Category: Holiness

How to Receive Power, Wealth, Wisdom, Strength, Honor, Glory and Praise (Insights in NT)

6/12/2013

A person receives power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise by praying for empowerment by the Holy Spirit knowing Jesus sits on the throne in heaven; worship a holy God and crucified Savior continually by giving Him glory, honor and power; and connect with Christ's death on the cross through His word to purchase men everywhere who serve His kingdom and reign on earth.

Pray for Empowerment By the Holy Spirit
A door in heaven was standing open before John to show him future events. Someone sat on a throne in heaven with the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow like an emerald encircled the throne and 24 other thrones surrounded it. There were 24 elders dressed in white and gold crowns seated on them. Lightning and thunder came from the throne. Before it were seven spirits and what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal (Rev. 4:1-6a). Pray for empowerment by the Holy Spirit knowing Jesus sits on the throne in heaven.

Worship a Holy God Continually
In the center around the throne were four living creatures covered with eyes and six wings each like a lion, ox, face like a man and flying eagle. Day and night they never stopped saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." When the living creatures gave glory, honor and thanks to Him sitting on the throne who lived forever, the 24 elders fell down. They worshiped Him and cast their crowns before the throne saying, "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being (Rev. 4:6b-11). Worship a holy God continually by giving Him glory, honor and power.

When you know that Jesus sits on the throne in heaven, you can give Him glory, honor and power.

Connect with Christ's Death Through His Word
John saw a scroll written on both sides sealed with seven seals in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. No one was worthy to open the scroll and look inside except the the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, who triumphed. He saw a slain Lamb standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders with seven spirits of God. After He took the scroll, the creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb holding a harp and golden bowls of incense or prayers of the saints. They sang that He was worthy to open the scroll because He was slain and purchased with His blood men for God from every tribe, language, people and nation to be made a kingdom and priests to serve Him and reign on the earth (Rev. 5:1-10). Connect with Christ's death on the cross through His word to purchase men everywhere who serve His kingdom and reign on earth.

Receive Power, Wealth, Wisdom, Strength, Honor, Glory and Praise
John heard the voice of countless angels that encircled the throne, living creatures and elders. They sang that the worthy Lamb was slain to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise. Every creature sang to Him who sat on the throne and gave praise, honor, glory and power to the Lamb. The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped (Rev. 5:11-14). Receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise from the crucified Savior through worship.

Connect with Christ's death on the cross through His word and Spirit-empowered prayer to purchase people who serve Him, which reaps power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise from the Crucified Savior.

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Steps In Rescuing Prodigals (Insights in Prophets)

4/24/2013

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God is active in rescuing prodigals beginning with His sovereignty that spurs Him to action. God's holiness protects prodigals from wrath, His love destroys those who harm them, His righteousness leads to godly lifestyle, His truth purifies their lips to call on Him and His power rescues them so they can walk with God.

The proper response of those who desire to rescue prodigals from sin is to reject complacency and idolatry, seek God in humility and righteousness, receive His inheritance, avoid a carefree lifestyle, wait on Him in truth without fear, and take delight in mighty God who empowers prodigals to walk with Him.

God's Sovereignty Spurs Him to Action
God said to Zephaniah during Josiah's reign that He would sweep everything from the earth. He would stretch His hand against those in Judah and Jerusalem who worshiped Baal and Molech without seeking God. He would punish those who filled the temple of their gods with violence and deceit along with the complacent who thought God was inactive. He plundered their wealth and demolished their houses. They would build houses and not live in them and plant vineyards and not drink the wine (Zeph. 1:1-13). Know God hates complacency, idolatry, violence and deceit.

God's Holiness Protects You From Wrath
The day of the Lord brought wrath, distress, anguish, trouble, ruin and gloom. People would walk like blind men because of sin. Their money could not save them. God's jealousy consumed and ended the whole world. The humble who did what He commanded sought the Lord. They should seek righteousness and humility to gain shelter during the day of the Lord's anger (Zeph. 1:14-2:3). Seek God in humility and righteousness for protection from His wrath.

God's Love Destroys Those Who Harm You
God would destroy the Philistines so the remnant of Judah would dwell in the houses of Ashkelon. He cared and restored their fortunes. Moab and Ammon insulted and made threats against God's people who would inherit their land. After He destroyed all the gods of the land, every nation would worship Him (Zeph. 2:4-12). Receive His inheritance after He destroys every god that insults and threatens you.

God's Righteousness Leads to Godly Lifestyle
God would destroy Assyria and leave Nineveh desolate. This was a carefree city that lived in safety. Nineveh said that there was none besides her. Nineveh became a ruin with everyone scoffing at her (Zeph. 2:13-15). Avoid a carefree lifestyle that leads to ruin and scoffing.

God's Truth Purifies Your Lips
Zephaniah said Jerusalem was rebellious, accepted no correction and did not draw near to the Lord. Her officials were roaring lions, priests did violence to the law and prophets were angry. God was righteous, dispensed justice and never failed. He demolished strongholds and destroyed cities. People acted corrupted and did not accept correction from God. They waited on Him for purified lips to call on His name. He removed those who rejoiced in pride only leaving the humble who trusted in God's name. Israel's remnant spoke no lies or deceit and no one made them afraid (Zeph. 3:1-13). Wait on God in truth without fear so purified lips can call on His name.

