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Life of David Part 14: Warrior King

8/30/2016

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Beat your plowshares into swords,     and your pruning hooks into spears;     let the weak say, “I am a warrior.” Joel 3:10
Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, “I am a warrior.” Joel 3:10
​Yesterday we read that one reason David was disqualified from building the Temple of God was because he was a man of war. This would infer that God saw a problem with David as a man of war. But this was not the case. It was just not a trait the LORD wanted associated with His house which would foreshadow Heaven for us. New Jerusalem will be a place where no more death and war occur. Isaiah 2:4 reads,
He shall judge between the nations,
    and shall decide disputes for many peoples;
and they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
    and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
    neither shall they learn war anymore.

But before New Jerusalem is established there must be war. We are fighting it now. Joel 3:9-10 reads,
Proclaim this among the nations:
Consecrate for war;
    stir up the mighty men.
Let all the men of war draw near;
    let them come up.
10 Beat your plowshares into swords,
    and your pruning hooks into spears;
    let the weak say, “I am a warrior.”

David was a man after God’s own heart and he was a warrior king. It was necessary for him to lead the army and fight and defeat Israel’s enemies. 2 Samuel 8 records his military might. Verses 1-8 read,
After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines.
2 And he defeated Moab and he measured them with a line, making them lie down on the ground. Two lines he measured to be put to death, and one full line to be spared. And the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute.
3 David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the river Euphrates. 4 And David took from him 1,700 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses but left enough for 100 chariots. 5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians.6 Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. 7 And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took very much bronze.
God used David, his warrior king to conquer the surrounding nations, to build Israel’s wealth, to build David’s reputation and spread His glory to the nations. David was as Jesus is a warrior king. God’s name LORD of Hosts means He leads the angel armies.  The angel armies are not meek, weak, or gentle. They are fierce, they are the instruments of God’s wrath, and the bringers of God’s justice. Revelation 19:11-16 describes Jesus as the LORD God of Hosts, the Warrior King.
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
 
We will have eternal peace one day, but now we are in a war and we are expected to do our part. Paul describes it in Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
This war is not a normal war where earthly armor would do. Like earthly armor impeded David in order to fight Goliath (1 Samuel 17:38-40) we do not use earthly methods to fight the war. It is spiritual armor, truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. It is fought with prayer and it is fought with speaking and doing God’s word. We are doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:22). We aren’t fighting people; we are fighting demonic forces under the lead of Satan. The lost are blindly ignorant prisoners of war to whom we can bring the freedom of Christ. Believer, we have nothing to fear in fighting him. He prowls around, seeks to devour, steal, kill, and destroy (1 Peter 5:8, John 10:10) but he is a coward, easily defeated now, and eternally defeated in the future. We don’t glorify the enemy. We don’t battle him with our words or our power. We battle him with the tools described in the armor of God. We don’t even have to battle, we pray, we have faith, we take thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), we remember the truth and throw out the lies of the accuser. We resist him, not fight him. He is a coward and he doesn’t stick around for losing battles. James 4:6-8 describes the best way to deal with that gutless enemy.
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
 
Be humble, submit yourself to God, resist the devil, draw near to God and cleanse your hands of sin. Resist is defined as to “remain strong against the force or effect of: to not be affected or harmed by.” If we engage the enemy, he remains engaged. If we resist, he flees.
Jesus is the Warrior King. He already won the war when He resurrected after laying down His life for us (Revelation 1:18). Soon, Satan will face defeat and eternal torment (Revelation 20:10).
David the warrior king gained great glory for God and built the fame and reputation of Israel as a people to be feared. Some kings, rather than fight David and his army, chose to submit to him before he could combat them. They recognized his enemies were theirs as well and joined him. Verses 9-14 read,
When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, 10 Toi sent his son Joram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him, for Hadadezer had often been at war with Toi. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold, and of bronze. 11 These also King David dedicated to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued, 12 from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah.
13 And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 14 Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David's servants. And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.
 
When we are wearing God’s armor and fighting as God has told us to do, we too will glorify the LORD and people will join His side. When we signed on, we were given a commission. Our commission does not say fight people, hate those who hate you, or argue with non-believers until they believe. Jesus told us,
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20).
Jesus gave us a commandment and told us that by this commandment people would know we were His followers. John 13:34-35 reads,
 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
 
We have our commission and we have our commandment. We cannot carry these out alone. Jesus didn’t. He had had his disciples. David didn’t. He was surrounded by support. Verses 15-18 read,
So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people. 16 Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder, 17 and Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, and Seraiah was secretary, 18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David's sons were priests.[1]
 
Jesus was not alone. David was not alone. How can we think we can fight the good fight alone? Being together, gathering together in our King’s name is powerful. I can show you verse after verse in God’s Word which shows He expects us to live and walk as a community. In Matthew 18:18-20 Jesus described just how powerful even a few of us together can be.
 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
 
Believer, do you want to be a person after God’s own heart? Then you must take part in the resistance! You are a warrior. You were made to overcome the bondage of evil. You are victorious. Perhaps you should live that way. Put on the whole armor of God.


