I Chronicles 27-29 David has organized all of the Levites for service in the temple. He has organized and made plans for the building of the temple. He has gathered every material needed. He organized a rotation of troops, 24,000 in each division, for each month of the year. David appointed overseers for all of the crops, herds, and other assets of his kingdom. Then David commits it all into the hands of his 20 year old son, Solomon.
David charges Solomon to "know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever." (28:9)
David assembles all of the leaders, princes of the tribes, commanders etc together and explains all that God has revealed to him. "All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in written by His hand upon me, all the details of this pattern." ( 28:19). Then David prays. ( 29:10-18)
First, David blesses the Lord. " Thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Tine is the dominion, O Lord, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all." He recognizes God's power and might as the source of all strength.
Then, David gives thanks and praise. David emphasizes that everything that he has and that all Israel has received, has come from the Hand of God. "O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build Thee a house for Thy holy name, it is from Thy hand, and all is Thine."
Next, David renews and confirms his commitment and devotion to the Lord, " Since I know, O my God, that Thou tries the heart and delights in uprightness, I, in the integrity of my heart, have willingly offered all these things; so now with joy I have seen Thy people, who are present here, make their offerings willingly to Thee." ( 29:17)
Finally, David makes 2 requests. The first request is that the Lord would "preserve this forever in the intentions of the heart of Thy people, and direct their heart to Thee." The second request follows, "and give to my son Solomon a perfect heart to keep Thy commandments, Thy testimonies and Thy statutes, and to do them all and to build the temple, for which I have made provision." (v18-19)
The next day sacrifices are offered and they celebrate with gladness. Solomon is once again anointed ruler and takes the seat on David's throne.
"Then he died in a ripe old age, full of days, riches,and honor; and his son Solomon reigned in his place."
As the Chronicler finishes this history lesson on David, it is fitting that he reveals David's heart for the Lord with this prayer. David's joy was found in seeing his people willing to give their all to the Lord. His charge to Solomon and his prayer for him were for his walk with God, not for any physical successes.
Truth - We tend to pray for the physical needs of people way more than we do for their spiritual needs. We need to learn from David and pray more that people would " direct their heart(s)" to the Lord and that the Lord would grant them "a perfect heart to keep " His Word.
Father in heaven, We bless Your Name. Yours is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, the majesty and the dominion over all heaven and earth. Everything is Yours. We thank You and praise Your glorious name. Lord God, we delight in seeing Your children who are walking in Your truth and light. Father, we pray for those who do not serve You with whole hearts and willing minds. Oh, Lord, may they seek You and find You. Please direct their hearts to You. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
I Chronicles 22-23 David declares that the temple will be built at the place he purchased from Ornan. He prepares hewn stones, timber, gold, silver, iron, and bronze for the future construction which will be led by Solomon. David also prepares the Levites for the service that they will render in the temple. Because they will no longer have to carry the tent and furnishings, the responsibilities will be different from those assigned during the exodus. They will still be in charge of the building itself, but they will focus more on worship and ministry. They had to keep all of the holy things pure. They had to bake and present the showbread. They had to mix, measure, and prepare the offerings. "And they are to stand every morning to thank and to praise the Lord, and likewise at evening." (v30)
Chapters 24-25 Aaron had 4 sons. The first 2 died in the wilderness. Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. Their descendants, at the time of David, were Zadok ( of Eleazar) and Ahimelech ( of Ithamar's line). These two assisted David in the division of the Levites in to groups for service. There were 24 groups of officers and 24 groups of musicians.
Chapter 26 The gatekeepers were divided into groups also. Some were assigned to the east gate, some to the north, south, ( this group also were in charge of the storehouse), and to the west. The east gate had 6 Levites; the north had 4, the south had 4, the storehouse had 2. On the west, 4 stood at the highway and 2 at the Parbar. We are told that these were "mighty men of valor" and "able men with strength for service".
A particular group of Levites were put in charge of the treasury. A descendant of Moses' son Gershom was the officer in charge of this treasury. Another of Moses' line, Shelomoth and his family were in charge of "dedicated gifts".
Another group were put in charge of "outside duties". These acted as judges and officers. Some Hebronites, who were "capable men" were put in charge of the "affairs of Israel west of the Jordan". Another group of Hebronites who were men of "outstanding capability" were put in charge of the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan, "concerning all the affairs of God and of the king." ( v32)
Truth - Although Solomon is known as the wisest man, David was extremely knowledgeable and wise in his own right. God gifted David with many skills. He was a warrior, a musician, a leader, and a builder. His heart was always seeking after God and he was faithful in pursuing ways to honor Him. David showed his love for God as he prepared for the building of the temple and the organization of those who would minister there.
Father, may we be wise in seeking to serve You with all our hearts according to the gifts that You have given us. May I serve You faithfully every day in whatever ministry that You put me in. I give You thanks and praise! Amen.
Chapters 24-25 Aaron had 4 sons. The first 2 died in the wilderness. Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. Their descendants, at the time of David, were Zadok ( of Eleazar) and Ahimelech ( of Ithamar's line). These two assisted David in the division of the Levites in to groups for service. There were 24 groups of officers and 24 groups of musicians.
Chapter 26 The gatekeepers were divided into groups also. Some were assigned to the east gate, some to the north, south, ( this group also were in charge of the storehouse), and to the west. The east gate had 6 Levites; the north had 4, the south had 4, the storehouse had 2. On the west, 4 stood at the highway and 2 at the Parbar. We are told that these were "mighty men of valor" and "able men with strength for service".
A particular group of Levites were put in charge of the treasury. A descendant of Moses' son Gershom was the officer in charge of this treasury. Another of Moses' line, Shelomoth and his family were in charge of "dedicated gifts".
Another group were put in charge of "outside duties". These acted as judges and officers. Some Hebronites, who were "capable men" were put in charge of the "affairs of Israel west of the Jordan". Another group of Hebronites who were men of "outstanding capability" were put in charge of the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan, "concerning all the affairs of God and of the king." ( v32)
Truth - Although Solomon is known as the wisest man, David was extremely knowledgeable and wise in his own right. God gifted David with many skills. He was a warrior, a musician, a leader, and a builder. His heart was always seeking after God and he was faithful in pursuing ways to honor Him. David showed his love for God as he prepared for the building of the temple and the organization of those who would minister there.
Father, may we be wise in seeking to serve You with all our hearts according to the gifts that You have given us. May I serve You faithfully every day in whatever ministry that You put me in. I give You thanks and praise! Amen.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
I Chronicles 18-20 David is a warrior king. He fought continually with the Philistines. He defeated Moab and Hadadezer, king of Zobah. He fought the Arameans and the Ammonites, the Edomites and the Amalekites. Battle after battle, David and his army subdued the enemies of Israel. David also collected a great amount of silver, bronze, and gold from those cities that they overcame.
Chapter 21 David orders Joab to conduct a census of the people of Israel, which Joab reluctantly does. For some reason this was "abhorrent" to Joab and considered a sin to the Lord. The Bible Knowledge Commentary suggests that this was a matter of David putting his trust in the size of his military instead of in the Lord. David repented of his disobedience and the Lord gave him a choice of 3 consequences. David chose to place his fate in the hands of the Lord, " please let me fall in the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of men. "
So the Lord sends a plague on the land and over 70,000 men die. But something happens as the Angel of the Lord stands "between earth and heaven" near Jerusalem. David sees this Angel, and falls on his face in sackcloth, along with the elders. He asks the Lord to spare the people and take just him and his family. David is told to build an altar there on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. David buys the land from Ornan, builds the altar, and offers the sacrifices. The Lord accepts this, sending fire from heaven to burn up the offering on the altar. The plague is stopped there. From that point on this would be the site of worship to the Lord. Here is where the temple would be built.
Truth - God knew that David would sin. He knew what punishment David would choose. He knew that the land that Ornan had was the place where the temple would be built. We are told that this is the same place where Abraham took Isaac to offer as a sacrifice in obedience to God's command.
This is the place that God has chosen for His Name to dwell. In His timing we will see it again.
Father in Heaven, let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We ask for Your Kingdom to come! May Your Name be exalted over all the earth and may every knee bow before You. In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.
Chapter 21 David orders Joab to conduct a census of the people of Israel, which Joab reluctantly does. For some reason this was "abhorrent" to Joab and considered a sin to the Lord. The Bible Knowledge Commentary suggests that this was a matter of David putting his trust in the size of his military instead of in the Lord. David repented of his disobedience and the Lord gave him a choice of 3 consequences. David chose to place his fate in the hands of the Lord, " please let me fall in the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of men. "
So the Lord sends a plague on the land and over 70,000 men die. But something happens as the Angel of the Lord stands "between earth and heaven" near Jerusalem. David sees this Angel, and falls on his face in sackcloth, along with the elders. He asks the Lord to spare the people and take just him and his family. David is told to build an altar there on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. David buys the land from Ornan, builds the altar, and offers the sacrifices. The Lord accepts this, sending fire from heaven to burn up the offering on the altar. The plague is stopped there. From that point on this would be the site of worship to the Lord. Here is where the temple would be built.
Truth - God knew that David would sin. He knew what punishment David would choose. He knew that the land that Ornan had was the place where the temple would be built. We are told that this is the same place where Abraham took Isaac to offer as a sacrifice in obedience to God's command.
This is the place that God has chosen for His Name to dwell. In His timing we will see it again.
Father in Heaven, let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We ask for Your Kingdom to come! May Your Name be exalted over all the earth and may every knee bow before You. In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.
Monday, December 28, 2015
I Chronicles 17 David's house was finished and he desired to build a proper house for the the ark of the Lord. He takes his idea to Nathan, the prophet. At first Nathan says to " Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you." But, God has a different message for David.
God doesn't need a house. First of all, He is the One Who brought Israel up from Egypt. He is a God Who moves.. " I have gone from tent to tent and from one dwelling place to another.... I have walked with all Israel..I have been with you wherever you have gone. " ( v 5, 6, 8)
Secondly, He is a God Who does the leading and commanding ".. have I spoken a word with any of the judges of Israel, who I commanded to shepherd My people saying 'Why have you not built for Me a house of cedar?'" He "took (David) from the pasture from following the sheep, that you ( David) should be the leader over My people Israel."
