Deut. 31:6 "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that goes with you, he will not fail you, or forsake you."
I was listening to a prophecy by a modern-day prophet, Bob Jones the other day. He was talking about this new revival that is coming to the world. He said that a million youth would be taken from the streets of sin and brought into the kingdom. They will not look like the church because they don't know what it is suppose to look like. (Thank God!) They will be totally sold out to Jesus and on fire. They will bring new music, rap, hip-hop, etc that will change people's lives. The church will be on the streets. Artists will create art that transcends language barriors and brings life because it will be straight from heaven. God will place his people in strategic places to rule education, politics, religion, arts, entertainment, business, and transportation. We are suppose to be ruling these platforms because the King of Kings is our daddy. One thing God told Joshua when he was going to enter the Promise Land was to be strong and of good courage. Courage is what we need to make this next step. Fear is our greatest enemy. "Good courage" in the Hebrew means to be alert physically and mentally; to establish, fortify, increase, prevail, strengthen one's self, and make strong.
I started going down town on Friday's to feed the homeless which was scarry at first. How do you communicate with people you have nothing in common with? I was always asking them the wrong questions like: where do you live? to which they would look at me like I was stupid and answer; "north". Or I once asked a guy where he worked to which he answered, "nowhere, I'm a bum. Don't I look like one?" I laughed and said, "No, not at all." But, I have kept going and today I accidentally got there an hour early. I didn't realize I was there that early so I sat in my car wondering what to do. One of the guys started walking up to my car. I decided not to be afraid and get out and meet him. I did and he was so welcoming. I sat and talked with one of the guys I had made friends with the last time I was there. The more I go the less uncomfortable I feel. I try to ask better questions like, "how has your week gone?" and they seem more comfortable around me also. I thought today that next time I'm going to ask them if I can pray with them about anything. Wow! I think that is what taking courage means.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday's Devo - The Endtime Army
Read I Chron. 12
This is a great picture of what it will look like before Jesus is crowned king. The whole body will come together. First we see men who were armed with bows who could use both right hand and left hand in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow. These are those that know the Word backward and forward who are skilled naturally and spiritually and the Word that comes out of their mouths hits the mark like with Samuel. It was said of Samuel that God did not let any of his words fall to the ground. Their chief was Ahiezer which means "helper" another name for the Holy Spirit.
Next we have the Gadites that were fit for battle, could handle shield and buckler, who had the face of a lion and could run like a deer on the mountains. These are those who have authority over the devil and are trained in spiritual warfare. They know no fear and can run with the spirit. The first man mentioned is Ezer which also means "help".
Next the children of Benjamin come to David. They have been the prodigals; the outcast. David goes out to meet them and hear their heart. He will accept them if their heart is turned toward him. The spirit fell on Amasai, their captain, and he pledged allegiance to David. "Amasai" means "burdensome". They will be the ones with heavy burdens, from deep sins that will come into the kingdom in the end.
Next Manasseh came which means "causing to forget". God will cause them to forget their sins and past and will welcome them in. They came by the thousands.
Then came children from Judah, Simeon, Levi, Ephraim, Issachar, Zebulun, Naptali, Dan, Asher, Reuben, Gad, and the other half of Manasseh. They came in unison with a perfect heart towards God. David prepared a banquet for them and they feasted for 3 days. (Does that ring a bell? We will all meet at the banquet table and feast with Jesus).
But for now,I pray that we would be like the children of Issachar, which were men that understood the times they were living in and what they should do. We were brought into the kingdom for such a time as this.
This is a great picture of what it will look like before Jesus is crowned king. The whole body will come together. First we see men who were armed with bows who could use both right hand and left hand in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow. These are those that know the Word backward and forward who are skilled naturally and spiritually and the Word that comes out of their mouths hits the mark like with Samuel. It was said of Samuel that God did not let any of his words fall to the ground. Their chief was Ahiezer which means "helper" another name for the Holy Spirit.
Next we have the Gadites that were fit for battle, could handle shield and buckler, who had the face of a lion and could run like a deer on the mountains. These are those who have authority over the devil and are trained in spiritual warfare. They know no fear and can run with the spirit. The first man mentioned is Ezer which also means "help".