[1] David’s son were priests more properly translates to David’s sons were chief officials. They carried out not Godly priestly duties, but ministry and duties to David and officiated as princes and officials in David’s name. See 1 Chronicles 18:17 “… and David's sons were the chief officials in the service of the king.”
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Life of David Part 13: Choosing God’s Heart

8/29/2016

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And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
​There are times when it seems that what we want must be God’s will. Perhaps we want a huge ministry to encourage missionaries, or we want to make a place for single mothers to rest, or build a church. These are all God-glorifying endeavors but sometimes we are not the people best-suited for the job. Sometimes God has someone else in mind for that ministry and something different for us.
David had brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel and he realized he lived in an amazing cedar home but the Ark stayed in a tent, the Tabernacle. He wanted to build a cedar house for the Ark. Let’s read about it in 2 Samuel 7. Verses 1-3 read,
Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” 3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
David was excited for his idea. He checked with Nathan the prophet and Nathan was excited for the project and assumed God’s approval. Why wouldn’t God approve of being glorified with a home constructed of the finest Cedar? How often have we said to ourselves “God is with me, I should do whatever is in my heart?” Our plans are not always God’s plans, even when they appear to be what He would want. Verses 4-7 read,
But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’
 
First, though David had the idea and not a command, and Nathan presumed God’s approval rather than inquire, The Lord was gentle with them both. He spoke to Nathan in a dream and gave him the message for David. He could have given David the message directly since David was also a prophet (Acts 3:20). But he included Nathan in the honor of receiving His Word and discipline.
God told David and Nathan He had never had a ‘house’ before and He had done His great works, miracles, and care for His people without having one. He had never asked for one. Sometimes we think we are doing something great for God. But what can we do for God, really? God doesn’t need us to do a thing for Him. It is His people He wants us to do and care for. What could we imagine God needs from us? Stephen said it this way in Acts 7:48-50,
Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,
49 “‘Heaven is my throne,
    and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,
    or what is the place of my rest?
50 Did not my hand make all these things?’

We do not find God by doing what we assume He needs. He doesn’t need anything. We find God by seeking what He wants and wills. We repent. We abide in Him, spend time with Him, read His Word, listen to Him, and share our heart with Him as He shares His heart with us. We draw close to Him and He will draw close to us (James 4:8). Paul said it this way in Acts 17:24-28,
The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;
as even some of your own poets have said,
“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
 
God had chosen David for an important job. He had chosen someone else to build His Temple. If David had built it, it would not have been as God commanded. It would have taken Solomon’s job away from Him. David was not right for the job of building the Temple. Other than already having a great job for God, he was disqualified from building the Temple because he was a warrior as God had made him. God wanted no human blood or war on the Temple. He wanted the Temple to be built by His provision not men’s efforts. He wanted a house of peace and prayer. In 1 Chronicles 28:2-5 David said,
 “Hear me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord and for the footstool of our God, and I made preparations for building. 3 But God said to me, ‘You may not build a house for my name, for you are a man of war and have shed blood.’ 4 Yet the Lord God of Israel chose me from all my father's house to be king over Israel forever. For he chose Judah as leader, and in the house of Judah my father's house, and among my father's sons he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel.
David, the warrior king, the shepherd king, and the man after God’s own heart had been chosen to establish Israel’s throne to seed the Messiah who would be the Eternal King and Lion of Judah. Verses 8-11a read,
Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel.
 
God had great plans for David and he was fulfilling them. He had great plans for the Davidic line as well; The Messiah would come out of this line. The Lord spoke and gave David a beautiful promise about the Messiah Jesus and also about David’s son Solomon Verses 11b-14a read,
And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son.
 
The Lord doesn’t need anything from you or me! He gives us rest. He builds us a house. Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4).
Jesus gave us His Holy Spirit and established His house in us to dwell in us. We are the Temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). In doing so, He cares for us and He sanctifies us. That requires love and discipline. God becomes our Father and we His sons and daughters. Verses 14-17 read,
I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” 17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.
 
David wanted to build the Temple. But that wasn’t the plans God had for him. David was disappointed but God had encouraged the king by reminding him of his great purpose and by telling him the Temple would be built by his son. God had encouraged David by showing him a glimpse of Jesus. He encouraged the king by telling him it would be He who made a house for David and not David who made a house for God.
Why would God allow one person to do what you desire to do, but not you? David’s prayer of praise to God answers that for us. Verses 18-21 read,
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 19 And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord God! 20 And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God! 21 Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it.
 
