June 20,2018
What's new? How often have you asked, or been asked, this question? It is anticipated that life is a discovery of new things.
"Sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD! Bless his name! Share the news of his saving work every single day! Declare God’s glory among the nations; declare his wondrous works among all people because the LORD is great and so worthy of praise." (Psalm 96.1-4 CEB)
Church worship styles seem to polarize around contemporary or traditional music. Given the admonition of Psalm 96.1, a case seems to be made for new, contemporary music. But, music style misses the point. What new insights and experiences bring newness to your worship? What are you discovering about Your Father, and His Son, that you didn't know yesterday? The "new song" can be the latest Christian composition, or a very old hymn. What makes it a "new song" is the fresh discover and excitement you've found in your daily walk, and of which you have shared and testified to. It's a new song to those who have never heard.
Psalms such as Psalm 96 bristle with Spirit energy. The Psalmist obviously found new energy and joy in his discovery and proclamation. May we discover and sing a song today as well!
SteveMy other blogs
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June 19, 2018
It sounds like a very mundane assignment. They kept watch at night, and were responsible for opening up in the morning. But, their task was more important than it might seem.
"the four chief gatekeepers who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God. They spent the night around the house of God, because the watch was committed to them; and they were in charge of opening it morning by morning." (1 Chronicles 9.26-27)
The Levites were the tabernacle security team. They were watchman over the facility, and over its treasures. Their task was to make certain that nothing deterred the people of God from worship and devotion.
A similar task was entrusted by the apostle Paul to elders from the city of Ephesus: "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20.28)
The service and worship of the people of God must be guarded at all costs. Nothing matters more than true devotion, service, and worship of Yahweh God through His Son. Elders, in particular, have this task of being "gatekeepers" of the household of God; sparing it from anything dangerous and subversive. They are the night watchers who guard the rich treasures of a people destined for immortality in the kingdom of God.
By extension, all who members of the family of God are entrusted with the care of the household of God. The good of all is the highest priority. "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love" (Romans 12.10)SteveMy other blogs
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June 6, 2018
It's reassuring to know God is in control, because we live in a world that is out of control. Political maneuverings. Military aggression. Environmental disasters.
"He rules by His might forever; His eyes keep watch on the nations; Let not the rebellious exalt themselves." (Psalm 66.7)
He allows the wicked great latitude in their schemes, but He ultimately rules and "His eyes keep watch on the nations." He sees and knows. And, in the right time, He acts. If you need a refresher lesson concerning His control over nations and empires, spend some extended time in the Book of Daniel (which is valuable for many more reasons as well).
Amidst the timely reminder of God's sovereignty is this reminder of His personal care: "Who keeps us in life And does not allow our feet to slip." (Psalm 66.9)
His global care means little aside of His personal care. It's most reassuring to know that He is about both. Your life matters. He protects, provides, and sustains His children, even as He governs the world and the universe.
God's got this. We can live fearlessly and confidently today knowing this great fact.SteveMy other blogs
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https://kingdomdreamer.blogspot.com/
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June 5, 2018
There is no God like our God, and there are specific reasons why.
"O Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart" (1 Kings 8.23)
Our matchless God is a God of covenant. I've only recently come to truly appreciate this about Him. His first covenant established the seasons of the year, and the promise that humanity would never again be destroyed through a global flood (Genesis 8.21-22; 9.9-17). He then established vitally-important covenants with Abraham, Moses, David, and ultimately through Jesus. All are connected; in fact, the basis for His covenants is His faithfulness to the first covenant with Noah (Jeremiah 31.35-37). He promises, and never forgets!
As a faithful God of covenant, you can be assured that He shows "lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before (Him) with all their heart." He wants our loyalty and obedience, but He offers so much more than He expects! He calls us to a loving relationship.
This matchless God is the only God I've ever really known all my life, but I have no desire to know another. He is more than sufficient for me, and for you. Love Him deeply. Serve Him wholeheartedly. You'll never regret it.SteveMy other blogs
http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
https://kingdomdreamer.blogspot.com/
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