May 31 – 1 Kings 3-4

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 1 Kings 3-4. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art

When I was in high school we had these monthly youth group nights called Youth After Church a.k.a. YAC. On YAC nights we worked hard to invite our friends because after church we would invade a church member’s home where we would hang out, play games, eat food, and enjoy a devotional time together. On YAC nights at church, before leaving, would typically involve a game we loved to play called boundary breakers. In this cherished game a question would be asked and everyone in the group had to answer the questions. Sometimes the questions were plain crazy and off the wall. Other questions would be more introductory like name, age, and high school. Some questions where deep and caused us to think. I absolutely loved this game and have used it with my own youth groups over the years.

One of the questions asked every few months would be if you were going to be stuck on a deserted island what three items would you take? Another question would often be if you could have three wishes what would they be? Often the responses were funny, off the wall, and even serious. Someone inevitably would always give the response for three more wishes. Let’s have some fun, in the comments what three items would you take to a deserted island or what three wishes would ask for. (By the way needs are met; food, water, and shelter; your items are for pleasure). My deserted island items … My iPad, a satellite connected router, and a solar charging station.

As Solomon begins his reign this is essentially what God request of him. God ask Solomon what he wants and He says he will grant it. What would you ask for … wealth, grownup toys, health, family, notoriety, or victory? Solomon asked for none of that, he asked for Wisdom. Why do you think he asked for wisdom? I think he was already wise, and he knew he was young and over his head. But I also think it is much deeper than that. I believe Solomon asked for what pleased God because his heart was already connected to God. He was already doing his best to worship and serve God as his father David had. His heart was connected to God and that shaped his request.

When our heart beats as God’s heart beats, our request of Him become molded after His heart. Our heart will begin to break where God’s heart breaks. Our heart will rejoice after what makes God’s heart rejoice. This all comes by a continual process of growing closer to him each and every day. So what would be your request?

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 30 – Psalms 119

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 119. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

“You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles! Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands. When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should!” (Psalms 119:4-7 NLT) Do you cherish the commands, laws, decrees, and instructions from God? Do you live by them? God’s Law teaches us what he considers righteous. God’s Law teaches us how he sees pure living. Learning from them brings us more and more into alignment with God’s desires for our lives. Are we going to mess us, slip up, and have moments where we do not honor God? Unfortunately the answer is yes. That is where Jesus work on the cross comes in and grace is able to abound.

What I love about the ending of that verse is the reminder it gives us that when we live according to God’s Laws we are thanking God for teaching us how to honor him. Do you think about how you live being thanks to God, especially in reaction to the grace and salvation you know and experience as a Christian?

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 29 – 1 Kings 1 & 2, Psalms 37, 71, & 94

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 1 Kings 1 & 2, Psalms 37, 71, & 94. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

 

Photo Credit: Microsoft Word Clip Art

As Christians we know that God is supposed to be our strength, our source of life, our person to turn to when life gets tough, and simply be our everything. That sounds wonderful and terrific. That sounds like something everyone should long for. But when I look at my life and observe the life of those around me, I do not always see that. When I read Psalms such as Psalms 71 with words such as … “Be my rock of safety where I can always hide” (Psalms 71:3 NLT), or “O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O LORD, from childhood,” I just sort of feel lousy because I don’t always feel that way about God.

Then I am reminded that the only way to have that relationship with God is to foster that relationship. Then I am reminded that it is not God who waivers. It is not God who forgets. It is not God who takes a day off that turns into two days off and that turns into a week off. It is not God who doesn't know the words to say or the request to make. It is me and you.

Even when we do not run to him, even when we do not foster the necessary relationship, God remains strong. God remains faithful and true to you and me. And it is for those reasons God will always be our “rock of safety, where (we) can always hide.” (Psalm 71:3 NLT)

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 28 – Psalms 111-118

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 111-118. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

There are so many great things to choose from our reading. Cherish the words because I am unfortunately only able to comment on one idea.