The Lord showed David His greatness. He showed Israel His greatness and He showed the world His greatness. God will be glorified through His promises, through His will and through our obedience to Him. Maybe you want to begin that ministry, but maybe God wants Susie B to have that ministry because He knows the future and how it will flourish and be done as He wants in her hands. He has something different for you that will thrive in your hands and glorify Him all the more. God is bigger and better than we can imagine! He knows more and He knows better. He will let you become who you are meant to be (the image of Christ) and He will have you fulfill your purposes if you submit to His will, not yours. Verses 22-29 read,
Therefore you are great, O Lord God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 23 And who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making himself a name and doing for them great and awesome things by driving out before your people, whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt, a nation and its gods? 24 And you established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever. And you, O Lord, became their God. 25 And now, O Lord God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken. 26 And your name will be magnified forever, saying, ‘The Lord of hosts is God over Israel,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you. 27 For you, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ Therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. 28 And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. 29 Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.”
 
Believer, God has made you promises. God has made a new covenant with you. Trust Him to keep His word and complete His work in you. Be about your Father’s business, and let Him make His business yours.
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Traits of God Part 3: He is Always with Us

7/28/2016

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Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
 Traits of God Part 3: He is Always with Us
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
Have you ever felt alone? I know I have. There are so many times I have felt completely alone, even in the midst of people. I have at times given into the lie that I had no one, but when I choose to listen to the Lord instead of the enemy’s propaganda, He reminded me that He is with me and He will never leave me. He also opened my eyes to show me the people He had placed in my life. How often have I repented for falling for the deception? But even with my consistent sin, God is with me, loving me, transforming me, and holding me. Believer, it is the same for you. You may feel alone, but you are not. You have God in so many wonderful ways and you have the worldwide body of Christ.
As Jesus was about to ascend to Heaven, He gave us an important job, a commission. It is recorded in Matthew 28:18-20.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
 
Although He was leaving to return to Heaven, He was not leaving us. He was sending His Spirit to indwell believers and be with us always, to the end of the age. God chose to dwell, to live and stay in you. He loves you. He has made you holy. You belong to Him and He takes that very seriously. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 reads,
Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.
God fights for you! He is with you and nothing anyone does can make Him leave you. People who do not know love, will try to make you feel as alone as they feel. The enemy will try and make you think you are on your own. Circumstances may make you feel deserted. But it is not true for follower of Jesus. He is always with you and nothing can take you away from Him. Romans 8:37-39 encourages us with the truth.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
He is not with you passively, just hanging by your side and watching apathetically. He is within you and He is working. He goes before you (Deuteronomy 31:8). He is listening (1 John 5:14). He cares. And He is keeping you safe and protected. In Isaiah 41:8-10 the Lord is speaking to Israel and to the faithful through the ages.
But you, Israel, my servant,
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    the offspring of Abraham, my friend;
9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth,
    and called from its farthest corners,
saying to you, “You are my servant,
    I have chosen you and not cast you off”;
10 fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 
The times we are living in are turbulent, chaotic, and might be frightening for some. But as Spirit filled followers of Jesus Christ, we do not have to add to the bedlam. We can have a peace the world cannot understand, that we may not even understand (Philippians 4:4-7). How can we praise God and thank Him in the midst of the mayhem? We can because we know who God is and what He has said and we believe Him. Psalm 46 reads,
God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling.   Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.   Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.   Selah

 
The God of Angel Armies is with you! Picture yourself walking in this world and in the Kingdom of God simultaneously. The desperate, war-torn, and blind world sees you walking peacefully among the ruins and they can’t comprehend your peace. The reason you have peace is because you know about the troops of fearsome angels surrounding you and the Warrior King, Jesus Christ on His great white horse leading them (Revelation 19:11-16). The reason you have peace is because you know God is inside you. You have peace because you know the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is living in you (Romans 8:11). You have peace because you know God is sustaining you with His hand (Isaiah 41:13). 
I can hear some of you saying, “That’s great, God is with me, but I am still lonely. I need people!” Believer, you don’t have to be alone or lonely. You are a part of the body of Christ. You are a member of a global family.  God is indwelling your fellow believers just as He indwells you. You share some significant commonalities with the community of faith. Ephesians 4:4-6 reads,
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 
There is one body of Christ, not many throughout the world. We are one body. We have one Spirit. He is in each of us and He is working toward the same goal for each and all. We have one Lord, Jesus Christ. We have one faith because there is one truth, not many. We may let denominations divide us, but we should not allow that to happen because we have one faith. We have one baptism. That means we are all saved by the same Gospel, our sins were forgiven by the same blood, and we all had to repent of sin. We have one God. My God is no different than your God unless your god is not the One True Living God who is called I Am (Isaiah 44:6, Exodus 3:14). We have one Father and He is sovereign over all of us, works through each and all of us, and in each of us. Romans 12:4-8 reads,
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
 