Next the children of Benjamin come to David. They have been the prodigals; the outcast. David goes out to meet them and hear their heart. He will accept them if their heart is turned toward him. The spirit fell on Amasai, their captain, and he pledged allegiance to David. "Amasai" means "burdensome". They will be the ones with heavy burdens, from deep sins that will come into the kingdom in the end.
Next Manasseh came which means "causing to forget". God will cause them to forget their sins and past and will welcome them in. They came by the thousands.
Then came children from Judah, Simeon, Levi, Ephraim, Issachar, Zebulun, Naptali, Dan, Asher, Reuben, Gad, and the other half of Manasseh. They came in unison with a perfect heart towards God. David prepared a banquet for them and they feasted for 3 days. (Does that ring a bell? We will all meet at the banquet table and feast with Jesus).
But for now,I pray that we would be like the children of Issachar, which were men that understood the times they were living in and what they should do. We were brought into the kingdom for such a time as this.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thurs. Devo - Mighty Warriors 6-18-09
Read I Chron. 11: 10-47
This is the account of David's top warriors. They were famous because they did great exploits. They stand for the things God wanted to do in David's kindship. First he lists the top 3. The first one was Jashobeam. His name means "the people will return". The people had been scattered and divided and God was calling them back to him. Jashobeam had killed 300 with his sword at one battle. That took courage,strengnth, stamina, and perseverance.
The second was Eleazar which means "stregnth, might, protector". His father's name was Dodo which means "loving". God wanted to be Israel's loving helper and protector. Eleazar had fought with David in a barley field when all their men had fled. They stayed and fought off the Philistines and God gave them victory.
The third and chief was Joab (even though he is not mentioned here). His name means "god fathered". David was the first person that God said he would be a father to. (2 Sam. 7:14) They didn't know God as their father, only as an all-powerful God to be feared. David loved God as his father and God loved David as his son. David's devotion to God showed the people the love of a father and how God loved them in this way.
These 3 mighty men brought water to David when he was in battle and their was no water. They went into the enemies stronghold, risking their lives to bring David a drink of water. David honored their sacrifice by sacrificing their offering on the ground. He refused to drink it and poured it out. That is hard for us to understand but in their culture it was the deepest "thank you" they could have received. Their devotion to David passed death.
After the 3 were a company of 30 mighty warriors. Joab's brother, Abishai was their chief. He once killed 300 in a single battle, but he wasn't one of the 3. His name means "father of a gift". David was a type of Jesus who is the gift of the Lord to us just as Abishai was a gift to David.
Benaiah was one of the 30 that was singled out as very noteworthy. His name means "god has built". That is what God was doing in David's realm. He was establishing his place with his people. Benaiah did some extraordinary things for God.
God then lists all the men in the company of 30. God is looking for warriors for his army today. We have a choice to be in the multitude, the 30 or the 3. It is our choice. The one thing they all had in common was that they loved not their life unto death.
Lord, we lay down our lives as a sacrifice, pour us out as David poured out that blood-water on the battle field.
This is the account of David's top warriors. They were famous because they did great exploits. They stand for the things God wanted to do in David's kindship. First he lists the top 3. The first one was Jashobeam. His name means "the people will return". The people had been scattered and divided and God was calling them back to him. Jashobeam had killed 300 with his sword at one battle. That took courage,strengnth, stamina, and perseverance.
The second was Eleazar which means "stregnth, might, protector". His father's name was Dodo which means "loving". God wanted to be Israel's loving helper and protector. Eleazar had fought with David in a barley field when all their men had fled. They stayed and fought off the Philistines and God gave them victory.
The third and chief was Joab (even though he is not mentioned here). His name means "god fathered". David was the first person that God said he would be a father to. (2 Sam. 7:14) They didn't know God as their father, only as an all-powerful God to be feared. David loved God as his father and God loved David as his son. David's devotion to God showed the people the love of a father and how God loved them in this way.
These 3 mighty men brought water to David when he was in battle and their was no water. They went into the enemies stronghold, risking their lives to bring David a drink of water. David honored their sacrifice by sacrificing their offering on the ground. He refused to drink it and poured it out. That is hard for us to understand but in their culture it was the deepest "thank you" they could have received. Their devotion to David passed death.
