Deuteronomy 17
Verse 14 “You are about to enter the land the Lord your God is giving you. When you take it over and settle there, you may think, ‘We should select a king to rule over us like the other nations around us.’ 15 If this happens, be sure to select as king the man the Lord your God chooses. You must appoint a fellow Israelite; he may not be a foreigner.
16 “The king must not build up a large stable of horses for himself or send his people to Egypt to buy horses, for the Lord has told you, ‘You must never return to Egypt.’ 17 The king must not take many wives for himself, because they will turn his heart away from the Lord. And he must not accumulate large amounts of wealth in silver and gold for himself.18 “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19 He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees.
20 This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel.
The daily reading of the word of God, keeps us from pride and arrogance. It keeps us in check to the laws of God and ensures our success and enables us to pass down the blessing of God to many generations.
It is the simple things that keep us grounded, growing and moving forward. Prayer, worship and the word equip us to win souls, make disciples and destroy the works of the devil. When we abandon the simplicity of the gospel we lose the power of the Gospel and set ourselves up for destruction.
If King Solomon would have followed the simple guideline laid down by God for kings, he would have finished strong, but he didn't. God gave the Kings of Israel three laws and told them to read them everyday, but apparently this daily reading never became a priority to Solomon and the following scripture tell us that he violated all three of the commands and ended up in his later years, worshiping other gods.
2 Chronicles 1: 14-16 "Solomon built up a huge force of chariots and horses. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses. He stationed some of them in the chariot cities and some near him in Jerusalem. 15 The king made silver and gold as plentiful in Jerusalem as stone. And valuable cedar timber was as common as the sycamore-fig trees that grow in the foothills of Judah. 16 Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and from Cilicia..."
1 Kings 11:1-6 "Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh’s daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites. 2 The Lord had clearly instructed the people of Israel, ‘You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.’ Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. 3 He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the Lord. 4 In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David, had been. 5 Solomon worshiped Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites. 6 In this way, Solomon did what was evil in the Lord’s sight; he refused to follow the Lord completely, as his father, David, had done."
How sad, that the wisest king could end up being so deceived and that deception found it's place in his heart because he abandoned the simple act of daily reading the law of God. My prayer is that we won't make the same mistake, but we will commit ourselves to the simple thing of God. Prayer, worship and the word of God are the necessities of the Christian life. Fight for them, guard them and treasure these simple things because your life and future depends upon it.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Commitment to the Word
Deuteronomy 11
Verse 18-21 “So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 19 Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 20 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors."
Commit yourself wholeheartedly to these words, God's word. Moses told the people that the word of God was the secret to their success; their commitment to God's word would determine whether they would flourish or die in the land that God had promised them.
So what does it mean to be committed to the word of God, well Moses gave them specific instructions to fulfill this command.
First he said tie them to your hands and foreheads. Being committed to the word means that God's word affects the works of your hands and is always on the forefront of your mind. He then said teach them to your children, commitment to the word means that we on purpose teach the word to our children. Then he said talk about them when you are at home and on the road, when we are committed to word of God it becomes apart of our everyday conversation and last but not least he says to write the word on the doorpost and gates, this means we need written reminders of the word posted so that when we enter and leave our homes we are reminded of his word.
So according to this standard how committed are you to the word of God? Does God's word affect the way you live your life? Is his word the first thing you think about when making decisions? How many scriptures have you taught your children and how much time do you spend each week studying the word with your children? Is God's word apart of your daily conversation? Do you have written reminders of God's word in your house, car or at work? It is easy for us to say we are committed to the word of God, but these standards help us to see where we really are in our commitment level to His Word.
When Gods word becomes a priority in our lives, we flourish and pass the blessing of his word down to our children and grandchildren. When we neglect his word, we break his laws and pass down the curse of sin. The more committed we are to our families the more committed we should be to God's word. One of the greatest blessings that we can pass down to our children is a commitment to the word of God
Verse 18-21 “So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 19 Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 20 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors."
Commit yourself wholeheartedly to these words, God's word. Moses told the people that the word of God was the secret to their success; their commitment to God's word would determine whether they would flourish or die in the land that God had promised them.
So what does it mean to be committed to the word of God, well Moses gave them specific instructions to fulfill this command.
First he said tie them to your hands and foreheads. Being committed to the word means that God's word affects the works of your hands and is always on the forefront of your mind. He then said teach them to your children, commitment to the word means that we on purpose teach the word to our children. Then he said talk about them when you are at home and on the road, when we are committed to word of God it becomes apart of our everyday conversation and last but not least he says to write the word on the doorpost and gates, this means we need written reminders of the word posted so that when we enter and leave our homes we are reminded of his word.
So according to this standard how committed are you to the word of God? Does God's word affect the way you live your life? Is his word the first thing you think about when making decisions? How many scriptures have you taught your children and how much time do you spend each week studying the word with your children? Is God's word apart of your daily conversation? Do you have written reminders of God's word in your house, car or at work? It is easy for us to say we are committed to the word of God, but these standards help us to see where we really are in our commitment level to His Word.