Believers, we are commanded to be active members of the body of Christ, using our gifts to serve each other and allowing God to be over and work through and in all of us. We are members of one another, we belong to each other as much as we belong to God. Are you a functioning serving member of the body? Then don’t believe the lie that you are alone. Look around at your brothers and sisters, they love you if they love God. If you are not an effective working member of the body, then do something to change it and you will see you are not alone. You don’t have to be. You are a member of the body, a child of the LORD and if you choose not to reach out to your fellow believers, is it their fault for not comforting you or befriending you?
Do not fall for the deception that you are alone. Call out to God and draw near to Him and you will find He is right there with you. Reach out to your family in Christ and be the person God created you to be.
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Deuteronomy 33 Part One: Jesus is The Warrior King Fighting for Us

4/5/2016

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The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. Exodus 14:14
​Deuteronomy 33 Part One Verses 1-7
There was a tradition for a father to bless his sons before he died. That tradition went back further than Jacob to his sons and probably further back than Abraham to his sons. Now before Moses died he continued the tradition, but he blessed each tribe of Israel, his spiritual children. As with the other patriarchal blessings in Scripture, they were prophetic and meant for good. And also like other prophecy in Scripture there are multiple layers and we can see Jesus, our Lord and Savior revealed in each one. Verses 1-5 read,
This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 2 He said,
“The Lord came from Sinai
    and dawned from Seir upon us;
    he shone forth from Mount Paran;
he came from the ten thousands of holy ones,
    with flaming fire at his right hand.
3 Yes, he loved his people,
    all his holy ones were in his hand;
so they followed in your steps,
    receiving direction from you,
4 when Moses commanded us a law,
    as a possession for the assembly of Jacob.
5 Thus the Lord became king in Jeshurun,
    when the heads of the people were gathered,
    all the tribes of Israel together.”

The Lord chose Israel to be His people and receive His Law. He chose us to receive His Word, Jesus Christ. He chose to indwell us and write His Word onto our hearts. His glory and presence is so magnificent and bright that when He came to Sinai His light shone on Mt Seir as well. God’s Law, His Word is like fire. It purifies, melts hearts, and divides bone and marrow. His Word is Righteous, His Law is Justice.
Moses’ blessing echoed Enoch’s prophecy. Jude verses 14-16 talked about false teachers. It reads,
It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.
Who are the ten thousands of holy ones? Believer, they are us, gathered with Jesus Christ on the Day of the Lord executing justice to the nations. As God was King of Israel, He is our King too. But we don’t reject Him for earthly kings. Jesus is our Christ, our King of kings. His fiery Word is written on our hearts and executed by our lives. His presence rests in us and shines out for the world to see. He is obvious in us. The Edomites and Ishmaelites could see The Lord’s glory on Sinai; the world can see His glory in us.
Verse 6 reads,
“Let Reuben live, and not die,
    but let his men be few.”

This short blessing for the descendants of Jacob’s eldest son says they will endure. Although they were on the outskirts of The Promised Land, faced many battles and hardship, they would endure. They wouldn’t endure because of their strength but because of God’s power. We do not persevere because of our might but The Lord’s. It is He who strengthens us and it is He who is glorified in the victory when we are weak.
Believer, I know you’ve struggled. I know you’ve been blessed. I know you have suffered through trials and I know you have overcome and conquered. How do I know? Because The Lord saved you, He resides in you and He is glorified through every circumstance of your life when you abide in Him and let Him be The Lord. Paul described it this way in his letter to the Philippians,
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12-13).
Verse 7 is Judah’s blessing.
And this he said of Judah:
“Hear, O Lord, the voice of Judah,
    and bring him in to his people.
With your hands contend for him,
    and be a help against his adversaries.”

God hears you when you pray. Your prayers are not mere venting or whining opportunities. They are a conversation with The Lord your God. Prayers unite the church and call God to fight for us. Your prayers have great effect and impact! James 5:13-16 read,
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working
Prayer is the first line of defense in the war with the enemy. During a recent battle, I was praying constantly. God spoke to me and to several other people for me. The word I received was always the same. God said, “I will fight for you, you only have to be silent. I am defending you. I am God; I am your Justice.” God does fight for you. Your prayers are powerful because they let you let God be God for you.
Prayer also allows you to act, to obey and fight for the lost, the weak, and those in need. Judah was not only blessed to be a praying people but a people who fought for others against the enemy. Jesus was born out of Judah. He prayed for us (John 17:20-26). He laid down His life for us. He resurrected for us. And He fights for us. If we are glorifying Him, if He lives in us, we ought to be doing the same, praying for and fighting for people, even loving them to the point of laying down our lives if it comes to it. 1 John 3:16-18 reads,
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
There is so much to glean from these blessings that it would be a shame to gloss over each section and take it in all one sitting. So we will continue the chapter tomorrow.
Believer, The Lord fights for you. He conquers your adversary. He saves. His Word is in you, inscribed on your heart, purifying your soul, renewing your mind, and living out in your hands. Let Him shine into the world. Show the world who Jesus your Warrior King is.
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Deuteronomy 20 Instructions for Warfare

