TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Timothy 2:8-19
Present yourself to God as one approved . . . who correctly handles the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Learning in ancient cultures frequently relied on memorization. People would pay close attention to the stories as they were verbally recounted, committing large portions to memory. Few people had access to personal copies of Scripture and had to listen closely to public readings. Many of the New Testament books circulated as letters that would be read aloud in the churches.

The ability to remember was vital for absorbing information, and God's people must remember the gospel if they are to have any hope of pleasing God in ministry. Because the gospel is a historical truth, not one subject to change, church leaders must preserve the revealed truth of Jesus Christ. And not only that, they must “remind” the church to remember the gospel. Paul's short poem in verses 11 through 13 provides an easy method of remembering the essence of the gospel.

First, the gospel begins with death. The death of Jesus Christ made it possible that we, too, die to sin's power over us. And when we identify with Christ in His death, the power and reward of His resurrection are also ours (cf. Rom. 6:1-10).

Next, the gospel is a call to endure. If we're truly saved, we'll make it to the finish line. People like Hymenaeus and Philetus, by “wandering away from the truth,” forfeited an incredible reward (cf. Phil. 3:14).

Then, the gospel is a call to confession. Faith isn't a private matter of the heart but a public proclamation of allegiance. If we disown Christ and disavow His ownership over our lives, thus despising His grace, we have nothing to expect but fierce judgment (Heb. 6:4-6).

Finally, the gospel is a reminder of God's faithfulness. When we lapse into sin for a season, even cowardly refusing to name Christ as our Lord for a moment, we, like Peter, can expect Him to remain faithful even in the face of our faithlessness. This is the solid foundation of the gospel.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our remembrance of the gospel is vital for our spiritual health. Do you abuse God's grace by allowing patterns of sin in your life? Remember that confessing Christ means turning from wickedness. Meditate on and memorize Romans 6:1-2. On the other hand, maybe you constantly doubt your salvation, worrying that every personal misstep might mean a loss of God's grace. Take courage that once you're in God's family, He will never disown you (v. 13). Memorize John 1:12.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Timothy 2:20-26
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to a French existentialist Albert Camus, life is completely absurd. We have no real purpose because there is no life beyond our days on earth, which themselves are filled with meaningless suffering. The only meaning to be found is heroically enduring the absurdity of it all and finding joy in the hollow emptiness of life.

No wonder people despair when they embrace such bleak world views! Today's verse describes one of the Christian's purposes, that of usefulness. God made us to do good works. He calls not just pastors but every Christian to take part in doing good for Christ and in Christ's name. In our text, Paul instructs Timothy how to be useful to God in his ministry, words that also benefit us.

First, to be useful to God, one must continually strive for purity in all areas of life, public and private. Usefulness to God depends upon our willingness to be consecrated—to be “made holy” or set apart from lesser desires and pursuits (v. 21). This includes obviously battling sin in our lives, but even as we've seen in the previous chapter, it also includes setting oneself apart from things that would distract and dilute our passion for God (cf. 2:4). In avoiding everything that compromises personal holiness, we can be “prepared to do any good work.” By living obedient lives, we are then in a constant state of readiness to be used by God (cf. John 15:10).

Specifically, Paul commands Timothy to avoid compromising his character even in ways that seem insignificant. He (and we) should not be quarrelsome. Quarrels, especially wrangling over words, have more to do with parading one's own understanding then actually resolving a difference of opinion. When disagreement and opposition erupt, the Lord's servant must be gentle and meek, always praying that God would grant a repentant change of heart (v. 25). This demonstrates true humility, without which no one is useful to God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Are you “prepared to do any good work” for the Lord? What keeps you from serving Him? If it's fear, remember how Paul encouraged Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7. If it's feeling too busy or too overwhelmed, remember Paul's exhortation to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:4. If areas of personal sin keep you from serving God, ask God to grant you true repentance to turn from that sin and be cleansed by Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-9
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . Love your neighbor as yourself. - Matthew 22:37, 39
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Matthew 22, the Herodians and Sadducees had failed to trick Jesus. Then the Pharisees—the most devout adherents to the Law—decided to test Jesus with the perfect question: they would demand that He choose among all the commandments of God and pick one above the others. It was foolproof—no matter what He chose, they could argue that He was neglecting another of the 613 commands that they followed scrupulously.