It is God's choice to " make a name" for David; to "appoint a place" for Israel and to "plant them, that they may dwell in their own place and be moved no more."
The Lord will "build a house for" David, not the other way around. A kingdom will be established, a house will be built, and a throne will be established forever.
David's prayer is recorded in verses 16-27. " Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house that Thou hast brought me this far?" David is humbled before this great promise that God has revealed to Him. He receives the promise and then he stands upon it. "For Thou, O my God, hast revealed to Thy servant that Thou wilt build for him a house; therefore Thy servant hath found courage to pray before Thee. And now O Lord, Thou art God, and hast promised this good thing to Thy servant."
Truth - God's promises are precious and true. We can stand on them and believe. Faith takes hold of these promises, receives them and stands firm.
Father, You have given us Your Word, that we might believe and stand firm in this world, against all that the enemy throws at us. May we live fully in the light of Your Truth. Increase our knowledge of Your perfect will, with all spiritual wisdom and understanding , that we might walk in a manner worthy of Your calling and might please You in all respects. Thank You for Your infinite grace and mercy upon us. You have blessed us O Lord, now may Your Name be magnified forever and ever. Amen.
God doesn't need a house. First of all, He is the One Who brought Israel up from Egypt. He is a God Who moves.. " I have gone from tent to tent and from one dwelling place to another.... I have walked with all Israel..I have been with you wherever you have gone. " ( v 5, 6, 8)
Secondly, He is a God Who does the leading and commanding ".. have I spoken a word with any of the judges of Israel, who I commanded to shepherd My people saying 'Why have you not built for Me a house of cedar?'" He "took (David) from the pasture from following the sheep, that you ( David) should be the leader over My people Israel."
It is God's choice to " make a name" for David; to "appoint a place" for Israel and to "plant them, that they may dwell in their own place and be moved no more."
The Lord will "build a house for" David, not the other way around. A kingdom will be established, a house will be built, and a throne will be established forever.
David's prayer is recorded in verses 16-27. " Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house that Thou hast brought me this far?" David is humbled before this great promise that God has revealed to Him. He receives the promise and then he stands upon it. "For Thou, O my God, hast revealed to Thy servant that Thou wilt build for him a house; therefore Thy servant hath found courage to pray before Thee. And now O Lord, Thou art God, and hast promised this good thing to Thy servant."
Truth - God's promises are precious and true. We can stand on them and believe. Faith takes hold of these promises, receives them and stands firm.
Father, You have given us Your Word, that we might believe and stand firm in this world, against all that the enemy throws at us. May we live fully in the light of Your Truth. Increase our knowledge of Your perfect will, with all spiritual wisdom and understanding , that we might walk in a manner worthy of Your calling and might please You in all respects. Thank You for Your infinite grace and mercy upon us. You have blessed us O Lord, now may Your Name be magnified forever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
I Chronicles 16 David prepared a tent for the Ark. He also prepared men to be gatekeepers, singers, and priests that would offer the sacrifices. Some were given the ministry "before the ark of the Lord, even to celebrate and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel." (v4). Some were chosen "who were designated by name, to give thanks to the Lord, because His lovingkindness is everlasting." V41. Some played instruments - harps, lyres, cymbals, and trumpets.
Verses 8-22 are the same as Psalm 105:1-16.
Verses 23-31 are the same as Psalm 96:1b-10
This psalm of thanksgiving was a model of the psalms that Asaph and his brothers would write and offer before the Lord, " to minister before the ark continually, as every day's work required."
This song directs our hearts to actively worship:
Give thanks
Make known..
Sing to Him
Speak of all His wonders.
Glory in His Name
Be glad
Seek Him
Remember His deeds, His covenant;
God's people are called to sing and to proclaim, to tell and to praise; to fear and to ascribe; to bring offerings and to worship; to tremble and to rejoice. We give thanks and we pray for His salvation.
Truth: The Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting; His deeds are wonderful; He is glorious and strong. "The Lord reigns"!
Father in Heaven, Mighty God of all glory and holiness, You are worthy of all our praise and worship. Thank You for being kind to me. Thank You for every blessing that You have made ours.
Amen
Verses 8-22 are the same as Psalm 105:1-16.
Verses 23-31 are the same as Psalm 96:1b-10
This psalm of thanksgiving was a model of the psalms that Asaph and his brothers would write and offer before the Lord, " to minister before the ark continually, as every day's work required."
This song directs our hearts to actively worship:
Give thanks
Make known..
Sing to Him
Speak of all His wonders.
Glory in His Name
Be glad
Seek Him
Remember His deeds, His covenant;
God's people are called to sing and to proclaim, to tell and to praise; to fear and to ascribe; to bring offerings and to worship; to tremble and to rejoice. We give thanks and we pray for His salvation.
Truth: The Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting; His deeds are wonderful; He is glorious and strong. "The Lord reigns"!
Father in Heaven, Mighty God of all glory and holiness, You are worthy of all our praise and worship. Thank You for being kind to me. Thank You for every blessing that You have made ours.
Amen
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
I Chronicles 13-14 David, after consulting all the leaders among his men, assembles all of Israel to move the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. But, he does it the wrong way. They put it on a cart. When Uzza reaches out to steady the ark because of the oxen's unsteadiness, he angers the Lord and dies.
David becomes angry.. and afraid of God. He names this place "Perez-uzza" - the breakthrough of Uzza. David leaves the ark aside at the home of Obed-edom for 3 months.
Meanwhile David resumes building the kingdom. When Hiram, the king of Tyre sends gifts to David to build a house.. "David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel." David went up to fight against some Philistines who were raiding in the valley of Rephaim. First, inquiring of God, he was given victory. David says, "God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like the breakthrough of many waters." He names in Baal-perazim, the master of breakthroughs.
Chapter 15 - David built his palace and prepared a tent for the ark of the covenant. Then, he followed the Law of Moses, charging the Levites and priests to consecrate themselves properly so that they could carry the Ark the correct way. "Because you did not carry it at the first, the Lord our God made an outburst on us, for we did not seek Him according to the ordinance." (v13)
Breakthrough or breach is the same word translated as outburst. Its meaning is to burst out, open, break forth or make a gap. It can also mean scatter. It is God Who is the One who makes the breach in these events. He made a gap between Israel and His Ark, the place of His Name, because of their disobedience to His Word. But, He also made a breach between the Philistines and Israel as David obeyed the Lord.
Truth - there is a breach or gap between us and the Lord when we disobey His Word. Yet there is also a way that He separates us from the world as He sanctifies us, making a breach between us and our enemy, satan.
Father, forgive us our sins, those things that cause a breach between us and You. Thank You for the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed to cleanse us and make us whiter than snow. How merciful and good You are! Father, sanctify us through and through by Your Holy Spirit. May our spirits , souls, and bodies be preserved complete without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. For, faithful are You who calls us and Who will also bring it to pass. ( I Thess. 5:23-24) Amen.
David becomes angry.. and afraid of God. He names this place "Perez-uzza" - the breakthrough of Uzza. David leaves the ark aside at the home of Obed-edom for 3 months.
Meanwhile David resumes building the kingdom. When Hiram, the king of Tyre sends gifts to David to build a house.. "David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel." David went up to fight against some Philistines who were raiding in the valley of Rephaim. First, inquiring of God, he was given victory. David says, "God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like the breakthrough of many waters." He names in Baal-perazim, the master of breakthroughs.
Chapter 15 - David built his palace and prepared a tent for the ark of the covenant. Then, he followed the Law of Moses, charging the Levites and priests to consecrate themselves properly so that they could carry the Ark the correct way. "Because you did not carry it at the first, the Lord our God made an outburst on us, for we did not seek Him according to the ordinance." (v13)
Breakthrough or breach is the same word translated as outburst. Its meaning is to burst out, open, break forth or make a gap. It can also mean scatter. It is God Who is the One who makes the breach in these events. He made a gap between Israel and His Ark, the place of His Name, because of their disobedience to His Word. But, He also made a breach between the Philistines and Israel as David obeyed the Lord.
Truth - there is a breach or gap between us and the Lord when we disobey His Word. Yet there is also a way that He separates us from the world as He sanctifies us, making a breach between us and our enemy, satan.
Father, forgive us our sins, those things that cause a breach between us and You. Thank You for the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed to cleanse us and make us whiter than snow. How merciful and good You are! Father, sanctify us through and through by Your Holy Spirit. May our spirits , souls, and bodies be preserved complete without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. For, faithful are You who calls us and Who will also bring it to pass. ( I Thess. 5:23-24) Amen.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
I Chronicles 11-12 These chapters give us the names of David's mighty men and the backgrounds of his army. All of Israel came together to make David the king. They acknowledged that the Lord had chosen David and they came in agreement. David "made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord;"
David's mighty men were each proven warriors. There were 3 that were considered the first rank. Eleazar the son of Dodo was one of those, along with Jashobeam and Shaman. Joab was the commander in chief. All of them were famous for their feats in battle. 12:1 " Now these are the ones who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still restricted because of Saul, the son of Kish; and they were among the mighty men who helped him in war."
Here again we learn how God brought different groups together, each with special abilities, to bring David into the position of kingship according to the Word of the Lord.
The relatives of Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin could shoot bows with either hand and sling stones also.
The Gadites were " mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear, and whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were swift as the gazelles on the mountains." There captains are described like this, " he who was the least was equal to a hundred and the greatest to a thousand."
Manasseh's men were "all mighty men of valor". 18,000 "who were designated by name" came to David to make him king. (v31)
From Zebulan, Naphtali, Asher and Dan, came thousands of men who could "draw up in battle formation".
From the 3 tribes on the east of the Jordan, Reubenites, Gadites, and Manasseh, came "120,000 with all kinds of weapons of war for the battle."
