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Would You Past This Test? –1 Chronicles 29:25

May 20, 2013 in 1 Corinthians, 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, 2013 Journey, leadership, Pride, Success with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Psalm 83; 1 Chronicles 29:23-25; 2 Chronicles 1:1; 1 Kings 2: 13 through 3:4; 2 Chronicles 1: 2-6; 1 Kings 3: 5-15; 2 Chronicles 1:7-13

What if you were more successful than any person before you?

How would you handle the test of success?

In today’s scripture, a story begins to unfold that shows us how one man handled success.  It will take a few days of reading to find out if he passed his test, but there’s plenty to learn from his first date with success!

And the Lord exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel, and he gave Solomon greater royal splendor than any king in Israel before him.   –1 Chronicles 29:25

Solomon was very young when he became king.  Scholars can’t seem to agree on his age; I saw everything from eight to twenty years old—let’s just say he was a “very young”  king of Israel.  At this young age Solomon had three important things going for him:

  • Solomon had a great example to follow, his father king David
  • Solomon loved the Lord and followed all the decrees of his father, David… –1 Kings 3:3
  • He saw the importance of teaching his leaders to consult the Lord.   — 2 Chronicles 1:2-3

Everything seemed to be going well for Solomon and then things went from good to great!

…God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “What do you want?  Ask, and I will give it to you!” –1 Kings 3:5

Okay folks, Solomon was twenty; think about the average twenty-year old of today, what would he ask for?

Probably not what Solomon asked for—

  • An understanding heart
  • To know the difference between right and wrong

The Lord was pleased and granted him his request.  God also gave Solomon what he did not ask for—riches and fame!

From what we’ve read, it seems that Solomon saw his success as a responsibility to lead well, not a license to rule over others.

I’d say that so far Solomon is handing success pretty well.

I am reminded of another person who was shown his future through a dream—Joseph. **See January 14th post, “When Our Dreams are Shattered”

Joseph didn’t do as well as Solomon; as soon as he woke up from his dream he immediately told his father and brothers that they would be bowing down to him.   I guess it’s safe to say that Joseph wouldn’t have asked for wisdom if he’d been in Solomon’s position.  I guess that’s why Joseph had 13 years of “pride removal” in a jail cell.

If your future was as bright as Solomon’s or Joseph’s, would God be able to use you immediately like Solomon, because you knew where you wisdom came from, or would you have gone to prison with Joseph for pride removal?

Lord, I believe you have a special success plan for each of us.  Help us to seek You and the tools that Solomon desired–an understanding heart and the wisdom to know what’s right and wrong, so that we will be ready to handle the success You have for us.

In Jesus Name!  Amen and Amen.

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Kings 3: 16-28; 1 Kings 5: 1-18; 2 chronicles 2: 1-18; 1 Kings 6: 1-13; 2 Chronicles 3: 1-14; 1 Kings 6: 14-38

 

 
 
 
 

Are You Struggling With These Four Words? –2 Samuel 22:26-28

May 1, 2013 in 2 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Choices, Failure, Obedience, Pride, Psalms, Spiritual Disciplines, Word of God with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 22:1-51; Psalm 18

“To the faithful you show yourself faithful;
to those with integrity you show integrity.
To the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the wicked you show yourself hostile.
You rescue the humble,
but your eyes watch the proud and humiliate them..  –2 Samuel 22:26-28

These three verses were repeated twice in today’s reading.

Do these four words describe your life?

    • Faithful
    • Integrity
    • Pure
    • Humble

What a promise!  Talk about a return of investment!

If I’m faithful, full of integrity, pure and humble the God of the universe will be faithful, full of integrity, pure, and humble to ME…AMAZING!

These four words should be our goal for our day and our life.

Where do we learn to be faithful, full of integrity, pure, and humble?

From the example of Jesus and the Word of God.

Are you struggling in either of these four areas?

Move closer to Jesus.  He will help you.  Spend time in His Word.  He will teach you.

Heavenly Father, we want to be our best for You. Lord, today help us to move one step closer to the person You have planned for us to be.  Make us more like You today.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 24:1-9; 1 Chronicles 21:1-6; 2 Samuel 24:10-17; 1 Chronicles 21:7-17; 2 Samuel 24:18-25; 1 Chronicles 21:18-22:19

“I” Could Do a Better Job Than My Boss! –2 Samuel 15:32-38

April 28, 2013 in 2 Samuel, 2013 Journey, leadership, Pride, Sin, Workplace with 2 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  2 Samuel 15:1 through 17:14

Today’s reading is not just another day in the life of David and his dysfunctional family.

