April 23, 2011
Proud, pragmatic party poopers
Times of success and prosperity call for acknowledging, enjoying and sharing God’s blessings. David danced and sang. He sacrificed and worshipped. He shared the blessing with everyone in Israel (1Ch 16:1-3). During these times of celebration it doesn’t pay to be a party-pooper. David’s wife, Michal, held him in contempt for his boundless enthusiasm. She remained childless for her attitude of derision (2Sam 6:21-23). Sometimes extravagant worship is appropriate. Beware the attitude of the disciples toward the woman who anointed Jesus with her expensive perfume (Mat 26:6-13). It is possible to be too pragmatic, or too proud and miss God’s blessings.
April 24, 2011
When a good idea is not God’s idea
David had a great idea to build a temple. Nathan agreed. What could be wrong with honoring God with a temple? But God had other plans. It wasn’t that the temple was a bad idea, but it wasn’t God’s plan for David. (2Sam 7:1-17) We should be aware of this as we consider God’s plan for our lives. It may not be what everyone thinks is a good idea. There are not “cookie cutter” Christians. We should remain open to God’s plan for us based on the special gifts he has bestowed upon us. David was a warrior-king, but apparently not a temple builder. Are you grateful for the gifts God has given you? Are you doing what he specifically designed you to do? Or are you trying to pull off good ideas that are not God’s ideas? Paul wrote, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:12 (KJV)
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