After the 3 were a company of 30 mighty warriors. Joab's brother, Abishai was their chief. He once killed 300 in a single battle, but he wasn't one of the 3. His name means "father of a gift". David was a type of Jesus who is the gift of the Lord to us just as Abishai was a gift to David.
Benaiah was one of the 30 that was singled out as very noteworthy. His name means "god has built". That is what God was doing in David's realm. He was establishing his place with his people. Benaiah did some extraordinary things for God.
God then lists all the men in the company of 30. God is looking for warriors for his army today. We have a choice to be in the multitude, the 30 or the 3. It is our choice. The one thing they all had in common was that they loved not their life unto death.
Lord, we lay down our lives as a sacrifice, pour us out as David poured out that blood-water on the battle field.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wed.'s Devo - Promise Fulfilled.............finally!
Read 1 Chron. 11:1-9
Finally David becomes king. He had been prophesied the king, anointed the king, and had many confirmations but all the circumstances proved just the opposite. King Saul had gone from loving him as a son to hating him as an enemy. David went from commander of the Israelite army and all the fame to a leader of a few renegades running from the law. He finally had to join the Philistine army which was Israel's #1 foe. He was wanted for all kinds of lies and conspiracies and is now being honored as the king. All the prophecies are making sense now. They always do when you look back but not always when you are in the midst of it. I wonder if David ever wanted to just give it all up and quit. I know he did because he wrote many songs about it.
Ps. 38:17 "I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. I have many aggressive enemies; they hate me without reason. They repay me evil for good. and oppose me for pursuing good. Do not abandon me, O Lord. Do not stand at a distance, my God. Come quickly to help me. O Lord my Saviour. Chapter 39 is his stance while he is waiting for God and Chapter 40 is his answer: "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord."
Even though David is king he still has enemies in his land. The first are the Jebusites who occupy Jerusalem. David wanted to redeem Jerusalem for God but the Jebusites ordered him to leave. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion which was on a mountain around Jerusalem. He renamed it the city of David. Then David gave his men a challenge. Whoever took the Jebusites first would be his chief and captain. So Joab when first into battle and smote the Jebusites. He got his reward.
I pray that this will be an encouragement to all of us especially the Larsen family. May God open doors for you that cannot be shut and close doors that cannot be opened. Help us to know when to patiently wait for your deliverance and when to boldly go out to fight.
Finally David becomes king. He had been prophesied the king, anointed the king, and had many confirmations but all the circumstances proved just the opposite. King Saul had gone from loving him as a son to hating him as an enemy. David went from commander of the Israelite army and all the fame to a leader of a few renegades running from the law. He finally had to join the Philistine army which was Israel's #1 foe. He was wanted for all kinds of lies and conspiracies and is now being honored as the king. All the prophecies are making sense now. They always do when you look back but not always when you are in the midst of it. I wonder if David ever wanted to just give it all up and quit. I know he did because he wrote many songs about it.
Ps. 38:17 "I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. I have many aggressive enemies; they hate me without reason. They repay me evil for good. and oppose me for pursuing good. Do not abandon me, O Lord. Do not stand at a distance, my God. Come quickly to help me. O Lord my Saviour. Chapter 39 is his stance while he is waiting for God and Chapter 40 is his answer: "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord."
Even though David is king he still has enemies in his land. The first are the Jebusites who occupy Jerusalem. David wanted to redeem Jerusalem for God but the Jebusites ordered him to leave. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion which was on a mountain around Jerusalem. He renamed it the city of David. Then David gave his men a challenge. Whoever took the Jebusites first would be his chief and captain. So Joab when first into battle and smote the Jebusites. He got his reward.
I pray that this will be an encouragement to all of us especially the Larsen family. May God open doors for you that cannot be shut and close doors that cannot be opened. Help us to know when to patiently wait for your deliverance and when to boldly go out to fight.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tuesday's Devo - Sin is Costly 6-16-09
Read 1 Chron. 10
Finally, we get a story instead of the genealogies! And what a story! Right in the middle of all the lists we have the conclusion of Saul's life. Chronicles remind me of my journals: right in the middle of my notes on the Bible I have a dream written out or a grocery list. So let's look at this insert.