I love the attributes of God. Today the Psalmist reminds us of that by comparing against other “gods” and deities. “Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have hears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot makes a sound.” (Psalms 115 4-7 NLT) Their gods are formed by human hands, and while they have physical features, they are simply just a carving. Their gods do not hear their prayers. Their gods do not communicate to them. Their gods do not move and work in their life. Their gods are just a human creation.

But our God, the one true God is master and creator of all. “Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes.” (Psalms 115:3 NLT) The Psalmist reminds the nation of Israel to trust in the LORD. Over and over again we are reminded to trust in the Lord. Why? Because our God is a living God who cares deeply about us. He is not an inanimate object, he is living, breathing and strong enough for us to put our trust into him!

Little side note, as I was this post I was listening to Spotify and the song Those Who Trust by Waterdeep Worship came on. What an awesome song as I was writing the words “trust.” God reassures in some really cool ways. Here is a video of a worship band singing this song after their opening prayer.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 26 – Psalms 131, 138, 139, 143, 144, & 145

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 131, 138, 139, 143, 144, & 145. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

In our reading today we are reminded by the Psalms that our entire lives matter to God. In Psalm 139:13 we read “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” These simple words remind us that God was the one designing us and creating every facial feature, every personality quirk, and every line in our finger print.

As we keep reading today we are reminded that God’s work did not stop at birth. He is involved today as well. “Reach down from heaven and rescue me; rescue me from deep waters, from the power of my enemies.” (Psalms 144:7 NLT) Or “The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.” (Psalms 145:17-20 NLT) What a great reminder that God is involved in our every day lives. I find comfort in that, do you?

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 25 – 1 Chronicles 23-25

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 1 Chronicles 23-25. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Every month a group from our church volunteers at the Lebanon Food pantry. The food pantry is supported by churches that are within the Lebanon School District and help families in the district. Our group that serves always serves on Wednesday mornings. On Wednesday nights there is always a group that comes in during the pantry’s open hours to help distribute food. Each time I have helped our group I am always amazed at the work they put into helping the group for that evening. They spend all of their down time stocking the shelves and cleaning the room all so that it is ready to go for the next group to come in. No matter how they find the pantry, it is their goal to leave it better than they found it ready for the next group to go right to work.

Our example above is exactly what we see David carrying out in our reading today. David knows that God is going to let someone else build the temple, but that doesn’t mean he can’t prepare for it. When he came in as leader of Israel their worship of God was certainly lacking. David corrected those issues within the nation. By the time of his death David left the nation of Israel in much better shape than he found it. I think that is a wonderful lesson for us to learn as well. How can we do that in our families, our churches, our schools, our workplace, and wherever it is you have the privilege of spending time?

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 24 – Psalms 108 - 110 - Worship Music

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 108 - 110. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Office Clip Art

Its amazing what the Psalms can be used for. I have suggested throughout our time reading the Psalms different ways to use them in your prayer life. The Psalms can help you in confessing your sins to God, or help you figure out how to praise God, or remind you about God’s creation, and so many other ways to connect with God. Then on Wednesday I talked about how we have been called to sing a new song to God and the battle many churches have about worship. The Psalms can do so much.

Today as I was reading I came across this line … “For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies,” (Psalm 108:4 NIV) and it reminded me of the Third Day Song Your Love Oh Lord. Listen and watch the video of Third Day performing this song ... 

Did you catch where some of the text comes from? It comes right out of the Psalm. So many of our contemporary worship music selections are really much older than we think; really they are thousands of years old. Create In Me a Clean Heart is taken from David’s prayer in Psalm 51, or 10,000 Reasons and Psalm 103, or Forever and it’s relationship to Psalm 136. So if you struggle with new worship music, think about where the lyrics come from, they may just be straight out of the Bible.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership. 

May 23 – 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, & Psalms 57

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, & Psalms 57. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

When God is bringing judgment upon Israel in the form of a plague of death God instructs David to offer a sacrifice and he gives him the precise place to do this. The site is the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite, and Araunah wants to give it to the king free of charge plus everything needed for the sacrifice. I think we learn a very valuable lesson from David’s response … “No, I insist on buying it, for I will not present burnt offerings to the LORD my God that have cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24 NLT) Wow, does that not cut you to your core?

