I Can Live Above My Challenges!

Along The Way:   King Asa of Judah

1 Kings 15; 1 Chronicles 15

A light in the darkness! This is a good way to describe the reign of King Asa. He was one of eight good kings who sat upon the throne of Judah. There were 19 kings who ruled Judah, plus one queen. He reigned for 41 years. The Lord blessed his efforts, but he was “not perfect” as his forefather King David. He was zealous and a striking example that community does not have to dictate a person’s outcome. His grandfather was Jeroboam (the first king of Judah), who did evil. His father was Abijah, who followed his father’s footstep (Jeroboam), also committing evil in God’s sight. Living with such examples (community), it would be expected that the son would follow the father’s lead; but Asa chose to “do good and right in the sight of the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 14:2). 

Jeroboam – He started strong, finished a failure.

Along The Way - Jeroboam 

1 Kings 13-14

Then Jeroboam said in his heart “Now the kingdom will return to the house of David” (12:26).  This was the beginning of the end for Jeroboam.  This man had a bright future.  He was identified as a leader by King Solomon, and from humble beginnings promoted to a superintendent over the labor force of the tribe of Joseph (1 Kings 11:28). His story is the story of many believers who started strong but took a turn when their heart became corrupted.  

Central to faithful Christian living is obedience to the Word of God and an unwavering love for God.

God appointed Jeroboam to be King of the Northern tribes after the death of Solomon. He ran well at the beginning, but became self-centered. In wanting the glory for himself and security of his position, Jeroboam built shrines and symbols of worship (two golden calves), instituted  and sanctioned worship back in high places throughout the land, rendered the Levitical priesthood ineffective by appointing ordinary citizens as priests, ordered worship in Bethel and Dan versus Jerusalem.  He even made himself high priest. Later we see Jeroboam raising his hand at God’s prophet when confronted about his sins. In response, God struck him with temporary paralysis.  Surely, pride leads to a fall.

It is important that God’s leaders lead righteously. The future of nations, cities, churches and homes are at stake. Jeroboam’s actions caused the people to sin. He too had the opportunity for an enduring kingdom, but God’s judgment was sure – His entire family was wiped out (1 Kings 14:10 -11). 

We should guard our hearts to prevent God’s displeasure upon our own lives, our families and our ministries.

References:

The Life Application Study Bible (NASB). The United States of America: Zondervan (2000)

Smith, J. The History of Israel. Joplin, MO: College Press (1995)

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King Solomon's Downfall

Along The Way – King Solomon’s Downfall

1 Kings 11   (Written by Kevin A. Hall    06.21.17) 

King Solomon departed from God. He strayed from his relationship and his duty. In his later years, the impact of his small allowances and compromises weighed heavily upon his life. The glory of his kingdom faded away as “his many wives turned his heart away after other gods and his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been” (11:4). 

He started humbly, but over time Solomon violated three stipulations for a king of Israel: He multiplied wives (700 wives, princesses and 300 concubines); He multiplied horses (1400 chariots, 12,000 cavalry troops and control of horse trading in the region); and He multiplied wealth (from taxes, tributes, revenues, gifts and the return from naval expeditions). Solomon had become proud and distant from God. His defection from faith was slow but sure.

Small Allowances - King Solomon

Along The Way – Solomon’s Small Allowances?

(Written by Kevin A. Hall   06.20.17)

At the onset of King Solomon’s reign we notice three very important factors that defined the rest of Solomon’s life: (1) Solomon loved the Lord; (2) Solomon marries the daughter of Pharaoh (a proselyte) and (3) Solomon sacrificed and burnt incense on the high places (1 Kings 3:1-3). Yet, we must not overlook items 2 & 3.  Unlike his brother Adonijah or even Absalom, Solomon was peaceful and very religious. He was committed to walking in the footsteps of his father David (1 Kings 3:3), but unlike his father, he allowed and practiced the worship of Yahweh in the high places. Although these high places were “consecrated to the worship of Yahweh” (Logos), they were prohibited by the Law (Lev. 17:3). The temple had not yet been built, but the tent (in which David worshipped) was available.  Smith says “God winked at this imperfection” (420). Solomon participated in this type of worship. David did not.

