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The Phrase You Don’t Want in Your Obituary— 2 Chronicles 21:20

June 17, 2013 in 2 Chronicles, 2 Kings, 2013 Journey, Choices, Commitment, leadership with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Chronicles 21:8-20; 2 Kings 8:23-29; 2 Chronicles 22: 1-7; 2 Kings 9:1 through 2 Kings 10:17; 2 Chronicles 22:8-9; 2 Kings 10:18-31

In some of the planning and prioritizing workshops I’ve taught I led participants through an exercise where they had to write their obituary.  I know it sounds morbid and you’re probably thinking, “Dianne, I don’t want to start my day thinking about obituaries!”  But, as Steven Covey, the Life Management guru says, “we must begin with the end in mind.”

In today’s reading, Jehoram should have spent some time thinking about the end of his life…

His people did not build a great funeral fire to honor him as they had done for his ancestors.  Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years.  No one was sorry when he died.  They buried him in the City of David, but not in the royal cemetery.    –2 Chronicles 21:19-20

Why did Jehoram’s obituary read, “No one was sorry when he died?”

  • He abandoned the Lord, the God of his ancestors.
  • He built pagan shrines and led the people to give themselves to pagan gods and go astray
  • He did not follow the good example of his father Jehoshaphat, or his grandfather King Asa of Judah
  • He was as evil as the kings of Israel
  • He led people of Jerusalem and Judah to worship idols
  • He killed his own brothers

The first step to Jehoram’s downfall was abandoning the Lord.

I looked up the word abandon; Dictionary.com defines it as “to cease trying to continue.”  One day of “ceasing to try” led to another and another, until Jehoram reached a point of no return.

For all of us, each day “continuing to try” to serve the Lord and know Him more is a choice.

Do I…

  • Move forward?
  • Step backward?
  • Stand still?

Two of these get you farther from God than yesterday, one gets to closer.

If we move forward in our journey to Know Him More each day, our obituary will take care of itself!

Are you struggling to “continue to try” today?  

 

 

© 2013 Dianne Guthmuller

 

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  2 Kings 11:1-3; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12; 2 Kings 11:4-12; 2 Chronicles 23:1-11; 2 Kings 11:13-16; 2 Chronicles 23:12-15; 2 Kings 11:17-21; 2 Chronicles 23: 16-21; 2 Kings 12:1-16; 2 Chronicles 24:1-22; 2 Kings 10:32-36

Are You Struggling to Commit Your Life to God?–1 Kings 19:21

June 11, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2013 Journey, Commitment, Giving Our Best to God, Tough Times with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 17:8 through 20:22

God was almost ready for Elijah to retire, so he picked out his successor, Elisha (I know, it’s hard to keep these two straight).

Can you imagine having your name called out by God to replace the prophet Elijah?

…So Elijah grabbed the anointing oil and went to Elisha’s hometown and found him plowing a field with a team of oxen.

This is a very weird way to tell somebody they’re going to take your job but it really happened–Elijah threw his coat across Elisha’s shoulder and then walked away.

Throwing a prophet’s cloak around a person symbolized the passing of the power and authority of the office to that person. That Elisha realized the meaning of this act is obvious from his reaction. Immediately he started to abandon his former occupation and follow Elijah. Elijah gave him permission to say farewell to his family. The unusual reply, What have I done to you? is a saying meaning, ”Do as you please“ or ”What have I done to stop you?“ (The Bible Knowledge Commentary)

I’m sure you’ve heard the cliché, “It’s time to burn your bridges.”  There were no bridges in Elisha’s day, so he burned his plow and slaughtered his oxen.  This was a significant statement. It seemed from the twelve teams of oxen that Elisha’s family had a lot of land.   To walk away so dramatically from his inheritance  was a huge statement to his family and friends.

When it comes to serving the Lord, whether it was in Elisha’s day or 2013, most of us are hesitant to “burn our plows and slaughter our oxen.”  We would rather live for the Lord “sometimes” and dabble in the things of the world “sometimes.”

The problem is, we want to have what Elisha had—an amazing anointing and used greatly by God—but we don’t want to do what Elisha did—go whole-hog as we say in the south, which come to think of it goes pretty well with slaughter you oxen!

Think about it…

Elijah didn’t require Elisha to make such a drastic display of commitment, but Elisha wanted Elijah and God to know that he was hungry for the Lord’s Spirit and His Anointing; which Elisha knew was given to very few in those days.

I’d say the Lord definitely chose a winner in Elisha.