God's Power Rescues Prodigals
God turned back the enemy so Jerusalem did not fear. He was mighty to save and took great delight in them. He quieted them with His love and rejoiced over them with singing. God dealt with all who oppressed them, rescued the lame, gathered the scattered and gave them praise and honor in every land. He brought them home and restored their fortunes before their eyes (Zeph. 3:14-20). Take delight in mighty God who rescues prodigals so they walk with Him.

Ask God to empower you in the following ways by rescuing prodigals from sin:
1. Reject complacency and idolatry
2. Seek God in humility and righteousness
3. Receive His inheritance
4. Avoid a carefree lifestyle
5. Wait on Him in truth without fear so you can call on Him
6. Delight in mighty God who rescues prodigals so they walk with Him

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Pursue High Impact Ministry (Insights in Prophets)

4/16/2013

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Obadiah's prophecy provides guidelines to help people pursue high impact ministry by renouncing pride, getting involved when the world attacks Christians and refuse to look down or boast when your brother suffers. Wait for God's holiness to possess and rule in His assigned territory. The next book, Jonah, provides an example of how to be involved in a high impact ministry.

Renounce Pride that Deceives and Destroys
God said Edom would be made small and very despised among the nations as pride deceived her. Living in the clefts of the rocks gave a false sense of security since God would bring her down. Esau was ransacked and hidden treasures destroyed while friends deceived and overpowered them. Those who ate their bread set a trap for them (Obadiah 1-7). Renounce pride that deceives, destroys, entraps and gives false security.

Get Involved When the World Attacks Christians
In that day, God destroyed Edom's wise and understanding men. He terrified warriors and slaughtered everyone. Shame and destruction covered them because of violence against Jacob.They stood aloof when strangers carried off his wealth and cast lots for Jerusalem (Obadiah 8-11). Get involved when the world attacks Christians to prevent shame and destruction.

Refuse Looking Down or Boasting When Your Brother Suffers
Obadiah said to not look down on, rejoice over or boast when their brother Judah had trouble. They should not seize wealth during their destruction. They should not wait at the crossroads to kill their fugitives or hand over their survivors during trouble (Obadiah 12-14). Refuse looking down, boasting or taking advantage of your brother during trouble.

God desires that we work together across denominational and racial lines. When one congregation suffers, we all suffer. We are in this work together.

Wait for God's Holiness to Possess Territory
The day of the Lord was near and everyone reaped the deeds they sowed. As they drank on His holy hill, all the nations drank continually. Holy deliverance came on Mount Zion with Jacob possessing its inheritance. A fire consumed the stubble of Esau leaving no survivors (Obadiah 15-18). Wait for God's holiness to purify and possess territory for His glory.

Let God Rule in His Territory Assigned to You
People from the Negev would occupy Esau and those from the foothills possessed the land of the Philistines, Ephraim and Samaria. Benjamin would possess Gilead. Israelite exiles in Canaan would possess the land as far as Zarepath. Jerusalem exiles in Sepharad would possess towns in Negev. Deliverers would go on Mount Zion to govern Esau and the kingdom would be the Lord's (Obadiah 19-21). Let God rule in His territory assigned to you.

Use the following guidelines for high impact ministry:
1. Renounce pride that deceives, destroys, entraps and gives false security
2. Get involved when the world attacks Christians to prevent shame and destruction
3. Refuse looking down, boasting or taking advantage of your brother during trouble
4. Wait for God's holiness to purify and possess territory for His glory
5. Let God rule territory He assigns to you

Consider your home, neighborhood and workplace territory God has assigned to you. How does God want to use you so He rules in you home, neighborhood and workplace?

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Spread God's Glory and Holiness in Your City (Insights in Prophets)

3/23/2013

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In order to spread God's glory and holiness in your city, reject idols and pride, see God's glory, grieve over evil, speak God's word, trust God for new heart, and communicate object lessons to motivate obedience.

Reject Confidence in Money, Idols and Pride
The Lord told Ezekiel that the end came to Israel with judgment, disaster and wrath because of their evil conduct. They would know He was the Lord. Arrogance and violence grew into a rod to punish wickedness. The seller would not recover the land he sold. Those in the country died by the sword and those in the city were devoured by famine and plague. Those escaping in the mountains moaned like doves with every knee weak as water. Money and idols failed to save them. The land was full of bloodshed and the city full of violence. Wicked nations took possession of their houses and ended the pride of the mighty. The teaching by priests and counsel from elders were lost. The king mourned, the prince despaired and the people trembled (Ezek. 7:1-27). Reject confidence in money, idols and pride instead of God's word as they cause despair, famine and plague.