Jesus was not tricked. Rather than engage in a discussion of the particulars in the law, He went right to the essence of God's truth: Do we love God first and most? If we do, we will naturally obey the second greatest command, to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:34-40).

Today's passage diagnoses a spiritual cancer that happens when our love for God and our love for others become corrupted by a love for self and for pleasure. When “what feels good” takes precedence over our loyalty to God and His commands, we spiral spiritually. We start to love money more than God. We begin to cherish our opinions more than God's. We're soon following the moment rather than the good.While our spiritual devotion decays, the outward forms of religion are still intact (v. 5). We may scarcely notice how far from our first love we've really wandered.This affects our relationships. They are quickly strained and even ruined by our self-centered ways and our arrogant attitudes. Our family relationships and friendships crumble under the demands of the all-important “me.”

This was the terribly sad state of some of the teaching elders in Ephesus. They had opposed the true message of the gospel, taught what was false, and misled many, including some particularly vulnerable women in the congregations. Timothy's one hope was that their false teaching and foolishness wouldn't slip under the radar for much longer (v. 9).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Loving God might be simple, but it's far from easy. We're confronted daily with desires which compete for God's place in our hearts. Loving God begins first with grace (cf. 1 John 4:19). If your passion for God has cooled, ask Him to fan into flame a zealous affection for Christ. While we can't necessarily make ourselves love God, we can certainly do that which enhances love for God: disciplines like corporate worship, private Scripture reading and prayer, as well as service.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Timothy 3:10-15
Continue in what you have learned . . . because you know those from who you learned it. - 2 Timothy 3:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Scientific discoveries are usually first published in journals, and political developments are heralded in press conferences and public speeches. But in March 1989, scientists Martin Fleischmann and Stanley Pons announced their discovery of cold fusion at a press conference. It meant a possible alternative energy source for the planet, and of course the scientific community was abuzz with the news. But the excitement died down when their results were later investigated and found unsubstantiated.

How should the gospel be proclaimed? The content of a message often determines how it is mediated, and a life-changing message is communicated best by the lives it has changed.

Though we might read books and hear sermons by pastors and teachers we're not likely to meet, our most memorable and lasting influences will be those people with whom we've shared both truth and life. This was certainly true of Paul and Timothy. This passage today focuses on a call for Timothy to continue and persevere in what he believes and the ministry he discharges. Paul stresses the worthiness of continuing in the faith based upon the solid examples he has to follow.

Paul begins with himself (v. 10). He reminded Timothy of the spiritual strength and endurance he himself had shown despite all the persecutions he had endured. Paul suffered more than the details he mentions here; he seems to emphasize those events that Timothy himself might have observed. Unlike the false teachers whose gospel resembled more a message of self-promotion, Paul had demonstrated faith that suffered but didn't surrender.

Timothy also had the example of his faithful grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, who had been teaching him the Scriptures since the time of his infancy (v. 15). Timothy owed a lot to these three who had influenced his faith and ministry.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As you think about the people who have most influenced you in your spiritual journey, what qualities about their lives were particularly compelling? Spend some time reflecting on who it is that has most encouraged your faith, and if possible contact them by phone or by letter, expressing your gratefulness. Thank God in prayer for their faithful contribution to your life, and ask Him to help you to be that kind of influence in someone else's life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Timothy 3:15-4:5
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season. - 2 Timothy 4:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Haddon Robinson, in his book, Biblical Preaching, bemoans the dismal state of preaching in the modern church. “When [ministers] fail to preach the Scriptures, they abandon their authority. . . That is why most modern preaching evokes little more than a wide yawn. God is not in it.”

Preaching the Word of God is a difficult task because it always confronts sinful human beings. Left to our own sin, we'd prefer self-help books and the power of positive thinking rather than correction and rebuke. We don't want to hear what we're doing wrong. Apart from the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, we'll spit out the healthy meat of sound doctrine and instead munch on the marshmallows of false teaching (vv. 3, 4).