The story of Absalom is a story that stands as a warning to all of us.  For every leader in any organization there are usually one or two subordinates or under-leaders who think they could do a better job than their leader.

Absalom…

  • bought a chariot and horses
  • Hired 50 bodyguards
  • Got up early and went to the gate of the city
  • Told people that David didn’t have anyone to hear their case
  • “Appeared” to be humble
  • Stole the hearts of the people
  • Had time for them
  • Stirred up a rebellion against his father, King David

He literally devised a plan to steal the kingdom from his father David.

What happened to Absalom to cause him to betray his own father?

  • Offense
  • Hatred
  • Unforgiveness
  • Bitterness

Have you ever been deceived by an Absalom?

It has happened to me.

While suffering at the hand of an Absalom is a tough pill to swallow, there is something worse—being an Absalom.

The next time you find yourself working in a team atmosphere where there’s an appointed leader, watch your self-talk (the thoughts that are going through your head).

Are you thinking things like…

  • This person isn’t that great of a leader
  • This person is insensitive to the needs of the people
  • I could do a much better job leading this team

Let’s go one step further; what are you saying to the other folks on your team or in your organization?

Does it sound anything like Absalom’s words in 2 Samuel 15: 32-38?

  • You really have a strong case here
  • It’s too bad the King doesn’t have anyone to hear it
  • I wish I were the judge
  • Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgement
  • I would give them real justice

Someone with an Absalom spirit is the under-leader with hidden agendas who eventually draws away disciples unto himself. An “Absalom” is the wolf in sheep’s clothing who steals sheep for his own gain.

This “spirit of Absalom” is rooted in pride.

I can’t believe how a five-letter word:  P-R-I-D-E can cause so many problems.  There is so much deception going on in this type of situation, but the person who is deceived the most is the “Absalom.”  He or she thinks their heart is right.

Friends, let’s make a commitment to check our motives daily.

Why are we saying what we’re saying?

Are we trying to elevate ourselves and put someone else down?

One of Satan’s greatest tools is the spirit of offense which he uses to breed disloyalty and rebellion.

Here’s a great motto to write on the walls of our hearts:

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.  –Author unknown

Thank you Lord for your Holy Spirit who shines a light in the crooks and corners of my heart!  Help me to always repent quickly and turn from my sins.

In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen!

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 17: 15-29; Psalm 3; Psalm 63, 2 Samuel 18: 1 through 19:30

Can You Pass The Success Test? –1 Samuel 13:14

April 14, 2013 in 1 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Failure, Finances, Goals, Holy Spirit, leadership, Pride, Psalms, Success with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  1 Samuel 17:32 through 19:17, Psalm 59, 1 Samuel 19:18-24

Two amazing men chosen by God—one has the title of “a man after God’s own heart” and the other an everlasting example of what not to do.

Let’s go back to the beginning of David and Saul’s lives and see what we can learn from them:

Both were chosen by God:

  • Now the Lord had told Samuel the previous day, “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin.  Anoint him (Saul) to be the leader of my people. –1 Samuel 9:15-16
  • And the Lord, said, “this is the one; anoint him.”  So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil.  –1 Samuel 16:12-13

Both had the Spirit of the Lord upon them:

  • When you (Saul) arrive at Gibeah of God…At that time the spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you and you will prophesy with them. You will be changed into a different person. –1 Samuel 10:6
  • So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil.  And the Spirit of the Lord cam powerfully upon David from that day on.  –1 Samuel 16:13

Both started out as humble men:

  • When Samuel met Saul and told him that “he and his family would be the focus of all Israel’s hopes” Saul replied, “but I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe!  Why are you talking like this to me?”  –1 Samuel 9:20-21
  • When Saul offered David his daughter Merab, David replied, “Who am I, and what is my family in Israel that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” David exclaimed,  “My father’s family is nothing!” –1 Samuel 18:18

What happened?

Both of these men got off to a great start…

If you know the Bible stories you know that David did some bad things as well.  In my eyes they seemed as bad or worse than what Saul did; what was the difference?

The condition of the heart—when Saul was disobedient the first time, Samuel told Saul that his kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart.  –1 Samuel 13:14

So God’s number one qualification for king was for that person to be “a man after His own heart.”

Success is one of the greatest tests of the heart, even more than failure. 