How often do we give God what cost us nothing? Many times our churches are full of these types of gifts … hand me down toys for the nursery, used playground equipment, tattered books for the library, and all sorts of various decorations. Now giving the churched used but still good gifts is nice and appreciated if it is something the church really needs. But how often do we replace our TV with a new one and give the old one to the church. That gift, while appreciated did not really cost the giver. If our gifts really cost us, too many churches would not be feeling the budgets grow smaller and smaller.

I wonder what the church could do if its members gave an offering to their church like David did; offerings that caused them to stretch their faith, offerings that caused them to rely on God, offerings that really caused them to sacrifice. If this was the type of giving our churches experienced more mouths could be fed, more poor could be clothed, more life skills could be taught, but most importantly the reach of the gospel would go much further and much deeper.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 22 – Psalms 95, & 97-98

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 95, &  97-98. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Office Clip Art

“Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds.” (Palms 98:1 NLT) Music in church is one of the most highly contested elements of any churches life. The reason for this is music is a very personal preference. Music takes us to many places and times. We connect with music on an emotional and mental level.

I love country music. Whenever I hear the song Austin by Blake Shelton it takes me back to a yard I mowed in high school. For whatever reason the summer that song was new every week when I mowed that particular yard that song came on the radio in my headphones. When I hear the song Breath I am taken to Ohio Teens for Christ when David Crowder lead worship and introduced it to us the first time. When I hear the song Don’t Take The Girl by Tim McGraw I am taken to Myrtle Beach summer of 1994 where I bought that cassette tape as a nine year old.

Church music is highly contested in church because we all have an emotional and mental connection to it. We remember the song that was being sung as we walked down the isle to give our life to Christ. When we sing a familiar song we remember the first time the lyrics spoke to us and the worship that ensued because of it. We connect and are protective of music because it speaks to us in ways other things do not.

So how do we balance this encouragement of “Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds” with our connection to “old” music that has already spoken to us. I think the answer is this, new songs have the ability to connect us with God in worship in a way another song did not. New songs have the ability to teach us new truths about God. New songs come from a new perspective, and new view point, a new joy, and even new heartaches, allowing us new insights into God’s character. Rejecting new songs means you are saying you have arrived in your understanding of who God is and indicates an unwillingness to grow as a disciple.

The beauty of it all is when the old songs merge with the new to paint a complete picture of who God is in our lives. The blending of the old and new allow us to more fully express our worship with God in new and old ways. Finally what is really exciting to me is that a new song gives me a new opportunity to make a new emotional and mental connection with God!

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 21 – 2 Samuel 22-23 & Psalm 57

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 2 Samuel 22-23 & Psalm 57. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

As I have written before the success of leaders is dependent upon those he or she has around them. No matter the skill set of a leader if his people are not behind him, on the same page as her, or simply helping them, no leader will be successful. David was only successful because of the men he had around him. He had his three top guys who were almost as famous and skilled as David. He had men willing to cross enemy lines to bring him a drink of water from his hometown. David was powerful and mighty because he had surrounded himself with the right men.

Are you a leader or a follower? If you are a leader surround yourself with the right men and women to help you achieve what it is you have been called to lead. If you are a follower ask yourself how are you helping your leader achieve what they have been called to lead? Their success depends on your support. Also ask yourself if you are being helpful or becoming a hindrance? Finally, not everyone is a leader and that is ok. If everyone was a leader then there would be no followers, which would result in no help for leaders, creating a vicious cycle of no accomplishments or fulfillments.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 20 – Psalms 5, 38, 41, & 42

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms  5, 38, 41, & 42. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Word Clipart

I recently read a story about a village who was struggling through a drought. Months before, the rain clouds had disappeared. The streams had stopped flowing. The lake beds were beginning to show. The crops were brittle and brown. Now the cracks in the dirt were growing into ant sized canyons. Each day the villagers went to their local church to gather to pray for rain. One day a traveler stopped by and joined the villagers in their daily prayer meeting. When the time of prayer had drawn to a close he asked an elder if he could say a few words. He was granted permission and here is what he said...