In these tough times we need the Spirit of God resting on us everyday like Elijah’s coat did on Elisha’s back.  We need to hear God say…

Stop.

Go.

Turn left.

Turn right.

Wait.

Move Now!

 

What do you need to stop, start, or change to move closer to God? 

Get off the fence, slaughter your oxen, burn your plows and commit your life to the God who made you!

 

 

Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me!

 

 

© 2013 Dianne Guthmuller

 

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 20:23 through 22:9; 2 Chronicles 18:1-8


Are You Having Trouble Finding God?—2 Chronicles 15: 15

June 9, 2013 in 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, Choices, Commitment, Faith, God Speaks today, Prayer with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 13:1 through 1 Kings 14:24; 2 Chronicles 12:13-14; 2 Chronicles 11: 18-23; 2 Chronicles 12: 1-12; 1 Kings 14: 25-28; 2 Chronicles 12: 15-16; 1 Kings 14: 29 through 1 Kings 15:5; 2 Chronicles 13:1-22; 1 Kings 15: 6-8; 2 Chronicles 14: 1-8; 1 Kings 15: 9-15; 1 Kings 14:19-20; 1 Kings 15: 25-34, 2 Chronicles 14:9 through 2 Chronicles 15: 19

Do you find yourself envious when you hear people talking about their relationship with Jesus?

Have you tried to pray and feel as though you’re talking to yourself?

Do you want to know Him more but you just haven’t figured out how to do it?

Don’t feel alone if you answered “yes” to any of these questions, I think we all feel this way from time to time.

We definitely saw great examples of how “not” to find God in today’s maze of scriptures.  It seems as though the children of Israel chose to worship an idol quicker rather than worship the Living God .  We’ve seen this many times throughout our journey.

It’s easy to stand in judgment of their idol worship, but I think we better choose not to go there… today’s children of God do the same thing.

I heard a definition of an idol years ago that has stuck with me:  Anything (time, talent, treasure) I give myself to more than my Lord is an idol.

Israel had to lay down their idols before they could find God.  They had to earnestly seek Him.

All in Judah were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into with all their heart.  They earnestly sought after God, and they found him.  And the Lord gave them rest from their enemies on every side.  –2 Chronicles 15:15

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.  –Hebrews 11:6

If you feel like God is a million miles away, pursue Him.  Push other things aside and spend time with Him.  Turn off all distractions, and be truly alone with Him.  Expect to find Him. I promise you, He will exceed your expectations!

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. –Jeremiah 29:13

Learning to seek Him!

 Blessings!

 

© 2013 Dianne Guthmuller

 

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 15: 16-22; 2 Chronicles 16: 1-10; 1 Kings 16: 1-34; 1 Kings 15: 23-24; 2 Chronicles 16:11 through 17: 19; 1 Kings 17: 1-7

What’s Your Tagline? –1 Chronicles 23:14

May 3, 2013 in 1 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, Commitment, Faith, leadership, My story, Parenting with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 23:1 through 1 Chronicles 25:31

Wisegeek.com defines a tagline  as “a slogan (short, attention-getting phrase) which succinctly, memorably, and descriptively sums up a company or product.”

Taglineguru.com lists these as the top five taglines of all time:

  1. Got Milk  (1993)  ———————————–  Calif. Milk  Board
  2. Don’t leave home without it  (1975)————-  American Express
  3. Just do it  (1988) ———————————-  Nike
  4. Where’s the beef  (1984)————————–  Wendy’s
  5. You’re in good hands with Allstate  (1956)—–  Allstate Insurance

In today’s scripture reading I found Moses’ tagline:

As for Moses, the man of God, his sons were included with the tribe of Levi.   –1 Chronicles 23:14

Moses…the man of God

Think about it, when anyone said “the man of God” they would all say, “that’s Moses!”

When your family, friends, neighbors or coworkers describe you, what “tagline” do they use?  What’s the first thought that runs through their head about you?

When my son was a teenager and young adult he used a tagline when he tried to “explain” me to his friends.  I think he stills uses it.  I guess he wanted them to be on their best behavior when they were around me so that he would not get a lecture about his choice in friends.  Jeremy would say, “My Mom is real churchy.”  With that one word Jeremy hoped they would understand:

  • My Mom talks about God
  • There are Bibles on our coffee table
  • She doesn’t like profanity; matter of fact she thinks dumb, stupid and shut up are curse words
  • We say the blessing before we eat
  • She prays for me before I go to school–out loud!
  • She’ll probably pray for you too

While I really don’t want to be known as churchy; even though it has become a term of endearment when Jeremy says it… I would love to be described as “the woman of God” by my Heavenly Father and have something about me point others to Him.