See God's Glory to Discern Jealousy and Idolatry
The Spirit showed Ezekiel a vision in Jerusalem where he saw God's glory, the idol of jealousy and evil things Israel was doing. On the walls he saw all kinds of detestable animals and idols of Israel. In front of them stood 70 elders with a censer in each of their hands while a fragrant cloud of incense rose. God asked Ezekiel if he saw what the elders did in darkness at the shrine of their own idol. They replied that the Lord did not see them since He forsook the land. Ezekiel then saw women mourning for Tammuz. In the inner court at the entrance to the temple were about 25 men bowing down to the sun. The Lord said they filled the land with violence and He would respond in anger (Ezek. 8:1-18). See God's glory to discern jealousy, idolatry, religiosity and immorality by church leaders and the congregation.

Grieve Over Evil and Injustice to Receive His Protection
Six city guards with a weapon accompanied a man clothed in linen who had a writing kit at his side. The Lord told the man to go throughout Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieved over the evil things done in it. He told them to kill old and young men, maidens, women and children but not touch anyone with the mark. The Lord said Israel's and Judah's sin were great, land full of bloodshed and city full of injustice. People forsook the land and said the Lord did not see. The man in linen said he did what God commanded (Ezek. 9:1-11). Grieve over evil and injustice to receive protection from God.

Spread God's Glory and Holiness in Your City
The Lord told the man in linen to scatter burning coals from the cherubim over the city. The cloud filled the temple and the court was full of the radiance of God's glory. The sound of the cherubim's wings was heard like the voice of the God Almighty. The Lord commanded the man in linen to take fire from among the wheels in the cherubim. Ezekiel saw the vision described in chapter one. God's glory departed from the temple. He realized that they were cherubim with four faces and four wings. Under their wings looked like the hands of a man (Ezek. 10:1-22). Spread God's glory and holiness in your city.

Speak God's Word to Counteract Worldly Advice
The Spirit brought Ezekiel to the gate of the temple where 25 men stood who plotted evil and gave wicked advice to the city. God told Ezekiel to prophesy against people being killed in the city and streets filled with the dead. The bodies represented the meat and the city was the pot, but God drove them out of it. He would bring the sword, drive them out of the city, hand them over to foreigners and inflict punishment. They would know that He was Lord since they did not follow His laws but conformed to the world's standards. While Ezekiel prophesied, Peletiah died (Ezek. 11:1-15). Speak God's word to counteract worldly advice.

Trust God for New Heart that Empowers Obedience
God gathered them from among the nations where they scattered and brought them back to Israel. He removed their vile images and idols, gave them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them. He removed their heart of stone and gave them a heart of flesh to follow His laws as God's people. He would judge those whose hearts were devoted to vile images and idols. God's glory above the cherubim went up from within the city and stopped above the mountain east of it. The Spirit brought Ezekiel to the exiles in Babylonia in the vision given by Him. He told the exiles everything the Lord showed him (Ezek. 11:16-25). Trust God for a new heart and spirit that empowers obedience to His word.

Communicate Object Lessons to Motivate Obedience
God told Ezekiel that he lived among a rebellious people who had eyes to see but did not see and ears to hear but did not hear. Ezekiel became a sign when he packed his belongings for exile and went to another place. He covered his face and dug through a wall in the evening so they could understand. Israel asked what he was doing. Ezekiel said it was sign that they would be sent into exile as captives. They would know that He was Lord when God scattered them through the countries. He spared a few from the sword, famine and plague so they would acknowledge their evil practices. They would eat their food in anxiety and drink their water in despair since their land was desolate. God would end their proverb that every vision came to nothing. Days were near when every vision would be fulfilled and end false visions or flattering divinations. God would not delay His visions any longer (Ezek. 12:1-28). Communicate object lessons to motivate obedience showing how God fulfills His word when people recognize their great need.

Ask God do the following in your city to see His glory and holiness spread in your city:
1. Reject confidence in money, idols and pride
2. See God's glory to discern jealousy and idolatry
3. Grieve over evil and injustice to receive His protection
4. Speak God's word to counteract worldly advice
5. Trust God for a new heart and spirit that empowers obedience
6. Communicate object lessons to motivate obedience

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Discipling Culture of a Model Church (Insights in NT)

2/8/2013

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The church at Thessalonica was a model church for us to follow. They shared the gospel everywhere; discipled others; helped people stand firm in the faith; pursued holiness, love and economic independence; encouraged one another because of Christ's coming again; lived with faith, love and hope in Christ; and fostered holistic transformation. The benefits: served God in faith, love and hope; received glory and reward from God; discovered real life; won respect of unbelievers; lived with God forever; knew Christ was coming back; and sanctified spirit, soul and body.
Let's examine the discipling culture of a model church that enabled it to share the gospel everywhere.

Share the Gospel Everywhere
Paul thanked God in his prayers for their work produced by faith, labor prompted by love and endurance inspired by hope in Christ. God loved and chose them because their gospel came with the Holy Spirit's power and deep conviction, not only with words. After imitating Paul and the Lord, they joyfully welcomed the message given by the Holy Spirit. They became a model to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord's message became known everywhere as they turned to Him from idols and served the living and true God. He raised Jesus from the dead who rescued them from the coming wrath (1 Thess. 1:1-10). Share the gospel everywhere so people turn from idols and serve the living God in faith, love and hope.

