1 Kings 7; 2 Chron 4; Ps 98; Rom 2

Scripture - Rom 2:28-For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

Observation - Paul is writing to the church at Rome and talking about the true relationship with Christ. Because of Roman background Paul is giving them a clear understanding of Christ-like expectations and Christian values. He encourages them in their faith and then here in 2:28 he says "don't have an outward appearance that is different from your inward appearance." What you live and believe on the inside you should show outwardly and more importantly what is on the outside should match with what is on the inside. Paul knew that he could teach the law and they Romans could become well versed in the law but if their heart is not on fire for God, chasing the inward transformation it is impossible to experience right standing with God. Remember God does not look as man looks, God judges the heart.

Application - This is a very difficult position for most people. To fight the outward appearance with the inward or secret actions. Living one way and doing or believing another. Some people call it putting on the show. We don't want to appear weak or frail. People including the people of God, feel some sort of compulsion to always appearing strong and together and therefore the risk is that we are hiding hurt, pain or sin thinking no one will know. God knows. He sees the heart, he sees in the secret place, he sees in the private times. God wants our private lives to match our outward display. If we live righteous and act righteous we have power and dominion in this life.

Prayer - Father, help me always to live the way I show. I don't simply want to look like a Christian, I want to BE a Christian. Help me to take the outward law and apply it always to my inward actions.

2 Sam 10; 1 Chron 19-20; Ps 20; Mt 22

Scripture - Ps 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

Observation - The advanced nations used chariots and horses and advanced weaponry for battle. They had money and financing for their war efforts and were totally armed for victory. They were relying in battle on their technology and on their financial base to help them win the war. Israel on the other hand, had a more primitive arsenal. Their weaponry was far inferior to the nations they were fighting. They were antiquated and archaic and yet the Israelites still went to battle with every intention of winning. David describes here that their hope and trust is not the advanced weaponry or financial backing. Their trust is in God. No matter how the odds stack up - God's people will always end up on top. Our trust in not in the things we have but the God we serve.

Application - Man how appropriate is this today. Right in the middle of a battle against finances and time. The trust however, is not in the things, or the financial backing or in the maneuvering we can do - trust is in God and Him alone. God will provide and supply all the needs according to His riches in Glory. My God WILL supply ALL my needs! Trust in Him and lean not on my own understanding but in all ways acknowledge Him. God is able to bring victory out of the worst situations. Today and everyday our trust must be in the Lord - we must remember the places he has brought us from and the places he is taking us. God will not disappoint.

Prayer - Father I love you so much. God you WILL always take care of your people. Meager weapons or not - if we are armed with you we are armed for battle.

2 Sam 7; 1 Chron 17; Ps 2; Mt 20

Scripture - Matt 20:8-16 "So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.' 9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. 11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, 12 saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.' 13 But he answered one of them and said, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?'

Observation - Jesus is teaching his disciples in the this parable about the sovereignty of God and God's unending wisdom and mercy. In this parable Jesus relates the story of a landowner who hired a bunch of guys to do some work on the land. He hires them at all different hours of the day yet pays them all the same wage. Being disgruntled about how things played out the men began to complain. The landowner explains several things: 1. It was his money 2. He could do what every he wanted with his things 3. Each person received exactly what they were promised 4. Any issues they had regarding the pay was strictly due to their misunderstanding of the situation. Jesus explains through this parable that God is sovereign and holy and can do with his kingdom exactly what he wants, he explains that even those chose last will have a place in the kingdom and that we should rejoice over others blessings.

Application - So often we get disgruntled when others are being blessed. That some how we are deserving of more because we have been serving more. The truth is that we are serving so that others can be blessed. I am reminded today to rejoice in others blessings, to be happy when others are brought in and to get excited about God choosing others to take part in kingdom relationships.

Prayer - Father help me to look at others with eyes of joy and bless those that are being blessed. God help me to rejoice with them in their blessings.