"All these, being men of war, who could draw up in battle formation, came to Hebron with a perfect heart, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest also of Israel were of one mind to make David king." (v38)
V40 "... There was joy indeed in Israel."
The writer of Chronicles is looking back and telling the story of Israel's history. The greatest season in Israel's past, after the Exodus and the time of Joshua when they entered the Promised Land, was the time of David's reign. Finally Israel was where they were supposed to be with a good king and a united kingdom. For the moment, there was joy.
Truth - God directed every part of this era in Israel's history. He brought together some of the most amazing men, putting in their hearts the desire to serve in David's army. Yet the most important thing about David's throne is the One Who came to rule for eternity. Nothing that David did, no victory that was given to him, no land that he conquered stayed the same after he died. Nothing else mattered except the promise that his descendent would come to sit on that throne for eternity. We still await the day when we see Jesus Christ come again to rule on earth and fulfill all of the promises given to David.
Father in heaven, we give You honor and praise, blessing Your holy Name, for You are faithful and true. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. O come, O come, Emmanuel! May there be joy indeed in all the earth! We long for You Lord. Thank You for all that You have blessed us with this day. We look to You for every need. Give us our daily bread. Grant us forgiveness. Deliver us from evil. Be glorified in all the earth we pray. Amen.
David's mighty men were each proven warriors. There were 3 that were considered the first rank. Eleazar the son of Dodo was one of those, along with Jashobeam and Shaman. Joab was the commander in chief. All of them were famous for their feats in battle. 12:1 " Now these are the ones who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still restricted because of Saul, the son of Kish; and they were among the mighty men who helped him in war."
Here again we learn how God brought different groups together, each with special abilities, to bring David into the position of kingship according to the Word of the Lord.
The relatives of Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin could shoot bows with either hand and sling stones also.
The Gadites were " mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear, and whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were swift as the gazelles on the mountains." There captains are described like this, " he who was the least was equal to a hundred and the greatest to a thousand."
Manasseh's men were "all mighty men of valor". 18,000 "who were designated by name" came to David to make him king. (v31)
From Zebulan, Naphtali, Asher and Dan, came thousands of men who could "draw up in battle formation".
From the 3 tribes on the east of the Jordan, Reubenites, Gadites, and Manasseh, came "120,000 with all kinds of weapons of war for the battle."
"All these, being men of war, who could draw up in battle formation, came to Hebron with a perfect heart, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest also of Israel were of one mind to make David king." (v38)
V40 "... There was joy indeed in Israel."
The writer of Chronicles is looking back and telling the story of Israel's history. The greatest season in Israel's past, after the Exodus and the time of Joshua when they entered the Promised Land, was the time of David's reign. Finally Israel was where they were supposed to be with a good king and a united kingdom. For the moment, there was joy.
Truth - God directed every part of this era in Israel's history. He brought together some of the most amazing men, putting in their hearts the desire to serve in David's army. Yet the most important thing about David's throne is the One Who came to rule for eternity. Nothing that David did, no victory that was given to him, no land that he conquered stayed the same after he died. Nothing else mattered except the promise that his descendent would come to sit on that throne for eternity. We still await the day when we see Jesus Christ come again to rule on earth and fulfill all of the promises given to David.
Father in heaven, we give You honor and praise, blessing Your holy Name, for You are faithful and true. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. O come, O come, Emmanuel! May there be joy indeed in all the earth! We long for You Lord. Thank You for all that You have blessed us with this day. We look to You for every need. Give us our daily bread. Grant us forgiveness. Deliver us from evil. Be glorified in all the earth we pray. Amen.
Monday, December 21, 2015
I Chronicles 7-10 The writer continues to give lists of the names of those for each tribe of Israel. Chapter 9:1 "So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and behold they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was carried away into exile to Babylon for their unfaithfulness." Then he goes on to talk about the Levites who were chosen gatekeepers for the tabernacle. A couple of interesting statements:
v22 " All these who were chosen to be gatekeepers... appointed in there office of trust."
v27 "and they spent the night around the house of God, because the watch was committed to them; and they were in charge of opening it morning by morning."
v31 " Mattithiah.... had the responsibility over the things which were baked in pans."
v33 " Now these are the singers, heads of fathers' households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free from other service; for they were engaged in their work day and night."
Those who kept the watch over the gates, those who baked the bread, and those who sang... were chosen for these specific tasks. Some were also in charge of the treasuries and the chambers. They served together for one purpose - worship - but with very different kinds of service. Reminds me of Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts.. each of us given gifts that "differ according to the grace given to us" (Romans 12) But, how many of us consider our various ministries in the church as an "office of trust" or a "responsibility"? Especially when it a volunteer position?
Starting with chapter 10 the writer begins to give us a history lesson of sorts. Here he focuses on the death of Saul and his sons, summarizing in verses 13-14 " So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the Lord, because of the word of the Lord, which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making an inquiry of it, and did not inquire of the Lord. Therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse."
Mattithiah was responsible for baking and did it with commitment.
Saul was responsible to lead a nation and failed miserably.
Truth - God calls us to serve, in big things or small. Our duty is not to worry about the size of our realm - but to be faithfully committed and engaged in the work He has chosen us for.
Father, take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to Thee. You have made me a wife, a mom, and a grandmother. You have given me a home to care for, a husband to love and encourage, and a family to pray for and serve. You have given me a place to sing in Your sanctuary. These things, Lord, I thank You for and I ask that You will strengthen me to serve You with all my heart and soul and mind. Father, I ask that You would guide my feet and enlighten my understanding that I might serve wherever You want me to. I am Your servant, Lord. Do as You will in my life. Amen.
v22 " All these who were chosen to be gatekeepers... appointed in there office of trust."
v27 "and they spent the night around the house of God, because the watch was committed to them; and they were in charge of opening it morning by morning."
v31 " Mattithiah.... had the responsibility over the things which were baked in pans."
v33 " Now these are the singers, heads of fathers' households of the Levites, who lived in the chambers of the temple free from other service; for they were engaged in their work day and night."
Those who kept the watch over the gates, those who baked the bread, and those who sang... were chosen for these specific tasks. Some were also in charge of the treasuries and the chambers. They served together for one purpose - worship - but with very different kinds of service. Reminds me of Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts.. each of us given gifts that "differ according to the grace given to us" (Romans 12) But, how many of us consider our various ministries in the church as an "office of trust" or a "responsibility"? Especially when it a volunteer position?
Starting with chapter 10 the writer begins to give us a history lesson of sorts. Here he focuses on the death of Saul and his sons, summarizing in verses 13-14 " So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the Lord, because of the word of the Lord, which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making an inquiry of it, and did not inquire of the Lord. Therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse."
Mattithiah was responsible for baking and did it with commitment.
Saul was responsible to lead a nation and failed miserably.
Truth - God calls us to serve, in big things or small. Our duty is not to worry about the size of our realm - but to be faithfully committed and engaged in the work He has chosen us for.
Father, take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to Thee. You have made me a wife, a mom, and a grandmother. You have given me a home to care for, a husband to love and encourage, and a family to pray for and serve. You have given me a place to sing in Your sanctuary. These things, Lord, I thank You for and I ask that You will strengthen me to serve You with all my heart and soul and mind. Father, I ask that You would guide my feet and enlighten my understanding that I might serve wherever You want me to. I am Your servant, Lord. Do as You will in my life. Amen.
Friday, December 18, 2015
I Chronicles 5-6 Chapter 5 deals with the genealogies of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, those 3 tribes that settled to the east of the Jordan. Although Reuben was Jacob's oldest son, he lost the birthright because of his sin against his father. The birthright was actually given to Joseph, in that each of his sons received a portion of the inheritance ( the promised land). All of these 3 tribes ended up being carried away by the Assyrians.
Chapter 6 records the genealogy of the tribe of Levi. Levi had 3 sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
After the Exodus each of these tribes were assigned specific duties in the service of the sanctuary. Kohath's son, Amran, was the father of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Aaron and his descendants were set apart for the priesthood. Also from Kohath's descendants through Amminadab or Izhar , comes Elkanah, the father of Samuel. So Samuel was a Levite
The descendants of Gershon/Gershom and the descendants of Merari are also given here. Each group were given cities and land among the other tribes of Israel. Gershom's sons lived among the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh. Kohath's sons lived among the tribes of Judah and Manasseh. The sons of Merari lived among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. Others lived among the tribes of Simeon and Benjamin. and some with Ephraim.
Again, these are hard for me to follow. The names seem to change and reappear in different generations. Yet, I am reminded again that there is a purpose in these words being recorded here. There would be a time when the exiled would return to Isarel and a temple rebuilt. It would be important to know who God's chosen priests and Levites were. It would be important for each tribe to know where their inheritance was.
Truth - the land of Israel is God's chosen land. The city of Jerusalem is God's chosen place. For whatever reason, that only He knows, the descendants of Jacob/Israel will forever be His chosen people. We are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We must remain on Israel's side. For "out of Zion's hills" our Savior will come again.
Father, You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You are the God of Israel and that has not changed. Bless Your people, Lord. Open their eyes and ears to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, their Messiah Who reigns forever. Come Lord Jesus we pray, in Your Name. amen
Chapter 6 records the genealogy of the tribe of Levi. Levi had 3 sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
After the Exodus each of these tribes were assigned specific duties in the service of the sanctuary. Kohath's son, Amran, was the father of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Aaron and his descendants were set apart for the priesthood. Also from Kohath's descendants through Amminadab or Izhar , comes Elkanah, the father of Samuel. So Samuel was a Levite
The descendants of Gershon/Gershom and the descendants of Merari are also given here. Each group were given cities and land among the other tribes of Israel. Gershom's sons lived among the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh. Kohath's sons lived among the tribes of Judah and Manasseh. The sons of Merari lived among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. Others lived among the tribes of Simeon and Benjamin. and some with Ephraim.
