Sometimes I like to just sit and ponder a scene, such as we have here, with God and David discussing who's going to build who a house. If you want to know what real humility looks like, check out David's response. He didn't argue with God's plan, and he didn't get puffed up either. He simply acknowledged God for Who He is and praised Him for what He had done; David took God at His word and thanked Him. He gave God credit for the greatness, and he didn't say, "you shouldn't have."
This should be our response when we hear a promise from the Lord, no matter how far-fetched it might seem to us: “And now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord GOD, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.” 2 Samuel 7:28-29
Solomon was the immediate fulfillment of that promise, but Jesus was the complete and eternal fulfillment of it. Because of this, we are included in God's promise to establish his kingdom and his throne forever, for the Son has the Father's blessing. Jesus' Kingdom will be established forever, and He shall build a house for God's name.
So then we see Jesus beginning to do this very thing: "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." John 14:23 I suggest reading again Jesus' words today and taking them personally. These promises are for you! Promises aren't activated in your life until you hear them, acknowledge them to be true, accept them for yourself and thank God for them. They are no less real for you than for the disciples who were sitting with Jesus at the time they were spoken.
God was building Christ's Kingdom through David. He is still building a holy temple for the dwelling place of His glory. He wants you to be part of this temple, this Kingdom, this royal family. The Spirit of Truth is here to bring this revelation into our hearts and make it a reality. He will help you to see it. When you do, may your "yes" be like David's.
Showing posts with label Beloved Son. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beloved Son. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
May 21, 2010 Extravagant Love
I'm always so moved by the story of Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet. It was intuitive, it was humble, it was costly, it was intimate, it was symbolic, it was prophetic. It was an extravagant outpouring of love and gratitude, with no thought of herself. It could not be missed.
The fragrance permeated the house. It must have lingered for days! Not a soul there could have been unaware of it. Mary's action would have caused a reaction in everyone: some would have been touched, others angry. Jesus was so moved that He made sure that act of love was memorialized for all time. I would love to touch His heart that much-- wouldn't you?
When we live our life in loving surrender and worship of our Lord Jesus, holding nothing back, we give a gift more precious than a life savings. Each person has a different offering, but when given freely from the heart, it is precious to Him. To give oneself in extravagant worship is to touch the Lord's heart. It creates a mutual experience that lingers. The by-product is that the atmosphere of our life is a compelling fragrance that others, depending on their heart condition, are either drawn to or repelled by. One thing is certain. Jesus loves it!
Jesus loves us extravagantly, doesn't He? Let's return His love.
The fragrance permeated the house. It must have lingered for days! Not a soul there could have been unaware of it. Mary's action would have caused a reaction in everyone: some would have been touched, others angry. Jesus was so moved that He made sure that act of love was memorialized for all time. I would love to touch His heart that much-- wouldn't you?
When we live our life in loving surrender and worship of our Lord Jesus, holding nothing back, we give a gift more precious than a life savings. Each person has a different offering, but when given freely from the heart, it is precious to Him. To give oneself in extravagant worship is to touch the Lord's heart. It creates a mutual experience that lingers. The by-product is that the atmosphere of our life is a compelling fragrance that others, depending on their heart condition, are either drawn to or repelled by. One thing is certain. Jesus loves it!
Jesus loves us extravagantly, doesn't He? Let's return His love.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
May 19, 2010 People Living Up To Their Names
Nabal's name, of course, means "fool," which is explained in Scripture. He thoroughly lived up to his name. Why would someone name their kid that, I wonder? If you call someone "fool" over and over, they'll probably believe it! In contrast, Abigail (whose name means "father" and "rejoicing"), was surely a delight to her father, to her heavenly Father, and to David.
A person who knows they are loved by the Father can be an effective intercessor and a blessing to all. Her wisdom is a great contrast to her husband's brute foolishness. The verse in Proverbs today was very fitting:
"A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother." Proverbs 15:20 NKJV It's not unfitting to say that a wise daughter makes her father glad; a foolish man makes his father miserable, and also that he despises his wife as well as his mother. Abigail was merciful and interceded, and this was rewarded greatly. The fool has no fear of God, and that received its reward as well.
Saul's name means "asked for" or "desired", and the people got what they asked for and desired, but not what they needed. David's name, in contrast, means "beloved." He was beloved by God and the people, and most assuredly my Abigail, (even though she had to share him). When we allow God to give us what we need, rather than demanding what we think we desire, we will truly love what we have been given! Because God knows how to give good gifts to His children.