 While the marriage was not unlawful, would he have been a “stronger man” had he not married a foreign woman? These two acts were not unlawful, but long term, they were not helpful. Not because God is silent on an issue does it mean it is beneficial or right for the believer. One would think God sanctioned worship at the high places as he accepted Solomon’s sacrifices (2 Chron. 1:3), but we still cannot overlook Solomon’s allowances. Small allowances can be damaging to our relationship with God. As believers, we should be mindful of these “simple allowances”.  Looking over own life, the many “simple allowances” I’ve entertained over the years, it begs me to consider how different my own life would be if I had made different choices. Ok, so Solomon made a strategic choice – Peace for the kingdom; make an alliance with Pharaoh. Beneficial, right?  He later married countless foreign wives who led his heart astray from God.

King David and His Pride

Along The Way – King David’s Pride

David is experiencing rest, having endured the rebellion of his son Absalom. He unnecessarily calls for a census. God allowed him to be tempted by the Devil, to which he yielded (24:1). At this stage in his life (one of relative ease and peace) David was dealing with pride – his pride drove him to call for the numbering of his people. During times of comfort and rest when there is seemingly a limited need of God, we are often drawn away by the lure of Satan. David took the bait. His friend, confidant and army commander Joab questioned his actions, asking “Why does my Lord have need of this thing”? It is a good thing to have people in our lives who can question our motives and possible be the source of escape from painful choices. Unfortunately the king did not listen; his will prevailed over Joab’s objection.

Kings, leaders, government officials, pastors can be caught up in sin and make decisions that affect many. We are encouraged to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Often those in leadership consider themselves accountable to no one. David’s sin caused a pestilence upon the land. Over 70, 000 people died within a few hours because of David’s action (Henry). Yet, this judgment led the king to identify his disconnect from God. He immediately owned up to his sin, blaming himself, pleading for mercy on the innocent “sheep”; “Punish me and my father’s house” (paraphrased 24:17). Once again we see God’s mercy expressed – There was an immediate stay of the death angel’s hand. God will answer the prayers of the broken, contrite and repentant. He is no respecter of status or persons.

References:

Matthew Henry Commentary. II Samuel 24. Retrieved from: http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/2-samuel/24.html

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Yes, But How?

Samson – Who God Appoints Is His Prerogative!

Along The Way - Samson 

 (Written by Kevin Hall   06.13.17)

Samson was blessed by God with super-human strength for the specific purpose of “beginning the deliverance of God’s people from the hands of the Philistines” (Judges 13:15). In the account of Samson we see the mind of God using foolish things, faith-less, even unfaithful people to accomplish his purposes. In our day, Samson would not be first choice for leadership. He was often hot-tempered, impetuous and brawling. He was “often controlled by his sensual desires” (Smith, 182) – This would certainly disqualify him from Christian leadership.

Yet, from birth, God chose Samson and equipped him for His purposes. Samson, despite his foolish gestures, riddles, brawls accomplished God’s will to “deliver the people from Philistine oppression”. Through trial and error, he faithfully executed that task for 20 years (maybe not according to the expectations of many). I believe God would have used him mightily if he was a man of prayer and faith.

Toward the end of his life Samson repented and made peace with God. His hair began to grow back (Judges 16:22). This means God granted him favor. God will forgive and restore anyone who calls upon His name. This prepared him for his final act.  He was summoned by the Philistines to a house where over 3000 men and women gathered. It is here Samson prayed for strength and revenge. God granted his wish and he died with all the Philistines present. It is never too late to ask for forgiveness, and it is never too late to be used by God. Samson was never perfect, but he was faithful to God’s call. This is a valued lesson for all believers.

References:

Smith, J. The History of Israel. Joplin, MO: College Press (1995).

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King David And His Indulgences

A Daily Walk - Along The Way:  King David

(06.11.17)

King David “grew greater and greater, for the Lord of Host was with Him” (2 Samuel 5:10). The Lord was pleased with David and caused his kingdom to grow. In this I find a God who considers the totality of a person. The Lord loved David. There was nothing in David’s life that was hidden from God – this includes his moral indulgences. David was a womanizer, still “a man after God’s own heart”. This is no excuse for sinful living, but his life serves as an example for every believer in the pursuit of God. Even before David took the throne, he was already adding to his wives. 

One wife is enough! "Believe Me! 

This has been God's plan from the beginning (Genesis 2:20-25). By the time we get to Hebron, when king David assumes the throne, the word of God states “Meanwhile, David took more wives and concubines from Jerusalem…” (5:13). David had a weakness that was never satisfied. He followed the example of many leaders before him. Some of these marriages were for territorial alliances, but regardless of the reason, we cannot ignore God’s guidelines and expect a blessed outcome.