Again, these are hard for me to follow. The names seem to change and reappear in different generations. Yet, I am reminded again that there is a purpose in these words being recorded here. There would be a time when the exiled would return to Isarel and a temple rebuilt. It would be important to know who God's chosen priests and Levites were. It would be important for each tribe to know where their inheritance was.
Truth - the land of Israel is God's chosen land. The city of Jerusalem is God's chosen place. For whatever reason, that only He knows, the descendants of Jacob/Israel will forever be His chosen people. We are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We must remain on Israel's side. For "out of Zion's hills" our Savior will come again.
Father, You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You are the God of Israel and that has not changed. Bless Your people, Lord. Open their eyes and ears to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, their Messiah Who reigns forever. Come Lord Jesus we pray, in Your Name. amen
Thursday, December 17, 2015
I Chronicles 1-4 Genealogies are hard to read and follow! They back-track and skip around so much... and there are another 5 chapters to read through. These lists of sons and daughters, wives and concubines, are here for a purpose. They may have been recorded by Ezra after the exile. This may have been used to establish identity or position, or maybe inheritance rights.
Through all these generations, God was at work. Hundreds of years and millions of people.. Psalm 145:13 says, "Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Thy dominion endures throughout all generations." God has never changed and His purpose has not varied. Some of these people followed the word of God and some did not. But, even through the ones who failed to obey, God was fulfilling His promises.
One little nugget that I never noticed before is found in 4:4 , "... These were the sons of Hur, the first-born of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem." Let me go back a little further :
Judah, the son of Israel ( Jacob) had 5 sons. Perez was born to Judah by his daughter in law Tamar.
Perez also had 5 sons. Hezron was one of them. (2:5)
Hezron had many sons. One son, Ram, was an ancestor or David. Another son was Caleb.
Caleb had a wife who died. He remarried a woman named "Ephrath" (2:19) Ephrath was the mother of Hur.
Hur is called the first-born of Ephrathah. (2:50)
His sons were Shobal, and Salma, the father of Bethlehem. (v51)
Bethlehem was a person, from the line of Judah! And Ephrathah was his grandmother! Who knew?
Truth - God's Word is given for a purpose. Every word of it is able to teach, encourage, rebuke, or guide us. I will trust You Father to teach me what You desire for me to learn, even though the genealogies.
"But as for you Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity. " Micah 5:2
Father, thank You that Your word is always truth and Your promises are always kept. Thank You that Jesus came to be born in this little town of Bethlehem. Thank You that He came to be our King.
Be glorified in all things and in every aspect of our lives. Amen.
Through all these generations, God was at work. Hundreds of years and millions of people.. Psalm 145:13 says, "Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Thy dominion endures throughout all generations." God has never changed and His purpose has not varied. Some of these people followed the word of God and some did not. But, even through the ones who failed to obey, God was fulfilling His promises.
One little nugget that I never noticed before is found in 4:4 , "... These were the sons of Hur, the first-born of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem." Let me go back a little further :
Judah, the son of Israel ( Jacob) had 5 sons. Perez was born to Judah by his daughter in law Tamar.
Perez also had 5 sons. Hezron was one of them. (2:5)
Hezron had many sons. One son, Ram, was an ancestor or David. Another son was Caleb.
Caleb had a wife who died. He remarried a woman named "Ephrath" (2:19) Ephrath was the mother of Hur.
Hur is called the first-born of Ephrathah. (2:50)
His sons were Shobal, and Salma, the father of Bethlehem. (v51)
Bethlehem was a person, from the line of Judah! And Ephrathah was his grandmother! Who knew?
Truth - God's Word is given for a purpose. Every word of it is able to teach, encourage, rebuke, or guide us. I will trust You Father to teach me what You desire for me to learn, even though the genealogies.
"But as for you Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity. " Micah 5:2
Father, thank You that Your word is always truth and Your promises are always kept. Thank You that Jesus came to be born in this little town of Bethlehem. Thank You that He came to be our King.
Be glorified in all things and in every aspect of our lives. Amen.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Philippians 4: 10-23 This final part of Paul's letter to Philippi talks about provisions - financial well-being.
Paul was thankful for the assistance that the church in Philippi had sent to him. They were the only church to share with him "in the matter of giving and receiving" ( v15). Their gifts:
revealed their concern for Paul, for they were sharing with him in his affliction; (v10,14)
would result in "profit which increases to" their account; (v17)
were "a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God"; (v18)
And, Paul adds, " my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (v19)
The Philippians were partnering with Paul is the ministry of the Gospel. The " profit" or fruit would add to their "account" - logos - their testimony or spoken word. Giving to Paul, the servant of the Lord, was giving to God an acceptable sacrifice. What does that look like in our own lives?
When we give - to church, to missions, to charities - we are partnering with them; participating in their work. Our giving bears fruit if comes from a heart of love and unity and is acceptable to God.
I think there is a lesson here that is worth contemplating - what is my heart attitude when I give?
Is it from concern, is it a sharing in the ministry of the gospel? Or is it a tax deduction?
Is my giving an "acceptable sacrifice to God"? Am I truly honoring God, which would be profitable, or not? What is the mind of Christ about this? What is His purpose for us in giving?
Paul also talks to us about his personal finances. He has "learned to be content in whatever circumstances" he is in. Note that he doesn't just focus on his times of need.
"I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity;"
Being filled .. or being hungry.
Having abundance.. or suffering need.
Contentment- satisfied, complacent, not wanting any more or less. Even in times of humiliation, desperation, or suffering, Paul had found that the strength of the Lord is enough. And we can find that true for us too. Yet, sometimes it may be even harder to find contentment in the times of abundance and prosperity. Are we able to be satisfied then? Looking at the world.. I would say not. But through Christ, Who strengthens us, we can.
Truth - How we make money, use money, and give money reflects our "logos", our account or testimony. We need to first of all, earn an honest living, " .. make it your ambition to live a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands.." ( I Thess. 4:11). Then, we need to be wise in our spending, not being anxious or worried about things, for "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold onto one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches)" Matthew 6:24. And finally, we need to be generous in our giving, " Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver."
Father in heaven, help us to learn to be content in all of our circumstances. Help us to be faithful in giving, partnering with those who are ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ, with attitudes of humility and love. We ask for wisdom from above - pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering and without hypocrisy, in righteousness and peace. Thank You that in all things we can trust in Christ and be strengthened and that we can live in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel. For it is before Him that our knees bow and our tongues confess that He is Lord. Be glorified and exalted our God. amen
Paul was thankful for the assistance that the church in Philippi had sent to him. They were the only church to share with him "in the matter of giving and receiving" ( v15). Their gifts:
revealed their concern for Paul, for they were sharing with him in his affliction; (v10,14)
would result in "profit which increases to" their account; (v17)
were "a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God"; (v18)
And, Paul adds, " my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (v19)
The Philippians were partnering with Paul is the ministry of the Gospel. The " profit" or fruit would add to their "account" - logos - their testimony or spoken word. Giving to Paul, the servant of the Lord, was giving to God an acceptable sacrifice. What does that look like in our own lives?
When we give - to church, to missions, to charities - we are partnering with them; participating in their work. Our giving bears fruit if comes from a heart of love and unity and is acceptable to God.
I think there is a lesson here that is worth contemplating - what is my heart attitude when I give?
Is it from concern, is it a sharing in the ministry of the gospel? Or is it a tax deduction?
Is my giving an "acceptable sacrifice to God"? Am I truly honoring God, which would be profitable, or not? What is the mind of Christ about this? What is His purpose for us in giving?
Paul also talks to us about his personal finances. He has "learned to be content in whatever circumstances" he is in. Note that he doesn't just focus on his times of need.
"I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity;"
Being filled .. or being hungry.
Having abundance.. or suffering need.
Contentment- satisfied, complacent, not wanting any more or less. Even in times of humiliation, desperation, or suffering, Paul had found that the strength of the Lord is enough. And we can find that true for us too. Yet, sometimes it may be even harder to find contentment in the times of abundance and prosperity. Are we able to be satisfied then? Looking at the world.. I would say not. But through Christ, Who strengthens us, we can.
Truth - How we make money, use money, and give money reflects our "logos", our account or testimony. We need to first of all, earn an honest living, " .. make it your ambition to live a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands.." ( I Thess. 4:11). Then, we need to be wise in our spending, not being anxious or worried about things, for "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold onto one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches)" Matthew 6:24. And finally, we need to be generous in our giving, " Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver."
Father in heaven, help us to learn to be content in all of our circumstances. Help us to be faithful in giving, partnering with those who are ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ, with attitudes of humility and love. We ask for wisdom from above - pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering and without hypocrisy, in righteousness and peace. Thank You that in all things we can trust in Christ and be strengthened and that we can live in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel. For it is before Him that our knees bow and our tongues confess that He is Lord. Be glorified and exalted our God. amen
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Philippians 4 Paul continues to teach us what the worthy walk looks like by giving us some very specific directions.
v 1 " stand firm in the Lord" - be all in and stay all in; complete commitment and nothing less.
v2 " live in harmony" - the church must work together to help each work through the struggles that are part of our human nature; to bring us back to unity in thinking like Christ.
v4 " Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" Be cheerful! Be well! Be glad!
v5 Be "forbearing" - mild, patient, appropriate. Paul adds to this "The Lord is near". As we practice the presence of God, remember that He is with us, right here, right now... perhaps we do better at being "forbearing".
v6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" Pray, pray, and pray some more!
v7 Receive God's peace, which "shall guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus"
v8 " Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence, and if anything is worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these."
To have the same mind, love, spirit, and purposes as Christ... to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel and to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.. we need to "practice these things".
Make it a habit by doing these things repeatedly. "... and the God of peace shall be with you." ( v9).
Truth - God is at work in us "both to will and to work for His good pleasure". Our part is to humble ourselves, even as Jesus did, subjecting ourselves to His authority over us and obeying His word.
Christ Himself is our coach , coming alongside to encourage us.
He loves us fully.
He partners with us.
He tenderly cares for us.
He acts with mercy toward us.
So that we might share His mind, His love, His spirit, and His purposes.