Disciple Others Like Mother and Father
In spite of strong opposition, Paul and his team shared the gospel without error or impure motives. Being entrusted with the gospel, they spoke as men approved by God. They never tried to please men, used flattery, covered up greed or looked for men's praise. As apostles of Christ, they were like a gentle mother loving and caring for her children. They shared not only the gospel, but their own lives as they worked hard not to be a financial burden. As a father dealt with his children, they encouraged, comforted and urged them to live lives worthy of God. Their reception of God's word enabled them to endure suffering from their peers. Satan stopped Paul from seeing them. They were his hope, glory, joy and crown when Christ came back (1 Thess. 2:1-20). Disciple others like a nursing mother and exhorting father to receive your glory and reward from God.

Help People Stand Firm in Their Faith
While in Athens, Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them in their faith during trials and temptations. Even though they were destined for persecution, Paul showed concern about them walking away from their faith. He was encouraged when Timothy brought good news about their steadfast faith and love. Paul really lived when they stood firm in the Lord. He thanked God for his joy in God's presence because of them. Paul prayed earnestly to supply what was lacking in their faith. He asked the Lord to increase their love for others and strengthen their hearts to be blameless in God's presence (1 Thess. 3:1-13). Help people stand firm in their faith so you discover real life.

Pursue Holiness, Love and Economic Independence
It was God's will for them to be holy by avoiding sexual immorality, passionate lust or taking advantage of their brother. He punished men for such sins since He called them to holiness, not impurity. They rejected God and the Holy Spirit by ignoring this instruction. Paul urged them to love their brothers even more as God taught them. A quiet life should be their ambition as they minded their own business and worked with their hands to win the respect of outsiders without dependence on anybody (1 Thess. 4:1-12).
Pursue holiness. love and economic independence to win the respect of unbelievers.

Encourage One Another Because of Christ's Coming Again
They were not to grieve like those without hope since Christ died, rose again and brought with Him those who died. The Lord would come down from heaven with the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ would rise first. Those still alive would be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. They were to encourage each other knowing they would be with the Lord forever (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Encourage one another because of Christ coming again to live with Him forever.

Live with Faith, Love and Hope in Christ
The day of the Lord would come like a thief in the night while people were saying, "Peace and safety." Destruction would come suddenly like labors pains on a pregnant woman. This day should not surprise them since they were sons of the light being alert, self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet. Since God did not appoint them to wrath, but receive salvation through Christ by living together with Him, they should encourage and build each other up (1 Thess. 4:13-5:11). Live with faith, love and hope in Christ knowing He is coming back anytime.

Foster Holistic Transformation
They should respect and regard highly those over them in the Lord who work hard and admonish them. They should warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak and be patient with everyone. They were to be kind to everyone, joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances because this was God's will for them in Christ. They should not put out the Spirit's fire, not treat prophecies with contempt, test everything, hold on to the good and avoid every kind of evil. Paul prayed the God of peace would sanctify them entirely so their spirit, soul and body would be blameless at the coming of Christ. God would do it because He was faithful. Paul asked for prayer, greet everyone and read the letter to all the brothers (1 Thess. 5:12-28). Foster holistic transformation by respecting church leaders, ministering practically to the needy, expressing gratitude, leading by the Holy Spirit and praying for sanctification of peoples' spirit, soul and body.

Which of the following benefits motivate you to share the gospel and be discipled to multiply your impact in the world?
1. Serve God in faith, love and hope
2. Receive glory and reward from God
3. Discover real life
4. Win respect of unbelievers
5. Live with God forever
6. Know Christ is coming back
7. Sanctify spirit, soul and body

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Benefits of Holiness (Insights in Law)

11/10/2012

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"I've discovered I cannot fight the demons of busyness directly. I cannot continuously say "No" to this or "No" to that, unless there is something ten times more attractive to choose. Saying "No" to my lust, my greed, my needs, and the world's powers takes an enormous amount of energy. The only hope is to find something so obviously real and attractive that I can devote all my energies to saying "Yes." In effect, I don't have time to pay any attention to the distractions" (Henri J. M. Nouwen).

Holiness affects every part of your life to help you live skillfully. Other benefits of holiness include power to defeat spiritual enemies, gain God's blessings, prevent divorce, freed from bondage to sin, live long, forget bad memories and overcome weaknesses.

Defeat Spiritual Enemies
No one with his male organ cut off or a forbidden marriage, including descendants to the tenth generation, could enter the assembly of Lord. No Ammonite or Moabite could enter assembly of Lord to the tenth generation, because they did not meet Israel with food and water when they came out of Egypt, but hired Balaam to curse them. The Lord did not listen to Balaam, but turned his curse into blessing because of His love. They could not seek their peace or have good relations with them. Do not detest an Edomite or Egyptian since they were brothers and lived as aliens in their country. The sons of the third generation could enter the assembly of the Lord. Avoid evil things as Israel’s army faced its enemies. An unclean man went outside the camp and when evening came, he bathed and removed waste. Because God walked with them to defeat their enemies, they were holy and prevented indecency so He would not turn away from them (Deut. 23:1-14). Maintain physical and spiritual holiness so God’s power can defeat your spiritual enemies.