Saul’s immediate success and fame led him to forget who made him king.  Saul’s became filled with pride and arrogance instead of humility.

The heart is still the most important thing the Lord looks at.  We can say and do the right things but it’s the heart that God judges. A heart full of pride cannot totally follow after God!

Holy Spirit, show us the areas of our heart that aren’t pleasing to you.  Help us to repent, ask for your forgiveness and cleansing and then help us to have a heart like David!

In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen!

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©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Samuel 20:1 through 1 Samuel 21:15, Psalm 34      

What Part of “Completely” Do You Not Understand? –1 Samuel 15:2-3

April 13, 2013 in 1 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Choices, Obedience, Pride with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 15:1 through 1 Samuel 17:31

Saul is another person in the Bible who teaches us what “not” to do.

Samuel had told Saul in an earlier chapter that because he did not keep the commands God gave him, his kingdom must end.  Now, two chapters later Saul is again being disobedient by only partially adhering to Samuel’s instructions from the Lord.

Samuel’s instructions from the Lord were very clear: 

I have decided to settle accounts with the nation of Amalek for opposing Israel when they came from Egypt.  Now go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation—men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys.   ~1 Samuel 15:2-3

Saul slaughtered all the Amalekites except…the King—Agag.  Not only did they spare Agag’s life but they also kept the best of the sheep and goats, the cattle, the fat calves, and the lambs—everything that appealed to them.  ~1 Samuel 15:8-9

Why didn’t Saul do what he was told?

Did he not know what “completely destroy” meant?

What happened to the “humble” Saul of 1 Samuel 9:21?

Listen to the sadness in our Heavenly Father’s Words spoken through Samuel after Saul’s “second” act of obedience:

I am sorry that I ever made Saul king, for he as not been loyal to me and has refused to obey my commands.    ~ 1 Samuel 15:11

In today’s world it is easy to be disloyal and disobedient to God; placing all kinds of things ahead of Him and letting our ego talk us into thinking we are “above” being obedient to anyone.  There are so many distractions and things that glitter; it’s really easy to get our priorities out of whack.

The thing that really blows my mind is Saul’s excuse for his behavior:  I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.

Peer pressure…

It began in the Garden of Eden and will continue with us until Jesus comes to get us!

Samuel helps us put it all in perspective:

What is more pleasing to the Lord:  Your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice?  Listen!  Obedience is better than sacrifice and submission in better than offering the fat of rams.  Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.  ~1 Samuel 15:22-23

Father, teach us to hear Your voice and obey!

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©201, Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  1 Samuel 17:32 through 19:17, Psalm 59, 1 Samuel 19:18-24

One Sign of Emotional and Spiritual Health–1 Samuel 10:27

April 11, 2013 in 1 Samuel, 2013 Journey, Choices, Holy Spirit, leadership, Pride, Workplace with 0 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 9:1-12:25

When Saul returned to his home at Gibeah, a group of men whose hearts God had touched went with him.  But there were some scoundrels who complained, “How can this man save us?” And they scorned him and refused to bring him gifts. But Saul ignored them. –1 Samuel 10:27

Why did Saul ignore them?

After all he had just been anointed king; shouldn’t he have put these folks in their place?

Saul was just and ordinary guy and he knew it:

Saul replied, “But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?” –1 Samuel 9:21

At this stage of the game Saul was emotionally and spiritually healthy.  He knew his authority came from God. He was God’s puppet moving when the Spirit of God came upon him.  It wasn’t about him, so it was easy to ignore his scoffers.  God gave him a new heart (1 Samuel 10:9) that cared about the people of Israel more than his own reputation.

How much time to you spending fretting and worrying about what people are thinking and saying about you?

There’s only one opinion we need to be concerned about–our Heavenly Father’s.

In a few short chapters Saul will completely change…

I like this Saul.

 

Heavenly Father, help us to learn from Saul.  Help us to realize that when we begin to care more about what people think than what You think we are of no use to You.  Give us a new heart and teach us how to keep it pure. Use us for Your Glory.

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller


Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 9:35-39; 1 Samuel 13:1-5, 19-23, 6-18; 1 Samuel 14:1-52

Sometimes It’s Best to be Under-qualified–Judges 7:2

April 2, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Fear, Finances, Judges, leadership, Pride with 3 Comments

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Judges 7:1 through Judges 9:21

“You have too many warriors with you.”  That’s what the Lord said to Gideon. (7:2)

If I were Gideon, a farmer who was trying to lead an army, I probably would have said, “Excuse me, I need all the help I can get! You can never have too many warriors!”

