Beware of Shortcuts.

I love a good shortcut. I’ll never forget taking a shortcut back to our campsite. The rest of our scout troop was convinced I was wrong. But when I arrived back at camp alone, the men looked at me wondering where the others were. Then I took a shower and got cleaned up. An hour later the others dragged in, covered in mud, most of all Chris, who had gotten stuck in the mud. They were all mad.

But most shortcuts don’t work out. I’ve often gotten off a freeway and regretted it. I’ve left hiking trails and ended up covered in scratches. And when your enemy tempts you to take shortcuts—to achieve godly goals by ungodly means—you will pay for it. And that is what the devil does. He doesn’t tempt us to become murderers often. Usually, he tempts us to grab some achievement that we were already destined for, but he urges us to seize that goal prematurely or in an improper way. David was tempted to kill Saul so he could become king, and he KNEW God had already anointed him king. But David also knew killing Saul was wrong.

The evil kings of the Old Testament had it all. But something tempted them—more wealth, more wives, more power? Whatever it was, they were tempted by the shortcut of idol worship. And God punished them severely. Consider Baasha—God struck down his whole family:

“Anyone who belongs to Baasha who dies in the city, the dogs will eat. Anyone who is his and dies in the country, the birds will eat.” 1 Kings 16:4.

There are NO SHORTCUTS with God. Instead, honor Him like David and like Jehoshaphat—whom God blessed with “riches and honor in abundance.” Why? Because—

“His mind rejoiced in the Lord’s ways.” 2 Chronicles 17:6.

Pray. Dear God, help us be patient and serve You faithfully. Never let us be distracted by shortcuts. Help our minds rejoice in Your ways.

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Choices.

Your life is not based on one BIG DECISION, but on thousands of small choices. 

And the most important of those choices is the seemingly small choice to spend time with God every day.

When Israel was a divided kingdom, the nation’s kings made bad choices.  King Nadab was an evil idol worshipper and Baasha conspired against him. King Baasha was evil and when he died, his son Elah became king. King Elah was evil and his servant Zimri conspired against him. Zimri was king seven days when Omri raised an army and Zimri burned the palace down around himself. King Omri was evil and his son Ahab became king after him…. The immoral, idol-worshipping kings of Israel were destroying the nation.

Meanwhile in Judah, King Jehoshaphat was following God and remained on the throne the entire time the six kings of Israel (above) were killing each other.  His people lived in peace.

What does a king do when he is not busy fighting wars or being assassinated? Solomon built the temple.  But Jehoshaphat built THE NATION.  How? By TEACHING.

“His mind rejoiced in the Lord’s ways … Jehoshaphat sent his officials … to teach in the cities of Judah … They taught throughout Judah, having the book of the Lord’s instruction with them” 2 Chronicles 17:6-10.

What was the result? “Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger” 2 Chronicles 17:12.

THAT is great leadership. While Israel’s kings were leading people into idolatry and the horrible sins that go along with that, Judah’s king was sending ambassadors throughout the land to teach people how to follow God better. What a contrast! The people of idol-worshipping Israel were watching the nation crumble around them, while the people of Judah had hope and peace. And it comes down to small choices.

Make the “small” choice to spend time with God today.

Does your mind REJOICE IN THE LORD’S WAYS? Do you know His word? Can you teach it to others? If so, God can use you to bring peace to the world around you.

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CAN YOU IMAGINE A MEAL FIT FOR A KING?

When Daniel was taken captive into Babylon, he determined NOT to defile himself with the “royal food and wine.” You know the story: the servant was afraid he’d be killed if Daniel and the other Jews lost weight. Daniel said, “Give us vegetables for ten days, then check. If we look poorly, we’ll eat the king’s food.” But after ten days, they looked good, so the vegan diet continued. 

But why the veganism? Jews had always eaten lamb, beef, mutton, milk, poultry, and eggs. But the king of Babylon’s food was too rich. What does that mean? More salt, more fat, more carbs, more sugar, more protein—and probably many ingredients, flavorings, and spices that were not allowed under kosher law.