3/21/2016

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When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt Deuteronomy 20:1
When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt Deuteronomy 20:1
​Deuteronomy 20
You are in a war. Whether or not you are aware of it, whether you choose to fight or abstain, you are in a war. Believer or not, you are in a war. Believers know who our King is and who we fight, or we should. The lost usually don’t know who their prince is, who the war is against, or even that they are prisoners in the war.
The instructions Moses gave Israel for the wars she would fight can help us today in the battles we fight. But believer, I do not want you to think we fight governments, the lost or any person. We do not. Our enemy is not flesh and blood. Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:12,
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
The Israelites fought the people who lived in the Promised Land, they fought the countries who would try and take it back from them. Some of those armies were very large, but God encouraged them that the size of the army, the might of the army meant nothing compared to what they had. Verses 1-4 read,
“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 2 And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people 3 and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, 4 for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’”
 
We don’t need to be afraid of the enemy. He may look fierce, he may look strong, but The LORD our God is more powerful, His power is limitless and He goes before us; He is with us. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). We have Jesus Christ, our Warrior King and Prince of Peace, our Victory. Romans 8:37-39 reads,
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Those who fight need to be able to put their entire hearts and minds into the battle. God does not need a big army, He’s God. Those in the battle need to be certain that The Lord and what He is fighting for is the priority. But we have been given this life to enjoy it too. We have been given abundant life and if we do not experience that life, then will we really even know what it is we fight for? Verses 5-7 read,
“Then the officers shall speak to the people, saying, ‘Is there any man who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it. 6 And is there any man who has planted a vineyard and has not enjoyed its fruit? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man enjoy its fruit. 7 And is there any man who has betrothed a wife and has not taken her? Let him go back to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man take her.’”
 
While those who had unfinished business attended to it, the battle would still rage on. They would dedicate their home or consummate their marriage and then they could rejoin the fight with a clearer understanding of the fight. They could enjoy the fruit of their labor and then come back to the fight, stronger and ready. It is not always time for us to fight. Sometimes it is time for us to rest. Sometimes it time for us to sit at Jesus’ feet and learn. Sometimes it is time to make love. And sometimes it is time to have a party. Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 reads,
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.
 What about those who look at the chariots, the weapons and the size of the army they are against and fear? Verses 8-9 read,
“And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, ‘Is there any man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.’ 9 And when the officers have finished speaking to the people, then commanders shall be appointed at the head of the people.”
If you are afraid of the war, go home, don’t spread your fear. Go home and let God teach you not to be afraid. Let God show you the battle will be won with the remainder, and maybe next time you will remember what God has done and you will have the courage for the battle.
The ones who are left will be the ones from whom commanders are appointed. The ones who fight are not afraid. They know what they fight for and they know who is doing the fighting. They know they may die, but the battle is worth it. It is important. Israel fought for their land. We fight for the souls of the lost, for our efficacy in the Kingdom, and for eternal life. Jesus laid down His life for us and for the lost. If we love, the way He loved, we are willing to lay down our lives too (John 15:12-13). Death is not something for the believer to fear, it is a door from temporary life to eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:53-58 says it this way,
For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O death, where is your victory?
    O death, where is your sting?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
 
While we fight the enemy, who is not flesh and blood, his prisoners may sometimes be in the wake. We do not fight them for their death, we fight to free them from the bonds they may not be aware of. The battle doesn’t always have to get bloody. Verses 10-11 describe how the Israelites are to approach each city.
“When you draw near to a city to fight against it, offer terms of peace to it. 11 And if it responds to you peaceably and it opens to you, then all the people who are found in it shall do forced labor for you and shall serve you.”
If the people surrendered then they were spared from death, they were no longer the enemy, they were taken as slaves. A large part of the war is in freeing the captives. This is done through evangelism, being a witness to Jesus Christ, and testifying to His greatness. Jesus talked about this in Matthew 10:11-15 when He gave instructions to the disciples He sent out to tell people about Him.
“And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.”
 
