346 1 Chronicles 23 – 26; Revelation 7
Get your house in order. These words are not usually associated with a positive circumstance. The first words we read today is "When David got to be an old man..." and what follows is David getting God's house in order, not his own. David with all his flaws was a man after God's own heart. He knew that the most important thing was to make sure that everyone understood their assignment in God's house. David took care of the worship, the security detail, and of course the accountants for the monies that would be coming in. If you were told to get your house in order, what would that look like for you? Would you see to it that those around you are taken care of in a spiritual way? We usually think of the financial first, but what is more important the money or seeking God?!
People are almost always interested in the end times. What we read today is often misunderstood by people. The confusion comes from the question of "who are the 144,000?" In my opinion, there should be no confusion because the Bible tells us that they are from the tribes of Israel. Why then the confusion? People tend to take the whole of Revelation as apocalyptic instead of understanding that some of it is apocalyptic and you have to pay attention to the context and the syntax. I have understood that the 144,000 are those Jews who give their life to Christ in the Great tribulation. Again, John who wrote this book, says that is who they are. People have tried to say it is the true church that gets to go to heaven and others stay here on earth. Still others say it is metaphorical in that their will people from the Great tribulation who will stand up for God and they can be Jew or gentile. The most logical way of taking this passage is to understand what Paul says in the book of Romans that God is not done with the people of Israel and this is another reminder that God has not forsaken the promise given to Abraham. We live in anxious, but exciting times. God is shaping history and is preparing this earth for His Son's return. Are you ready?
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
345 Friday, December 11, 2009
345 1 Chronicles 19 – 22; Revelation 6
David did a lot of fighting. Israel in many ways is a picture of where we live today as Christians. Israel was always having to defend itself from its enemies.
A. W. Tozer wrote a book that took on the subject of earth as a playground or a place of war. ‘We wrestle not against flesh and blood’ is what Paul tells us in Ephesians. Paul does not say if you will wrestle, but that we will wrestle against the enemy--Satan. We do not live on a playground, we live on a battlefield. Perhaps you could read Ephesians 6:10 ff. for further reflection.
David did not count the troops for the right reasons. God had commanded at times for a census to be taken. David wanted to know how strong he was then he stepped up and took his punishment. Motives count, today make sure of yours.
The sixth seal is when everything breaks loose. The words used are essential for you to know and they are: "Hide us from the One Seated on the Throne and the wrath of the Lamb." The wrath of the Lamb is different than the anger or wrath of Satan. It is a very important distinction to make, this wrath of the Lamb and the wrath of Satan. God has promised to save us from the wrath of God, but not from the wrath of Satan. Remember the people of God have been fed to the lions while alive. Followers have been used as human torches, drowned, sawed in two and just about everything else you can imagine. This why Scriptures tells us to be fearful of the one who can destroy your body and your soul. Only God can destroy our soul. Satan can only attack our bodies. If you know Christ then all is well!
David did a lot of fighting. Israel in many ways is a picture of where we live today as Christians. Israel was always having to defend itself from its enemies.
A. W. Tozer wrote a book that took on the subject of earth as a playground or a place of war. ‘We wrestle not against flesh and blood’ is what Paul tells us in Ephesians. Paul does not say if you will wrestle, but that we will wrestle against the enemy--Satan. We do not live on a playground, we live on a battlefield. Perhaps you could read Ephesians 6:10 ff. for further reflection.
David did not count the troops for the right reasons. God had commanded at times for a census to be taken. David wanted to know how strong he was then he stepped up and took his punishment. Motives count, today make sure of yours.
The sixth seal is when everything breaks loose. The words used are essential for you to know and they are: "Hide us from the One Seated on the Throne and the wrath of the Lamb." The wrath of the Lamb is different than the anger or wrath of Satan. It is a very important distinction to make, this wrath of the Lamb and the wrath of Satan. God has promised to save us from the wrath of God, but not from the wrath of Satan. Remember the people of God have been fed to the lions while alive. Followers have been used as human torches, drowned, sawed in two and just about everything else you can imagine. This why Scriptures tells us to be fearful of the one who can destroy your body and your soul. Only God can destroy our soul. Satan can only attack our bodies. If you know Christ then all is well!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
344 Thursday, December 10, 2009
344 1 Chronicles 16 – 18; Revelation 5
The Ark of God (the chest of God!!!) was brought into the tent that was pitched for that purpose. The ark was a visible reminder of God's work on behalf of Israel. It was very important!! David assigned to some of the Levites the care of the Ark and the worship of God. It was on this day that David set up regular times of Worship, that was to be led by Asaph. David writes a song to commemorate this time and gives us insight as to what he thought worship ought to be; a lot of thanks and praise for our God. God then gives specific instructions about the Temple that is to be built. It was not going to be David--to much blood on his hands. God will raise up one of David's sons to build a Temple for the Lord. David submitted to this instruction from the Lord. What has God told you that need to submit to?