For God to do His work of sanctifying the human heart, He must use the chisel of the Scriptures, the most effective tool available to the pastor and church leader (v. 17). Because of the power and sufficiency and wisdom of the Bible—because they originate with God Himself (v. 16)—we must be faithful in our proclamation of the Word.

The Word has the power to instruct in what is good and identify what is false. The Word has the power to change not only our thinking but also our behaving. The Word strengthens us when we're weak, corrects us when we're wrong, and challenges us to change.

Preachers offer a far inferior substitute when their sermons originate from personal biography, moralizing thoughts, or human wisdom rather than from a solid footing in the Scriptures. Their digression from the Bible is sin, and it puts their congregation at risk.

It may be easier to preach for the applause of many, but a minister has to “keep his head,” refusing to be swayed by the desires of “itching ears,” relying on God's power for the difficult work of correction, and praying for the passion to communicate God's Word in its power and glory.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This passage gives us some helpful guidelines for evaluating a church. When making a decision to join a local church, listen to whether the pastor is faithful to open the Scriptures week after week and pour forth God's truth instead of offer sermons that are collections of pithy quotes and personal stories. Seek other opportunities to receive good teaching in the church through group Bible studies or Sunday school classes.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Timothy 4:6-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. - 2 Timothy 4:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Woody Allen, a famous comedian and filmmaker, once mused about his own death, “I'm not afraid of death. I just don't want to be there when it happens.” Apart from hope in Jesus Christ, death is our greatest enemy. It would make perfect sense that we would want to avoid it!

Paul's words from today's passage stand in stark contrast to this secular view of death. In these last months of Paul's life, as he sits alone in his cold prison cell, he isn't tallying all of the mistakes made and opportunities lost. Instead he's facing his death with a sense of satisfaction with the life he's lived and the anticipation of what is to come. Paul embraces his death because it is not final. Death is not the last chapter of existence but merely a “departure” (v. 6).

“I have fought the good fight.” Paul has suffered tremendously as a solider in the ranks of Jesus Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-29). He had been persecuted and thrown out of cities where he later returned courageously to continue the work of proclaiming the gospel. He had not feared for his life. He had not quit because of adversity. He had marched resolutely towards this prison cell where he then awaited execution.

“I have finished the race.” God had given Paul a tremendous task, a mission he learned as early as his conversion (cf. Acts 9:15-16). He was to preach the good news to the Gentiles, and he had faithfully done this (cf. Acts. 20:24).

“I have kept the faith.” Though teachers in Ephesus had shipwrecked their faith, and members of the circumcision party had abandoned the gospel of grace (cf. Gal. 1:6-7), though there was great temptation to dilute the revelation he'd received, Paul remained faithful. He preached salvation in and through Christ alone until the very end of his days.

There is no pride to be found here, only the joy of knowing it's been worth it all.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Praying Scripture can transform our spiritual lives. Take these three phrases of our key verse and begin to use them in your prayers. “Lord, help me to fight the good fight and to have courage for what you call me to do. Lord, help me to finish the race. Strengthen me as I feel weary and weak. Lord, I want to keep the faith. Help me to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, staying faithful to Him and His Word all of my life.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Timothy 4:9-22
When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? - Luke 18:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Characterization is a powerful tool in literature. In children's literature, characters are easily identified as either “good” or “bad,” hero or villain. But as literature becomes more complex, so do the characters. Not only does the plot engage us, but also the story's characters.

We started our study of 1 and 2 Timothy with a look at its two main characters, the apostle Paul and Timothy. Both men are extraordinary examples of courage and faith. Even in these last moments of his life, Paul is unswerving in his devotion to Christ and the gospel. Timothy has held fast despite his difficult task in Ephesus.

But now we have a look at a few more characters in the broader story of Paul's life and ministry; some of these people were heroic, some not. Even if we don't have the ministry callings of Paul or Timothy, we might find someone in this list with whom we identify.

Demas, unfortunately, became a deserter. He once stood steadfast by Paul's side and was commended for his hard work (Philemon 24, Col. 4:14). But now he's chosen to desert Paul because “he loved this world” (v. 9). Personal comforts beckoned, and he decided that the sacrifice to stay in Rome with Paul as one accused and condemned to die was too great.