We offer peace. We give them a chance to join The Lord of Hosts, and if they choose not to, then they are joined with the enemy of their own volition, and they will pay on Judgement Day with the rest of the army of Satan. Verses 12-18 read,
“But if it makes no peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it. 13 And when the Lord your God gives it into your hand, you shall put all its males to the sword, 14 but the women and the little ones, the livestock, and everything else in the city, all its spoil, you shall take as plunder for yourselves. And you shall enjoy the spoil of your enemies, which the Lord your God has given you. 15 Thus you shall do to all the cities that are very far from you, which are not cities of the nations here.16 But in the cities of these peoples that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes,17 but you shall devote them to complete destruction, the Hittites and the Amorites, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, as the Lord your God has commanded, 18 that they may not teach you to do according to all their abominable practices that they have done for their gods, and so you sin against the Lord your God.”
 
We can’t allow any of the abominable practices of the enemy seep into the Way of Christ. We are in this world, yes. But we are not of this world. We are separate, holy, chosen and peculiar. We do not make peace with their ways. Adopting their feasts and calling them The Lord’s does not make it right, it makes it perverse. It gives a battle victory to the enemy and allows him to keep prisoners. It makes it our fight rather than The Lord’s war.
We have to know who and what we are fighting. We don’t want to destroy the trees and the land, the inheritance God has given us in order to wrestle it from the enemy. What sense does that make? Destroy the enemy, not our souls. Verses 19-20 read,
“When you besiege a city for a long time, making war against it in order to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them. You may eat from them, but you shall not cut them down. Are the trees in the field human, that they should be besieged by you? 20 Only the trees that you know are not trees for food you may destroy and cut down, that you may build siege works against the city that makes war with you, until it falls.”
 
Be careful what you fight. Fight the enemy, free the captives, and lay the foundations for eternal life. Live the abundant life you’ve been given and do not be afraid. The LORD our God, the Creator, Lord of Hosts, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and Wonderful Counselor fights for us.
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Revelation 19:11-21 Jesus on the White Horse: A Description of God

1/6/2016

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Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. Revelation 19:11
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. Revelation 19:11
Revelation 19:11-21
As John watched Heaven celebrate, He saw the Bridegroom Jesus appear in all His splendor to complete His vengeance for His bride. Verses 11-16 describe Him.
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
The time for justice has come. The white horse represents the Lord’s justice, righteousness, and power in action. Jesus is called Faithful and True. God’s names are His attributes and aspects of who He is. He is the source of every one of His attributes. God is Love and Love comes from God (1John 4:7-8). God is Faithful and True and faith comes from Him (Romans 10:17). Jesus is Faithful and True because He has remained steadfastly committed to us, His bride. He has never wavered in His deep and perfect love for us. In John’s vision, the moment we wait for has happened and Jesus goes out on His horse to complete it. He does not leave things half done, ever. Who better to judge the earth than Faithful and True? He has always been our Warrior King, Faithful and True. In Exodus 15:1-3 Moses sings a song of praise to the LORD for delivering Israel from Pharaoh and Egypt and his prophetic words speak of Jesus our Deliverer and Lord of Hosts.
“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;
    the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
2 The Lord is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father's God, and I will exalt him.
3 The LORD is a man of war;
    the LORD is his name.”

Look at Jesus’ awesome description. “His eyes are like a flame of fire.” He is passionate. He is the Truth, The Way, and The Life (John 14:6). He zealously and vehemently seeks justice and sees into the darkness to know the truth of a person’s heart (Luke 16:15). The description continues, “on his head are many diadems” Diadems are crowns, royal headbands that only a king or queen may wear. Jesus wears many of them because He is King of kings, King over the entire earth, the heavens, and everything in them. We will be given crowns when we come home to Him in the harvest. We will give them right back to Him in praise and worship, just as the twenty four elders did (Revelation 4:10). He wears them. He gives us power, authority, and honor by making us royalty and we give it all back to Him through life lived in worship and service to Him. “He has a name written that no one knows but himself.” The Lord has many names, He is Messiah, Emmanuel, Shephard, Faithful, Love, King of kings, Lord of lords, and Redeemer. He is Holy and Righteousness. We know Him by His names, but one name is unknown to us. It is known only to Him. Will that name be revealed to us one day? When we are united with the Bridegroom for eternity and are with Him completely in His presence, will He reveal it to us? I think yes. I think we will wait until the time of New Jerusalem and we will know Him perfectly.
“He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.” The Word of God is one of Jesus’ names and it means that He is God’s will manifested or brought to fruition. As Jesus is the Lord of hosts leading the vast angel armies in His wrath, He is fulfilling the warnings God has issued to His people over the eons and eras of history. His robes are dipped in blood, the blood of the people He judges in God’s wrath, the river of blood that reaches the horse’s bridle and flows 183 miles long (Revelation 14:8). The armies that follow Him are not touched by the evil and sin of the blood payment of the doomed. They are described in the garments of the bride, fine linen, white and pure. We will be there with him judging the nations and the angels who chose Satan. In 1 Corinthians 6:1-4 Paul explains to the church why they need to exercise the discernment and wisdom given to them by God.
“When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? 2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! 4 So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church?”
We are riding with Jesus in His heavenly army. The wedding feast is not pheasant under glass with pomegranates and figs it is the flesh of the kings, captains, and powerful men judged by God’s wrath. Verses 17-18 describe it.
“Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.”
When all the people have paid the price the time for the final battle will arrive. Verses 19-21 read,
“And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.”
Are you standing and singing halleluiah? Are you on your knees and face crying praise the Lord? I am praising God because He is Faithful and True. He keeps His word and though this event lies in our future, it is already done. It is finished. 
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Psalm 75 God is Our Righteous Judge