Who is worthy to open the seal? No one in heaven could open the seal to carry out the instructions of the Lord. Then one of the Elders spoke up and said here is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who has conquered, He can open the seal. They sang a new song! In heaven they sang a new song. It was a praise song about the Lord Jesus. John looks again and there are more who join in and they sing this song which is about the Lamb who is worthy. Angels, thousands and thousands of angels singing to Jesus--can you imagine? Wow! One fine day we will gather with that heavenly choir and sing our hearts out. Hallelujah!
The Ark of God (the chest of God!!!) was brought into the tent that was pitched for that purpose. The ark was a visible reminder of God's work on behalf of Israel. It was very important!! David assigned to some of the Levites the care of the Ark and the worship of God. It was on this day that David set up regular times of Worship, that was to be led by Asaph. David writes a song to commemorate this time and gives us insight as to what he thought worship ought to be; a lot of thanks and praise for our God. God then gives specific instructions about the Temple that is to be built. It was not going to be David--to much blood on his hands. God will raise up one of David's sons to build a Temple for the Lord. David submitted to this instruction from the Lord. What has God told you that need to submit to?
Who is worthy to open the seal? No one in heaven could open the seal to carry out the instructions of the Lord. Then one of the Elders spoke up and said here is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who has conquered, He can open the seal. They sang a new song! In heaven they sang a new song. It was a praise song about the Lord Jesus. John looks again and there are more who join in and they sing this song which is about the Lamb who is worthy. Angels, thousands and thousands of angels singing to Jesus--can you imagine? Wow! One fine day we will gather with that heavenly choir and sing our hearts out. Hallelujah!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
342 Tuesday, December 8, 2009
342 1 Chronicles 13 – 15; Revelation 4
Sometimes there is a right way to do something and there is a wrong way. There are many different ways to peel a potato, to cook a roast, or to make a cake. However, when it comes to serving God we don't get to choose whatever path we feel good about. David knows it is time to go and retrieve the Ark of the Covenant. His mission was right, but in this case His method was totally wrong. Hence we have these words recorded,
1 Chronicles 15:12-13 (MSG)
12 He said, "You are responsible for the Levitical families; now consecrate yourselves, both you and your relatives, and bring up the Chest of the God of Israel to the place I have set aside for it. 13 The first time we did this, you Levites did not carry it properly, and God exploded in anger at us because we didn't make proper preparation and follow instructions."
David had to admit his sin of not following the instructions of the Lord. Where have you been sloppy in your following the Lord? Where does God want to correct you and help you to follow Him in a more pure and focused way?
Revelation 4:8-11 (MSG)
8 The Four Animals were winged, each with six wings. They were all eyes, seeing around and within. And they chanted night and day, never taking a break: Holy, holy, holy Is God our Master, Sovereign-Strong, The Was, The Is, The Coming. 9 Every time the Animals gave glory and honor and thanks to the One Seated on the Throne—the age-after-age Living One— 10 the Twenty-four Elders would fall prostrate before the One Seated on the Throne. They worshiped the age-after-age Living One. They threw their crowns at the foot of the Throne, chanting, 11 Worthy, O Master! Yes, our God! Take the glory! the honor! the power! You created it all; It was created because you wanted it.
We pray that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. What is His will? His will is that we worship Him just as they are in heaven. Read this passage out loud and ask God to help you to truly lift the name of the Lord up this moment and this day.
Sometimes there is a right way to do something and there is a wrong way. There are many different ways to peel a potato, to cook a roast, or to make a cake. However, when it comes to serving God we don't get to choose whatever path we feel good about. David knows it is time to go and retrieve the Ark of the Covenant. His mission was right, but in this case His method was totally wrong. Hence we have these words recorded,
1 Chronicles 15:12-13 (MSG)
12 He said, "You are responsible for the Levitical families; now consecrate yourselves, both you and your relatives, and bring up the Chest of the God of Israel to the place I have set aside for it. 13 The first time we did this, you Levites did not carry it properly, and God exploded in anger at us because we didn't make proper preparation and follow instructions."
David had to admit his sin of not following the instructions of the Lord. Where have you been sloppy in your following the Lord? Where does God want to correct you and help you to follow Him in a more pure and focused way?
Revelation 4:8-11 (MSG)
8 The Four Animals were winged, each with six wings. They were all eyes, seeing around and within. And they chanted night and day, never taking a break: Holy, holy, holy Is God our Master, Sovereign-Strong, The Was, The Is, The Coming. 9 Every time the Animals gave glory and honor and thanks to the One Seated on the Throne—the age-after-age Living One— 10 the Twenty-four Elders would fall prostrate before the One Seated on the Throne. They worshiped the age-after-age Living One. They threw their crowns at the foot of the Throne, chanting, 11 Worthy, O Master! Yes, our God! Take the glory! the honor! the power! You created it all; It was created because you wanted it.