In other words, ‘a meal fit for a king’ would probably be today’s basic American restaurant food. Think about it: any king from history would be blown away by the abundant choices at Luby’s, or the Golden Corral, or by the quality and quantity of delicious, healthy (though fattening) food at places like Saltgrass, Red Lobster, Chili’s, or the Olive Garden. Today’s restaurants would amaze even the pickiest royal palates of the past. And I think Daniel would refuse to eat in any of them. Seriously.

And why did the diet work in ten days? It was probably lack of acne and their good complexion—that’s the fastest thing to change. Eating “clean,” does wonders for your skin.

But there’s more. God blessed them:

“God [also] gave these four young men knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom.” Daniel 1:17.

That is, God chose to bless Daniel for his obedience. It’s not just about food. When we determine to honor God with our choices, He will bless us in many areas. When you eat right, He will bless your health, complexion, or weight. But when you obey Him, He will also bless your mind with wisdom and understanding. God is looking for people to bless—and He loves to bless those who are determined to obey Him.

“His eye roams to and fro about the earth seeking to support those whose hearts are truly His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9.

If you crave God’s blessings, make up your mind to obey Him. Plant good seeds, and remember that the harvest comes later.

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The Eyes of the Lord.

Who do you depend on? God, or yourself? We train children to work hard and do what they are supposed to do. And wisdom requires you to fulfill your obligations. Why rely on others for tasks you can complete on your own? It’s like a farm: you should plow your own fields, plant your own crops, irrigate your own orchard, harvest your own grain, bake your own bread. One of the TOP values of Americans has always been SELF-RELIANCE. We are proud to do our duties, and help each other, but ashamed to take advantage or “mooch” off each other.

But there is no shame in relying on God. You should do your part AND leave it in God’s hands. To extend the farming metaphor, we plant the seeds but we trust God to create the harvest. We do our part, but GOD HAS TO MAKE IT RAIN.

Asa was a good king who loved God and did right after many before him had worshipped idols. But when he was under attack, he sought military help from a neighboring king, (rather than God) and when he grew sick late in life, he went to physicians, but did not go to God. God sent a prophet:

“You have been foolish in this matter… For the eyes of the Lord roam to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9.

God is looking for chances to help us when we are faithful to Him. Is your heart completely His? Do you look to Him to bring the rain? To heal your body? To protect you from threats and dangers? To provide you with blessings? Remember, His eyes are always searching for those whose hearts are completely His. Is your heart completely His?

Talk to God about your heart.

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God is LOOKING for Someone to Bless!

Israel fought many wars against pagan nations. As a Bible reader, it is easy to assume God will always intervene so His people win every war.  After all, the surrounding nations worship idols but Israel worships the One True God, right?  

But what if Israel has a civil war?  If Judah and Benjamin take on the remaining tribes (collectively known as “Israel”), who will win?  How does God decide whom He is going to bless?

“So the Israelites fled before Judah and God handed them over….  Judah succeeded because the people depended on the Lord, the God of their ancestors” 2 Chronicles 13:16-18.

When Israel erupts in a civil war, God is not wringing His hands, wondering what to do.  Obviously, God knows what He is going to do.  But as humans, we want to be on the right side of conflicts.  The answer is to support the side that is faithful to God.

King Asa put all his trust in God: 

“Lord, there is no one besides You to help the mighty and those without strength. Help us, Lord Our God, for we depend on You” 2 Chronicles 14:11.

God sent a prophet to encourage King Asa:

“The Lord is with you when you are with Him…. But if you abandon Him, He will abandon you” 2 Chronicles 15:2. 

Consider this amazing promise:

“For the eyes of the Lord roam to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His” 2 Chronicles 16:9.

Sadly those words were spoken to Asa after he made a covenant with the Arameans.  Asa made a truce with one enemy so that enemy would help him defeat a second enemy. The prophet rebukes Asa, explaining God would have helped Judah defeat BOTH enemies—because the eyes of the Lord are always roaming, searching the earth for someone wholly dependent on God that God can help and bless.

Shouldn’t that be you? Shouldn’t that be me? Is your heart “COMPLETELY HIS”? If so, God will SHOW HIMSELF STRONG for you.

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Warning! There are Risks to Success.

Success comes with great risks.

