathsheba. Perhaps he was seeking revenge against David.

Survey Says . . .

October 29, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

I have made a short survey related to the David message series. I would appreciate your feedback if you have participated in the David message series.

You can find the survey at lolchurch.net/davidsurvey.

Daily David, Week 9, Day 5

October 28, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

Our last reading for the week is Psalm 89. This is not a Psalm of David. However, as soon as verse 3 David is put forth as an example of God’s faithfulness. This Psalm is all about God’s faithfulness to us in spite of our lack of faithfulness.

Psalm 89:2 says God’s love stands firm forever. Are there times in the life of David where this does not seem true? How about your own life?

We can count on God’s love all the time. Sometimes God’s love is a tough love. Sometimes it is a tender love. But no matter what type of love it is, his love does not fail. God does not abandon us. Oftentimes the most loving thing for him to do is allow us to stumble so that we might learn to rely upon him and not ourselves.

What does the Psalmist have to hold on to when doubts are raised in his mind about God’s love (89:3-4)? When you experience disappointment, how do you respond?

It is God’s covenant. This is God’s promise written in the Word. When we begin to doubt, we can turn to the Word of God where we are reminded of God’s promises. Another place to turn is the Lord’s Supper. Here we receive Christ’s body and blood given to us. It is the ultimate expression of God’s love. There is no greater gift we could receive. We touch and taste how God loves us in this amazing way. If God loves us so much that he would give his one and only Son to die on the cross for us, how can we ever question his love in any other way.

What will happen if we fail to follow God’s lead (89:30-32)? But what does God still promise (89:33-37)?

They receive discipline. But just because God disciplines someone does not mean he does not love them. In fact discipline is a sign of love. Parents will discipline their children out of love because they want the best for their children. They want them to grow up into responsible adults. Discipline teaches wisdom and that is what God wants for us.

Why do you think it is so easy to doubt God’s promises (89:38-45)?

We often live in the present. We easily forget what God has done I the past for us. We lack faith to look to the future with confidence. All we can see is the circumstances we are currently facing.

We also blame God. We fail to look at ourselves honestly. We boast in pride it is not my fault. We ask God, “God, why did you do this to me?” We fail to recognize it is not about what God did to us, but what we got ourselves into by not listening to the Lord.

What does faith allow us to do when we fail to see God’s goodness (89:52)?

It allows us to worship. We may not see the goodness of God, but we believe in the goodness of God. Our sight and perception will deceive us. We may miss the amazing thing God is working. Faith helps us to trust and know that God is on our side always so that we can always worship him no matter what our circumstance.

David, Week 10 Study Guide

October 27, 2011 in David with 0 Comments

October 31 – November 6

The Mighty Men

Memory Verse:

Proverbs 18:24 (NLT) There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Day 1

2 Samuel 23:8-39

Why do you think that is is significant David had three Mighty Men set apart from the others (23:8)? How do you think this might be related to Jesus having 3 disciples as part of his inner circle (see Mark 5:37, 9:2, 14:33)?

Who are the Mighty Men or Women in your life?

How did “The Three” distinguish themselves (23:8-17)?

Where did the Mighty Men originally come from (see 1 Samuel 22:1-2)?

What do you believe gave the Mighty Men courage to stand against incredible odds?

Who is the last Mighty Man listed (23:39)? How do we honor the Mighty Men and Women in our lives?

An interesting note at the end here. Notice in 23:34 that Ahithophel the Gilonite was the father of Eliam. We read about Ahithophel two weeks back as he helped Absalom in Absalom’s attempt to take his father’s throne. Do you know who Eliam’s daughter was? In 2 Samuel 11:3 Bathsheba is introduced as the wife of Uriah and the daughter of Eliam. This would mean that Ahithophel, who was a leader in the revolt against King David, was the grandfather of Bathsheba. Perhaps he was seeking revenge against David.

Day 2

2 Samuel 24

Why does David want to take a census of the fighting men (24:1-2)? Why is Joab against it (24:3)?

Why is David conscience stricken after taking the census (24:10)? How is it that we can sin even when we have good intentions?

Why did David insist on paying for the threshing floor (24:24)?

What was the main purpose of making sacrifices in the Old Testament (see Leviticus 1:4)? Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said “grace is free, but it is not cheap.” What do you think this means(Romans 3:25)?

What would eventually be built upon the threshing floor of Araunah (see 2 Chronicles 3:1)?

Day 3

Matthew 10

How are the exploits of Jesus’ disciples similar to those of David’s Mighty Men? How are they different?

When we experience failure, how do we respond (10:14)?

Is it easy to be a Mighty Man or Woman of God (10:17-18)? But what is Jesus’ promise (10:19-20)?

Why are we able to have courage and not be afraid even when the odds are stacked against us (10:26-31)?

What does it mean to acknowledge Jesus before men (10:32)?

What does verses 10:37-39 say about being a Mighty Man or Woman for Jesus?

Day 4

Ephesians 3

How does Paul describe himself in relation to Jesus (3:1)? What do you think he means by that? How is this similar to the Mighty Mens’ relationship to David?

What assignment was given to Paul (3:2-3)?

What type of people does God give the most important assignments (3:8)? Why do you think that is?

As a Mighty Man of God, what two things does Paul posses in verses 3:12?

How much can God do (3:20)?

What is your assignment from God? How are you rooted and established in his love?

Day 5

John 14:5-14, Mark 16:9-20

What does it mean that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (14:5)?

Where does Jesus get his power to perform miracles (14:10-11)?

What does Jesus say his followers will do (14:12)? What do they need to posses to do these things (14:12)?

What will Jesus do for us (14:13-14)?

What is the first response of the woman and disciples to the power of God shown through the resurrection (16:11-13)?

Why does Jesus rebuke his followers (16:14)? What is our first and foremost calling before everything else (16:16; see John 3:16, Acts 2:38)?

Daily David, Week 9, Day 4

October 27, 2011 in Posts with 0 Comments

Our readings today are from Mark 12:35-40, Luke 1:29-33, Romans 1:1-6, Revelation 22:16-21.

Whose kingdom did the people of Jesus’ day expect the Messiah to reestablish?

David’s kingdom. The expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would restore their freedom from the foreign occupation of the Romans.

What does it mean that David would call the Messiah “Lord” (Mark 12:37)?

It means the Messiah would be one who was even greater than David himself. His kingdom would surpass David’s kingdom.

Why do most people seek honor (12:38-40)?

People seek honor to be recognized. We want approval from others. Recognition will boost our ego and give us a greater sense of worth. If we don’t find our worth and significance in Jesus we will look for it in other ways.

What do you think it means that the throne of David will be given to Jesus (Luke 1:32)?

It is the throne promised to David that God would establish forever. The throne is that of a servant. It is the throne that he will reign over God’s people. In the Old Testament God’s people were the people of Israel. But now God’s people has become those who have received Jesus as Savior by faith.

Who Son is Jesus according to the human nature (Romans 1:3)? According to the divine nature (1:4)? What did Jesus do that David never did (Romans 1:4)?

According to the human nature he was a son of David. According to the divine nature he is the son of God. Jesus rose from the dead. But David is still buried in the grave.

What is the holy city described Revelation 22:19 where Jesus, son of David, will reign for eternity (see Revelation 21:1-4)?

It is the city of Jerusalem. But it is not David’s Jerusalem. It is the new Jerusalem. God is present in this new Jerusalem in an even greater way than he was present in the temple in the old Jerusalem. This new Jerusalem is where all God’s people will dwell.

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