We pray that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. What is His will? His will is that we worship Him just as they are in heaven. Read this passage out loud and ask God to help you to truly lift the name of the Lord up this moment and this day.
Monday, December 7, 2009
341 Monday, December 7, 2009
341 1 Chronicles 10 – 12; Revelation 3.7 – 3.22
These are some sad words, "Saul died in disobedience, disobedience to God. He didn't obey God's words." David becomes King but not without his mighty men. David had people around him who had his back. There were thirty of them and in that thirty there were three that were especially close. Remember when you see a turtle up on a fence post, you know it did not get there by itself. David had the Lord and his men. The band of men soon became an army.
Saul had his men but what he lacked was the walk before God. David was a man after God's own heart. Saul needed that in his life as we all do. The relationship with the Lord is more important than any other relationship. How is your relationship with the Lord?
To the church of Philadelphia Christ tells them, "I've opened a door before you that no one can slam shut." The church has been persecuted and is weak, but God still has set an open door before them. Jesus tells them that he will be there for them. Listen to the Lord and then obey.
The church at Laodicea really gets its head handed to them. Christ says to them, "I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot--far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit." Wow. God does not want us in limbo.
God want us there--totally attentive. If God was to write you a letter what would it say?
These are some sad words, "Saul died in disobedience, disobedience to God. He didn't obey God's words." David becomes King but not without his mighty men. David had people around him who had his back. There were thirty of them and in that thirty there were three that were especially close. Remember when you see a turtle up on a fence post, you know it did not get there by itself. David had the Lord and his men. The band of men soon became an army.
Saul had his men but what he lacked was the walk before God. David was a man after God's own heart. Saul needed that in his life as we all do. The relationship with the Lord is more important than any other relationship. How is your relationship with the Lord?
To the church of Philadelphia Christ tells them, "I've opened a door before you that no one can slam shut." The church has been persecuted and is weak, but God still has set an open door before them. Jesus tells them that he will be there for them. Listen to the Lord and then obey.
The church at Laodicea really gets its head handed to them. Christ says to them, "I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot--far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit." Wow. God does not want us in limbo.
God want us there--totally attentive. If God was to write you a letter what would it say?
Sunday, December 6, 2009
340 Sunday, December 6, 2009
340 1 Chronicles 6 – 9; Revelation 2.18 – 3.6
War and worship is what you find in the O.T.. There is more, but there is a huge portion of Scripture that is about worship and war. David not only gets his troops in line, but also makes sure people are worshiping and that they have leaders in those areas. Notice the term that was used when referring to music and that is ministers of music. There was more than music, but that is what is first mentioned. In the last chapter David really lays out in detail what each of the Levites are to do for the worship in the Temple. God wants things done right when it comes to worshiping Him. Today we are to be right when we are worshiping the Lord.
Listen to all the good things said about Thyatira: they have love, faith, service, and persistence. However, what they had not done is stand up to a false prophet who was misleading people in the church. What did this false religion promote? It promoted sex and religion i.e. idol worship. Listen to what the Spirit says are the final words to the church.
Now the church of Sardis is addressed and there is a rebuke right from the start. Christ says, "I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you're dead, stone-dead." Jesus calls this church to come back to Him and come alive. Listen is how this passage is finished. Listen, listen, listen is what God is saying to all His church. Listen to what the Spirit is saying to us who call ourselves followers of Christ.
War and worship is what you find in the O.T.. There is more, but there is a huge portion of Scripture that is about worship and war. David not only gets his troops in line, but also makes sure people are worshiping and that they have leaders in those areas. Notice the term that was used when referring to music and that is ministers of music. There was more than music, but that is what is first mentioned. In the last chapter David really lays out in detail what each of the Levites are to do for the worship in the Temple. God wants things done right when it comes to worshiping Him. Today we are to be right when we are worshiping the Lord.
Listen to all the good things said about Thyatira: they have love, faith, service, and persistence. However, what they had not done is stand up to a false prophet who was misleading people in the church. What did this false religion promote? It promoted sex and religion i.e. idol worship. Listen to what the Spirit says are the final words to the church.
Now the church of Sardis is addressed and there is a rebuke right from the start. Christ says, "I see right through your work. You have a reputation for vigor and zest, but you're dead, stone-dead." Jesus calls this church to come back to Him and come alive. Listen is how this passage is finished. Listen, listen, listen is what God is saying to all His church. Listen to what the Spirit is saying to us who call ourselves followers of Christ.
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