Moses certainly didn’t start out as “the man of God.”  He was insecure, full of guilt and reluctant to step out, but God  coached him day-by-day until he became God’s man.

Coached by God?

Can we be coached by God to become His man or woman?

I believe we can, if we check in with Him on a regular basis through

  • reading and meditating on His Word
  • talking and listening to Him
  • obeying Him

I want to be that woman of God!  I’m going for it!  How about you?

Heavenly Father, I know I’m no Moses, but I am loved by You as much as Moses!  I want to be one of Your women of God.  Please teach me and coach me!  Use me for Your Glory!

In Jesus Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

©201, Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Chronicles 26:1 through 1 Chronicles 28:21

Which of These Fears are Holding You Back? –2 Samuel 23: 20-21

April 20, 2013 in 1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Choices, Commitment, Failure, Fear, leadership, Obedience, Rejection, Success with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 2: 1 through 2 Samuel 3: 5, 1 Chronicles 3: 1-4a, 2 Samuel 23: 8-17, 1 Chronicles 11: 10-19, 2 Samuel 23: 18-39, 1 Chronicles 11: 20-47

There was only one King David.

In most of our lifetimes God will not call us to a leadership role as visible as this “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

But

He has called us to something.

Benaiah was one of those people who was determined to give his best to his calling. He was determined to pursue rather than be pursued.

Benaiah son of Jehoiada from Kabzeel was a vigorous man who accomplished a great deal. He once killed two lion cubs in Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he climbed down into a pit and killed a lion. Another time he killed a formidable Egyptian. The Egyptian was armed with a spear and Benaiah went against him with nothing but a walking stick; he seized the spear from his grip and killed him with his own spear.      

 –2 Samuel 23:20-21 (The Message)

I never noticed Benaiah in my Bible reading until I read a book called, In a Pit With A Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson.

I want to be a lion chaser like Benaiah.  I want to take the things in life that have the capacity to destroy me and use them for God’s Glory.

What are the lions in your life?

As Mark said in his book:

What if the life you really want is hiding behind your biggest problem?  Your greatest regret at the end of your life will be the lions you didn’t chase. You will look back longingly on risks not taken, opportunities not seized, and dreams not pursued. Stop running away from what scares you most and start chasing the God-ordained opportunities that cross your path.

Before Benaiah could face the lion he had to face something bigger—his fears.

What fears are holding you back?

Here are the first three that come to mind:

  • The fear of failure
  • The fear of success
  • The fear of rejection

These fears may be your lions you must chase.  Let’s get out of the defensive mode and move to the offense—go after them, even it you have to chase them into a pit on a snowy day.

What are you waiting for?

Become a lion chaser!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:   2 Samuel 3: 6 through 2 Samuel 4: 12

How to Be Wholeheartedly Commited–Deuteronomy 10:12

March 15, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Commitment, Deuteronomy, Parenting with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Deuteronomy 10:1 through Deuteronomy 12:32

The children of Israel spent 40 years learning “what not to do.”

They  suffered greatly because of their self-dependence and spiritual pride.  In today’s reading Moses is calling Israel to exercise her only option for survival:  total commitment to the Lord.

The God of the universe made us and put us on this planet.  He wants us to fear (reverence) Him and live in a way that pleases Him.  He wants us to love him and serve him with all of our heart and soul (Deuteronomy 10:12).

How do we do this?

  • Commit ourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine
  • Tie the Words of God to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders
  • Teach them to your children
  • Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up
  • Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates –Deuteronomy 11:18-20

What is the benefit for us?

As long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors (Deuteronomy 11:21).

How does this translate into the 21st century?

  • Be committed to reading, knowing, and living by  the Word of God
  • Do whatever it takes to keep the Word of God on your mind.  Example:  Scripture cards in your pocket, scriptures taped on your bathroom mirror or the dash of your car
  • Teach your children the Word of God
  • Talk to your children about the Bible at home, in the car, as you tuck them in at night and first thing in the morning
  • Have scriptures framed throughout your home and at the entry-way of your home

And the benefit is: Our families will thrive on this earth!  Amen!  I receive that for my future generations!

Friends, a whole-hearted, total commitment is the only way we can please the Lord.  Have you noticed that the key to pleasing God lies in knowing His Word AND passing it on to the next generation?