8/4/2015

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Psalm 75

The Lord is awesome and good. The last couple of days we have been encouraged to remember all the great things God has done for us. We continue to remember His might each day and He continues to fortify our faith. We also keep in mind what The Lord will do, what He has promised will happen. Verse 1 reads,

“We give thanks to you, O God;
    we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.”


We not only thank The Lord for all He has done but also all He will do. His promises are so sure, we can count them as done. We have faith that God will always overcome, always do what is good, and always be with us. We recount God’s wondrous deeds so that He is glorified. We recount His awesome works so that people will know who Jesus is and have the opportunity to make Him Lord of their lives. We recount His beautiful acts so that we can spread the Gospel and make disciples of every nation.

One promise He has made is judgement. God will judge the earth and there is only one criterion for this judgement. It will not be based on wealth, status, race, or ability. It will not be centered on how good or bad we are, or how much good or bad we have done. It will be founded on whether Jesus is our Lord or not. Verses 2-5 say,

“At the set time that I appoint
    I will judge with equity.
3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
    it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
    and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
5 do not lift up your horn on high,
    or speak with haughty neck.’”


God is a God of equity, which is impartiality, justice, and evenhandedness. He doesn’t consider some people better than others. In Christ every person is equal. Men are not more favored than women. Israelites are not more preferred than the Chinese. Race, gender, or socio-economic status do not have clout with The Lord. He loves each and every person equally. He offers Salvation to everyone the same, and never forces His will upon us.  We are all measured on one thing and we have all fallen short of the standard. And we all have the same chance to receive the gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Romans 3:21-25 says,

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

Everyone has sinned. We are all born sinners. No one can raise himself above that. But Jesus does elevate us from sinner to saint. All we have to do is ask and He gives us His righteousness. Those who try and exalt themselves to righteousness will fail and fall. God gives us all the exact same path to Salvation. It is Jesus Christ or nothing. Good works cannot save anyone. Only God’s work can save.

People judge and our judgement brings bias, prejudice, racism, hate, favoritism, and inequality. Our judgement created social classes, oppression, and privilege. Our judgment created yardsticks for measuring appearances and value. But God created us all, not just some in His image. (Genesis 1:26-27). God loves everyone dearly. And God made a way for us all to attain salvation. In John 3:16-18 Jesus puts it this way,

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

God’s judgement is not like the judgement of man. He is our Almighty Omniscient Creator. His judgement is fair and perfect. It isn’t based on how much we have accomplished. He doesn’t care what the world sees as our potential. With God our potential is limitless, all things are possible. Matthew 19:23-30 reads,

“And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

People don’t want to believe that there will be a Judgement Day, but there will be. Verses 6-8 describe it this way,

“For not from the east or from the west
    and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
7 but it is God who executes judgment,
    putting down one and lifting up another.
8 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup
    with foaming wine, well mixed,
and he pours out from it,
    and all the wicked of the earth
    shall drain it down to the dregs.”


Who is it that God will put down and who will He lift up? It all hinges on Jesus. Matthew 26:26-29 says,

“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”

That night Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:46-56). He was laid down His life on the cross the next day. He poured out His blood to save us. (Matthew 27:32-44). And on the third day, He rose again, our Risen Savior. (Matthew 28:1-10).

Jesus drank that cup for us. He drank the condemnation, punishment, and payment for our sins for us. But those who reject Christ they’ll drink every last drop of God’s wrath themselves. Revelation 14:17-20 describes it this way,

“Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia.[1]”

Jesus is described again as our Righteous Warrior King and Judge in Revelation 19:11-16.

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Will you drink the cup or did Jesus drink it for you? Will you recount it to the world so that they too can ask Jesus to drink their cup for them? Will you judge as the world judges, or will you let God be the judge and care enough about the oppressed, prisoners, widows, orphans, and poor to tell them about the freedom, treasures, and love of Jesus? Will you lift them up? Verses 9-10 read,

“But I will declare it forever;
    I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
    but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.”