 “I have sat and heard your prayers. They were all solemn and thoughtful, but you have no faith. The item that you left at home proves your lack of faith. With this serious lack of faith you will never see the answer to the pray you so earnestly seek. What is the evidence of your lack of faith? No one in here believes in your prayers so much so that you thought to bring an umbrella!”

 David prayed with expectation. David hurts and he prays. David rejoices and he prays. When David prays he expects answers. “Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my request to you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3 NLT). David knows that the answers might not always be what he wants, but when he prays he expects something to happen.

Let me ask you, are you praying like David … expecting results? Or are you praying like the villagers … expecting no results metaphorically leaving your umbrellas at home?

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 19 – 2 Samuel 19 -21

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 2 Samuel 19-21. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

The heart of a father runs deep. No matter what our children do to us a good father still loves his children. We see that today in the life of David. Absalom had taken the life of one of David’s sons. He had spent four years wining the favor of the people. Absalom had even taken over his father’s throne while David was still alive. In the midst of all this he takes ten of David’s concubines and sleeps with them in a tent on the palace roof; a clear indication to all of Israel he was now ruler. When Absalom dies in battle David can do nothing but mourn.

Joab, David’s five-star general, sees David mourning and that his mourning is bringing the moral of the troops and the nation down. David’s reaction to his loss of Absalom is beginning to feel like a defeat to David loyal subjects and followers. Joab will not stand for this and he has the strength to call David to the carpet about it. David as king could have reacted many ways, but again we see his true heart in his response. David listen’s to reason and does the right thing for his nation despite his personal pain.

Good leaders are always going to be willing to listen to the wise advice of others. Foolish leaders are the ones who try to govern and lead without any help and aid. Sure turning to advisors might slow the process down but it insures that the decisions being made and the actions taken are almost always the best ones. Do you need to slow down and seek the wise advice of others?

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 18 – Psalms 26, 40, 58, 61, 62, & 64

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 26, 40, 58, 61, 62, & 64. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Some of the best memories I have of my life include times of worship. As a follower of Christ for my entire life I have had numerous intimate moments of worship. Some of them have been in a corporate setting at church or at convention, and others have been while I have been alone, with no one else around. The settings are different, but on the memorable instances one thing stands true; I have entered the sanctuary of God.

In David’s time on the run, entering God’s sanctuary of worship might be just what sustained his life. Read again David’s words … “I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O LORD, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. I love your sanctuary, LORD, the place where your glorious presence dwells.” (Psalms 26:6-8 NLT). David had such a relationship with God that he was able to enter God’s sanctuary.

I have connected with God several times in my life where I feel I have entered his sanctuary. All those times are when I come to worship already feeling closer to God. If you want to enter God’s sanctuary and truly feel his presence it is something you will have to foster long before entering worship.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 16 – Psalms 3, 4, 12, 13, 28, & 55

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 3, 4, 12, 13, 28, & 55. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip-art

Do you have any enemies? What do you do about your enemies? Do you fight them off? Do you ignore them? Do you try to make amends with them? Do you pray for them? As a Christian I believe it is your duty to do several things … work to resolve the issues with them, pray for them, and if the issue cannot be resolved then simply ignore them. The last thing you should do is fight them and retaliate against them.

So what do you do if they will not allow you to make amends? You turn it over to God. That is what we see David do. David was on the run from Absalom when he writes our Psalms today. He hands his enemies over to God to let him decide what will happen to them … “Arise, O LORD! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! Victory comes from you, O LORD.” (Psalms 3:7-8 NLT) David also writes … “May the LORD cut off their flattering lips and silence their boastful tongues.” (Psalm 5:3 NLT). David turns the dealing with his enemies over to God.

I believe that is what we should all do. When you have an enemy or even a simple conflict with others, begin with turning it over to God. God will deliver punishment if it is needed. God will provide you the opportunity for healing if it is best. When we let God deliver the punishment for the wrong doing we are surrendering control to him and reaffirming that he is truly Lord of our life.