David would never have gotten in trouble with Bathsheba were he not the king. All of Solomon’s failures were tied to his royal crown. Many great people end up famous for great failures: Ken Lay, Richard Nixon, Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer.

“When Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he abandoned the law of the Lord—he and all Israel with him.” 2 Chronicles 12:1.

Uh oh. As soon as he was powerful, the king and son of Solomon turned his back on God—and took the nation with him. Can you guess what happened? A prophet arrived:

“This is what the Lord says, ‘You have abandoned Me; therefore, I have abandoned you.” 2 Chronicles 12:5.

But the king and the people humbled themselves. They repented and God was merciful.

“When the Lord saw that they had humbled themselves, [He said] ‘I will not destroy them completely, but I will grant them a little deliverance’” verse 7.

When God blesses you with success, don’t look at the success. Don’t meditate on your own accomplishments. Keep your focus on Him. When God blesses us with money, Deuteronomy 8:18 says to remember: “It is God who is giving you the power to make wealth.” He is the giver of all good gifts, and if you fail to stay humble, He can take those gifts away.

Pray. Dear God, thank you for giving me so many gifts. I want to thank you for the gifts of ___________, ___________, and ___________. Never let me focus so much on my talents or goals that I lose sight of You and all that You have planned for me. You are the giver of all good gifts, and I never want to take credit for things that You gave me—which is EVERYTHING. Keep me humble, modest, kind, down-to-earth, and friendly to everyone. Never let me become proud or act as if I am special. Remind me that I am just a regular person. Keep me humble, as Jesus was humble.

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“Thus Sayeth the Lord …”

Let me tell you a crazy, obscure story from the Old Testament–

Prophet A came to Bethel and prophesied destruction. As he was leaving, the king invited him to the palace for a meal.  Prophet A said, “If you were to offer me half your kingdom, I would not eat with you, for this is what I was commanded by the Lord:

“You must not eat bread or drink water in this place” 1 Kings 13:8-9.

Prophet B lived in Bethel.  When he heard what had happened, he told his sons to saddle his donkey. He caught up to Prophet A.

“Are you the man of God?”

“I am.”

“Then come home with me and eat.”

“I cannot go back, eat bread, or drink water, for a message came to me by the word of the Lord, ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or go back by the way you came.”

Prophet B replied:

“I am also a prophet. An angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.”

So Prophet A was persuaded and went to the home of Prophet B and ate with him.

During the meal the word of the Lord came to Prophet B and he shouted at Prophet A:

“This is what the Lord says, ‘Because you rebelled and … went back and ate bread and drank water … your corpse will never reach the grave of your fathers.”

The two prophets finished the meal, Prophet A left, and a lion killed him and sat guarding the body until Prophet B retrieved the body and buried it, 1 Kings 13:11-30.

Prophet A was starving. He was tempted but obedient—until Prophet B played the THUS SAYETH THE LORD card. But Prophet B was lying when he said an angel had come to him (verse 18). 

Obedience is simple when God speaks clearly. But what if someone else says God told them something too? Do you listen (like Eve in the Garden)? 

You must obey the Lord.  He holds you responsible for obeying what He tells YOU.  Remember: God spoke to you once.  If He has something new to say, He can say that to you also, not to some other person.

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This Devo About Counseling is Rated PG13– Not a Story for Children.

To whom will you listen? There are the older and wiser, sages who have experience.  They give advice. There are also young people, “influencers,” people who have achieved little but are beautiful or good talkers or cool and smooth and fashionable or super-funny.  They too give advice.

When Gregg Matte resigned from his college ministry in College Station and took on the pastorate of Houston’s First Baptist, he shared an office suite with the semi-retired head of counseling at the church, Dr. Charles Poor.  The young pastor suddenly found himself looking at budgets and all the other headaches of a church in the big city, reaching people of all ages.  When it was too much, he would sit down and talk to Charlie Poor.  Today I attended Dr. Poor’s funeral, and Pastor Gregg credited Dr. Poor with providing him excellent advice every time.

After a career surrounded by college kids, Pastor Gregg had the wisdom to listen to his elders. 

Not everyone does. 

