Tables Turned (1 Kings 6-7 / Luke 20)

In I Kings 6-7, Solomon is first found building the Lord a temple and then afterwords himself a palace. I believe Solomon's priorities were in the right place because he put the Lord's work first. Even though his palace took longer to build (13 years - 1 Kings 7:1) than the temple (7 years - 1 Kings 6:38), Solomon probably finished the temple quicker because of the urgency of needing God's house built first. Your work and workplace is very important to God. However, God's work should come before all. Make it your goal in life to be on God's mission (Matthew 28:19-20) first and foremost, whether you are at work, home, or play.

Jesus gave the Sadducees a quick tutorial on God while also revealing that in eternity, marriage and procreation will come to a full stop (Luke 20:34-36). Ever had the tables turned on you? Jesus does exactly this to the Pharisees when he poses them a question in 20:41 after having answered theirs (MacArthur Bible Commentary, 1323).

Get a Life! (1 Kings 3-4 / Luke 18-19)

Pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18), yet Solomon's humility (I Kings 3:7-9) came before his granted request for wisdom from God. More than that, God also tells Solomon if he does what is right, he will also be given long life (3:14). Solomon's profound wisdom included much more than "spiritual" items (4:33). Solomon was what we would term a "well-versed" or "renaissance" man. Are you so spiritually minded that you are no earthly good? Of course, God wants us reading the Bible and praying often. Yet He also desires that "we have a life." Religion can become legalistic, but a relationship with Christ is the most exhilerating thing one can do with their life. Make time to create a balance in your life with spiritual and natural items. In other words, go to a movie, take a trip to the beach, or watch a ballgame from time to time. Just do not let these things become an idol in your life.

Jesus is once again found stumping the Pharisees (Luke 18:1-8) and agitating them beyond belief (Luke 18:9-19). Jesus knew how to silence his critics (Luke 18:26). Since Jesus was God and that means He was all-knowing, this wisdom from above would have come rather easily. If you are in need of wisdom, the Bible says you simply need to ask for it (James 1:5).

Passionate Prayer (1 Kings 1-2 / Luke 18-19)

In I Kings 1, both Bathsheba and Nathan tactifully approach David (v. 13-14). Their desire was to inspire David to reinforce his promise (v. 17) that his son, Solomon would follow him as King. Solomon acted with grace toward his imposter (v. 51). David proceeds to tell his son how to be a man (I Kings 2:2) while giving him the keys for a successful life (v. 3-4 ). How would you define success? Success in this life is not often what we think it to be (Joshua 1:8). Versus 13-46 close out the chapter by displaying Solomon's wisdom and as the saying goes, "the rest is history." Solomon's kingdom was now established (v. 46).

In Luke 19:28-48, we see "the heart of worship." Jesus receives high praise (v. 37-38) and says implicitly that this worship is due him (v. 40). Prayer is a form of worship and Jesus takes this discipline very seriously (v. 45-46). Jesus's passion for prayer led him to drive out those in the temple whose priorities had been misplaced. How much do you pray on a given day or maybe the better question is how passionate are you about the discipline of prayer?

God's Devil (2 Samuel 23-24 / Luke 17)

David sees the blessings that can come upon a people whom are under a godly man's influence (2 Samuel 23:3-4). President Obama has a troop of people who will go before and after him to make sure his security stays in place. Likewise, King David had his mighty men to help protect him (23:8-39). 2 Sam. 24:1 has caused much controversy because Scripture says elsewhere that Satan incited David to take this census (I Chronicles 21:1). So how could both God and Satan "incite" David to take this census? There are different interpretations surrounding this passage. A popular interpretation that I like is that the devil is God's devil and that God in his sovreignty used his devil to accomplish his will for this particular situation. We cannot ever forget that even the devil cannot do anything that God does not allow him to do.

Jesus, today, still grants salvation to the least unlikely individuals (Luke 17:1-10). In versus 11-27, we see that we need to persistently be about doing the Father's business on this earth, because one day Jesus will return.