Before Gideon had a chance to object, the Lord explained it perfectly:  If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength. (7:2)

Friends, this principle  didn’t just apply in Gideon’s day.

Has God said to you?

“I want to accomplish my plans for you with…

  • Less money
  • Less education
  • Less equipment
  • Less people
  • Less confidence in your ability
  • Less praise from others

…because I want to receive all the Glory.”

While Your Heavenly Father probably didn’t speak to you audibly, He definitely speaks those words through the ways He answers our prayers.

I remember a time in my life when I was having great success in my career.  In the beginning I knew the Lord was blessing me but as time moved forward and more and more success came my way I began to think it was my personality, talents and hard work that made everything fall into place.

I’m sad to tell you that this was one of those times the Lord said, “If you think you’re so hot then do it by yourself!”

Once the Spirit of the Lord (yesterday’s reading) left me to do it on my own, all that “self-confidence” quickly disappeared.

It was over fifteen years ago but the memory is still vivid.  Talking in front of groups of people had been so easy, but without “the Spirit of the Lord taking possession” (6:34) I began to dread the thought of any type of interaction with people.

I’ve always heard that success is a bigger test than failure; I think it was true in my life.

The best place to be is under-qualified AND full of God’s anointing.

Gideon found this to be true in today’s reading. It’s interesting that the Lord weeded out the majority of the extras with one word:  fear

That’s what our enemy, Satan is hoping for—our fears to overtake us so we won’t do what God has planned for us to do.

I pray that we will be like Gideon; once we hear the Lord call us out, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you,” we will step out with less and give all the Glory to the Lord.

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Judges 9:22 through Judges 11:28

You Just Think You’re In Control –Numbers 22:18

March 5, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Family, leadership, My story, Numbers, Parenting, Pride with 0 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: Numbers 22:1-24:25

But Balaam responded to Balak’s messengers, “Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord my God. –Numbers 22:18

I’m not sure where my desire to control came from.

It could be…

  • My personality?
  • My parents?
  • My environment?

I don’t remember being that controlling as a child.  It was probably because I was too busy being controlled.  Just ask anyone who knew my Dad and they’ll tell you that he definitely liked to control the future of his only girl.

For the most part I complied with his “rules,” while subconsciously planned my escape, thinking someday, “I will be in control.”

At the young age of eighteen I jumped out of the frying plan and into the fire–marriage.

Crazy huh?

I was constantly trying to control people and situations to protect my heart, I wanted a life free from pain and disappointment.

I can’t tell you how many times I said, “MY  _______________ (husband, children, life) will never do or be like THAT.

I’ve eaten those words many times over.

Too bad I didn’t know what Balaam knew, I am powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord my God.

Whether we admit it or not…

If we think we’re in control, we’re not allowing God to be in control.

Whether we admit it or not…

Trying to control people, situations, and things is trying to play god

That’s pretty much idol-worship.  Remember the children of Israel?

When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.” –Exodus 32:1

God wasn’t working on “their” timetable so they took matters into their own hands.  It was a bad idea then and it’s still a bad idea.

One of the things I’ve discovered, “The more life gets out of control the more we try to find something we can control.”  The smarter thing is to run to our Heavenly Father, crawl up in His lap and watch Him work.  He does all things well!  We serve an amazing God!

Yes, I still have a controlling nature, but thanks to my God I’m learning to give Jesus the steering wheel of my life and enjoy the ride!

Jesus, take the wheel! Amen and Amen!

 

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©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Numbers 25:1-26:65

Are You a Complainer? 10 Reasons to Stop it!

March 2, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Choices, Numbers, Pride, The Power of Words with 1 Comment

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Numbers 11:1 through Numbers 13:33

As I read today’s scriptures I kept saying over and over, “Lord, help me not to complain!” Here’s why:

