Scott Lane

Inventory

Re:Verse reading—Psalm 27 (day five)

Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.

Do you ever take time to do an emotional and spiritual inventory?

List the real things that are going on in your heart, soul, and mind- tensions, stresses, conflicts, pressures, fears, and uncertainties. Don’t stop there, list the experiences, promises, and potential that result from an authentic trust and friendship with God- search the scriptures, sermon notes, and journal entries.

One of David’s inventories is found in Psalm 27. “I feel this- God promises that. I see this- God has provided that. I have experienced this, God acts and wills that.”

What David discovers is that God’s side of the inventory causes him to understand better God’s love and leadership. And David’s conclusion is that God’s promises and care for the human race are vastly different from current and past circumstances and emotions- deeper, longer, higher. The result is courage, joy, peace, and hope.

Conclusion

Re:Verse reading—Psalm 23 (day five)

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life”. David doesn’t jump to any wild conclusions about God’s care, character, or interaction with His children. Instead, after reflection and careful observation, David becomes convinced of God’s nearness and willingness to constantly supply goodness and mercy. David has considered his own experiences and has held them up against God’s promises. They have matched up perfectly. So, David concludes with certainty and decisiveness (SURELY) that God is eagerly pursuing us to demonstrate His pleasure in doing good and showing mercy.

What conclusions can you make about God and the christian life based on your own experiences and God’s promises?

Share/Speak

Re:Verse reading–2 Kings 5 (day five)

The encouragement and testimony of a Jewish slave girl were a catalyst for the events in 2 Kings 5. She gave testimony of what she believed and pointed others to God (thru His prophet). Her words were humble, confident, and offered hope.

Do we encourage others with this same attitude and approach? We can and should regularly share our experience with God (His goodness and faithfulness to us) with those around us. We can and should share what we believe about the Living God. Our story and our faith will offer encouragement, hope, and “life”to those around us each and every day.

“but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” 1 Peter 3:15

“He then answered, “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25

Perspective

Re:Verse reading–Ruth 2:1-12, 17-23; 4:1-14 (day five)

So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. She also took it out and gave Naomi what she had left after she was satisfied.

Ruth’s perspective was to work faithfully in the midst of her current circumstances. Ruth’s assignment was to serve and minister to Naomi. Not a grand and lofty venture, but a calling Ruth felt was given to her. Where has God placed you in this season of life? Has He called you to work and minister? Will you serve Him and others with passion and joy? That was Ruth’s perspective. It was pleasing to the Lord and to others

For the Christian there is always a connection between the ordinary events of life and the stupendous work of God in history. Everything we do in obedience to God, no matter how small, is significant. It is part of a cosmic mosaic which God is painting to display the greatness of His power and wisdom. – John Piper

Sin

Re:Verse reading–Genesis 37:14-28, 50:15-21 (day five)

Genesis 50:18 “Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.””‭‭

We see in genesis 50 the real damage and effects of sin: broken relationships, guilt and shame, and internal conflict. Left unconfessed and unchecked, the sin of Joseph’s brothers had wrecked them for years. They had no place to go or turn in their poverty and despair. Do you think they really believed that their sin against Joseph and then their deception of their father would ruin their lives, relationships, and long term future? The truth is “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay”. Ravi Zaccharias

The solution- confession and repentance. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭

Discipleship

Re:Verse reading–Genesis 22:1-19 (day five)

And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together.

As parents, one of our tasks is to disciple our children- to share our faith (testimonies and truths about a loving and faithful God). There is a trust and willingness in Issac to honor his dad’s leadership and spiritual instruction. No microwave solution for this kind of discipleship and trust. Years of faithful teaching and daily examples led to this kind of response from Issac. His question is honest, insightful and gives a glimpse into a meaningful relationship with his father. Abraham’s answer is powerful and prophetic. “God will provide the Lamb”. Parents/Grandparents begin now to daily and faithfully disciple the next generation. They will learn how to love and trust God because they will watch and listen to you. You have the wonderful opportunity to speak and model the powerful and prophetic to them.

Lacking

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 28:3-20; 31:1-6 (day five)

At the end, Saul’s life is empty, miserable, and meaningless. It is lacking. What is missing?

Trust in God. He chooses to follow his own path over and over rather than follow God’s guidance. It was a trust issue. Saul was always looking for a solution rather than trying to find the Lord Himself.

Satisfaction in God. Saul was never content. Being God’s king was never enough. He was restless to get more wealth and monuments instead of destroying the Amalekites. He was not at peace with being God’s king in the moment, rather he tried to secure his future instead of being fulfilled in his current role as king.

Both of these missing pieces lead us to the ultimate conclusion, Saul did not know God. Regardless of his spiritual fervor, Saul’s lack of trust and satisfaction reveal a heart that is unaware of God’s gracious love and His strength and power.

Example

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 25:1-34 (day five) I often ask this question to help find meaning and application in scripture, “Is there and example for me to avoid or follow?” In this passage, David provides both. His reaction to Nabal’s insult is highly emotional. David has quickly forgotten the lesson he learned and taught his soldiers in chapter 24 (the provision and sovereignty of God). We should respond not react to unkindness and lack of respect. However, David gets it right just a few verses later. He is willing to listen and learn from Abigail. He is teachable, approachable, and hears the Lord in her humble plea. May we listen for the Lord in the words of others. May we recognize that the Lord will use the counsel and perspective of those around us to help us hear His voice and will.

Patient Perspective

Re:Verse reading–1 Samuel 24 (day five) All of the pieces seemed to have come together. The tension and suffering could be over. God was delivering Saul to David. Saul was within his grasp. Yet, David rightly understood the timing was wrong. How was David so patient in waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled? How can we be as patient while we wait on the Lord? A look at David’s journal might give us insight. Many scholars believe David wrote Psalm 57 while in the cave. It was David’s view of God that was the key. David saw God as sovereign (Psalm 57:2- “God who fulfills his purpose for me”). David constantly pictured God’s love (Psalm 57:3- “God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!”). David viewed God as greater than any circumstance (Psalm 57:5- “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!”). David’s perspective allowed him to trust and discern God’s timing.

Try it!! “God is bigger/better than _______________.

Accountability

Re:Verse reading— 1 Samuel 20:1-17, 30-42 (day five)

“What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?”1 Samuel 20:1

I believe that David knew the answers to the questions, but he wanted/trusted Jonathan to tell him the truth. He lived in accountability with Jonathan. Who do you trust to enough to ask the hard questions of you? (money, motives, purity, honesty, sin, temptation) Who hears your completely honest responses? Just the Lord? Is that a conversation that only happens in your prayer closet? A mentor? A close friend of the same gender? A spouse? A parent? There’s something humbling and freeing about hearing your own voice ask and answer the questions. Humility and freedom- two qualities of a heart that belongs to God. Accountability is a part of God’s provision for discipleship and holiness. Will you look for a “trusted truth-teller”? Will you ask and answer the tough questions with them?