Lord, forgive us for our failures in these two areas.  Help us today; teach us; stir us; draw us to Your Word.  Holy Spirit, give us a passion to share Your Word with our families.

In Jesus’ Name!  Amen and Amen!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Deuteronomy 13:1 through Deuteronomy 16:17

Are You Settling for the Wrong Side of the River? –Numbers 32:5

March 10, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Choices, Commitment, Giving Our Best to God, Goals, leadership, Numbers, Obedience with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Numbers 32:1 through Numbers 33:56

Have you ever had a dream or goal that you believed was God-given?

Have you ever stopped short or given up on that dream or goal before you reached the finish line?

To me this is what the tribes of Reuben and Gad did in today’s reading (32:1).  They were getting close to the Promised Land.  It was just across the Jordan River—the land that God has promised to their great, great-grandfather Abraham.  But they decided the lands of Jazer and Gilead, on the opposite side of the river as the Promised Land, were ideally suited for their vast numbers of livestock.

They traded God’s best for good-enough!

I know, Moses said it was okay for them to do this if they met certain conditions, but “okay” is a long way from “God’s best!”

For most of my life I’ve been a goal-driven, task-oriented person.  Once I made up my mind to do something I would “find a way or make a way!”  Now that I am in my 50s and naturally beginning to slow down a bit, it’s very easy to say, “I’ll think I’ll just stop here on this side of the river, it’s nice and comfortable!  After all, I’ve done my part, I’ll let the younger folks take it from here!”

I would venture to say that the alluring land of comfort keeps us all from crossing into God’s best for our lives.

What do you need to cross the Jordan for?

  • Complete your education
  • Find a more challenging career
  • Lead a fellowship group or Bible Study in your home
  • Reach out to someone in need
  • Start a new business
  • Find a church family
  • Make a new friend
  • Exercise regularly (oh me!)
  • Improve eating habits
  • Having a daily quiet time with the Lord
  • Read through the Bible in a Year  :-)
  • Overcome an addictive habit or attitude

I’m having trouble stopping!

My prayer is that we will be like Caleb.  In Joshua 14:12 Caleb said to Joshua: So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.”

God promised this “mountain” to Caleb when he gave the good report of the Promised Land.  Forty years later he was still expecting God’s best and willing to fight for it!

Lord I want to expect the best from You and be the best for you!

Amen and Amen!  Let it be so!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Numbers 34:1 through Numbers 36:13

Why Do We Break Our Promises? Numbers 30:2

March 9, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Biblical Principles, Commitment, Giving Our Best to God, Numbers, The Power of Words with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Numbers 30:1 through Numbers 31:54

Then Moses summoned the leaders of the tribes of Israel and told them, “this is what the Lord has commanded:  A man who makes a vow to the Lord or makes a pledge under oath must never break it.  He must do exactly what he said he would do.”  –Numbers 30:2

Under the Law, if an individual made a vow (neḏer, a promise to do something) or a pledge (’issār, a promise not to do something), he had to keep it without equivocation (vv. 1-2).

Have you ever promised God to do something or promised God to not to do something?

Have you broken that promise?

I’m sorry to say that I have made promises to God that I haven’t kept.

So, if we believe that God is real and God means what He says, why do we break our promises to Him?

I think Paul gives the best explanations in Romans 7:15-20 of the struggles we go through:

I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.  But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good.  So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.  I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.  But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

From what Paul says, one minute we’re saying “yes, I will” and the next minute we changing our mind and saying “no, I won’t.”  I think James take this discussion full circle when he says … 

But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned.  –James 5:12

Many people in today’s culture have decided to get around breaking promises by never making one.  Lack of commitment is not the answer.

As James says…

Count the costs

give a simple yes or no, not maybe or I’ll try

and then

be a person who strives to do exactly what he said he would do!

Dear Jesus, thank you for dying for our sinful nature.  Help us to count the cost before we commit and then be a person whose yes is yes and no is no so that You will be glorified.

In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Numbers 32:1 through Numbers 33:56

Today Could Be The Day!

January 15, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Blessings, Commitment, Faith, Genesis, Giving Our Best to God, leadership, righteous living, The Promises of God, Tough Times, Trials, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s scripture reading: Genesis 40: 1-23; Genesis 35: 28-29; Genesis 41:1-57

 

Sometime later (Gen 40:1) + quite some time (Gen. 40:4) + two full years (Gen. 41:1) = a  l-o-n-g  time!