Father in heaven, we give You honor and praise, for You are altogether wonderful. You are always with us, always faithful, never changing, infinite in mercy and grace, and amazing in Your goodness towards us. Thank You! We rejoice in You. We rejoice in the perfect salvation that You have given to us, that we could never earn or gain, but You have freely given to us in Jesus Christ the Beloved.
Do all You desire in us today, Father. May our love abound more and more in real knowledge and all discernment. May we keep our minds united with Jesus.. on those things of excellence and truth and purity and worth. Guard our hearts and minds with Your peace that surpasses our understanding, we pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
v 1 " stand firm in the Lord" - be all in and stay all in; complete commitment and nothing less.
v2 " live in harmony" - the church must work together to help each work through the struggles that are part of our human nature; to bring us back to unity in thinking like Christ.
v4 " Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" Be cheerful! Be well! Be glad!
v5 Be "forbearing" - mild, patient, appropriate. Paul adds to this "The Lord is near". As we practice the presence of God, remember that He is with us, right here, right now... perhaps we do better at being "forbearing".
v6 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" Pray, pray, and pray some more!
v7 Receive God's peace, which "shall guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus"
v8 " Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence, and if anything is worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these."
To have the same mind, love, spirit, and purposes as Christ... to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel and to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.. we need to "practice these things".
Make it a habit by doing these things repeatedly. "... and the God of peace shall be with you." ( v9).
Truth - God is at work in us "both to will and to work for His good pleasure". Our part is to humble ourselves, even as Jesus did, subjecting ourselves to His authority over us and obeying His word.
Christ Himself is our coach , coming alongside to encourage us.
He loves us fully.
He partners with us.
He tenderly cares for us.
He acts with mercy toward us.
So that we might share His mind, His love, His spirit, and His purposes.
Father in heaven, we give You honor and praise, for You are altogether wonderful. You are always with us, always faithful, never changing, infinite in mercy and grace, and amazing in Your goodness towards us. Thank You! We rejoice in You. We rejoice in the perfect salvation that You have given to us, that we could never earn or gain, but You have freely given to us in Jesus Christ the Beloved.
Do all You desire in us today, Father. May our love abound more and more in real knowledge and all discernment. May we keep our minds united with Jesus.. on those things of excellence and truth and purity and worth. Guard our hearts and minds with Your peace that surpasses our understanding, we pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Philippians 3 Paul gives us his personal testimony, his perspective of how to walk the worthy walk, to have the same attitude of Jesus. He once had placed his faith in the external - circumcision, zeal, legalism - but now he knows that all of that meant nothing. He counts it as loss, he considers it rubbish, and he puts it all behind him. Instead, He seeks to "gain Christ"; to "be found in Him", to "know Him", and to "press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus". Paul say that he "reaches forward" and presses "upward". And this is the attitude that we all need.
Attitude - to exercise the mind, interest oneself in, set the affection on, regard, savor, think.... We need the change in thinking, revealed by God, and then we need to determine to "keep living by that same standard" ( v16). One way that we can do this is by observing "those who walk according to the pattern".
Truth - transformed thinking leads to transformed living. As Paul wrote in Romans 12, ".. be transformed by the renewing of your mind". Our thinking is transformed as we leave behind and consider all else as garbage. Our thinking is transformed as we reach forward and press upward - to what Jesus has provided us with - eternal life, heavenly citizenship, and "conformity with the body of His glory."
Father, take our thoughts captive for the glory of Your Name. Lead us on into kingdom living, following the example of our wonderful Lord. May we truly count all else as rubbish and press onward and upward to what lies ahead with You. Amen.
Attitude - to exercise the mind, interest oneself in, set the affection on, regard, savor, think.... We need the change in thinking, revealed by God, and then we need to determine to "keep living by that same standard" ( v16). One way that we can do this is by observing "those who walk according to the pattern".
Truth - transformed thinking leads to transformed living. As Paul wrote in Romans 12, ".. be transformed by the renewing of your mind". Our thinking is transformed as we leave behind and consider all else as garbage. Our thinking is transformed as we reach forward and press upward - to what Jesus has provided us with - eternal life, heavenly citizenship, and "conformity with the body of His glory."
Father, take our thoughts captive for the glory of Your Name. Lead us on into kingdom living, following the example of our wonderful Lord. May we truly count all else as rubbish and press onward and upward to what lies ahead with You. Amen.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Philippians 3:2 "Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.."
Beware of the dogs.... Psalm 59:5b-6 " .. Awake to punish the nations; Do not be gracious to any who are treacherous in iniquity. They return at evening, they howl like a dog." And 22:16 " For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet." Verse 20 " Deliver my soul from the sword, my only life from the power of the dog." The "dogs" that we need to be aware of include those who are actively violent in their hatred of God and His people. But it goes beyond that. The hebrew word used for treacherous is "aven" and meaning to pant ( or exert oneself) in vain, to come to naught or nothingness..trouble, vanity, wickedness, idolatry, mischief, sorrow. Paul is warning the believers to take heed of those who surround us, who overpower us, and who lead us into nothingness.
Who are the "dogs" of this generation? Who pressures us into sinful living, into trouble and mischief, or into violence and sorrow? We can easily point our fingers at those who are recruiting or "radicalizing" young people into Isis or gangs or whatever. They would most definitely fit into this category. But, closer to home, who surrounds us, invades our homes, our churches, or our families and causes us to step out of the worthy walk? A television show? A sports figure? A web site? Beware! Do we exert ourselves for nothing-ness? Running after things that don't even matter. We need to beware.
Beware of evil workers... II Corinthians 11:13 " For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ." Paul says that these people want to be regarded in the same manner as him. They are arrogant and boasting. They are like Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light. They are his servants, not God's. We need to beware of those among us, who call themselves believers, but who are not genuine, sincere, and blameless... those not walking in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. This is not judging them, but it is being discerning about whose example we want to follow.
Beware of the "false circumcision" - the word used here for circumcision is " katatome" meaning to cut; a cutting down or off; mutilation. Paul contrasts this in verse 3 ".. for we are the true circumcision" and this word is " peritome" to cut around, to circumcise; the condition of the people. Paul goes on to say, " .. who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh..."
We need to see from this comparison that the false circumcision are those who put all of their confidence in the flesh, which is really a mutilation; and the true circumcision, are those who have a spiritual cutting away of the sinful heart and place their confidence in Christ alone. Beware, then, of those who are putting their confidence in their flesh.. in their position, their education, their accomplishments, their talents, their riches, or their knowledge. They will not lead us in a life of walking worthily with Christ.
Truth - Working out our salvation with fear and trembling includes careful introspection, looking within ourselves, our attitudes, and our love for Christ, but it also includes careful extro-spection, looking around us and being aware of the dogs, the deceitful, and the self-righteous. Again, we are not to judge, that is the Lord's job! But, we are to "beware" lest we follow them right into the pit.
Father in Heaven, we rejoice in You! You have loved us with an everlasting love and have promised to never leave us or forsake us. You have revealed Yourself to us in glory and wonder, that You the transcendent One, should come to us.. well it is beyond our imaginations or greatest thoughts. Thank you for such a great salvation! Help us Father to walk in the Light always. Keep our minds stayed on You. Keep our hearts in Your own love and grace. To You we give all our devotion. Amen.
Beware of the dogs.... Psalm 59:5b-6 " .. Awake to punish the nations; Do not be gracious to any who are treacherous in iniquity. They return at evening, they howl like a dog." And 22:16 " For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet." Verse 20 " Deliver my soul from the sword, my only life from the power of the dog." The "dogs" that we need to be aware of include those who are actively violent in their hatred of God and His people. But it goes beyond that. The hebrew word used for treacherous is "aven" and meaning to pant ( or exert oneself) in vain, to come to naught or nothingness..trouble, vanity, wickedness, idolatry, mischief, sorrow. Paul is warning the believers to take heed of those who surround us, who overpower us, and who lead us into nothingness.
Who are the "dogs" of this generation? Who pressures us into sinful living, into trouble and mischief, or into violence and sorrow? We can easily point our fingers at those who are recruiting or "radicalizing" young people into Isis or gangs or whatever. They would most definitely fit into this category. But, closer to home, who surrounds us, invades our homes, our churches, or our families and causes us to step out of the worthy walk? A television show? A sports figure? A web site? Beware! Do we exert ourselves for nothing-ness? Running after things that don't even matter. We need to beware.
Beware of evil workers... II Corinthians 11:13 " For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ." Paul says that these people want to be regarded in the same manner as him. They are arrogant and boasting. They are like Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light. They are his servants, not God's. We need to beware of those among us, who call themselves believers, but who are not genuine, sincere, and blameless... those not walking in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. This is not judging them, but it is being discerning about whose example we want to follow.
Beware of the "false circumcision" - the word used here for circumcision is " katatome" meaning to cut; a cutting down or off; mutilation. Paul contrasts this in verse 3 ".. for we are the true circumcision" and this word is " peritome" to cut around, to circumcise; the condition of the people. Paul goes on to say, " .. who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh..."
We need to see from this comparison that the false circumcision are those who put all of their confidence in the flesh, which is really a mutilation; and the true circumcision, are those who have a spiritual cutting away of the sinful heart and place their confidence in Christ alone. Beware, then, of those who are putting their confidence in their flesh.. in their position, their education, their accomplishments, their talents, their riches, or their knowledge. They will not lead us in a life of walking worthily with Christ.
Truth - Working out our salvation with fear and trembling includes careful introspection, looking within ourselves, our attitudes, and our love for Christ, but it also includes careful extro-spection, looking around us and being aware of the dogs, the deceitful, and the self-righteous. Again, we are not to judge, that is the Lord's job! But, we are to "beware" lest we follow them right into the pit.