  1. God doesn’t like complaining
  2. Step away from the complainers! People who are just going along for the ride can get you in trouble. The foreign rabble (11:4) were probably Gentiles who thought a trip to the Promised Land would be great, but when the going got tough, they began to complain and caused the Israelites to do the same.  We should take this lesson very seriously, “step away from the complainers!” (and don’t be one!)
  3. Complainers frustrate leaders.  Moses asked God why he deserved “the burden of all these people, since he didn’t give birth to them.” (11:10)
  4. Don’t complain, ask God for help. God hears the concerns of leaders and helps them WHEN they ask.  He devised a plan to take some of the load off Moses. (11:16)
  5. There’s something God doesn’t like more than complaining— being rejected and doubted.  Basically, when the Israelites said they would have been better off in Egypt, God took it personally. (11:18)  And, when Moses gave an assessment of the impossibility of feeding the 600,000 foot soldiers  God took it as an insult and came back with a hearty, “Now you’ll see whether or not my word comes true!” (11:23)
  6. Moses had a character trait all really great leaders have—humility.  He didn’t care who got the credit: But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake?  I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all.” (11:29)
  7. Sometimes the Lord gives us what we ask for and it isn’t what we need.  “But while they were gorging themselves on the meat—while it was still in their mouths—the anger of the Lord blazed against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague.  So that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, which means graves of gluttony. (11:33-34) I’m sure there are many spiritual lessons in this scripture, but I can’t get past the words gorging and gluttony.
  8. Jealousy can get you in trouble.  Aaron and Miriam “thought” they were on the same level with God as Moses.  Let’s just say that God set them straight.  I love the Lord’s response to them in Numbers 12:6-8, that began with “Now listen to what I say:”
  9. If we think like a grasshopper we’ll be treated like one.  These people saw the power of God like no other people in the human race, yet they said, “We can’t go up against them.” (13:31)
  10. Caleb was the only one who scouted out the new land who said, “We can certainly conquer it!” (Numbers 13:30).

I want to be like Moses and Caleb, but sometimes I act like the foreign rabble and the Israelites!  Holy Spirit show me the things in my life that aren’t pleasing to you!

Pressing on towards our Promised Land!

 

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading:  Numbers 14:1 through Numbers 15:41

What If God’s Special Purpose For Me Isn’t What I Want It To Be? Numbers 4:31

February 28, 2013 in 2013 Journey, Numbers, Pride, The Hurting World, Tough Times with 4 Comments


Today’s Scripture Reading: Numbers 4:1-5:31

“I know God put me on this earth for a special purpose!”  “Who knows, I may be the next Billy Graham, Rick Warren or Beth Moore!”

Am I the only one who’s ever thought this?

I’m pretty sure God’s special purpose for me isn’t to be the next “anybody.”

He has plans that only I can fulfill.

But what if God’s purpose for me isn’t what “I” want it to be?

I wonder if the Merarites were disappointed when they were given their “special purpose”?

As we’ve learned in Exodus, the Levites were chosen by God to take care of the Tabernacle.  Today we saw the Lord hand out duties for the different divisions of the Levites. All Merarites who were between the ages of 30 and 50 and eligible had one duty…one job…one ministry:

Their only duty at the Tabernacle will be to carry loads. They will carry the frames of the Tabernacle, the crossbars, the posts, and the bases; also the posts for the courtyard walls with their bases, pegs, and ropes; and all the accessories and everything else related to their use. Assign the various loads to each man by name.  So these are the duties of the Merarite clans at the Tabernacle. They are directly responsible to Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.” –Numbers 4:31-33  (Emphasis mine)

What if my special purpose or your special purpose in life is to carry loads?

Not like the Merarites, who carried the pieces of the Tabernacle but carrying the loads of the hurting, lost, orphaned, or widowed of our families, churches, communities or world.

It took strong backs for the Merarites to hand-carry the Tabernacle each time God said, “It’s time to pack up and move.”

What does it take to carry the loads of the lost, hurting, orphaned, or widowed?

Here’s the questions God asked me today:

  • Dianne, are you willing to carry the loads of the hurting?
  • Are you willing to suffer so that you can truly understand the pain of others?
  • Are you willing to walk a hard road so that your experiences will help someone who literally wouldn’t survive without you?
  • Is another person worth that much to you?

These are very hard questions.  I’m really glad God is carrying out His plans and purposes for my life without asking my permission. I most likely would have said, “No” to the hard times in my life, if I were given a choice. I’m just not that self-sacrificing.

Who do you know that needs a word of encouragement, a hot meal, some groceries, their house cleaned, to be taken to the doctor, to have a real friend?

Who do you know that needs someone to help carry their load?

Maybe, your purpose for today is to carry their load.

Heavenly Father, I want to carry the load of those who are suffering.  Touch my heart.  Make me willing.  Give me eyes to see what You see!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

 

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Numbers 6:1-27; Numbers 10:1-36

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