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God’s message to me: Jerusalem and the temple are never abandoned by God. While there are times when the city and the temple have been destroyed and the people scattered or taken captive, the people have always returned to rebuild the city and the temple. Those times of punishment serve to remind the world what happens when we rebel against God. We see what He did to His own people and know how much more He would do to us.
Promises: When people turn to God and ask His forgiveness and His help, He is faithful to provide forgiveness and help regardless of whether we are Jew or Gentile as long as we fear and trust God for salvation.
Commands: “pray for the peace of Jerusalem”. God has placed His name there and true peace for that land and that city can only come when it is wholly under the control of His people Israel and when they turn to Him for salvation. Understand this when you pray for peace. There is no compromise between good and evil and “land for peace” deals will never work because God has condemned them.
Timeless principles: When Solomon finished his prayer of Dedication for the temple fire from heaven came down and consumed the sacrifice on the alter making it clear that God approved of what was done. Once again, God’s approval isn’t usually hard to recognize.
How can I apply what I’ve learned: Trust God to provide when I call on His name and remember where He has chosen to place His favor and support that favor.
tomorrow: Second Chronicles 9-12
Showing posts with label celebration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celebration. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
First Chronicles 13-16
God’s message to me: doing things the right way is more important than getting them done.
Promises: When things are done right God grant’s success and the joy and celebration that go with it.
Commands: God has a proper order for things. When things are done wrong it brings problems. When they are done right it brings rejoicing. Calling the Levites to handle moving the ark and preparing the Tabernacle was the proper order. When we do the wrong thing, even for the right reason, it is going to bring trouble. Uzzah being struck down for touching the Ark is an example.
Timeless principles: Music is a large and important part of worship. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. The Israelites worshiped God with cymbals, trumpets, sounding brass, etc. The made a lot of noise and had a lot of fun. Why are some Christians so afraid of noisy and rambunctious music?
How can I apply what I’ve learned: Learn how God wants things done before rushing off to do His work. so many get so enthused that they rush into things without knowing what should be done and they get it wrong. It’s so much faster and easier to learn first then act.
tomorrow: First Chronicles 17-20
Promises: When things are done right God grant’s success and the joy and celebration that go with it.
Commands: God has a proper order for things. When things are done wrong it brings problems. When they are done right it brings rejoicing. Calling the Levites to handle moving the ark and preparing the Tabernacle was the proper order. When we do the wrong thing, even for the right reason, it is going to bring trouble. Uzzah being struck down for touching the Ark is an example.
Timeless principles: Music is a large and important part of worship. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. The Israelites worshiped God with cymbals, trumpets, sounding brass, etc. The made a lot of noise and had a lot of fun. Why are some Christians so afraid of noisy and rambunctious music?
How can I apply what I’ve learned: Learn how God wants things done before rushing off to do His work. so many get so enthused that they rush into things without knowing what should be done and they get it wrong. It’s so much faster and easier to learn first then act.
tomorrow: First Chronicles 17-20
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Leviticus chapter 21-23
God’s message to me: Holidays are a time of celebration. God has ordained many. Passover, Chanukah, Rosh Hashanah, Pentecost, Etc. are all holidays ordained by God. Chanukah closely matches our Christmas and Passover matches with Easter because the Crucifixion occurred during that holiday. Just as we Celebrate Thanksgiving, the 4th of July, Memorial Day and others, the people of Israel celebrated the harvest, the growing season, the day of atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles. Celebrating holidays isn’t an insult to God it is God’s command. I bring this up because so many friends have asked about it when others attacked them for celebrating holidays.
Promises: Keep God’s commandments and He will bless you as His holy examples to the world
Commands: Do not come to serve the Lord when your unclean. The Ritually unclean mentioned here are also a type of the sinfully unclean. It is important for all of us to get right with God before expecting to communicate with Him or gain His blessings. It is especially important for those in the ministry to take corrective action in their life. How many ministries have been torn down by the sin of their leaders? How many have survived because the leaders took action to keep them selves strait with God? How many have been pulled from the jaws of death because a leader confessed and corrected his secret sin?
Timeless principles: Celebration! Whether your celebrate Chanukah or Christmas, Passover or Easter or whatever, it is Good to celebrate the Lord and His blessings.
How can I apply what I’ve learned: Remember God in my celebrations and honor and glorify Him for His blessings. Keep myself as an example of living right.
more to learn for in-depth study: Mourning rituals varied but among the pagans self mutilation was routine. The Israelites would tear their clothes, take off their head wear, throw ashes on themselves and so on but, the priest was forbidden to take such acts in a private matter. When the High priest tore his clothes in response to what Jesus was saying it was a public matter. Jesus had just made a claim to being God. To a High Priest who believed it blasphemy this was just cause. The High priest was also forbidden from approaching a dead body, even as a part of the funeral. The only ones who were supposed to tend the body were those closest (emotionally/familial) to the deceased.
Tomorrow: Leviticus chapter 24-25
Promises: Keep God’s commandments and He will bless you as His holy examples to the world
Commands: Do not come to serve the Lord when your unclean. The Ritually unclean mentioned here are also a type of the sinfully unclean. It is important for all of us to get right with God before expecting to communicate with Him or gain His blessings. It is especially important for those in the ministry to take corrective action in their life. How many ministries have been torn down by the sin of their leaders? How many have survived because the leaders took action to keep them selves strait with God? How many have been pulled from the jaws of death because a leader confessed and corrected his secret sin?
Timeless principles: Celebration! Whether your celebrate Chanukah or Christmas, Passover or Easter or whatever, it is Good to celebrate the Lord and His blessings.
How can I apply what I’ve learned: Remember God in my celebrations and honor and glorify Him for His blessings. Keep myself as an example of living right.
more to learn for in-depth study: Mourning rituals varied but among the pagans self mutilation was routine. The Israelites would tear their clothes, take off their head wear, throw ashes on themselves and so on but, the priest was forbidden to take such acts in a private matter. When the High priest tore his clothes in response to what Jesus was saying it was a public matter. Jesus had just made a claim to being God. To a High Priest who believed it blasphemy this was just cause. The High priest was also forbidden from approaching a dead body, even as a part of the funeral. The only ones who were supposed to tend the body were those closest (emotionally/familial) to the deceased.
Tomorrow: Leviticus chapter 24-25
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