TREMORS!!! (2 Samuel 16-18 / Luke 17)

David may have had his shortcomings in parenting, but we see the heart of a good father in 2 Samuel 18:33. David would have rather seen himself die than his own son. David keeps things in proper perspective, even when being cursed (16:11). He knows that the incident with Shimei is of no comparison to the strained relationship he has with his own son. Never the less, David seems to be maturing as he shows "patience and restraint" with Shimei in comparison to his "violent reaction to the slanderous words of Nabal" in I Samuel 25:2 (MacArthur Bible Commentary, 374). Do you find yourself increasing in "patience and restraint" as you deal with relationships with your own family members and friends? Just as God brought David a long way in his walk with Him, so God can do the same for you!

Jesus was a master at confounding the Pharisees. They did not realize that the kingdom of God was at hand (Matthew 4:17) and that it takes place in the heart of a believer (Luke 17:21). One of my favorite movies, Tremors, has a scene where the townfolk gather on their roofs to stay safe from the underground worms. This scene reminds me of Luke 17:31.

I Forgive You (2 Samuel 14-15 / Luke 17)

David longed to be reconciled to his son (2 Samuel 14:1), but for whatever reason (public opinion, bad parenting skills, bad timing), he would not see his son's face for two years (v. 24, 28). However, when David finally saw Absalom, he kissed him (v. 33). David's forgiveness (remember Absalom killed his brother Amnon) was on full display. Forgiveness is not always easy but it is commanded by our Father (Matthew 6:14-15). Unfortunately, Absalom chooses to conspire against his father (15:12). Our forgiveness of others does not always equal their acceptance of our forgiveness.

Luke 17:1-10 continues in the same line of thinking (forgiveness). Forgiveness should be part of a believer's DNA (v. 3-4). Forgiving others is simply our duty (v. 10). We forgive because we were first forgiven (I John 4:19: forgiveness is included under the umbrella of "love"). This forgiveness we experience should always result in heartfelt praise and gratitude (v. 15).

Consequences (2 Samuel 12-13 / Luke 13-14)

David found out that his sin brought consequences with it (2 Sam. 12:9-12). In David's fasting, we see a man who knows how to pray (v. 16) and a man who knows when prayer is answered (v. 22-23). Unfortunately, his prayer was not answered the way he had hoped and thus his son did die (v. 19). But God still brought about good from this bad situation by allowing David and Bathsheba to produce a son by the name of Solomon (v.24), who would eventually be used by God to rebuild the temple. In chapter 13, we see further proof that sin can bring about disastrous consequences. The Bible is full of proof that in the end, it does not pay for us to sin.

Luke 16:16 is worth noting. It says that believers are "forcing" their way into the Kingdom of God. We know that no one is forced to choose Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. So why is this word that carries such a strong tone with it used in this manner? Accepting Christ is not for the faint of heart. Jesus has already explained that the entrance to the Kingdom of God is a narrow door (Luke 13:24). Chrisianity is not a violent religion, but those who enter into its door dare not come in a halfhazard way (Luke 14:33).

ALIVE! (1 Samuel 11 / Luke 15)

Although David was a man after God's own heart (I Sam. 13:14), he was not without his faults. We see clearly his struggle with lust (2 Sam. 11:4), his ability to deceive (11:13), and even his sin of murder (v. 15). This is why God was "displeased" (v. 27) with his servant and why David's sins would eventually catch up to him. Mephibosheth (I Samuel 11:13) reminds me of someone today who would be in a wheelchair. David treated this handicap exceptionally well (9:9-10). How well do you do in treating those less fortunate than you?

When reading the famous "parable of the lost son," one should focus on the father. His actions represent the actions of our Heavenly Father. Verse 24 and 32 of Luke 15 say that this lost son was dead and is now alive. How can this be since the lost son never physcially died? A recent quote that I heard sums up how to best answer this question. "A Christian is not someone who was bad and is now good but is rather someone who was dead and is now alive!"

How To Pray! (2 Samuel 6-7 / Luke 15)

Reverence before God is very important. "Irreverence" cost Uzziah his life (2 Samuel 6:7). David was unashamed of showing his devotion to the Lord (2 Sam. 6:21-22) in public. Chapter 7 is one of my favorite chapters as it contains many words from God himself followed by a long prayer from a very godly man. Reading David's prayer and replacing "David" with our name is a great way to gather more meaning from this prayer. If David understood one thing, it was that that God is a sovreign God. In his prayer, he notes God's sovreignty seven times. We can learn much about prayer by reading and rereading David's prayer (7:18-29). In chapter 8, we see how God was with David just as he promised he would be (7:9).