After the death of Solomon, WISE OLD SOLOMON, his son did something foolish that cost him the kingdom. 

The people came to King Rehoboam and asked him to lighten the load.  Solomon had kept them in one building program after another for decades.  Rehoboam asked the old counselors what to do and they agreed: ease up on the people and they will follow you forever.  Then Rehoboam asked his young friends what to do, and they said something you can almost not print in the Bible:

“Tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s ________! … My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with barbed whips!’” 1 Kings 12:10-11.

The Holman translation fills the blank with the euphemistic word “loins,” which somehow dulls the crude, disrespectful, and almost violent nature of the comment. 

Rehoboam listened to his young friends, answered the people harshly, and they rebelled.  He lost all the tribes but Judah.

At the risk of jumping to the most obvious conclusion—sometimes you really need to listen to the wisdom of the older generation.  Consider both views.  But Proverbs 20:29 says that wisdom comes with gray hair.

Listen to your elders.

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The Capable Wife.

Chapter 31 of Proverbs is so popular it has become an adjective: “She’s a Proverbs 31 woman.”  It is a great compliment—what woman would not want to be described this way? But we misread the passage when we take it literally. Consider:

‘She buys wool and flax to make things. She rises early to prepare food. She buys a field with her own money and plants a vineyard. Her arms are strong. She stays up late working. She spins wool, helps the needy, provides warm clothes for her family, makes her own blankets, dresses herself in fine purple.  She sells linen clothes and belts. She is never idle, always busy. Her words are full of wisdom and good teaching’ Proverbs 31:13-27.

She knits clothes and blankets? Buys a field and cultivates a vineyard?  So she’s a winemaker who runs a side business selling clothes made of linen and belts (are the belts linen too, or does she also tan leather?). 

These images are not intended literally.  God does not expect every “capable wife” to be an entrepreneur, bookkeeper, grape farmer, winemaker, seamstress, tailor, and bedspread maker.  Instead, a capable wife works hard, puts family first, and shares wisdom. She does not waste money or time.

More importantly—THE CAPABLE WIFE USES HER GIFTS.  Not every woman is called to make clothes, run a farm, and operate a string of small businesses.  But every woman is called to do SOMETHING.  The capable wife will use her gifts to serve God and be a blessing to her family.  The CAPABLE WIFE DOES NOT HAVE TO RUN AN ENTRPRENEURIAL DYNASTY.  (She does not even have to operate a home-based business!)  Instead, the capable wife identifies her gifts and works hard to use them for God and her family, THUS PROVING THAT—

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but the woman who fears the Lord, SHE shall be praised” v.30.

God, help us remember that “The Proverbs 31 woman” does not try to do everything but does her best with the gifts You’ve given her.

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What Do You Seek in the Opposite Sex?

Most begin with looks. That’s natural, since you see a person long before you have a chance to meet. But there is so much more to relationships. I used to talk to high school classes about a friend of mine who was always on the heavy side, but girls were lined up to date him. Why? Because he was the absolute best listener any of us had ever met. He was a GENIUS at asking good questions, listening to the answers, and asking interesting follow-up questions. He could spend ten minutes with a girl and learn things none of her boyfriends had ever learned. He made a girl feel she was being HEARD for the first time, that for once a guy was actually listening to what she had to say. It was an extraordinary gift. To this day, I can’t go to a high school reunion without having a dozen girls ask me about him. “You were Chris’s friend, right? How’s he doing?” They adored him—and they remember him fondly all these years later.

Relationships are not about looks. It’s PERSONALITY.

How well do you communicate?

Some of the other keys are character, integrity, patience, kindness, romance, fun, shared interests, and shared values. The better you know each other, the less of a role outward appearance plays. Proverbs points that out.

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain [pointless and of no value], but the woman who fears the Lord, SHE shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30.

Memorize this verse! It is a PROFOUND truth. Forget beauty: you need a woman or a man who FEARS THE LORD. That is the one worthy of your praise and affection.

Ask God to help you see people the way HE sees them. Don’t be influenced by outward appearance—or try to be LESS influenced by outward appearance.

Try to see people the way God does: “for God does not see as man sees, for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7.

Read through this again, talking to God about applying these truths to your life.

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