Alexander the metalworker was even worse. Demas may have deserted Paul but he apparently did not abandon his faith. But Alexander deliberately tried and succeeded in harming Paul and his ministry. He wasn't so much a personal enemy of Paul as an opponent of the gospel, a sin far more severe (v. 15).

John Mark, on the other hand, had made an incredible turnaround. Earlier he traveled with Paul but then abandoned him suddenly (Acts 13:5, 13; Acts 15:36-40). Now it appears that John Mark had been restored to fellowship and ministry, proving himself “helpful” (v. 11).

Finally, we see some familiar names of those who had been faithful from the start: Luke, Priscilla and Aquila, and Titus.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If someone were writing a letter that described your spiritual life, which of these characters would you resemble? Perhaps like John Mark you've been restored to profitable ministry. Maybe like Priscilla and Aquila you have continued in a life of faithful service. If your life resembles Demas or Alexander, know that you can repent and return to Christ. Satan seeks to devour people and destroy their testimonies (1 Peter 5:18). We pray for God's protection over our lives, that we would “fight the good fight of the faith.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 1:1-3; 2:1-9
You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. - Psalm 61:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to tradition, Ezra the priest wrote Chronicles after arriving in Israel with a group of returning exiles in 458 b.c. Originally one book, Chronicles was later divided into two by translators of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament books originally written in Hebrew). Ezra definitely includes some of the stories found in Samuel and Kings, but he chose to focus on different details and in some cases included accounts not found in other books.

The original purpose of Chronicles was to encourage the Jews who were returning from exile in Babylon by reminding them of their identity and history as God's people. Assuming that most were already familiar with main events on the national-historical timeline, Ezra selected narratives that would fill this purpose. As we study this book this month, it's helpful for us to remember that Chronicles does not strive to relay every historical detail. Those details that were included have been carefully and consciously selected to encourage God's people.

Nine chapters of genealogy, the longest such passage in the Old Testament, open 1 Chronicles. One theme running through the book, present even here in the genealogy, is that of pleasing or displeasing God. Er's sin is left unspecified in Scripture (2:3; Gen. 38:7); Achar (also known as Achan) had stolen spoils of war at Jericho that were devoted to the Lord (2:7; Josh. 7:1).

In Hebrew culture, the construction of genealogies was fluid—for instance, generations might be skipped, or certain branches might be listed in greater detail. One of the purposes in 1 Chronicles was to trace the priestly line in order to resume proper national worship. Overall, the historical line began at Adam, an encouraging reminder that God's plan for His people dated back to Creation. This is true for us as well: a`s believers, we have an incredible heritage of people who have trusted, followed, and worshiped the Lord (Ps. 61:5). They are the “great cloud of witnesses” surrounding us as we run our own races of faith (Heb. 12:1).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One way to set a good tone for this month's study might be to set aside time to research your own family history, especially its spiritual dimensions. What are your roots? How has God been working in your extended family through the years? What spiritual heritage—a key part of our identity as believers—have you received and how can you best pass it on? Even if you are a first-generation Christian, genealogical digging might turn up a few surprises!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me. - 1 Chronicles 4:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Five years ago, The Prayer of Jabez became a surprise best seller on both Christian and secular publishers' lists. The author, Bruce Wilkinson, exposited today's verses and said he has been praying them daily since 1972. His four main points are (1) that we should seek God's blessing; (2) that we should seek greater “territory” for ministry opportunities; (3) that we should depend on God's power, not our own strength, to accomplish ministry; and (4) that we should flee temptation. Christians worldwide have responded to the opening line: “This little book you're holding is about what happens when ordinary Christians decide to reach for an extraordinary life.”

One reviewer commented: “It is to Bruce Wilkinson's credit to have discerned something God-inspired in a couple of formerly obscure sentences in the first nine mind-numbing chapters of 1 Chronicles. His The Prayer of Jabez has turned out to be not only an exegetical coup but also a spiritual inspiration to millions.”

We know nothing of Jabez other than what is recorded here. But in these verses, we can unpack quite a bit about this man whose name means, “pain.” We see that he was a man of faith—his petition that God's hand be with him is an acknowledgment that he couldn't live victoriously in his own strength. Some scholars infer that he believed the Lord's blessing on him would be a witness to others. Since God granted his requests, it seems that he asked for all these things with an upright heart.