                A King of Israel was encouraged not to “multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away” (Deut. 17:17). David ignored this part of God’s word and it brought him tremendous pain in the latter part of his life. Not because it has been done, does it mean it is profitable. This principle still applies to us today and should be an ecclesiological consideration for ministry and life. Not because things seemingly are blessed, does it mean God agrees with everything I do. David was a godly man, a man after God's own heart; but his life reminds me that none of us are perfect. The journey of life is filled with indulgences and compromises. The question is - Do we continue in sin because we know God is grace-full? The Lord was with king David, so too with all Christians. God loved David, so too all Christians. Hey, He died for us! (John 3:16) But rest assured, He will not turn a blind eye to disregard for holy living. If we are honest, he shows that compromises can lead to great pain. David became a recipient of the seeds he planted - read the last half of his story; a life filled with internal turmoil.

            My encouragement as we Walk Along The Way: Consider our beloved David. His love for God was exemplary. He was one of a few men in the Bible of whom it was written "The Lord was with him". I love that he shows how imperfect we all are. We will be imperfect till the day Jesus returns and gives us a new body (Hebrews 10:9-10). But till then - watch out for those compromises. Watch out for those indulgences. They can become our undoing. It was the Apostle Paul who said "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:7-9).

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Women in Leadership - Deborah & Barak

Along The Way – Deborah & Barak In Shared Leadership                     Judges 4

(Written by Kevin A. Hall    05.26.17)

A few weeks ago, I read a portion of scripture in which the Apostle Paul gave instructions to the church about women in leadership roles. In 1 Timothy 2:12 he states, “I do not permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet”. Now this verse got me thinking…Is this a broad statement? Does this apply only to this one occasion that Paul was concerned about? Many in our churches use this text as proof of male only leadership. While this writing will not address this issue, I have since then found numerous times in which the Lord shows His heart for the contribution of women to His Mission. In so many instances we see Him empowering women to lead the charge, and quite a few times, the men were absent. I can think of Lydia who was the first European convert of the Apostle Paul who became a key figure in the New Testament Church (Acts 16). She was the leader of the women in worship by the river. He was seeking out a place of worship as was his custom. Wherever there were 10 families, a synagogue was found. However, these women met by the river. Lydia and the rest of the women displayed their faith as unrecognized religions were prohibited in the city of Philippi. Where were the men? In the absence of men, our courageous women have no choice but to step up! God bless our very gifted women of whom many are gifted above men. I am currently assisting a church here in Andros Bahamas and one thing is clear - there are no men in the church. The church I attend has a male pastor, a male musician (part time) and a male elder who is advanced in age . It is the women who are playing the role of pastors, assistant pastors, evangelists and teachers.

                To this end, I find Deborah. This woman of God was in position during a time when the people of God had lost their faith.

Consider the 3 Dimensions of Relationship Building

About Relationships – Pursuing God

(Written by Kevin A Hall   05.2017)

These past months have given me cause to reevaluate the impact of my life. It is true what they say, “When you get older, your priorities change”. What of the years I spent pursuing selfish dreams? How about futile relationships?   How about attempts to reach high up the corporate ladder? How about now, having passed the 40-year mark…Is my marriage what I envisioned it to be? What of my sisters and brothers…Do they really know me? And then, most importantly…What of my relationship with God? The day I decided to quit my job in pursuit of Christ was a landmark moment in my life. I never told anyone this but I share it today – I lived and breathed “work”. I wanted nothing but excellence! And I achieved much of my goals. Yet, there is always some force to contend with in relationships. My last boss was selfish. He wanted to make a name for himself, but at whose expense? I played along with the game as best as I could, yet, months in, I realized this was a dead end struggle. I was determined not to lose my sanity in the process. It was during this time that I found solace in spending more time with God. I felt God’s call to connect with Him on a deeper level – a deeper level. It was clear as daylight that it was time to leave the job. The phone call was not difficult. The difficult part was leaving years of toil and sweat and successes, and hopes and dreams and relationships, even failures behind. I really loved what I was doing. But it was time to go. Since that phone call, and I remember it well (June 18, 2016 @ 2:10 pm) it feels like I have achieved in one year, more than I have in the past 10 years. I attribute the achievements to one thing – The Intentional Pursuit Of Christ. To that end, I have been reading simultaneously two books related to Spiritual Disciplines. Here are some takeaways on cultivating relationships:

Mike Breene introduced the concept of a Life Shape – consistency in maintaining and developing relationships. The triangle outlined 3 dimensions of relationships: UP – as it relates to God; IN – as it relates to those in our circles; OUT – as it relates to those around us.