The Philistines were God's tool to accomplish His purposes in the lives of the Israelites. God was pouring out his judgment and promise on the house of Saul. (I Sam 13:13-14) The Israelites died at mount Gilboa which means "fountain of pouring forth". Saul's sons were killed which is ashamed because Jonathan was such a godly man, but he was the son of Saul so he had to die. David was God's choice for the next king, not a descendant of Saul's.
It was a popular thing to kill yourself in battle back then which is what Saul and his armour bearer did. (Armour bearers seem to be extensions of their masters sort of like a conscience.) Suicide is the devil's plan for your life. Jesus came that we might have abundant life. The devil comes that he might steal life and make it unfruitful. Once Saul and his sons were dead there was no one to stand with the people for their land so they lost that too. The devil is not merciful, he will kick you when you are down. When the Philistines found the body of Saul on the battlefield they took his head and his armour back home to place in their idol temple. That is all the devil cares about your head - your God; and your armor - the Word of God in you. That is what he wants to steal.
Look at the reason God had to take Saul's life for: he didn't keep the word of the Lord, he asked counsel of a witch instead of asking God. Saul was judged harshly because as the leader he led the people in the same sins he committed. As the king goes, so the country goes. With much power comes much responsibility and Saul abused both. I wonder how many times we fall into the same sins Saul did: not keeping or believing what God has told us and seeking the world's counsel.
Lord, write your word on the tablets of our hearts that we won't sin against you.
Finally, we get a story instead of the genealogies! And what a story! Right in the middle of all the lists we have the conclusion of Saul's life. Chronicles remind me of my journals: right in the middle of my notes on the Bible I have a dream written out or a grocery list. So let's look at this insert.
The Philistines were God's tool to accomplish His purposes in the lives of the Israelites. God was pouring out his judgment and promise on the house of Saul. (I Sam 13:13-14) The Israelites died at mount Gilboa which means "fountain of pouring forth". Saul's sons were killed which is ashamed because Jonathan was such a godly man, but he was the son of Saul so he had to die. David was God's choice for the next king, not a descendant of Saul's.
It was a popular thing to kill yourself in battle back then which is what Saul and his armour bearer did. (Armour bearers seem to be extensions of their masters sort of like a conscience.) Suicide is the devil's plan for your life. Jesus came that we might have abundant life. The devil comes that he might steal life and make it unfruitful. Once Saul and his sons were dead there was no one to stand with the people for their land so they lost that too. The devil is not merciful, he will kick you when you are down. When the Philistines found the body of Saul on the battlefield they took his head and his armour back home to place in their idol temple. That is all the devil cares about your head - your God; and your armor - the Word of God in you. That is what he wants to steal.
Look at the reason God had to take Saul's life for: he didn't keep the word of the Lord, he asked counsel of a witch instead of asking God. Saul was judged harshly because as the leader he led the people in the same sins he committed. As the king goes, so the country goes. With much power comes much responsibility and Saul abused both. I wonder how many times we fall into the same sins Saul did: not keeping or believing what God has told us and seeking the world's counsel.
Lord, write your word on the tablets of our hearts that we won't sin against you.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday's Devo - Be the Keeper of Our Gates
Read 1 Chron. 9:22-44
I just had to go back and talk about the gatekeepers. The tabernacle and the temple were shadows of heavenly things (Heb. 8:5) so everything about them tell us something about the system in heaven. They were to be reliable men so David and Samuel appointed their own ancestors because they knew they could trust them. David was a worshipper first then a king. Samuel was a prophet. These are the ones who watch over what and who comes into the temple. The chief gatekeepers were Levites who were priests. They were in charge of all the detailed things in the temple: making the incense, and bread for the Sabbath and all the furninshings. They were to check out the various articlets used in worship to make sure none of them are lost. They made sure the gates were shut at night and opened in the morning.
1 Co. 6:19 says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit is our gatekeeper. He stands at the gates of our body to guard what comes in and what goes out. If we allow him to have control he will keep us from losing anything of value. He will annoint us with the incense of his presence and will feed us with the shewbread of his Word. He will minister to us in song when we are weary or sad and will crown us with everlasting peace. He will speak to us of things to come and give us wisdom for the moment. Eph. 1:13-14 says that the Holy Spirit in us is how God identifies us as his own. The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. Rev. 21 says that in heaven there are 12 gates into the city. They are made of pearl and will never shut because there is no night in heaven. We will always have access to God. Vs. 14 says,"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Lord may the Holy Spirit have full reign to watch over the gates of our bodies and prepare us to one day enter the gates in heaven.