Only a fool would turn down the opportunity to have that kind of Daddy! Nevertheless, we should be like David, who spared Saul when it was in his power to do him ill, and Abigail, who took upon herself the burden of her foolish husband's sin, even though she probably would have loved to get rid of him, and may have been tempted to let David take his life. The end of the story leaves no doubt that she took the proper course!
God calls us "beloved"! He calls us "Father's delight!" If we keep listening, we'll eventually live up to everything He sees in us-- the likeness of Christ.
A person who knows they are loved by the Father can be an effective intercessor and a blessing to all. Her wisdom is a great contrast to her husband's brute foolishness. The verse in Proverbs today was very fitting:
"A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother." Proverbs 15:20 NKJV It's not unfitting to say that a wise daughter makes her father glad; a foolish man makes his father miserable, and also that he despises his wife as well as his mother. Abigail was merciful and interceded, and this was rewarded greatly. The fool has no fear of God, and that received its reward as well.
Saul's name means "asked for" or "desired", and the people got what they asked for and desired, but not what they needed. David's name, in contrast, means "beloved." He was beloved by God and the people, and most assuredly my Abigail, (even though she had to share him). When we allow God to give us what we need, rather than demanding what we think we desire, we will truly love what we have been given! Because God knows how to give good gifts to His children.
Only a fool would turn down the opportunity to have that kind of Daddy! Nevertheless, we should be like David, who spared Saul when it was in his power to do him ill, and Abigail, who took upon herself the burden of her foolish husband's sin, even though she probably would have loved to get rid of him, and may have been tempted to let David take his life. The end of the story leaves no doubt that she took the proper course!
God calls us "beloved"! He calls us "Father's delight!" If we keep listening, we'll eventually live up to everything He sees in us-- the likeness of Christ.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
April 22, 2010
The Scriptures in which Jesus talks about the end times are, to me, some of the most important ones we can study, and hear His voice in, for NOW. He tells us these things not to frighten us, but to prepare us and comfort us. All these "dreadful portents" are indications that the Kingdom of Heaven is soon to be Christ's reign on Earth! How could these things be our doom? They are only foreboding to those who reject Christ, and to the rebellious kingdoms of the earth. If we endure, we very well could be among the generation to see "the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" !
Jesus made it clear that these terrible signs and events should give us a sense of expectation, not the fear and confusion that would be characteristic of the nations of the earth. "Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:28 Our response should be to get ready and be watchful-- keeping our eyes on heavenly things and our focus on Jesus Christ. It is time to renew our commitment to serving the Lord, putting aside all the idols that distract us and take our attention away from Him. It is time to lay down all the things in the past that keep us focused on ourselves and that hinder us by causing us to have a victim mentality.
It is time to rise up and show the world that there is an unshakeable Kingdom, with a glorious King who reigns with love and wisdom, and to call people into it. We are in this Kingdom already, because we are in Christ who is the King. We will have righteousness, peace and joy if we will actually live in the Kingdom we are part of. We are, in truth, high above all that is happening on this earth.
I believe we have physicalized the concept of the "Rapture" because we took the things in Scripture and interpreted them the only way we knew how, naturally. But if we can see things according to the Spirit, we will realize that we are ALREADY "seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus". "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2: 4-7
Oh, how the Spirit of the Lord is singing over us right now, desiring with fervor for us to get a hold of this REALITY!
"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" Colossians 1:13 KJV
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love" NKJV
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" NIV
"For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son" NLT
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" ESV
"el cual nos ha librado de la potestad de las tinieblas, y trasladado al reino de su amado Hijo" RVR
"He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" RSV
"who did rescue us out of the authority of the darkness, and did translate us into the reign of the Son of His love" ASV
"who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love" HNV
It has already been done! Can you hear the music? Will you sing it with Him?
P.S.
The sudden switch of tone and perspective in the second half of Psalm 89 reminds me of the way we think and feel when we do not realize what God has already accomplished in Christ, for us.
P.P.S PLEASE READ THIS!
So you don't get the wrong idea from what I'm saying:
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
2 Thessalonians 2: 1-2
Jesus is still returning in person to reign on Earth, and we will reign with Him!
I suggest reading this chapter, as well as chapter 1. Paul is encouraging the brethren who are enduring persecutions and tribulations. Jesus said we would have these things, and that is why we must endure. But our endurance and patient perseverance is going to be dictated by our internal outlook and perspective.