Gain God's Blessings
Do not mistreat a slave who escaped from his master, but let him live where he wanted. No children could be a cult prostitute or bring their wages into the house of the Lord to pay a vow. Do not charge brothers interest so God could bless them in the land they would possess. Pay vows made to the Lord and not be guilty of sin. They could eat grapes from a neighbor’s vineyard, but not carry them away (Deut. 23:15-25). Pursue sexual purity, fulfill verbal promises and treat people fairly in financial matters to gain God's blessings.

Prevent Divorce
If a man found his wife displeasing and then divorced her so she married someone else, the first husband could not take her as his wife since it was sinful. A man was exempt from military duty during his first year of marriage so he could stay home and bring happiness to his wife (Deut. 24:1-5). Spend extra time with your wife in the first year to build a strong marital foundation and prevent divorce.

Freed From Bondage to Sin
Refuse an upper millstone as pledge for a debt since it took a man’s livelihood as security. If a man kidnapped an Israelite who was treated as a slave or sold, the kidnapper must die to purge away evil. Follow carefully what Levitical priests instructed concerning leprous diseases while remembering what God did to Miriam coming out of Egypt. Show patience in collecting loans from a poor neighbor by allowing him to sleep in his cloak leading to thanks for this righteous act in God’s sight. Do not take advantage of a needy Israelite or alien servant, but pay his wages daily and not be guilty of sin. Fathers did not die for their sons nor sons for their fathers since each would die for their own sin. Leave some grain during harvest and do not deprive the alien, fatherless or widow by taking their cloak as pledge to remember how God redeemed them from slavery in Egypt (Deut. 24:6-22). Be financially kind to the needy and stress personal accountability since God freed you from the bondage of sin.

Live Long
Judges decided a dispute in court acquitting the innocent and condemning the wicked in proportion to his guilt. Do not muzzle an ox while he was threshing. The wife of a deceased brother living together would marry his brother to fulfill his duty and carry on the name of his dead brother. If a wife seized the private parts of a man struggling with her husband, cut off her hand and not show pity. Have accurate and honest weights or measures to live long in the land God gave since He hated dishonesty (Deut. 25:1-16). Use accurate and fair guidelines to decide court verdicts, set wages, show considerations toward extended family and determine pricing of goods and services to live long.

Forget Bad Memories and Overcome Weaknesses
Remember what Amalek did when they attacked the Israelites who lagged behind after leaving Egypt. Amalek showed they lacked the fear of God. After the Lord gave rest from their enemies, they blotted out the memory of the Amaleks (Deut. 25:17-19). Spiritual victory and strength enables you to forget bad memories and overcome weaknesses.

Which of the following benefits of holiness are most meaning to you right now: power to defeat spiritual enemies, gain God's blessings, prevent divorce, freed from bondage to sin, live long, forget bad memories and overcome weaknesses?

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Impact and Lifestyle of True Worship (Insights in Prophets)

10/15/2012

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True worship can be summarized as acknowledging God's holiness and greatness to gain understanding and learn instruction. It begins with repentance of sin and trusts in the Holy Spirit for strength. Personal impact: Waits on Him in prayer and meditates on God's word to heal wounds. Corporate impact: Praises God to defeat evil in the world. Internal impact: relies on the truth of God's word to deliver you from strongholds. External impact: explains God's truth fluently and clearly to satisfy spiritual hunger and thirst. True worship lifestyle: Seeks God desperately until the Holy Spirit works peace, confidence and freedom.

False Worship Summarized
God set up siege works against Ariel where David settled causing them to mourn. Their enemies became like fine dust. The Lord Almighty came with thunder, earthquake and devouring fire so those nations waging war against Mt. Zion became faint with unquenched thirst. The Lord brought deep sleep to the prophets' eyes and His vision was sealed in a scroll so no one could read it. The Lord said His people came near and honored Him with their lips but their hearts were far away. Their worship consisted of rules taught by men. The wisdom of the wise would perish and intelligence of the intelligent vanish (Is. 29:1-14). False worship consists of following man's rules without heart behind them.

True Worship Summarized
Woe to those who hid their plans from God and worked in darkness thinking no one saw them. Should what is formed say to his creator that he did not make him or the pot to the potter, "He knows nothing?" The deaf heard the words of the scroll and eyes of the blind saw. The humble and needy rejoiced in the Lord. The ruthless vanished and mockers disappeared. God cut down those with an eye for evil whose false testimony deprived the innocent of justice. The Lord said Jacob would no longer be ashamed, but acknowledged His holiness and stood in awe of the God of Israel. Those with wayward spirit gained understanding and complainers learned instruction (Is. 29:15-24). True worship acknowledges God's holiness and greatness to gain understanding and learn instruction.

