THE LORD SPOKE (June 3)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: II Kings 17

Belt and suspenders religion! Twice (vs. 32, 33) we read, "They worshiped the Lord, but they also...." How common is the thinking, "I'll trust the Lord but, just in case, I'll do this other stuff too." We're tempted to use several add-on modules just in case one or the other fails us. But, look at the inevitable results. After a while, we end up completely forgetting the Lord (vs. 34) and just doing all the other stuff. In fact, by following "worthless idols [we ourselves become] worthless" (vs. 15).

It's so easy to cluck our tongues at Israel because they bowed down to wood and stones. Is bowing down to clothing, cars, or other possessions any better? Substitute whatever it is that you've allowed to become an idol in your life - a job, a relationship, sports, some possession. Even something as good as family can come between you and the Lord. Anything that weakens our relationship with Him can become an idol and can render us worthless. Repeatedly (vs. 34, 35, 37, 38), we're fore-warned.

We must exercise constant vigilance. If we snooze, we lose. Our relationship with the Savior can so quickly become cold. How do we keep it hot? Through daily, even hourly, contact with Him.

1. This means reading the Bible first thing in the morning. It means having portions of it ever before you for meditation and memory throughout the day. Read progressively through the whole. Read and reread portions that speak specifically to you and your current need.
2. Prayer is a vital part but we need much more to listen to Him than He needs to listen to us. Let Him speak to you continually through Scripture and then "talk back" to him using those same words. Do not fall into the "gimme" trap of just asking God for all your requests.
3. I've found that good music can be a big help - preferably something with words that keep running through your head. Having those lines running through your sub-conscience helps keep His thoughts continually before you, especially if they are words taken directly from Scripture.
4. Make it your goal to please Him (II Cor. 5:9). Work at it and it no longer becomes work. There is a point at which it becomes deep joy. In fact, you'll find you can't get along without it anymore.

Did you get weary and a little annoyed reading through this chapter with all the repetition of Israel's sins? Just think how God must feel about our spiritual wandering and straying from the path. Determine to be different and He will give you the strength to do so.


New Testament: II Corinthians 5

“Make it your goal to please Him.” (II Cor. 5:9)
“Find out what pleases the Lord.” (Eph. 5:10)

What does that look like? If we are to reach our goal, we need to know, right? Based on other passages of Scripture, here are some things to consider:

• Hebrews 11:6 - “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” We’re told elsewhere that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God”. So, read your Bible consistently and expectantly. It will grow your faith and that faith will be pleasing to the Lord.
• Psalm 69:30-31 - “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord....” Read, internalize, and practice David’s words in the Psalms. Let your thanksgiving be heard in your song - make melody to God in your heart.
• I Thessalonians 4:1 - “We instructed you how to live in order to please God.” Read the epistles to the Thessalonians (and others!) to glean directions on how to live. Put them into practice.
• Proverbs 16:7 - “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” Pay attention to your relationships - first with God but also with your fellow man. Pursue peace.
• Isaiah 56:4 - Observing a shabbat pleases the Lord.
• I Corinthians 7:32 - “Being concerned about the Lord’s affairs” is pleasing to God.
• II Timothy 2:4 - A faithful soldier is one “who wants to please his commanding officer”.
• I Kings 3:10 - Solomon’s prayer asking for wisdom pleased the Lord.
• Micah 6:7-8 - Thousands of sacrifices won’t please Him but “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” will.
• I Corinthians 1:21 - So will “the foolishness of preaching” - proclaiming God’s message to others.
• Hebrews 13:16 - “To do good and to share with others” is pleasing to God.
• Romans 8:8 - While living in the flesh you cannot please God, so live in/by the Spirit.
• Galatians 1:10 - Seeking to win the approval of men is not pleasing to God.