"that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;
since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. . . when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. " 2 Thessalonians 1: 5a-7,10
Jesus made it clear that these terrible signs and events should give us a sense of expectation, not the fear and confusion that would be characteristic of the nations of the earth. "Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:28 Our response should be to get ready and be watchful-- keeping our eyes on heavenly things and our focus on Jesus Christ. It is time to renew our commitment to serving the Lord, putting aside all the idols that distract us and take our attention away from Him. It is time to lay down all the things in the past that keep us focused on ourselves and that hinder us by causing us to have a victim mentality.
It is time to rise up and show the world that there is an unshakeable Kingdom, with a glorious King who reigns with love and wisdom, and to call people into it. We are in this Kingdom already, because we are in Christ who is the King. We will have righteousness, peace and joy if we will actually live in the Kingdom we are part of. We are, in truth, high above all that is happening on this earth.
I believe we have physicalized the concept of the "Rapture" because we took the things in Scripture and interpreted them the only way we knew how, naturally. But if we can see things according to the Spirit, we will realize that we are ALREADY "seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus". "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2: 4-7
Oh, how the Spirit of the Lord is singing over us right now, desiring with fervor for us to get a hold of this REALITY!
"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" Colossians 1:13 KJV
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love" NKJV
"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" NIV
"For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son" NLT
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" ESV
"el cual nos ha librado de la potestad de las tinieblas, y trasladado al reino de su amado Hijo" RVR
"He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son" RSV
"who did rescue us out of the authority of the darkness, and did translate us into the reign of the Son of His love" ASV
"who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love" HNV
It has already been done! Can you hear the music? Will you sing it with Him?
P.S.
The sudden switch of tone and perspective in the second half of Psalm 89 reminds me of the way we think and feel when we do not realize what God has already accomplished in Christ, for us.
P.P.S PLEASE READ THIS!
So you don't get the wrong idea from what I'm saying:
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.
2 Thessalonians 2: 1-2
Jesus is still returning in person to reign on Earth, and we will reign with Him!
I suggest reading this chapter, as well as chapter 1. Paul is encouraging the brethren who are enduring persecutions and tribulations. Jesus said we would have these things, and that is why we must endure. But our endurance and patient perseverance is going to be dictated by our internal outlook and perspective.
"that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;
since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. . . when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. " 2 Thessalonians 1: 5a-7,10
Thursday, March 18, 2010
March 18, 2010
True authority is given by God. It comes by His word. We saw three examples today: Joshua, John the Baptist, and Jesus. God told Moses to give Joshua some of his authority to lead the people. John the Baptist was sent out by the word of God that came to him. Luke 3:2 Jesus was released into His ministry by the Spirit of God and the voice of the Father. 3:22 Each of these were also empowered by the Spirit of God.
Who operated in God's authority: John, who rebuked Herod the tetrarch for his wickedness, or Herod, who imprisoned John (and eventually had him beheaded)? What happens to people who usurp authority not given to them by God, or abuse the power of their position of authority? Are you able to discern when a leader is not submitted to God's authority? How do you respond to that situation?
All of us, including you, are given authority over some areas in life. What has God given you authority over? How do you know? What do you do with the authority that God has given you? Have you ever tried to take authority over something/someone that was not given to you? How did that turn out?
One way we can recognize our authority is by the fact that we have to make decisions. In what areas of life do you have to make decisions? We get into trouble when we start trying to make decisions in areas that are not under our authority.
Do you have trouble making decisions? God told Moses that Joshua would need to go to the priest, who would inquire for him "by the decision of the Urim before the Lord." Numbers 27:21 I have to admit that I haven't done research on the Urim and the Thummim of the Old Testament priesthood, even though it's always intrigued me. I have this picture of some stones lighting up with God's "yes" or His "no"! (I'd be happy to have a comment with any knowledge you might have on this.) Back then, they cast lots to make decisions, such as apportioning the land for the tribes' inheritances, trusting God to make the decisions. We don't have to cast lots now, because we have the Holy Spirit and we can hear the Lord's voice speaking directly to our hearts. Isn't that awesome?