 

In Genesis 37, we are told Joseph was seventeen years old when he was sold by his brothers.  From the sources that I checked, he was approximately 30 years old when he got out of prison.  THIRTEEN YEARS!

Just think about Joseph waking up that final morning.  It was like any other morning.

He went through his same routine, was just doing his job, when in an instant—it was all over.

Can you imagine the thoughts that were running through his head as he was shaving to go before Pharaoh?

I wonder if he had lost hope of getting out of that prison.

He probably thought the cupbearer had forgotten him…

…He probably thought God had forgotten him.

One of the many things that amaze me about Joseph is his commitment to excellence.  Yes, God was with him but Joseph could have missed his destiny by having a bad attitude, but he didn’t.  He did a great job without a salary, a day off, or any future hope of getting out; because it was the right thing to do!

Not only did he do the right thing, he said the right thing! In Genesis 40:8, Joseph says to the cup-bearer and the baker, “Interpreting dreams is God’s business.”  Then in Genesis 41:16 he told Pharaoh, “It is beyond my power to do this.  But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”

Wow, thirteen years made a big difference!

No longer was Joseph a self-righteous, self-vindicating teenager.  Now wisdom so exuded from Joseph’s countenance that Pharaoh was willing to turn his whole kingdom over to him after brief conversation.  But it’s like Pharaoh said, “Can we find anyone like this man so obviously filled with the Spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:38)

Somewhere in those thirteen years change occurred.

I love R.T. Kendall’s commentary on this chapter:

“If God puts his finger on you, it is enough to change you, your family, your church—even a nation and the world.  The highest compliment a man can ever have is to be tapped on the shoulder by God.  When that happens wonderful things are at hand.  Yet, when that happens it means that a time of preparation is also at hand.”

Joseph had thirteen years of preparation and then in one day God moved him into the role planned just for him.  In Jeremiah 29:11, God tells us he has plans for us, just like Joseph.

No, we may not be the second in command of a nation and saving the Jewish race, but God is preparing each of us for what he made us for; so get excited!

Today could be the day you’re called upon to do what the God of the Universe made you for!

Don’t miss it!

And if you have to wait another day; follow Joseph’s example and live today with excellence!

Thanking God for the opportunity to serve Him!

 

Tomorrow’s scripture reading: January 16: Genesis 42: 1-45:15

Which Road Will You Take Today?

January 13, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Choices, Commitment, Family, Forgiveness, Obedience, The Promises of God, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Reading: Genesis 36: 1-19, 1 Chronicles 1: 35-37, Genesis 36: 20-30, 1 Chronicles 1: 38-42, Genesis 36: 31-43, 1 Chronicles 1:43 – 2:2

In Genesis 31:3, the Lord told Jacob to return to the land of his father and grandfather and his relatives, and the Lord said He would be with him. Jacob did just as the Lord told him to do.

Today we find that Esau decides to leave the Promised Land and Jacob.   He took his wives, his children, and his entire household, along with his livestock and cattle—all the wealth he had acquired in the land of Canaan—and moved away from his brother Jacob.  There was not enough land to support them both because of all the livestock and possessions they had acquired. (Gen. 36:6-8)

This story sounds like Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13, except there was no discussion between Jacob and Esau recorded.  I wonder if there really wasn’t enough land for them both, or did Esau just not want to be near his brother, or maybe Esau did not want to be in the presence of the Living God.

Today’s reading was mostly genealogy.  Yes, it’s was a little boring, but my one take away from the day was worth digging through all those names I can’t pronounce.  So here it is:  When Esau left the Promised Land he made a conscious choice to leave God out of his genealogy. All of those names we read were real people—think of the lives they lived, the children they bore, and the things they accomplished.  Think about this:  They never knew the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob because of the decision of one person—Esau.  The decision Esau made not only affected the descendants listed in Genesis 36 but that decision affected future generations that reach into the 21st Century.

I don’t about you, but I have had times when I just wanted to run away from conflict.  I wanted to move away and get a fresh start.  I didn’t want to have day-to-day contact with someone who had hurt me; I didn’t want to hear their name around town and stay intertwined in their life.  But God had a better plan, he wanted me to stay in the midst of the hurt and pain and work through it, not run away from it.

True freedom doesn’t come when you run away from your problems but when you stay and face them head-on.

When trouble and conflict come, we have a choice, we either move toward God or away from Him.  It’s a daily choice—the Promised Land or Edom.

I’m Choosing the Promised Land! What about you?

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©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Genesis 37:1-38:30; 1 Chronicles 2:3-6,8; Genesis 39:1-23

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