On a side note, if you are the one in the wrong you are the one who needs to seek forgiveness and apologize for what you have done. Do not become someone else’s enemy.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 15 – 2 Samuel 13-15

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 2 Samuel 13-15. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Sin has consequences. One of the greatest examples of this fact if found in the life of David. David succumbed to the lust of the flesh, committing adultery with Bathsheba, impregnating her, and killing her husband to cover it up. His sin did not remain hidden from the eyes of God. Because of his sin the child born out of the adultery died and God told him family strife would ensue. That is exactly what we see play out in his family today. Amnon, one of David’s son’s, falls in love with his half sister, the whole sister of Absalom. He tricks her and rapes her. David hears of this and essentially does nothing. So Absalom takes matters into his own hands, eventually killing his brother. After a time in personal exile, Absalom returns home, wins the favor of the people and dethrones his father, sending David on the run for the second time in his life.

In the midst of this story David is persuaded/tricked into extending grace to Absalom by a woman. Her words remind us of a very important truth about God … “All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.” (2 Samuel 14:14 NLT) I love it. God does not sweep life away, he devises ways to bring us back. Friends that is exactly what the story of Jesus is all about. God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins to die for us. In Jesus forgiveness is found.

However, in that process we also learn another thing from David. David as we learned yesterday in Psalms found forgiveness from God and the freedom from confession. But there were still consequences for David’s sin. It’s like the alcoholic, in Christ forgiveness and redemption is found, but there is still consequences for the years spent drinking; possible cirrhosis of the liver. Or think about the person who lived a promiscuous life. There is freedom and healing from sexual sin in Jesus, but the consequences of sin might still plague someone in the form of STD’s.

Freedom from confession, forgiveness of sins, and the promise of eternal life in the presence of God is possible. But like David the consequences may be long term. If that is your situation, take comfort knowing grace is sufficient and life in Christ promises life with God eternally.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 14 – Psalms 32, 51, 86, & 122

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 32, 51, 86, & 122. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

When David was caught in his sin with Bathsheba heavy remorse took over his life. His heart truly was tormented by what he had done in his sin. That is evident in his fasting and prayer while the child lay sick. We find his broken heart in our reading today. We see his prayer for transformation in Psalm 51.

What stood out to me was the truth found in Psalm 32. David describes what the unconfused and un-confronted sin in his life did to him … “When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long” (Psalm 32:3). Have you ever been there? Ever had something turning inside your heart that you just could not get a grasp around? Learn from David, free yourself … “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All m guilt is gone” (Psalm 32:5). Want to be free, confess the sin in your life.

Confess the sin in your life first to God. There true freedom will be granted. However, you need to do the same with those you have wronged, those you have hurt, and those you have sinned against. Confession is good for the soul. Confession will open up true freedom.  

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 13 – 2 Samuel 11-12 & 1 Chronicles 20

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 2 Samuel 11-12 & 1 Chronicles 20. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Today’s reading gave me several observations that I would like to make more so than teaching a devotional thought. Here are just two …

Did you notice the contrast between 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles today? Both accounts talked about the Israelite army going off to war. Both talked about how David stayed back in Jerusalem. But only one mentioned David and Bathsheba. Technically both books mention David’s relationship with Bathsheba. 1 Chronicles mentions Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba in chapter fourteen verse four. But only 2 Samuel tells the whole story. That’s because 1 Chronicles is more of a history book documenting what takes place during Israel’s history from the time of the kings onward. The books of Samuel are telling a narrative, connecting us the reader to people who really lived. In this take on the story we are given more glimpses into their character and actions as people.

The second observation I want to make is how far David falls in this encounter with Bathsheba. One moment of weakness allowed him to cascade severely away from God. And what makes this even more impressive is that Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba’s husband, is one of David’s Mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:41). This understanding of who Uriah was to David makes the narrative told by Nathan all the more powerful.

Were there any observations you had as you read today?