What are we to make of his request to be shielded from harm and pain? No one since the Fall has been able to escape these common features of human existence. Additionally, suffering is part of God's plan for sanctifying believers (1 Peter 2:19-21). Remember that Jabez means, “pain.” It may be that Jabez's request reflects his desire to be identified with something beyond his physical background and circumstances. We do know that our God is able to deliver anyone from a painful past into a bountiful future.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Mentioned at the start of today's devotion, The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson (Multnomah) has sold millions of copies around the world. Whether you agree with Wilkinson's interpretation or not, there are still great truths in this story in the Bible. First, we need to bring our requests to God, crying out to Him for strength. Second, our God hears our prayers, and He answers in powerful ways.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 5:23-26
You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol. - Exodus 20:3-4
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Cheating Culture, by David Callahan, provides a stinging indictment of contemporary American values. Subtitled Why More Americans Are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead, the book discusses corporate scandals, tax cheating, academic and journalistic fraud, pirated music, and numerous other examples. Asserts the author: “These stories are not isolated instances. They are part of a pattern of widespread cheating throughout U.S. society . . . [A]vailable evidence strongly suggests that Americans are not only cheating more in many areas but are also feeling less guilty about it. When ”˜everybody does it,' or imagines that everybody does it, a cheating culture has emerged.”

In a similar tone, 1 Chronicles points out a story of ongoing covenant cheating or unfaithfulness by God's chosen people. As we go through this genealogical section of the book, our purpose is to highlight historical themes and background information that help us understand the main narrative of the kingship of David. Before reading or hearing that encouraging history, the original audience also needed to be reminded of the actions that had brought on the Exile in the first place.

The Exile was a judgment on Israelite idolatry: “[T]hey were unfaithful to the God of their fathers and prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land” (v. 25). They abandoned the One who had given them victory and turned to the conquered idols instead—sin is often irrational in this way. In so doing, they broke two of the Ten Commandments (see today's verse). They violated their intimate relationship with God, as the metaphor of prostitution shows, though He intended them to be His pure bride (Isa. 61:10).

God sovereignly knows and rules all. He saw and judged righteously, and used a pagan king as the instrument of judgment. And so, despite their military prowess, they were defeated by their own sin and deported to foreign lands (cf. 2 Kings 17:7-20).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you find yourself swept up in the “cheating culture,” willing to sacrifice integrity and obedience for “success”? If success is defined apart from God, it's really a deceptive form of idolatry. These are serious sins that God does not take lightly, as our passage today demonstrates. Repent of anything that you hold above the favor of God, ask Him for forgiveness, and renew your loyalty to Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 9:22-33
I . . . delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. - Colossians 2:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Church government in modern times can take many forms, depending on your denomination or tradition. Do you refer to your main leader as “pastor,” “reverend,” “teacher,” or simply call him by his first name? Is there a “church board” or a “council of elders”? Are leaders “appointed,” “elected,” or “called”? Is the authority structure hierarchical or cooperative? How is church discipline practiced (or not)? However churches structure themselves, some form of ecclesiastical organization is essential to the smooth running of all the things your church does.

When the Jewish exiles returned to their homeland, in many ways they needed to start over in reorganizing their national religious life. Here's the timeline: the return had begun under Cyrus about 538 b.c., with the temple rebuilt by about 516 b.c. This marked the end of the seventy years of captivity, which had begun about 586 b.c. Ezra arrived with the second wave of returnees under Artaxerxes, followed by Nehemiah in about 444 b.c. The system of priests, Levites, and sacrifices had been on hold through the Exile (cf. Ps. 137)—but as the genealogies show, people had been keeping track. These facts were, after all, at the core of their national identity. How appropriate on this Fourth of July, when we reflect on our identity as a nation, to be reading about how Israel rediscovered and reconstituted its own national identity. In this context, a description of religious duties is richly meaningful. The mention of activities such as mixing spices for incense, polishing the temple furnishings, or baking showbread told the original audience that the sacred dimensions of their national life were ready to begin again, that the covenant relationship with God could be renewed.