I just had to go back and talk about the gatekeepers. The tabernacle and the temple were shadows of heavenly things (Heb. 8:5) so everything about them tell us something about the system in heaven. They were to be reliable men so David and Samuel appointed their own ancestors because they knew they could trust them. David was a worshipper first then a king. Samuel was a prophet. These are the ones who watch over what and who comes into the temple. The chief gatekeepers were Levites who were priests. They were in charge of all the detailed things in the temple: making the incense, and bread for the Sabbath and all the furninshings. They were to check out the various articlets used in worship to make sure none of them are lost. They made sure the gates were shut at night and opened in the morning.
1 Co. 6:19 says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit is our gatekeeper. He stands at the gates of our body to guard what comes in and what goes out. If we allow him to have control he will keep us from losing anything of value. He will annoint us with the incense of his presence and will feed us with the shewbread of his Word. He will minister to us in song when we are weary or sad and will crown us with everlasting peace. He will speak to us of things to come and give us wisdom for the moment. Eph. 1:13-14 says that the Holy Spirit in us is how God identifies us as his own. The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. Rev. 21 says that in heaven there are 12 gates into the city. They are made of pearl and will never shut because there is no night in heaven. We will always have access to God. Vs. 14 says,"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Lord may the Holy Spirit have full reign to watch over the gates of our bodies and prepare us to one day enter the gates in heaven.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Friday's Devo - People of Splendor
Here's a little trivia about the Chronicles: Samuel and the Kings deal with both kingdoms (Israel and Judah) where the Chronicles deal almost exclusively with Judah. The Chronicles were originally only one book now divided into two. The first book is the history from the Creation to the death of David, 1015 B.C. The second Chronicles from the death of David to the Captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, 588 B.C.
Read 1 Chron. 9
Judah and Israel had been captives in Babylon and are returning to their land. The first ones to get back and possess their rightful property were the priests, Levites, temple servants and a few other Israelites. This might as well read: The church had been in bondage to religion, competition, self-righteousness, and pride so God had let them go their own way. They started returning back to their first love and the first ones to turn were the seekers, the humble, the hungry and the meek.
In verse 3 it talks about Judah. They came back to Jerusalem. The three tribes that came back were the very ones that stand for the church and the bride: Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh. We don't have enough time to seek out everyones names but lets look at the 4th verse. Uthai means to "speak in season" and he was the son of Ammihud which means "people of splendor".
Omri means "to gather grain and bind in sheaves". Imri means "wordy". Bani means "to build; obtain children" and Pharez means "a breaking forth".
So in one verse we get a description of these exiles that have come back to their inheritance. They are people of splendor who speak what God is saying for the here and now. They gather the Word of God and bind it to their hearts. They also through much words and persuasion draw other people to themselves and the truth. Through their ministry revival breaks out in the people.
Lord, may we be people of splendor that give a word in due season that will transform lives.
Read 1 Chron. 9
Judah and Israel had been captives in Babylon and are returning to their land. The first ones to get back and possess their rightful property were the priests, Levites, temple servants and a few other Israelites. This might as well read: The church had been in bondage to religion, competition, self-righteousness, and pride so God had let them go their own way. They started returning back to their first love and the first ones to turn were the seekers, the humble, the hungry and the meek.
In verse 3 it talks about Judah. They came back to Jerusalem. The three tribes that came back were the very ones that stand for the church and the bride: Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh. We don't have enough time to seek out everyones names but lets look at the 4th verse. Uthai means to "speak in season" and he was the son of Ammihud which means "people of splendor".
Omri means "to gather grain and bind in sheaves". Imri means "wordy". Bani means "to build; obtain children" and Pharez means "a breaking forth".
So in one verse we get a description of these exiles that have come back to their inheritance. They are people of splendor who speak what God is saying for the here and now. They gather the Word of God and bind it to their hearts. They also through much words and persuasion draw other people to themselves and the truth. Through their ministry revival breaks out in the people.
Lord, may we be people of splendor that give a word in due season that will transform lives.
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