True Worship Initiation
Woe to those who carried out plans and formed alliances without His Spirit. They went to Egypt without consulting God. Looking to Pharaoh for protection brought shame and disgrace instead of help and advantage. Write on a tablet about these rebellious and deceitful children unwilling to listen to the Lord's instruction. They said to the seers and prophets that they wanted no more righteous visions where they were confronted with the Holy One, but pleasant words and illusions. The sin of relying on oppression and depending on deceit became like a high wall that collapsed instantly. In repentance and rest was salvation, in quietness and trust was strength, but instead of being willing, they left on horses with little threat to them (Is. 30:1-17). True worship repents of sin for salvation and trusts in the Holy Spirit for strength.

True Worship Personal Impact
The Lord longed to be gracious and compassionate. Blessed were those who wait for Him. God showed grace and answered when they cried for help. He revealed the way to walk during adversity and affliction so they did not trust in the idols of materialism. He sent rain to sow the seed in the ground that yielded plentiful food. The Lord bound up their bruises and healed their wounds (Is. 30:18-26). True worship waits on Him in prayer and meditates on God's word for the healing of wounds.

True Worship Corporate Impact
His wrath shook the nations and placed a bit to lead them astray. Their hearts sang and rejoiced on the mountain of the Lord. Men heard God's majestic voice to the music of tambourines and harps that shattered Assyria with His scepter and punishing rod (Is. 30:27--33). True worship praises God as the chief weapon of spiritual warfare to defeat evil.

True Worship Internal Impact
Woe to those who went to Egypt for help, relied on horses and trusted in many chariots instead of seeking help from God. The Lord Almighty shielded, delivered and rescued Jerusalem while defeating evildoers. God called Israel to return to Him and reject idols their hands made. The sword of God's word devoured Assyria, placed young men in forced labor, broke their stronghold and caused commanders to panic (Is. 31:1-9). True worship relies on the truth of God's word for deliverance from evil strongholds and slavery to sin.

True Worship External Impact
A king reigned in righteousness and rulers ruled with justice like a shelter from the wind, refuge from the storm and streams of water in the desert. The blind saw, the deaf heard, the rash discerned the truth and the stammering tongue was fluent and clear. The fool was not called noble nor the scoundrel highly respected since the fool spoke nonsense, practiced ungodliness and spread error concerning the Lord so the hungry left unsatisfied and withheld water from the thirsty. The scoundrel made evil schemes and destroyed the poor with lies even when the needy spoke truth. The noble man made noble plans and stood by them (Is. 32:1-8). True worship explains God's truth fluently and clearly to satisfy spiritual hunger and thirst.

True Worship Lifestyle
Complacent women trembled in a little more than one year when the fruit harvest failed. They mourned for the fruitful until the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the land of God's people overgrown with thorns and the city of revelry with the abandoned fortress and deserted city became fertile. The fruit and effect of righteousness would be peace, quietness and confidence forever so His people could live securely in places of rest. Even as the city was leveled completely, how blessed to sow seed by every stream letting animals range freely (Is. 32:9-20). True worship seeks God desperately until the Holy Spirit works peace, confidence and freedom.

Begin to seek God desperately until the Holy Spirit works peace, confidence and freedom in your life.

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Preparation to Receive God's Word (Insights in Prophets)

8/26/2012

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We wonder why people don't obey God's word after hearing it. Certain things must be in place for people to be doers of the word. For disciples to receive God's word, they must consider His holiness, experience forgiveness of sin, trust God's protection and presence and reject faith in humankind and their strategies.

Consider God's Holiness
In the year King Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on a high and exalted throne with the train of his rope filling the temple. Above Him were seraphs with six wings each calling to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory." The doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. Isaiah cried out that he was ruined with unclean lips and living among a people of unclean lips but his eyes saw the King, the Lord Almighty (Is. 6:1-5). Consider God's holiness to reveal personal and community sin.

Experience Forgiveness of Sin
A seraphim flew with a burning coal taken from the altar and touched Isaiah's mouth. He said his iniquity was taken away and sin forgiven. The Lord said, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Isaiah said, "Here am I. Send me!" He said to go and tell this people that they were always hearing but never understanding and always seeing but never perceiving. Their hearts were insensitive, ears dull and eyes dim so they could not hear, understand, return to the Lord and be healed. The Lord said Isaiah would do this until cities lie ruined without people, houses deserted, fields ravaged and land completely forsaken. A tenth as the holy seed would remain in the land as a remnant like a stump in the land (Is. 6:6-13). Experience forgiveness of sin and hear God's call as an ambassador of reconciliation.

Trust God's Protection
Rezin, king of Aram and Pekah, king of Israel, battled against Ahaz, king of Judah, without conquering them. Israel's king and peoples' hearts shook like trees in the wind. Isaiah and his son told Ahaz to be calm, not fear or be fainthearted because of the fierce anger of these two kings who planned evil against them. God said their terror would not make a breach in its walls. Within 65 years Ephraim would be no longer be a people because of their unbelief (Is. 7:1-9). Trust God's protection, stay calm and do not fear when people seek evil.