[1] That is a river of blood about 5 feet tall and 184 miles long


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Psalm 45 Jesus Our Valiant Warrior King Reigns Forever

7/5/2015

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Psalm 45

This Messianic Psalm was a love song used to celebrate the wedding of a king, likely Solomon. But the description given of the king is one far better a far above any earthly king. It is about our King of kings, Jesus. So it is far more than a love song, it is an Agape song.

The Psalmist was excited to write this, he described his heart as overflowing with verses to his king. When the Holy Spirit gives us a word, a praise, or a message, He also gives us the eagerness to share it. He flows out of the fullness of our hearts in delight to touch others. And since this song is prophetic scripture we know it is breathed by God, our Holy Spirit. (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Verses 1-2 read,

“My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
    I address my verses to the king;
    my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.


2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men;
    grace is poured upon your lips;
    therefore God has blessed you forever.”


Jesus was not a physically beautiful man (Isaiah 53:2). Yet He was far more beautiful than any man has ever been or could be. He was perfect, holy, and loving. That spiritual beauty far surpassed His physical form to emanate to everyone around Him. He spoke with grace to those who needed it. He acted with grace to everyone. All we have to do is acknowledge we need His grace and He gives it to us freely.

Jesus is not only a graceful King, He is a mighty and majestic warrior. He is the King who leads His army. Verses 3-5 describe Him this way,


“Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,
    in your splendor and majesty!


4 In your majesty ride out victoriously
    for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
    let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
5 Your arrows are sharp
    in the heart of the king's enemies;
    the peoples fall under you.”


I can picture Him on His strong white stallion leading the angel armies to defeat God’s enemies for us. (Revelation 19:11). His sword on His thigh ready to be drawn. His sharp arrows always meeting their target. He not only charges the enemy, He teaches us to defeat him as well. The great and mighty works of God are possible for us as His children. We are victors and conquerors with Jesus. (Romans 8:37). Satan has so much of the world in chains but they can be freed from that slavery by the blood of Jesus. We have the sword of the Word of God to battle. We have the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the enemy. We are warriors for the Kingdom of God. Jesus gave us the right and authority to use His name in the battles. He gave us the ability to fight and win. Jesus promised us this in John 14:12-14

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

Believer, you have the right and the ability in Christ to do free the prisoners of the enemy. You have the responsibility to exercise the gifts God gave you for the Kingdom.

Jesus is our majestic and undefeatable King. Nothing can usurp His thrown. He is righteous, holy, and anointed. He reigns now and forever. One day, we will reign with Him. (Revelation 20:6). Verses 6-9 describe Jesus’ magnificence and His worthiness.

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
    The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
7     you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
    with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
8     your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.
From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
9     daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;
    at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.”


Jesus was anointed by The Father for the purpose of our salvation. His robes are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia because that is what Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea anointed Him with when they buried Him after the crucifixion. (John 19:38-42). But those oils of sadness and death are given to us as a gift, an oil of gladness that erases our mourning. (Isaiah 61:3).

Jesus is our bridegroom and we are His beloved and adored bride. He gives us a place of honor, He takes away our shame and sin and gives us an esteemed place in His Kingdom. He takes us out of the world where we once lived in and gives us a royal position as His cherished bride. We look, not at our past, at our earthly position, but to our new place with Jesus our King. Verses 10-15 say,

“Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:
    forget your people and your father's house,
11     and the king will desire your beauty.
Since he is your lord, bow to him.
12     The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,
    the richest of the people.


13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.
14     In many-colored robes she is led to the king,
    with her virgin companions following behind her.
15 With joy and gladness they are led along
    as they enter the palace of the king.”


We are no longer who we were. Though we do not deserve it, Jesus gave us virtue. He looks at us and He doesn’t see ugliness, sin, or shame. He sees us as virtuous, beautiful and humble royalty. We have the privilege of being in Jesus presence.  Only His bride may enter the most intimate of places with Him. Only His bride may know Him so personally. That relationship is exclusively ours with Him. But the people looking on should see that special closeness and desire it. They should see the gifts God gave us, they should notice the favor we’ve been granted and want it too. And they can have it, we can lead them to the King’s palace and teach them to submit to Him and be saved. Our royal position is not meant to be horded and secreted away. We have the royal obligation to give our Lord and King heirs.

Believer, do you see Jesus as the Valiant Warrior King? Do you see yourself as His royal bride? He is and you are. It is a joyful position and it is one that carries great honor, privilege, and responsibility. But we are able because Jesus loves us so passionately that He gave us His Holy Spirit. In Him we can. In fact we should not be able to withhold our exultation. Like the psalmist our hearts should overflow with Him.

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