On earth, we often lose sight of what should be considered "most important." As a teenager, our saying was "keep the main thing the main thing." So when just one person comes to know the Lord for the first time, we ought to party like they do in heaven (Luke 15:7, 10). Oftentimes, however, we overlook the one in hopes for the many.

Help Me! (1 Samuel 30 / Luke 13)

In I Samuel 30, David and his men are facing desperate times, having lost their wives and children to the Philistines (v. 2). However, God places an individual in David's path (an Amalekite slave) to help he and his men overcome their troubles (v. 15). We all have needs and God often uses the most unlikely to help us meet our needs. Can you think of someone God has placed in your path recently to help you in life's journey? I Samuel closes out with Saul taking his life and his three sons being killed in battle (v. 6).

Luke 13:23-30 matches up well with Proverbs 14:12. At the end of the Day, a lot of "good" religious people will be left outside the gate. We have to remember that salvation is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9) and that "no one is good" enough to make it to heaven by works alone (Romans 3:10). Jesus's hometown rejected him, even though he had a tremendous desire for his city to be saved (Luke 13:34).

Psychic Cleo? (1 Samuel 27-28 / Luke 13)

Even the most godliest men lose faith at times (I Samuel 27:1). The same thing happens to Elijah (I Kings 19:3). Israel was not to put its trust in mediums and spiritists (Leviticus 19:31), yet that is exactly what Saul does (I Sam. 28:8). We often look at psychics as people with funny names and strange voices but it is very important that we do not seek their counsel over God's. David proved himself a reliable man (I Sam. 29:6). Can people count on us when they need our help?

Everyday, we see tragedies happen around us in the same manner that they occur in Luke 13:1-5. The point is the same: if we do not repent of our sins and put our faith in Christ before we die, it will be too late then. Jesus knew what buttons to push to make the Pharisees upset with Him. He explains to them in v. 15 how they were already breaking the Sabbath in their own terms. In the end, the Kingdom of God will be all that remains (Luke 13:21).

Be Ready! (1 Samuel 25-26 / Luke 12)

In I Samuel 25, Abigail displays great wisdom in using her resources to protect her foolish husband's life (v. 18-19) and to help keep David from sinning (v. 33). This indeed was a godly woman whose actions worked out very well for her in the end (v. 42). What types of things are we doing in our own lives to help keep others around us living for God (Hebrews 10:24)? In I Samuel 26, David once again shows his trust in God's sovreignty by choosing not to kill Saul (v. 10).

In Luke 12, we are challenged to be ready (v. 38)! One day, Christ is coming back! When He does, we are sure to find some in our families that have lived their lives for Him and others who have not (v. 52-53). It is important that we use our time on earth to prepare ourselves (v. 58) because if we do not, we will not have another chance (v. 59).

The High Road (1 Samuel 22-24 / Luke 12)

In I Samuel 22-24, David consistently escapes Saul, but only because God is directing his path (Proverbs 16:9). David even opts for the high road by choosing not to kill God's annoited (I Sam. 24:4, 10). The key verse has to be I Sam. 24:12. David has plenty of time for revenge against his guilty enemy, yet he determines in his heart to allow "the Lord to judge" between he and Saul. That decision had to have required a lot of faith. Most people today who know they have been wronged decide to take things in their own hands. Yet David knew his God well enough to know that God had everything under control (Proverbs 16:1). Next time you have been wronged, opt for the high road: forgive (Mt. 6:12), pray for your enemy (Mt. 5:44), and leave the vengeance aspect in God's hands (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).

Jesus rightfully continues his raid against the Pharisees (Luke 12:1-12). Then he speaks a parable that fits well with our generation because it deals with the topic of "greed" (Luke 14:15). Verses 22-31 reassure us that keeping God first in our lives is the antidote to worry. Whathever you find yourself worried about, go ahead and give it over to God.

A True Friend (1 Samuel 19-20 / Luke 11)

Proverbs 17:17 says "a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." In Jonathan, we see a true friend who was "born" for his friend's (David) adversity (I Samuel 19-20). Willing to put his friend above his family name and even possible selfish motives to be king himself one day (I Samuel 20:31), Jonathan displayed a rare form of humility that is scarcely found in today's world. Are you willing to put others above yourself (Philippians 2:3) and be someone's friend even during their hard times?