Father in Heaven, we rejoice in You! You have loved us with an everlasting love and have promised to never leave us or forsake us. You have revealed Yourself to us in glory and wonder, that You the transcendent One, should come to us.. well it is beyond our imaginations or greatest thoughts. Thank you for such a great salvation! Help us Father to walk in the Light always. Keep our minds stayed on You. Keep our hearts in Your own love and grace. To You we give all our devotion. Amen.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Philippians 2: 17-30 This worthy living, modeled after our Lord Jesus, by His power at work in us.. is what Paul writes about and lives out in his own life. Here he is in prison, fully committed to live for Christ or to die for Him. He says, " But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all." ( v17)
Not only do we have Christ as our example, but we have Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus.
Paul is found rejoicing in the faith of the believers in Philippi. He is praying for them. He is thankful for them. He is encouraging them. And most of all he is loving them.
Timothy is sent to Philippi to see how the church is doing there. Paul tells us that Timothy is a "kindred spirit" and "genuinely concerned" for them too. Timothy has "proven worth". He has served Paul and has served well. Faithfully committed to doing the work of the Lord. Pouring out his life in the same attitude of Christ.
Epaphroditus is called Paul's "brother", a "fellow worker" and a "fellow soldier". He was a messenger and minister to Paul, willing to lay down his life for the cause of Christ. Pouring out his life along side Timothy and Paul.
Truth - These 3 men followed the example of Jesus. They humbled themselves, even to the point of death, in obedience and faith, no matter their circumstances. We can honestly say that they walked in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We can and must do the same. God's desire for each of us is full surrender and commitment to the will and work of "His good pleasure"... Whatever our circumstances.
Father, What would you have me/us do today? How can I/we serve others? Whose interests will I put before my own? Who am I to pray for? Who needs a word of encouragement or exhortation today?
Oh. may I be blameless and innocent, sincere and proven before You today. May I be a light in this darkness, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Thank You for the great salvation that You have given to me.. to us who call upon the Name of Jesus and are saved. May we be kindred spirits.. unified by Your love and Spirt, and walking in a manner worthy of the gospel today. In Christ we pray this, amen.
Not only do we have Christ as our example, but we have Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus.
Paul is found rejoicing in the faith of the believers in Philippi. He is praying for them. He is thankful for them. He is encouraging them. And most of all he is loving them.
Timothy is sent to Philippi to see how the church is doing there. Paul tells us that Timothy is a "kindred spirit" and "genuinely concerned" for them too. Timothy has "proven worth". He has served Paul and has served well. Faithfully committed to doing the work of the Lord. Pouring out his life in the same attitude of Christ.
Epaphroditus is called Paul's "brother", a "fellow worker" and a "fellow soldier". He was a messenger and minister to Paul, willing to lay down his life for the cause of Christ. Pouring out his life along side Timothy and Paul.
Truth - These 3 men followed the example of Jesus. They humbled themselves, even to the point of death, in obedience and faith, no matter their circumstances. We can honestly say that they walked in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We can and must do the same. God's desire for each of us is full surrender and commitment to the will and work of "His good pleasure"... Whatever our circumstances.
Father, What would you have me/us do today? How can I/we serve others? Whose interests will I put before my own? Who am I to pray for? Who needs a word of encouragement or exhortation today?
Oh. may I be blameless and innocent, sincere and proven before You today. May I be a light in this darkness, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Thank You for the great salvation that You have given to me.. to us who call upon the Name of Jesus and are saved. May we be kindred spirits.. unified by Your love and Spirt, and walking in a manner worthy of the gospel today. In Christ we pray this, amen.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Philippians 2:14 " Do all things without grumbling or disputing;" As Jesus gives us encouragement, love, unity in the Spirit, affection, and compassion; as He provides the perfect example of worthy living; and as God works in us, transforming our desires and actions, conforming us to His will and purpose... we make a choice. We trust and obey.. or we argue and doubt and rebel. Paul urges us toward the former... do "all things".. whatever God desires, with an attitude like Christ's. So "that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent children of God, above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you appear as lights in the world,"
Remember that Paul prayed already that they/ we would have abounding love in real knowledge and all discernment... approving what is excellent "in order to be sincere and blameless.." He wants our testimony to be irreproachable. He wants us "innocent" - simple and harmless. He wants our lives to be above reproach. Because we do live in a place filled with crookedness and perversity. We live in a world full of darkness. And we are called to be lights - luminaries. If we allow ourselves to grumble and argue, to resist the will of God and the teaching of our Lord, our lights will diminish and go out. There have already been too many so-called believers who have brought reproach upon the gospel and upon our Lord. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, that we might not do likewise.
Verse 16 : Paul has told us what NOT to do. Here, Paul tells us the most vital thing that we must do; we must hold " fast the word of life.." We must know and study and meditate and memorize and continually take in God's Word. We must believe the Gospel and hold on to the Truth with all our might. The Word " is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." wrote the psalmist. ( Psalm 119) Those who walk in it, observe it, keep it, and treasure it.. are blessed, blameless, established, and unashamed.
Truth - God has given us everything we need to live the way that He wants us to live. He has offered every possible resource and aid that we could possibly ask for - including His own Spirit. He has the best possible outcome planned for us... unspeakable joy! But, He leaves it up to us to receive what He has offered.
Father in heaven, I come to You with empty hands and a contrite heart. I need You, how I need You. Lord I want to live for You in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel. I want to trust and obey You and to hold on tightly to the Word until the coming of my Lord Jesus. Thank You for all that You have provided so that I have this hope in me. I love You and give You all my heart and soul and body. In the precious Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Remember that Paul prayed already that they/ we would have abounding love in real knowledge and all discernment... approving what is excellent "in order to be sincere and blameless.." He wants our testimony to be irreproachable. He wants us "innocent" - simple and harmless. He wants our lives to be above reproach. Because we do live in a place filled with crookedness and perversity. We live in a world full of darkness. And we are called to be lights - luminaries. If we allow ourselves to grumble and argue, to resist the will of God and the teaching of our Lord, our lights will diminish and go out. There have already been too many so-called believers who have brought reproach upon the gospel and upon our Lord. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, that we might not do likewise.
Verse 16 : Paul has told us what NOT to do. Here, Paul tells us the most vital thing that we must do; we must hold " fast the word of life.." We must know and study and meditate and memorize and continually take in God's Word. We must believe the Gospel and hold on to the Truth with all our might. The Word " is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." wrote the psalmist. ( Psalm 119) Those who walk in it, observe it, keep it, and treasure it.. are blessed, blameless, established, and unashamed.
Truth - God has given us everything we need to live the way that He wants us to live. He has offered every possible resource and aid that we could possibly ask for - including His own Spirit. He has the best possible outcome planned for us... unspeakable joy! But, He leaves it up to us to receive what He has offered.
Father in heaven, I come to You with empty hands and a contrite heart. I need You, how I need You. Lord I want to live for You in a manner that is worthy of the Gospel. I want to trust and obey You and to hold on tightly to the Word until the coming of my Lord Jesus. Thank You for all that You have provided so that I have this hope in me. I love You and give You all my heart and soul and body. In the precious Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Philippians 2: 12- "So then, beloved..." Christ has given us the perfect example of a life lived in a manner worthy of the gospel and we are asked to obey ; to conform our own lives to His; working out our "salvation with fear and trembling." To work out - ( katergazomai GR.) - to do the work fully, to accomplish or finish; to be engaged in and committed to the task with intensity; to the uttermost.
This is to be done with "fear and trembling".. serious, vital... a matter of life or death, literally. A life worthy of the gospel of Christ will not just happen. It will not be a walk in the park. It will not come without effort. It will not come by signing a statement of faith and then floating through life with no more thought to it. No, this life that we are called to live, following the divine pattern of Jesus Christ our Lord, will take all of our heart and all of our soul, and all of our mind and all of our strength. We are invited /called to be "all in".. even to the point of death.
Verse 13 "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Oh what GOOD NEWS! We are not called to do this alone by our own power.. we cannot! But, it is our Heavenly Father, The Almighty God, omnipotent, wise, immutable, transcendent, and infinite, Who is "at work" - active and efficient, mighty in, fervent and effectual - in us! He gives us the will - the determination, the impulse, the disposition, the delight in and desire.. the willingness - to live for Him and He gives the energy to be actively and efficiently doing it!
Truth - God wants all of me. He wants my full attention and devotion and commitment. He wants my body, my mind, my soul... my time, my family, my everything. He wants me to be "all in" for Him, to the point of fear and trembling. Picture a bomb squad expert... faced with diffusing a bomb that he has never seen before... a wrong move will cause devastation; the sweat pours down his face, his hands are shaking.. trembling; real fear fills his thoughts... This is the type attitude we are to have about our salvation, about our walk with Christ. We are to be completely absorbed and committed to Him.
Father, be at work in us. Have Your own way. Let Your will be done. Give us the desire and determination to live in a manner worthy of You. Grant us the power, according to Your glorious Might, to work according to Your good pleasure. Forgive us, Lord, for being half-hearted, uncommitted, weak and pitiful in our faith. Thank You Jesus for being our example and our Counselor, our Coach on this journey. Thank You that You partner with us, that You love us and care for us. Thank You for being merciful and kind and patient. Be glorified Lord! We honor and praise You, for You alone are worthy . Great are You Lord and greatly to be praised! Hear now our prayer as we come in the Wonderful Name, Jesus. Amen.
This is to be done with "fear and trembling".. serious, vital... a matter of life or death, literally. A life worthy of the gospel of Christ will not just happen. It will not be a walk in the park. It will not come without effort. It will not come by signing a statement of faith and then floating through life with no more thought to it. No, this life that we are called to live, following the divine pattern of Jesus Christ our Lord, will take all of our heart and all of our soul, and all of our mind and all of our strength. We are invited /called to be "all in".. even to the point of death.
Verse 13 "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Oh what GOOD NEWS! We are not called to do this alone by our own power.. we cannot! But, it is our Heavenly Father, The Almighty God, omnipotent, wise, immutable, transcendent, and infinite, Who is "at work" - active and efficient, mighty in, fervent and effectual - in us! He gives us the will - the determination, the impulse, the disposition, the delight in and desire.. the willingness - to live for Him and He gives the energy to be actively and efficiently doing it!