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 12 – Psalms 65 – 67 & 69 -70

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 65 – 67 & 69 -70. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

  

Photo Credit: Microsoft Office Clipart

God is creator of everything that exists. There are some who believe in no God at all. There are others who do not want to argue whether there is God or not. Then you have a group that believes there is a God, but beyond creation he has nothing to do with this globe. They believe that God created everything in existence, set the laws of science into motion, and than walked away taking a cosmic vacation. Those folks tend to be called deist.

David was not a deist. We see that in our reading today in the very first chapter. David wrote … “You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain for you have ordered it so.” (Psalms 65 NLT) God is not some big cosmic being that created, started, and then walked away. God is involved in the intricate details of our world each and every day.

Why is this so? Because God loves and cares about His creation. He made us to have relationship with us. He wants to know what is going on in our lives. He wants to be the person we run to when we are hurting and when we are celebrating. God created you for intimacy with him. I am thankful for that!

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 11 – 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, & Psalm 20

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, & Psalm 20. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Do you easily buy into every conspiracy theory out there? I would strongly dislike living my life that way. I have known people that feel everyone and everything is out to get them. I have known people that see a COP and believe that police officer just because of his job is a mean out to get them type of person. It would be horrible to live life that way.

That is sort of what we see in Hanun’s advisors this morning. David is sending a good will delegation to Hanun after his father’s death. David want’s to keep the good relationship between him and the Ammonites alive. But Hanun listen’s to the pessimist around him, humiliates David’s men and angers Israel.

Let me encourage you to proceed cautiously with people, but always look for the best intentions. Do not immediately assume people are going to wrong you, cross your back, and be evil. Be on guard, do not be a door mat, but balance that with grace, kindness, and welcoming arms.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 10 – Psalms 50, 53, 60, & 75

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 50, 53, 60, & 752 Samuel 8-9 & 1 Chronicles 18. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

In Psalms 50:7-15 the psalmist, speaking as God reminds us that nothing on this earth is out of the dominion of God. Everything is his. While this is not necessarily the intended teaching of this passage, it is a great reminder that nothing on this earth belongs to us; all of it is God’s. Is this fact something you think about often?

Let me challenge you to think of all things in this way. When you do it will change and shape the way you approach life. You will see all as blessings from God. It might cause you to take better care of the possessions which God has entrusted into your care because they are His and not yours. Remembering that all belongs to God and you are just a caretaker might even cause you to be a little more generous as God has been with you. I wonder how that might impact the world we life in.

How do you think this simple mind shift might disturb they way you move through life?

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 9 – 2 Samuel 8-9 & 1 Chronicles 18

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 2 Samuel 8-9 & 1 Chronicles 18. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Photo Credit: Microsoft Office Clip Art

In the book of Acts we learn an interesting bit of information about the way God viewed David … God testified about David saying … “I have found David son of Jesses, a man after my own heart.” (Acts 13:22 NLT) What an awesome achievement for any person to accomplish, to be considered by God to mold and shape your heart and desire after His. Isn’t that what all Christians are called to be striving for?

I think we see an example of this in our reading from today. David is now firmly established on the throne. God has delivered Israel from their foreign enemies under the leadership of David. Now David wants to make sure that Saul’s decedents, especially those of his good friend Jonathan are taken care of. One such son remains, the cripple son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth. Normally a new king from a different family would completely kill the previous king’s entire family so there would be no heir who could claim the line to the throne. But David is not concerned about his throne, but more about the people he is serving. David does the right thing by Mephibosheth and even makes him a part of his household by inviting him to his table.