Live in God's Presence
The Lord told Ahaz to ask for a sign but he refused not wanting to test God's patience. The Lord gave the sign of a virgin who would bear a son whose name would be called Immanuel. He would eat curds and honey when he was old enough to refuse evil and choose good. The land of the two kings they dreaded would be laid waste in the early childhood of the boy. The Lord would bring the king of Assyria causing great natural and economic trials to Judah (Is. 7:10-25). Live in God's presence instead of testing His patience by exercising faith in humankind.

Reject Faith in Humankind
The Lord said to write ordinary letters on a large tablet, "Swift is the booty, speedy is the prey," and called Uriah the priest and Zechariah as reliable witnesses. He went to a prophetess and she gave birth to a son named, "Swift is the booty, speedy is the prey." The wealth of Damascus and spoil of Samaria would be carried away by the king of Assyria. These people rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah and rejoiced in Rezin and Pekah. As a result, Judah experienced devastation by the king of Assyria (Is. 8:1-8). Reject faith in humankind to prevent your land from being devastated.

Reject Human Strategies
All nations that prepared for battle would be shattered. They devised their strategy but it was thwarted "for God is with us." God warned them with mighty power not to follow the way of this people and say, 'It is a conspiracy,' what the people called a conspiracy. They were not to fear what they feared or be in dread of it, but regard God as holy. He was their fear and dread. He would become a sanctuary for both houses of Israel as a stone that caused men to stumble and a trap and snare for the people of Jerusalem (Is. 8:9-15). Reject human strategies by regarding God's holiness and presence.

To be in position to receive the Word, these prior things--consider God's holiness, experience forgiveness of sin, trust God's protection and presence, and reject faith in humankind and their strategies--must be in place.

Receive God's Word
Bind up the testimony and seal the law among His disciples. Isaiah would wait and trust in the Lord who hid his face from the house of Jacob. He and the children God gave him were signs and wonders in Israel from the Lord Almighty. They consulted the Lord and not mediums and spiritists men suggested. If they did not speak according to the law and testimony, they had no dawn but were distressed, hungry and their anger caused them to curse their king and God. They would see only distress and fearful gloom and be thrust into utter darkness looking toward the earth (Is. 9:16-22). Disciples receive God's word so they can consult and speak of the Lord as signs and wonders in the land.

Preparation Steps in Receiving God's Word:
1. Consider God's holiness to reveal personal and community sin.
2. Experience forgiveness of sin and hear God's call as an ambassador of reconciliation.
3. Trust God's protection, stay calm and do not fear when people seek evil.
4. Live in God's presence instead of testing His patience by exercising faith in humankind.
5. Reject faith in humankind to prevent your land from being devastated.
6. Reject human strategies by regarding God's holiness and presence.

To be in position to receive the Word, these prior things--consider God's holiness, experience forgiveness of sin, trust God's protection and presence, and reject faith in humankind and their strategies--must be in place first.

7. Disciples receive God's word so they can consult and speak of the Lord as signs and wonders in the land.

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What Passionate Love for Christ Produces (Insights in Law)

7/23/2012

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I want passionate feelings to characterize my relationship with the Lord Jesus. Of course, I want to be perfectly obedient to the Lord, but I want the obedience to spring out of a passionate love for him. I want to obey Jesus not simply out of discipline of duty, or because of some reward or fear of punishment. I want to serve Him simply for the joy of being able to please the one I love so much. If discipline is what ultimately drives us in our pursuit of Jesus, eventually we will give up that pursuit. But a man in love, or a woman in love will never quit.... I want my life to be characterized by an unrestrained affection for the Son of God (Jack Deere).

In Numbers 17-19, as people respond in passionate love for God, they follow His leading into their callings, give generously and confess sin, which results in a transformed community as individuals walk in holiness.

God spoke to Moses to get a rod for each father’s household from all twelve leaders, wrote name on each rod and deposited them in the tent of meeting in front of testimony for Moses to meet with God. The rod of man whom He chose would sprout to lessen from Himself the grumblings of Israel. The rod of Aaron from the house of Levi sprouted buds, produced blossoms and bore ripe almonds. Aaron’s rod before the testimony was kept as a sign against the rebels to put an end to grumblings against God so they would not die (Num. 17:1-13). God calls approved workers by showing signs of fruitfulness to end death and warn grumblers.

The tribe of Levi would be joined with Aaron to bear responsibility for the offenses against the sanctuary and the priesthood. If fellow Levites came near the furnishings of the sanctuary and altar, they would die and bring wrath on Israel. Aaron and his sons served in the priesthood for everything concerning the altar and inside the veil as a gift, but the stranger would die if he came near (Num. 18:1-7). God enables workers to follow His leadership into their unique callings so they do not experience His wrath.

The Lord spoke to Aaron saying He gave him a charge of His offerings as a portion and to his sons as a perpetual allotment as holy gifts, including the first fruits of oil, wine and grain given to the Lord. Every devoted thing in Israel, including the first-born of man or animal would be theirs. The tithe would be given to the Levites as an inheritance and compensation for serving at the tent of meeting. They gave a tithe of the tithe to Aaron the priest so they would not profane the sacred gifts of Israel and die (Num. 18:8-32). God gives people the opportunity to give financially to His work in response to His love for them.