Truth - God wants all of me. He wants my full attention and devotion and commitment. He wants my body, my mind, my soul... my time, my family, my everything. He wants me to be "all in" for Him, to the point of fear and trembling. Picture a bomb squad expert... faced with diffusing a bomb that he has never seen before... a wrong move will cause devastation; the sweat pours down his face, his hands are shaking.. trembling; real fear fills his thoughts... This is the type attitude we are to have about our salvation, about our walk with Christ. We are to be completely absorbed and committed to Him.
Father, be at work in us. Have Your own way. Let Your will be done. Give us the desire and determination to live in a manner worthy of You. Grant us the power, according to Your glorious Might, to work according to Your good pleasure. Forgive us, Lord, for being half-hearted, uncommitted, weak and pitiful in our faith. Thank You Jesus for being our example and our Counselor, our Coach on this journey. Thank You that You partner with us, that You love us and care for us. Thank You for being merciful and kind and patient. Be glorified Lord! We honor and praise You, for You alone are worthy . Great are You Lord and greatly to be praised! Hear now our prayer as we come in the Wonderful Name, Jesus. Amen.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Philippians 2: 1-11 To conduct ourselves "in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ", we must first look to Him. We find in Christ and receive from Him:
Encouragement - solace and comfort, along with exhortation. He calls us near and comes alongside; He consoles us and implores us; He prays for us, interceding on our behalf.
Love - Perfect love, sincere, affectionate, benevolent and divine.
Fellowship in the Spirit - (koinonia) - partnership; participation; communion; communication;
Affection - inward sympathy and pity; a tender heart towards us that results in compassion - acts of mercy;
Paul entreats us to "be of the same mind" and to have "the same love". This comes by being "united in spirit" and "intent on one purpose". To walk in a worthy manner - we must have the same ways of thinking and loving as Christ Himself. We set out with the same objectives as He did, in oneness with Him.
Paul teaches us what that looks like :
This kind of living in unselfish. It is not contentious, full of strife, arguing and provoking one another.
This kind of living is not conceited. The King James calls this "vain-glory"; Empty worth.
Instead, it is a true humility, a lowering - a casting down - of our selves in our thinking. " ..let each of you regard one another as more important than himself;" and looking out for " the interests of others".
This was Christ's attitude and He is our perfect example of worthy walking.
Christ Jesus "existed in the form of God". His essence and nature is God. He did not "regard equality with God a thing to be grasped," He didn't steal or plunder His identity. It is Who He is.
Yet, He "emptied Himself". He laid aside or voided His privileges... willingly becoming like us, and then as if that were not enough, He took "the form of a bond-servant", the nature of a slave in subjection to others. Then, He went even further in His humility, to obediently, submissively die on a cross, the ultimate symbol of shame.
What we receive from Christ - encouragement, love, fellowship, affection and compassion - will result in unselfish and un-conceited living, if we are willing to humble- cast down- ourselves as Christ did. He came a long way down... are we even willing to lower ourselves even a little? Can we empty ourselves.. putting aside our rights and privileges ? Can we put ourselves under subjection to others? Can we "lay down our lives" and take up our crosses in obedience to the One Who shed His own blood for us? Will we? He intercedes for us so that we can.
Truth - Jesus Christ is Lord. Because of His willingness to obey, even to die on a cross, "Therefore also God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. "
Glory and praise and honor to God, our Father and to the Lord Jesus Christ, for You, in perfect and infinite wisdom have rescued us from sin and death and hell and have given to us new life in Christ.
We rest in and hope in You alone. How beautiful You are and how great are Your works, O Lord!
We need You Lord, to continue to be our guide and our helper in this journey of life. Help us to live in this manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. We ask in His Great Name. Amen.
Encouragement - solace and comfort, along with exhortation. He calls us near and comes alongside; He consoles us and implores us; He prays for us, interceding on our behalf.
Love - Perfect love, sincere, affectionate, benevolent and divine.
Fellowship in the Spirit - (koinonia) - partnership; participation; communion; communication;
Affection - inward sympathy and pity; a tender heart towards us that results in compassion - acts of mercy;
Paul entreats us to "be of the same mind" and to have "the same love". This comes by being "united in spirit" and "intent on one purpose". To walk in a worthy manner - we must have the same ways of thinking and loving as Christ Himself. We set out with the same objectives as He did, in oneness with Him.
Paul teaches us what that looks like :
This kind of living in unselfish. It is not contentious, full of strife, arguing and provoking one another.
This kind of living is not conceited. The King James calls this "vain-glory"; Empty worth.
Instead, it is a true humility, a lowering - a casting down - of our selves in our thinking. " ..let each of you regard one another as more important than himself;" and looking out for " the interests of others".
This was Christ's attitude and He is our perfect example of worthy walking.
Christ Jesus "existed in the form of God". His essence and nature is God. He did not "regard equality with God a thing to be grasped," He didn't steal or plunder His identity. It is Who He is.
Yet, He "emptied Himself". He laid aside or voided His privileges... willingly becoming like us, and then as if that were not enough, He took "the form of a bond-servant", the nature of a slave in subjection to others. Then, He went even further in His humility, to obediently, submissively die on a cross, the ultimate symbol of shame.
What we receive from Christ - encouragement, love, fellowship, affection and compassion - will result in unselfish and un-conceited living, if we are willing to humble- cast down- ourselves as Christ did. He came a long way down... are we even willing to lower ourselves even a little? Can we empty ourselves.. putting aside our rights and privileges ? Can we put ourselves under subjection to others? Can we "lay down our lives" and take up our crosses in obedience to the One Who shed His own blood for us? Will we? He intercedes for us so that we can.
Truth - Jesus Christ is Lord. Because of His willingness to obey, even to die on a cross, "Therefore also God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. "
Glory and praise and honor to God, our Father and to the Lord Jesus Christ, for You, in perfect and infinite wisdom have rescued us from sin and death and hell and have given to us new life in Christ.
We rest in and hope in You alone. How beautiful You are and how great are Your works, O Lord!
We need You Lord, to continue to be our guide and our helper in this journey of life. Help us to live in this manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. We ask in His Great Name. Amen.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Philippians 1:12-30 Paul is in prison as he writes this letter to his friends in Philippi. He wants them to keep rejoicing and not be upset because of these circumstances. Paul is rejoicing because "Christ is being proclaimed!" It doesn't matter that some people have wrong motives... what matters most to Paul is that the good news continues to be shared.
Paul also gives his friends and us his point of view on death. Death is something that we don't really like to think about, but it has a way of creeping into our thoughts anyway. Paul's perspective is a great source of comfort and perhaps we need to grasp this truth a bit more firmly: " For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Paul is realistic about death. But he is not obsessed about it. He is confident that when that day comes, that he will be with Christ, and he knows "that is very much better". Even so, Paul continues to keep on living - planning, serving, ministering, writing, and working . He desires to see his friends do the same. He wants to see them making progress in their faith. He wants them to be filled with joy. He wants them to continue to walk "in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ".
Paul's hope for his fellow believers is that that will stand "firm in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel". He wants them to not be alarmed by their opponents. He wants them to be ready to suffer for Christ's sake and endure just as he has.
We are quite aware of the circumstances in our world today also. As Christians, we acknowledge that the tide has turned against us and that persecution is coming, even here in America. It is prevalent already around the world. All the more reason that we need to heed Paul's words and have his same perspective on death and on life.
Truth - We will die, one way or another, unless Jesus returns first, and we need to be solidly confident that "to die is gain" for we will be with Christ and that is so much better! But, meanwhile, we need to live "in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ":
We need to stand firm with our fellow believers.
We need to strive for the gospel to be proclaimed.
We need to stand up boldly against the enemy of our faith and not be afraid.
We need to keep on serving and planning and working and ministering.. helping one another to grow in faith and to be filled with joy.
Father, thank You for being so kind and patient with us. Give us abounding love, Lord. Give us confidence in Your Truth. Fill us with Your Spirit and let Your will be done in us. Help us to walk this worthy walk, to Your glory and praise, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen
Paul also gives his friends and us his point of view on death. Death is something that we don't really like to think about, but it has a way of creeping into our thoughts anyway. Paul's perspective is a great source of comfort and perhaps we need to grasp this truth a bit more firmly: " For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Paul is realistic about death. But he is not obsessed about it. He is confident that when that day comes, that he will be with Christ, and he knows "that is very much better". Even so, Paul continues to keep on living - planning, serving, ministering, writing, and working . He desires to see his friends do the same. He wants to see them making progress in their faith. He wants them to be filled with joy. He wants them to continue to walk "in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ".
Paul's hope for his fellow believers is that that will stand "firm in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel". He wants them to not be alarmed by their opponents. He wants them to be ready to suffer for Christ's sake and endure just as he has.
We are quite aware of the circumstances in our world today also. As Christians, we acknowledge that the tide has turned against us and that persecution is coming, even here in America. It is prevalent already around the world. All the more reason that we need to heed Paul's words and have his same perspective on death and on life.
Truth - We will die, one way or another, unless Jesus returns first, and we need to be solidly confident that "to die is gain" for we will be with Christ and that is so much better! But, meanwhile, we need to live "in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ":
We need to stand firm with our fellow believers.
We need to strive for the gospel to be proclaimed.
We need to stand up boldly against the enemy of our faith and not be afraid.
We need to keep on serving and planning and working and ministering.. helping one another to grow in faith and to be filled with joy.
Father, thank You for being so kind and patient with us. Give us abounding love, Lord. Give us confidence in Your Truth. Fill us with Your Spirit and let Your will be done in us. Help us to walk this worthy walk, to Your glory and praise, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Philippians 1:9-11 Paul prays for these fellow Christians.
"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more
in real knowledge and all discernment,
so that you may approve the things that are excellent,
in order to be sincere and blameless
until the day of Christ;
having been filled with the fruit of righteousness
which comes through Jesus Christ,
to the glory and praise of God."