I think this example, while only one of many, gives us a glimpse of what God meant by calling David a man after His own heart. To be a man or woman after God’s own heart means you are seeking in all situations to do the right thing.  To honor your enemies. To sit down and wait until the game is over to talk to the referee who called that obvious ball a strike. To not be the grumpy neighbor who all the kids are afraid of. I firmly believe doing the right thing is one step in being like David, a man or woman after God’s own heart.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 8 – Psalms 25, 29, 33, 36, & 39

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 25, 29, 33, 36, & 39. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

When I was in college I learned of the ACTS structure to prayer. Is it something you have heard of or used yourself? If you have never heard of it all it is an acrostic to help you structure your prayer life … Adoration, Confession, Supplication, and Thanksgiving. It suggests starting your prayers with Adoration to God, then transitioning to Confession of what is going on in life, with a second transition to Supplication, i.e. asking for God to work in your life and the life of others, followed up by the final transition into Thanksgiving for all God has done for you and others. It is a great structure for someone at the beginner level of prayer. If you want you could even call it Biblical by matching the structure up to the Lords Prayer of Matthew 6:9-13.

I share that structure to share my thoughts from todays reading. I know for myself I am good at the confession part, I am even amazing at the supplication part, and I am also getting better at the thanksgiving part of the structure. This is true in multiple areas of my life. I have no problems doing those things with other people. When I mess up, when I am wrong, I try my best to own up to it and share that fact. I try my best to ask for help before frustration sets in. I am not the man who tries to put something together without the instructions. I also try to do a good job of saying thanks when it is needed. Of course I have room to grow in all these areas, but I feel I do them well in both life and in prayer.

The area I struggle is in showing adoration. I struggle to find the words to express my love and appreciation of things. I do not know why, but for whatever reason adjectives do not come easy to me. This is true in all areas of my life. My wife loves to hear me praise her appearance, her role as a mother, and the things she does for me. But when needed the words just do not seem to be there. To combat that I have a notebook that everyday at 2:00 I write down a “praise” of my wife. I am doing this to help build my vocabulary as well as to be conscious of her need to hear this from me.

As I was reading to day, a thought jumped into my mind … if you struggle with adoration like I do in my prayers to God, David gives us some pretty good examples throughout the Psalms. By reading the Psalms we are given a plethora of adjectives that correctly describe the character and many attributes of God. Let me challenge you to use the Psalms to enhance your prayer life.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 7 – 2 Samuel 6 – 7 & 1 Chronicles 17

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 2 Samuel 6 – 7 & 1 Chronicles 17. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

After David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and reestablishes its role amongst the Israelites, David has a stark revelation. I can just imagine him sitting in his palace, looking around at the sturdiness, the protection, the comfort that it provided him, and realizing God’s “physical” home amongst the Israelites did not compare. When David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem he erected a tent. He did this because this is all they ever knew as a home for the Ark.

A tent is all the Tabernacle was. A tent was the only practical choice for their place of worship during the days of the wilderness when they would be moving around. This was still a perfect choice during the days of the conquest when they were still occupying the land. Even during the judge’s period, when no central “king” or capital city was established. But now, life was different, a monocracy had been established, and David had selected a capital city for Israel.

So David compares and contrasts his home to the home of God amongst Israel and he says something is not right. He decides he wants to build a permanent home for God, one that would protect the Ark of the Covenant which was the physical representation of God. This is a noble thing, but because of David’s past, God says he will not get the privilege, that privilege will come to one of his children.

Now in our culture and world today there is no temple, at least not one made by brick and mortar. Upon Jesus death on the cross, the Temple in Jerusalem was vacated by God because he had found a new home. He had found a home in the heart of every immersed believer of Jesus Christ. As a Christian, who now serves as a living temple for the Living God I think its wise for us to ask the same question David asked … What kind of temple are we? Is the temple where God resides today up to the standards it should be? Does God’s temple, your body, reflect the home He should have?

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 6 – Psalms 80, 96, 100, 101, 105, & 132

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 80, 96, 100, 101, 105, & 132. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

How do you define integrity? Many people will define it in a plethora of ways. Some people define integrity as always doings what you say you will do. Others will say that integrity is matching the public person to the private person. Still others might say integrity is doing the right thing no matter how hard, costly, or devastating it might be. In our society we hold integrity with very high value.

Sadly, too often we have seen countless examples of people who were known for their integrity, but one misstep, one thoughtless action, one lazy moment caused the integrity they had worked so hard to build to be completely shattered. In the sports world the examples are endless … Jim Tressel of Ohio State, Joe Paterno of Penn State, Lance Armstrong, etc. It does not end with sports, we find the shattering of integrity in the news media, in our government, and sadly even in our pulpits. If the people we hold in high esteem cannot foster genuine integrity, how can we?

