What do you expectantly desire and wait for? Do you get excited when you have been invited to a massive party? What is the hope and desire of your heart? “I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or look into it. Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or look into it; and one of the elders said to me, ‘Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.’ And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.” Revelation 5:1-7 Are you living in great expectation for the second advent of Jesus Christ where he will restore creation? Our hope is grounded on the provision of Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ returns it will be a time of joyful celebration for everyone who has placed their hope and trust in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation. Continue Reading…
Great expectation for the second advent of Jesus Christ: Psalm 72
Cling to the foundation built upon God’s faithfulness: Psalm 71
Why do you get up in the morning? Do you have an eternal perspective as you live from day to day? Have you felt life becoming completely futile and lacking hope? Whatever we choose to focus our heart, mind, soul and strength upon will shape the outlook we have for life. If you have consistently focused your attention throughout life upon the accumulation of things in this world you are walking a perilous path that will leave you bereft of hope. Psalm 71 describes the beauty of a life wholeheartedly devoted to God. Can we wholeheartedly follow God? Continue Reading…
Hope brought to bear upon our inherent helplessness: Psalm 63
What do your heart, mind, soul and strength yearn for on a consistent basis? The western culture today affords and allows an instant gratification to all the desires that cross our path. If you crave food there are numerous places to drive through to obtain a quick bite to eat. When we yearn for rest an assortment of stimulants stands ready to keep us going. The moments we are thirsty are easily quenched as we buy drinks from the connivence store or grab something to drink from our refrigerator. No matter what we do we will always yearn again after momentarily satisfying our desires. Where do we find lasting satisfaction for our yearnings? There is nothing in this world that we are able to beg, buy, borrow or steal that will bring satisfaction. We are inherently helpless. Continue Reading…
What does your heart truly desire: Psalm 37
What is desire? Why is desire so fleeting yet all consuming? What does the expression of our desires say about us? When we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ are we foregoing our own desires from that moment on? Do you desire a good paying job, a spouse and family, a bigger home, a friendship that will stand the test of time or a new gadget? At what point do the wants and needs we claim as our desires become idols in our lives? How do we grasp the true desires of our heart when the world surrounding us is consistently pressuring our desires to conform to the desires presented as social norms? Continue Reading…
The dark season before the dawning of renewed hope: Job 17 and 18
The discourse between Job and his friends continues in Job 17 and 18. It can feel a little repetitive as you read through all of the discussion. What can we glean from the story of Job? Why should I care about these chapters? When you read through chapter 17 who is Job speaking to? The main focus of Job’s talk is directed towards God because his friends are proven to be useless. Job’s perspective of God’s sovereignty is seen as he acknowledges that his friends are prevented by God from understanding what he says. Throughout Job’s talk the picture that he longs to embrace death rather than continue on the path that his life is currently on. Have you ever felt so weary that you longed for death? Continue Reading…
Joy returns when God is placed first: Nehemiah 11 and 12
What is happening in Nehemiah 11 and 12? You are faced with many names again which may make you want to tune out the details of the text. What is happening in the story of Israel? “And they offered great sacrifices that and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with a great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” Nehemiah 12:43 ESV Why are details given about the priests and Levites? Why was there such joy in Jerusalem? Why list the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel? Continue Reading…
Desire statement about our lives: 2 Chronicles 1 and 2
What would you desire from God if He were to offer you anything? Would our requests reflect our view and opinion of God? In 2 Chronicles 1 Solomon’s requests for wisdom to lead the people of Israel is recounted. There are moments in my life when I think a material need is the most important need I have such as money, a home, or a vehicle. Solomon could have asked for riches but they would eventually lose all value and degrade. In the same way anything I run after in this life is just a fleeting and unable to retain eternal value. I have sometimes thought that my life would come to its ultimate definition if I found a wife but no person can give my life fulfillment. Could a life of perfect health bring hope for tomorrow? Could a life free from conflict bring lasting joy to your life? Continue Reading…
Desire and intention of the heart: 1 Chronicles 29
I love how peoples hearts are filled with joy and thankfulness after an encounter with God. In 1 Chronicles 29 the offerings to be used towards the building of the Temple are collected. How often does a leader request something from the people they lead but they count themselves above following their own recommendation? When David tells the people about collections of materials for the Temple, he is first of all giving abundantly towards the Temple.
“Moreover, in my delight in the house of my God, the treasure I have of gold and silver, I give to the house of my God, over and above all that I have already provided for the holy temple, namely, 3000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7000 talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the buildings; of gold for the things of gold and of silver for the things of silver, that is, for all the work done by the craftsmen. Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the Lord?” 1 Chronicles 29:3-5 Continue Reading…
God’s promise to David and humanity: 1 Chronicles 17 and 18
I love how the idea of dwelling is used consistently in 1 Chronicles 17 when God tells David that he would not build Him a permeant place to dwell. What does it mean for God to dwell? God is everywhere so when He dwells among us what is that saying? “Thus says the Lord, “You shall not build a house for Me to dwell in; for I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up Israel to this day, but I have gone from tent to tent and from one dwelling place to another.” 1 Chronicles 17:4,5 The idea of God dwelling in one particular place confuses me since He is omnipresent. Is dwelling similar to the idea of abiding? God chose to dwell among the people of Israel. Do you sense the amazing reality of the fact that God chose to dwell among the Israelites. God didn’t need the Israelites because He needs nothing but He still desired them. Continue Reading…
Words of encouragement to a generation: Deuteronomy 3 and 4
What words of wisdom would you impart to a troubled soul? What charge do you give to people who are continually given over to straying from the commands of God? How do you encourage a people who you have represented before God? How do you sum up God’s desires for a people who are no longer going to be shepherded by you? This is the story seen in Deuteronomy chapters 3 and 4. Moses is forbidden by God to enter the promised land and he now gives last words of advice. Continue Reading…