Today's verse reminds us that God loves order in worship because He Himself is a God of order. “Order” is not a cold quality but a warm virtue, something our Lord delights in, and part of His righteousness that works against sinfulness and disorder (James 3:16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
On a smaller scale, we might imitate the organization of the Levites in our family or small group devotions or Bible study times. For example, in addition to a leader, other roles might include an artist, who makes a passage come alive through reading, drama, visual art, or music; an encourager, who makes sure all group members feel involved; an historian, who takes responsibility for historical and cultural background; and a connector, who offers ideas for contemporary applications of truths studied.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 10:1-14
Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. - 1 Chronicles 10:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Shakespeare's famous play, King Lear, the king made the error of listening to the self-serving flattery of his two older daughters rather than the loving rebuke of his youngest. Most of the drama then relentlessly shows the cascading consequences of his choice—consequences that include betrayal, civil war, a kingdom in chaos, extreme suffering, and death. Too late, Lear saw the truth—not only who had genuinely loved him, but also the sinful pride that had governed his perceptions and decisions.

Like Lear, King Saul found himself a tragic victim of his own sinful choices, as summed up in today's verse. Chapter 10 begins the historical narrative of Chronicles and serves as both a prelude and a contrast to David's story that follows.

At the end of a losing battle against the Philistines, Saul chose to kill himself rather than face capture. He was right to fear the enemy's abuse, for when they found his body they hung his head in their god's temple as a trophy of victory. The brave men of Jabesh Gilead, however, demonstrated courage and respect by rescuing the bodies of Saul and his sons and giving them proper burials (cf. 2 Sam. 2:4-7).

Saul's death had multiple causes. He fell on his sword—that's the physical cause. But although it appears that he was in control at the very end of his life, in reality his death also had a spiritual dimension. In the big picture, God, the sovereign King of the universe, had judged and punished Saul: “the Lord put him to death” (v. 14). We may not fully understand the relationship between our choices and God's sovereignty, but as Moses had warned the covenant people long before: “[Y]ou may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23).

Despite their troubled history, David didn't rejoice over Saul's death, even though he surely knew that he would now become king. Instead he recognized the tragedy and lamented, “Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen!” (2 Sam. 1:19).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The negative examples in Scripture, like Saul, are not usually as thrilling to study as the positive role models. If we believe that all Scripture is given for our benefit and instruction, then we have something to learn from the sad tale of Saul. His kingly career had so much promise at the beginning, but his continuous lack of obedience had devastating consequences for his career, his family, and his own life. Our calling, no matter what the ministry, does not allow us to behave any way we want. God continues to demand obedience.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 5:1-4
Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? - Psalm 2:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Every November 5 the people of Britain observe an unusual celebration. They make an effigy, called a “guy,” and set it on fire as they celebrate with fireworks. This strange custom commemorates the foiled attempt on the life of King James I in 1605, when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the English Parliament with thirty-six barrels of gunpowder. The assassination plot was thwarted and the conspiracy that surrounded it uncovered when one of the conspirators wrote a letter to a friend warning him not to attend Parliament that day.

In Psalm 2 the psalmist writes of a larger conspiracy against a greater sovereign using language that echoes the rebellion of Pharaoh, described in today's Scripture passage. Like those in the psalm, Pharaoh took a stand against Israel's God. His spirit of rebellion was epitomized by the question of Exodus 5:2: “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go?”

This same question is repeated by all who refuse to acknowledge the authority of God's Word. According to Psalm 2:4, the Lord is not impressed with such bravado, nor does He tolerate it for long. Pharaoh learned from tragic experience that the Lord has ultimate authority over all mankind, even those who do not recognize His sovereignty. The fact that Pharaoh did not acknowledge the authority of God did not mean that he was free from the obligation of obedience. As creator, the God of Moses was Lord of the nations long before He was the Lord of Israel. His word is binding upon all mankind.