"Peace" and "anxiety" are kind of like the Urim and Thummim to me. I go to the Lord with a decision and seek to hear His word on it. If I'm worrying over something, I wait for the peace of God about it before I do anything. Decisions based on fear don't turn out very well! I try to keep myself free from anxiety (e.g., anxiety stemming from consuming too much caffeine). Maintaining a peaceful spirit and quiet mind makes it easy for the Holy Spirit to use a "feeling" of anxiety as a quick warning system, to stop me from making a wrong decision, or to protect me from danger. I try to respond immediately to that. He can always explain later! I haven't mastered all this, but I've gotten a lot better at it with practice. [I have found that external "peace enhancers" interfere with my ability to be led by the Spirit. This doesn't mean that if you need to take prescribed tranquilizers that you should suddenly quit taking them; but it is a goal to work toward, maybe with the help of a therapist.]
The Good News is that when you're born of God, you're the brother or sister of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Almighty God is your Father! When was the last time you sat quietly with the Lord and heard Him say to your heart, "You are my Beloved son/daughter; with you I am well pleased." Shhhh. . .listen carefully. You'll hear Him, I know you will.
Who operated in God's authority: John, who rebuked Herod the tetrarch for his wickedness, or Herod, who imprisoned John (and eventually had him beheaded)? What happens to people who usurp authority not given to them by God, or abuse the power of their position of authority? Are you able to discern when a leader is not submitted to God's authority? How do you respond to that situation?
All of us, including you, are given authority over some areas in life. What has God given you authority over? How do you know? What do you do with the authority that God has given you? Have you ever tried to take authority over something/someone that was not given to you? How did that turn out?
One way we can recognize our authority is by the fact that we have to make decisions. In what areas of life do you have to make decisions? We get into trouble when we start trying to make decisions in areas that are not under our authority.
Do you have trouble making decisions? God told Moses that Joshua would need to go to the priest, who would inquire for him "by the decision of the Urim before the Lord." Numbers 27:21 I have to admit that I haven't done research on the Urim and the Thummim of the Old Testament priesthood, even though it's always intrigued me. I have this picture of some stones lighting up with God's "yes" or His "no"! (I'd be happy to have a comment with any knowledge you might have on this.) Back then, they cast lots to make decisions, such as apportioning the land for the tribes' inheritances, trusting God to make the decisions. We don't have to cast lots now, because we have the Holy Spirit and we can hear the Lord's voice speaking directly to our hearts. Isn't that awesome?
"Peace" and "anxiety" are kind of like the Urim and Thummim to me. I go to the Lord with a decision and seek to hear His word on it. If I'm worrying over something, I wait for the peace of God about it before I do anything. Decisions based on fear don't turn out very well! I try to keep myself free from anxiety (e.g., anxiety stemming from consuming too much caffeine). Maintaining a peaceful spirit and quiet mind makes it easy for the Holy Spirit to use a "feeling" of anxiety as a quick warning system, to stop me from making a wrong decision, or to protect me from danger. I try to respond immediately to that. He can always explain later! I haven't mastered all this, but I've gotten a lot better at it with practice. [I have found that external "peace enhancers" interfere with my ability to be led by the Spirit. This doesn't mean that if you need to take prescribed tranquilizers that you should suddenly quit taking them; but it is a goal to work toward, maybe with the help of a therapist.]
The Good News is that when you're born of God, you're the brother or sister of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Almighty God is your Father! When was the last time you sat quietly with the Lord and heard Him say to your heart, "You are my Beloved son/daughter; with you I am well pleased." Shhhh. . .listen carefully. You'll hear Him, I know you will.
Monday, January 25, 2010
January 25, 2010
There are a lot of voices in the world, and we have to discern which ones we're hearing, and choose our responses accordingly. The people were saying all sorts of different things about who Jesus was, but the only right answer was revealed by the Father-- Jesus is the Christ, God's Son.
Peter got that revelation, but then he heard and responded to the wrong voice (Satan's) when he rebuked Jesus.
Every revelation from God is not as overwhelming as what Peter then got on the mountain and heard God say "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to Him!' Matthew 17:5. It's still the same powerful revelation though, so hold on to it. The next time an opposing voice comes along, use this Word and shoot down the lies.
And listen to Jesus, no matter how He's speaking!
Peter got that revelation, but then he heard and responded to the wrong voice (Satan's) when he rebuked Jesus.
Every revelation from God is not as overwhelming as what Peter then got on the mountain and heard God say "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to Him!' Matthew 17:5. It's still the same powerful revelation though, so hold on to it. The next time an opposing voice comes along, use this Word and shoot down the lies.
And listen to Jesus, no matter how He's speaking!
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