The Lord said to Moses to bring an unblemished red heifer without defect and no yoke. It was brought to Eleazar the priest and slaughtered outside the camp. He took blood and sprinkled some of it toward the front of the tent of meeting seven times. The heifer would be burned in his sight, the priest washed his clothes, bathed his body in water and was unclean until evening. The cleansed man deposited the ashes outside the camp as purification from sin for Israel and the alien as a lasting ordinance (Num. 19:1-10). Spend regular time in confession of sin to remove spiritual impurity.

One who touched a corpse would be unclean for seven days. He purified himself from uncleanness with water on the third and seventh day to be clean. If he did not purify himself, he defiled the tabernacle of the Lord, cut off from the community and was unclean. A man ceremonially clean would take hyssop, dip in water and sprinkle the tent, furnishings and people who were there. Anything that an unclean person touched became unclean (Num. 19:11-22). The spiritual climate of a community changes for the good when God’s people live in holiness because of their passionate love for Him.

Ask God to move your community through the following progression beginning with yourself:
1. Pray for more passionate love for Christ personally and among other believers in your community
2. Follow God's leading so you embrace His calling for your life
3. Give generously to your local church and kingdom projects
4. Spend regular time in confessing sin
5. Encourage others to walk in holiness

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God's Mercy and Judgment Demonstrated (Insights in Prophets)

5/31/2012

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"What gives us conviction of sin is not the number of sins we have committed; it is the sight of the holiness of God." (Martyn Lloyd-Jones). In the midst of sin, we see God's mercy, which triumphs over judgment. God's holiness demands that He deal with sin. God's fulfills His promises and multiplies His people because of His love.

Elisha predicted that flour and two measures of barley would be sold for a shekel each in the gate of Samaria. An officer wondered if the Lord could open the windows of heaven, but Elisha said he would not eat of it. Four leprous men figured they would die of famine. They entered the camp of Arameans, but the Lord caused them to flee because of hearing a large army attacking them.The lepers entered their tents, ate food and hid silver, gold and clothes they found (2 Kings 7:1-8). God promises to provide for you miraculously in famine.

The lepers told the king and he figured the Arameans would attack and capture Israel once they left the city. The king took two chariots with horses to go after the army of the Arameans, but found they had thrown clothes and equipment in their haste so they plundered the camp. Flour and barley was sold for the price predicted according to the word of the Lord. The officer was trampled at the gate and died just as Elisha predicted (2 Kings 7:9-20). God fulfills His promises in famine.

Elisha told the woman whose son he restored to life to leave since the Lord called for famine. After seven years, she left the land of the Philistines and appealed for her house and field. When the king met the son restored to life by Elisha, he gave the property back to the woman. Ben-hadad king of Aram sent Hazael to ask Elisha if he would recover from his sickness. Elisha told Hazael that Ben-hadad would die and with weeping, predicted Hazael would kill men, women and children after he became king. Ben-hadad died and Hazael became king (2 Kings 8:7-15). God's sovereignty changes the hearts of authorities to respond and accomplish His purposes.

Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, became king and did evil like Ahab. The Lord did not destroy Judah because He promised to give descendants through David. Ahaziah, the son of Jehoram king of Judah, next reigned and he walked in evil like Ahab (2 Kings 8:16-29). God's mercy and compassion triumph over sin so His people can be multiplied.

Elisha told one of the prophets to pour oil on Jehu son of Jehoshaphat to anoint as king over Israel. The prophet declared that Jehu would destroy the house of Ahab to avenge the blood of the Lord's servants shed by Jezebel. Dogs would devour her on the plot of ground at Jezreel and no one would bury her (2 Kings 9:1-13). God chooses and equips people to fulfill His will.

Jehu questioned Joram, "How can there be peace as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?" Jehu shot his arrow to kill Joram whose body was thrown on the field belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. Jehu wounded Ahaziah king of Judah who died later (2 Kings 9:14-29). God's holiness demands that idolatry and witchcraft be judged.

Eunuchs threw Jezebel down from the window and nothing was left to bury in fulfillment of the word of the Lord spoken through Elijah, "On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs will devour Jezebel's flesh. Jezebel's body will be like refuse on the ground in the plot at Jezreel, so that no one will be able to say, 'This is Jezebel'" (2 Kings 9:30-37). God fulfills His prophecies of judgment according to His word.

Where do you see God's mercy and compassion in your life? Praise Him for His mercy and compassion. Where is God judging you for your sin? Confess and forsake your sin.

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How to Receive Power, Wealth, Wisdom, Strength, Honor, Glory and Praise (Insights in NT)

Steps In Rescuing Prodigals (Insights in Prophets)

Pursue High Impact Ministry (Insights in Prophets)

Spread God's Glory and Holiness in Your City (Insights in Prophets)

Discipling Culture of a Model Church (Insights in NT)

Benefits of Holiness (Insights in Law)

Impact and Lifestyle of True Worship (Insights in Prophets)

Preparation to Receive God's Word (Insights in Prophets)

What Passionate Love for Christ Produces (Insights in Law)

God's Mercy and Judgment Demonstrated (Insights in Prophets)

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