Paul's top prayer request is for abounding love. Abounding love precedes excellence, sincerity, and blamelessness. This same association is found in I Thess. 3:12-13 " .. and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints." As God increases our love for one another He is producing in us holiness. Verse 9 of I Thess. 3 tells us, " Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another..."
In Jeremiah 31:33-34 God reveals a new covenant, "But this is the covenant which I will make with he house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord, I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, declares the Lord, for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more." Jesus quotes from this passage in John 6:45, adding "Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me." To come to Jesus, we must first hear and learn what the Father teaches. And what the Father teaches us is abounding love.
Paul tells us that abounding love is found in "real knowledge and all discernment". The word "knowledge" comes from acknowledgement, or confession. It includes the idea of recognition, understanding, and awareness or familiarity. While discernment requires judgement and insight; keen perception allowing us to distinguish and separate one thing from another. Paul wrote another prayer in Colossians 1:9, here he asks, " that you may be filled with knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding..."
To have the abounding love that God desires to teach us, He begins by revealing His Truth. We must first recognize and acknowledge that truth, distinguishing it from all other teachings of the world.
It is in God's Truth, His Word, that we begin to "approve" or distinguish the things that are "excellent", what is better and of more value. When we choose the more excellent things we become "sincere" - tested and genuine, brought into the sunlight- and "blameless" - without offense, not led into sin. We are also "filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ,"
James speaks of the fruit of righteousness "sown in peace" in James 3:17-18 "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy... " This is what the Lord longs to fill us with. This is abounding love in true knowledge and discernment, this is His will for each of us.
And it is all "through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."
Truth - I need abounding love. I need real knowledge and all discernment. I want to be found sincere and blameless on that day when Christ returns. I hope that others will pray this for me...
Father in heaven, I love You and desire to be taught by You. I desire to have abounding love and wisdom that is from You. Fill me with the knowledge of Your will. Father, I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ, that their love will also abound more and more in real knowledge and discernment. I pray for my loved ones and my church family asking for You to draw us nearer and nearer to Your Son Jesus, the Beloved One. All things are in Your Hands. All glory and praise to You. Amen.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Philippians 1
Verse 6 "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." It is God, Himself, Who begins the "good work" in us, the work of salvation. He calls us. He reveals Himself to us. He leads us to repentance and grants us forgiveness. God knows us through and through. Tozer writes this about God's omniscience:
Since He began a good work in us, knowing all that we were and all that we would be... then we can be assured and have the same confidence as Paul, that He will complete what He started. I'm thankful that it is not my own willpower or work that I must rely on.. but that God is the One Who completes the work in me. Do we believe this? Do we worry that we're not going to be good enough? I must confess that I do... I want to be a better Christian than I am. I need to take this verse personally, meditate on it, and believe that this is true for me.
This is TRUTH - God, Eternal, Unchangeable, Omniscient, Self-Existent , and Omnipotent has chosen to reveal Himself to me, to save me from my sin, to give me new life, eternal life and it is He Who will bring me to perfection, completion on that day when Jesus comes again.
Oh Father in heaven, may our love "abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment".. may we find the "more excellent" things that lead us to sincere and blameless living in Christ. Fill us with the "fruit of righteousness" through Jesus Christ, to "the glory and praise of God".
Complete in me all that You desire. Once again I offer myself to You, a living and holy sacrifice, in Jesus Christ. Amen
Verse 6 "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." It is God, Himself, Who begins the "good work" in us, the work of salvation. He calls us. He reveals Himself to us. He leads us to repentance and grants us forgiveness. God knows us through and through. Tozer writes this about God's omniscience:
"No talebearer can inform on us, no enemy can make an accusation stick;
no forgotten skeleton can come tumbling out of some hidden closet to abash us and expose our past; no unsuspected weakness in our characters can come to light to turn God away from us, since He knew us utterly before we knew Him and called us to Himself in the full knowledge of everything that was against us."
Since He began a good work in us, knowing all that we were and all that we would be... then we can be assured and have the same confidence as Paul, that He will complete what He started. I'm thankful that it is not my own willpower or work that I must rely on.. but that God is the One Who completes the work in me. Do we believe this? Do we worry that we're not going to be good enough? I must confess that I do... I want to be a better Christian than I am. I need to take this verse personally, meditate on it, and believe that this is true for me.
This is TRUTH - God, Eternal, Unchangeable, Omniscient, Self-Existent , and Omnipotent has chosen to reveal Himself to me, to save me from my sin, to give me new life, eternal life and it is He Who will bring me to perfection, completion on that day when Jesus comes again.
Oh Father in heaven, may our love "abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment".. may we find the "more excellent" things that lead us to sincere and blameless living in Christ. Fill us with the "fruit of righteousness" through Jesus Christ, to "the glory and praise of God".
Complete in me all that You desire. Once again I offer myself to You, a living and holy sacrifice, in Jesus Christ. Amen
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
II Kings 21-25 After Hezekiah died, his son Manasseh became king. Manasseh returned all the idolatry to Judah, plus some. His sins were especially evil in the Lord's sight, for he "shed very much innocent blood.." Even though Josiah, Manasseh's grandson did everything to get rid of what Manasseh had done, the consequences were set. Chapter 24:4 "... and also for the innocent blood which he shed, for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; and the Lord would not forgive."
Manasseh rebuilt all the high places that his father had torn down. He erected altars for Baal and made an Ashram like Ahab had. He worshipped the stars. He "practiced witchcraft and used divination and dealt with medium and spiritists." He sacrificed his own children. " He did much evil in the sight of the Lord provoking Him to anger."
Josiah was 8 years old when he became king. His father and grandfather were very evil kings, yet Josiah was not. He followed the Lord. He restored the temple. When they found the lost book of the law and read it to him, Josiah tore his clothes and repented of all the sins of Judah. He made it his mission to rid Judah and Israel of every idol and high place. He had a heart that was tender and he humbled himself before the Lord. "And before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him."
"However the Lord did not turn from the fierceness of His great wrath with which His anger burned against Judah, because of the provocations with which Manasseh had provoked Him." First, Pharaoh Neco came to Judah and killed Josiah. Eliakim, was made king and Pharaoh changed his name to Jehoiakim. After Jehoiakim was his son Jehoiachin, who was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar. Mattaniah, called Zedekiah, was made king. He was the brother of Jehoiakim and Jehoahaz. He also did evil. When he rebelled against Babylon, Zedekiah was forced to watch his sons be slaughtered and then his eyes were put out. He was taken to Babylon in chains. Jerusalem was destroyed. The temple and the palace burned. The walls torn down.
After Nebuchadnezzar died, his son Evil-merodach reigned for 2 years. During that time he had Jehoiachin released from prison. He treated him with kindness and even had meals with him and gave him an allowance. It is through Jehoiachin that the line of David continued and Jesus would be the king of Israel.
Truth: There are things that we can never truly understand about the ways that God acts. He is beyond the grasp of our greatest imagination or reasoning. But, this is what we can know for sure - God never changes! He will always be angry at sin. He will fiercely punish those who provoke Him like Manasseh, especially those who shed innocent blood. We need to take heed! Our country has rebelled in the face of the Lord, allowing abortion to flood our nation, even as Manasseh flooded Jerusalem with innocent blood. How much more of God's wrath do we deserve... Like Josiah, we must pray for a return to the Lord, with all our hearts and souls and might!
Father in heaven, deliver us from evil men who lead our nation to sin and rebellion against You. Raise up men and women of God who will turn to You and cling to You with all their might. Forgive us Lord. In the day of Your wrath, may we be found faithful, blameless and pure by the blood of Jesus Christ. For He is our Savior and King. All glory to You, God! We bless Your Name. Amen
Manasseh rebuilt all the high places that his father had torn down. He erected altars for Baal and made an Ashram like Ahab had. He worshipped the stars. He "practiced witchcraft and used divination and dealt with medium and spiritists." He sacrificed his own children. " He did much evil in the sight of the Lord provoking Him to anger."
Josiah was 8 years old when he became king. His father and grandfather were very evil kings, yet Josiah was not. He followed the Lord. He restored the temple. When they found the lost book of the law and read it to him, Josiah tore his clothes and repented of all the sins of Judah. He made it his mission to rid Judah and Israel of every idol and high place. He had a heart that was tender and he humbled himself before the Lord. "And before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him."
"However the Lord did not turn from the fierceness of His great wrath with which His anger burned against Judah, because of the provocations with which Manasseh had provoked Him." First, Pharaoh Neco came to Judah and killed Josiah. Eliakim, was made king and Pharaoh changed his name to Jehoiakim. After Jehoiakim was his son Jehoiachin, who was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar. Mattaniah, called Zedekiah, was made king. He was the brother of Jehoiakim and Jehoahaz. He also did evil. When he rebelled against Babylon, Zedekiah was forced to watch his sons be slaughtered and then his eyes were put out. He was taken to Babylon in chains. Jerusalem was destroyed. The temple and the palace burned. The walls torn down.
After Nebuchadnezzar died, his son Evil-merodach reigned for 2 years. During that time he had Jehoiachin released from prison. He treated him with kindness and even had meals with him and gave him an allowance. It is through Jehoiachin that the line of David continued and Jesus would be the king of Israel.
Truth: There are things that we can never truly understand about the ways that God acts. He is beyond the grasp of our greatest imagination or reasoning. But, this is what we can know for sure - God never changes! He will always be angry at sin. He will fiercely punish those who provoke Him like Manasseh, especially those who shed innocent blood. We need to take heed! Our country has rebelled in the face of the Lord, allowing abortion to flood our nation, even as Manasseh flooded Jerusalem with innocent blood. How much more of God's wrath do we deserve... Like Josiah, we must pray for a return to the Lord, with all our hearts and souls and might!
Father in heaven, deliver us from evil men who lead our nation to sin and rebellion against You. Raise up men and women of God who will turn to You and cling to You with all their might. Forgive us Lord. In the day of Your wrath, may we be found faithful, blameless and pure by the blood of Jesus Christ. For He is our Savior and King. All glory to You, God! We bless Your Name. Amen
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