This truth is the foundation of all missionary effort. The church seeks to reach every tribe, tongue, and nation with the message of salvation because God's Word “commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). The church's urgency in carrying this command to the nations is fueled by the knowledge that God has also “set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed” (Acts 17:31). Obedience to the truth is not optional, and God has consistently demonstrated that He will punish rebellion.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Spend some time today praying for the rulers of those nations that have not yet acknowledged the authority of Christ. A good resource for guiding your prayer is the book Operation World compiled by Patrick Johnstone and published by Gabriel Resources. This valuable tool will give you insight into the political and spiritual climate of the world's nations and can be a strategic guide when praying for unreached peoples. You may also visit the Operation World Web site at www.gmi.org/ow/ for a list of countries that need your prayer today.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 11:10-25
It is God who arms me with strength. . . . He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. - Psalm 18:32, 34
TODAY IN THE WORD
Late one night, bomb squad police officers Danny McGuire and Jerry Farrell were called to the scene of an explosion. A live pipe bomb was still on the floor next to a dead body in a badly damaged apartment. Under the circumstances, the two men couldn't wear their bulky, protective bomb suits or even move around freely. Nonetheless, they went in and successfully disarmed the bomb. McGuire's citation for the Superintendent's Award of Valor, the Chicago Police Department's highest honor, called it a “selfless act of bravery.”

Danny McGuire Jr., also a police officer, agreed: “He disregarded his own safety so he could help other people. The reason I'm a police officer is because I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps. My whole life, I have wanted to be like him. Other kids looked up to sports heroes. I looked up to my dad.”

The world needs more true heroes. David's “mighty men” qualify! They were the king's elite forces, military leaders, and personal bodyguards. That's why many were non-Israelites; in that day, it was common for rulers to employ foreigners as bodyguards so that they would be loyal to him alone and couldn't be used in political plots or coups. The exploits described in today's reading exemplify the fact that God was blessing David and giving him victory on every side. The nation's source of strength was ultimately not military but spiritual.

The best story is found in verses 15-19. “The Three” risked their lives to go on a daring raid against the Philistines. At one level, their actions appear foolhardy, for all they did was fetch water, but perhaps they genuinely wanted to honor the king. In any case, David honored both them and the Lord by pouring out the water as a drink offering. His action thanked God for preserving the men's lives, hailed their courage and devotion to the king . . . and probably warned them to choose their missions more wisely in the future!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Speaking of heroes, who has been a model or mentor in your life? How has this person helped “arm” you for victory on the battlefield of life? Which qualities or biblical virtues do they possess that you most admire and want to grow in? How have they helped you develop and mature in your daily walk with the Lord? Reflect on these questions, then write a note of appreciation. If you can't think of anyone, ask God to put such a person in your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 12:16-22
Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you. - 1 Chronicles 12:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
War Letters: Extraordinary Correspondence from American Wars is a collection of more than 200 letters written by soldiers of all ranks over the last 150 years. “Every day these letters are getting thrown away or lost,” said the editor. “This is a tragedy. They are the first unfiltered draft of history. To me this is the great unknown literature of the American people.” The director of a PBS documentary based on the book added, “There's a drama that happens in war that's like no other. The soldiers are so close to death that they talk about the things that are most important to them. In the letters, you're looking into people's souls.”

David's success in war testified to the fact that God's hand was with him—it was as if his army were “the army of God” (v. 22). The returned exiles, the original recipients of this book of Chronicles, needed the encouragement of remembering these “glory days,” while modern readers can learn from the principle that faithfulness and obedience are every believer's strength.

Not much is known about Amasai, except that he was later among David's “mighty men.” By the Holy Spirit, Amasai recognized that joining David meant joining God (v. 18). While the Spirit didn't indwell believers in Old Testament times, He did come upon selected people on specific occasions in order to send special messages or empower them for important deeds or acts of service. We also know, of course, that the Spirit inspired the prophets and other writers of Scripture (Heb. 1:1-2).

“The army of God” is probably a host of angels. God is often pictured in Scripture as a mighty warrior—for example, in Exodus 15, when Moses and the Israelites praised Him for the miraculous victory over the Egyptians at the Red Sea. A common biblical title for God is better translated “Lord of hosts,” a phrase that the niv translates as “Lord Almighty.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Trusting in God's strength is the only way to true spiritual victory. If you wish, memorize one or more Bible verses to remind yourself of this fact. A good place to start is Philip- pians 4:13: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Another helpful verse is 1 Corinthians 1:25: “The weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.” Other good choices for Scripture memorization include Psalm 20:7-8; Psalm 44:1-8; and Psalm 118:14-16.