I am afraid of what Jesus would have to say to our generation (Luke 11:29-32). We live in a land of plenty and comfort, however, many in our nation have still not accepted Christ's free gospel message. In Luke 11:33-36, Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter by making the point that one is blind (thus their vision is "dark") because in their heart, that individual has not put their faith in God. Then Jesus gives six woes to the Pharisees (v. 42-52). Woe to us if we are not faithful to share the light-breaking gospel message!

A Heart For God! (1 Samuel 13-14 / Luke 10)

God was already at work in preparing a young lad who one day would assume kingship over Israel and who had the type of heart that God was searching after (I Samuel 13:14). King Saul's heart was not in right relationship with God. Saul did not always act in the wisest of ways and this led to frustration for his son and his soldiers (I Sam. 14:28-32). Is our heart in the right place? Are we acting wisely by basing our counsel off of God's Word?

In Luke 10, we see Jesus sending the seventy-two out to proclaim the gospel. It was very wise of Jesus to send them out 2 x 2 (Luke 10:1). Is not it interesting to see how different cities approach the gospel message (v. 12-15)? It is no different today. Some cities are known for their crimes, others for their new age religion, and others for their kind generosity. The real question is how do cities react to Jesus and his gospel message (v. 16). God has not left the results up to us. However, He has left us his message and He has told us to share it (Mt. 28:19-20).

Good from bad? (1 Samuel 10-12 / Luke 9)

Once again, we see the Spirit of the Lord coming upon Saul in power (I Samuel 10:10, 11:6). Despite Israel's evil actions in wanting a king to rule over them (12:17), God was able to work through this sin and still use a man like Saul to help the nation (11:1-11). This phenomenon is nothing new (Romans 8:28). God used the very first man's (Adam) sin in Genesis 3:6 to ultimately bring redemption to mankind through a promise made in Genesis 3:15. Simply stated, Jesus was the answer promised to us to deliver us out of our sin problem. Can you see ways in your life where God used the bad to ultimately bring about good?

Is not it interesting that after Jesus does an amazing miracle (Luke 9:37-43), he pulls his disciples to the side and basically says, "boys, I am about to be killed (v. 44-45)." Perhaps we could learn from v. 50 the importance of working alongside some denominations for the spread of the gospel. James and John's spiritual immaturity is on display in v. 54 while Jesus uses v. 57-62 to rehash what it means to truly be a disciple of his.

How can God use me? (1 Samuel 6 / Luke 9)

It was great devastation that the Philistines had to incur due to their rebellious ways against the Lord. The ark of the covenant was a holy object and thus the materials inside were not to be seen (I Samuel 6:19). The moral of the story is it does not pay to rebel against God. People often think their sin will not find them out, but sooner or later it catches up to them. What we should take away from this passage is God's holiness and the importance of living holy lives (Romans 12:2).

In Luke 9:1-9, we see Jesus sending the 12 out to preach the gospel. That commission is the same for us (Matthew 28:19-20). Are we fulfilling this mandate on a daily basis by living holy lives and sharing the gospel? Be constantly looking to see where God wants to use you to share his message! It may not always be with people who look like you (your own race, class, age).

Can I Judge? (Judges 13-15 / Luke 6)

There are many theories concerning the "angel of the Lord" (Judges 13:13). I lean more toward the theory that this angel was in some form or way God Himself (Judges 13:22). With Sampson, we see a man whom the Spirit of God is constantly coming upon in power (14:6, 19; 15:14). Now, the Spirit resides in the lives of believers but in OT times, the Spirit was often seen both coming upon and leaving individuals. Samuel was also quite the prankster (15:4-5). Take time today to thank God for His Holy Spirit and the fact that He will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Luke 6 is part of Jesus's famous Sermon on the Mount. This passage is loaded! I cannot unpack everything in this passage, but I will speak some regarding the subject of judging others (v. 37). Whether it is American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, or a slam dunk contest, our society is consumed with judging. Verse 37 appears to be this generation's verse! This verse does not mean we are not to judge at all. We must still exercise a right judgment concerning all things (John 7:24) and it is we who are believers who are to "judge those inside the church" (I Corinthians 5:12). The standard of all our judgments is God's Word (2 Timothy 3:16).