The answer is simple … a daily walk with Christ. A great beginning place can be found in the words of David in Psalms 101:2-3 … “I will be careful to live a blameless life-when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” (NLT) I love this. Integrity begins in your own home, it is protected even when no-one is watching, it begins with the people you love and care about on the most intimate of levels. It’s owning up to your mistakes and never trying to hide something under a rug. It’s seeking forgiveness as soon as a realization is made of wrong doing. It’s growing daily in authenticity. That’s the key … integrity begins with a daily walk with Christ.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 5 – Psalms 1, 2, 15, 22-24, 47, & 68

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 1, 2, 15, 22-24, 47, & 68. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

If you have not caught on by now, let me share it again with you, David has built up a lot of enemies. Whether it was his own father-in-law Saul, or the other nations he helped to defeat in battle, and even later in life from within his own family, there are many who do not like David and even want him dead. He often writes about this as we have seen time and again from the Psalms.

What I find amazing and a teachable moment for us is that David, at least in his writings, and even in his actions (Remember David and Saul in the cave when Saul went to relieve himself, David cuts off a corner of his robe, and feels awful for even doing that to the Lord’s anointed?), let’s God bring about the judgment that his enemies deserve. David turns it over to God to let him deal with what needs dealt with.

Do you do that? Do you let God handle your problems? Do you share your problems with God? Do you wait for His answers, His guidance, and His deliverance? If not imagine ways you can begin to make that happen in your life.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 2 – Psalms 133

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Psalms 133. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

I want to apologize for how long today’s reading was. Great job if you made it all the way through. ;)

While today’s reading was not actually that long there was a large amount of truth squeezed into it. Dysfunction and a lack of unity can often describe our lives. Look at many families, they have anything but unity. Look at our political structure in our country … there is hardly ever any unity taking place. (I will have to say, when tragedy strikes our country, for twenty-four hours or so the party lines tend to be dropped and we are all Americans … that is what makes us great.) Sadly you can look at many churches and see that unity is lacking amongst those who are saved by the blood of Christ.

I dream of a day where nothing separates us. I dream of a day where the fighting about the color of skin, the style of worship, the opinions of doctrine, and so many others are removed from the discussion. I dream for a day when the church stands up, united together, and explodes the kingdom of God all over this globe. That task would not be so hard if we would all stand together, untied together. Are you willing to step out, to step up and seek unity?

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.

May 1 – 2 Samuel 5 & 1 Chronicles 11-12

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from 2 Samuel 5 & 1 Chronicles 11-12. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read his word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

Welcome to May, where has this year gone already?

Every good leader needs support. Show me a leader with out people behind them, and I will show you a leader that will not succeed. There is too much to do without the proper people supporting and helping a leader become successful. Supportive people are critical.

On the battlefield David had his mighty men; roughly thirty men who were willing to do almost anything for their leader. When Saul was still alive and David was his general the chants the people sang out, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands,” was only possible because of the men surrounding and following David. When David was on the run, he remained alive, productive, and even prospered because of the men around him. When David became king, the order and strength of his kingdom was the direct result of his men.

Leaders need support. Let me ask you, in your church are you seen as a supportive person or are you seen as a thorn in the flesh to your leaders? When I mean a thorn in the flesh, I am not talking about someone who asks honest questions? I am talking about someone who complains because they do not like anything, and instead of trying to have a productive conversation, they instead simply wine. Are you helpful to your leaders, giving them needed advise, lending a hand, sacrificing time and energy all to help fulfill the task they have been given to do? Let me encourage you to be helpful, insightful, and an arm to lean on to those given the task to lead you and your church.

At West Side we believe highly in prayer. We are asking people to join with us in praying daily for West Side. If you would like to join us please click here and subscribe to receive daily emails containing a short prayer request for West Side. We appreciate your partnership.