When Gods word becomes a priority in our lives, we flourish and pass the blessing of his word down to our children and grandchildren. When we neglect his word, we break his laws and pass down the curse of sin. The more committed we are to our families the more committed we should be to God's word. One of the greatest blessings that we can pass down to our children is a commitment to the word of God
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Giants
Deuteronomy 2
Verse10-12 "(A race of giants called the Emites had once lived in the area of Ar. They were as strong and numerous and tall as the Anakites, another race of giants... but they were driven out and displaced by the descendants of Esau, just as Israel drove out the people of Canaan when the Lord gave Israel their land.)"
Giants once lived in the land BUT they were driven out and displaced. Nothing is to hard for God, he specializes in conquering giants. You may be facing a giant of fear, uncertainty, debt or even anger, but God can and will empower you to drive out and displace the giant, so that he can give you what he has promised.
The size of your enemy is irrelevant to God, it is the size of your faith in God that determines your victory. If God said it, you can have it; you can posses the land and displace any enemy if you are willing and obedient. (Isaiah 1:19 nkjv)
Verse10-12 "(A race of giants called the Emites had once lived in the area of Ar. They were as strong and numerous and tall as the Anakites, another race of giants... but they were driven out and displaced by the descendants of Esau, just as Israel drove out the people of Canaan when the Lord gave Israel their land.)"
Giants once lived in the land BUT they were driven out and displaced. Nothing is to hard for God, he specializes in conquering giants. You may be facing a giant of fear, uncertainty, debt or even anger, but God can and will empower you to drive out and displace the giant, so that he can give you what he has promised.
The size of your enemy is irrelevant to God, it is the size of your faith in God that determines your victory. If God said it, you can have it; you can posses the land and displace any enemy if you are willing and obedient. (Isaiah 1:19 nkjv)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Authority
Numbers 36
Verse 1,5 "Then the heads of the clans of Gilead-descendants of Makir, son of Manasseh, son of Joseph-came to Moses and the family leaders of Israel with a petition... The claim of the men of the tribe of Joseph is legitimate"
God is a God of justice and when we bring a legitimate claim before the Lord he hears our cry but we need to understand that God works through men, to establish and implement the justice and laws of God. There are some people who are so spiritual they say that they will only "answer to God" but that mentality is only an excuse for rebellion and no accountability.
We all are accountable to authority and that authority is implemented through flesh. Romans 13:1-2 teaches us that when we rebel against man's authority we rebel against God. Your boss is your boss, whether you like him or not and when your rebel against him you rebel against God. When you honor your boss, you honor God and position yourself for promotion and blessing. Colossians 3:23-24 teaches us that our reward comes from the Lord and that in all we do, we should do it as unto the Lord.
Verse 1,5 "Then the heads of the clans of Gilead-descendants of Makir, son of Manasseh, son of Joseph-came to Moses and the family leaders of Israel with a petition... The claim of the men of the tribe of Joseph is legitimate"
God is a God of justice and when we bring a legitimate claim before the Lord he hears our cry but we need to understand that God works through men, to establish and implement the justice and laws of God. There are some people who are so spiritual they say that they will only "answer to God" but that mentality is only an excuse for rebellion and no accountability.
We all are accountable to authority and that authority is implemented through flesh. Romans 13:1-2 teaches us that when we rebel against man's authority we rebel against God. Your boss is your boss, whether you like him or not and when your rebel against him you rebel against God. When you honor your boss, you honor God and position yourself for promotion and blessing. Colossians 3:23-24 teaches us that our reward comes from the Lord and that in all we do, we should do it as unto the Lord.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Willing
Luke 5
Verse 12-13 "In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared."
Jesus said "I am willing" and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is still willing to heal, deliver and save. Satan has deceived us into thinking that God is not willing. I hear it come out of the mouths of Christians all the time, they pray for healing, deliverance, breakthrough or provision and they close their prayer with the phrase, if it is your will.
Praise God for the word, because he has already told us he is willing. And if he wasn't willing to do for us what he did for the leper, then he would not have went to the cross. But he went to the cross because he is willing, willing to heal, deliver, save and meet the needs of those who believe in him.
So the question is not is God willing, the question is are you willing to believe God in spite of your circumstances? Are you willing to step out in faith and declare his word over your life, are you willing to renounce fear, worry and unbelief and receive the miracle that God has made available for you through the blood of Jesus Christ?
Verse 12-13 "In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared."
Jesus said "I am willing" and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is still willing to heal, deliver and save. Satan has deceived us into thinking that God is not willing. I hear it come out of the mouths of Christians all the time, they pray for healing, deliverance, breakthrough or provision and they close their prayer with the phrase, if it is your will.
Praise God for the word, because he has already told us he is willing. And if he wasn't willing to do for us what he did for the leper, then he would not have went to the cross. But he went to the cross because he is willing, willing to heal, deliver, save and meet the needs of those who believe in him.
So the question is not is God willing, the question is are you willing to believe God in spite of your circumstances? Are you willing to step out in faith and declare his word over your life, are you willing to renounce fear, worry and unbelief and receive the miracle that God has made available for you through the blood of Jesus Christ?
Monday, March 21, 2011
Journaling
Numbers 33
Verse 2 "At the Lord’s direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress. These are the stages of their march, identified by the different places where they stopped along the way"
Moses kept a written record of their progress, I believe this is the biblical pattern for journaling. When we journal we keep records of the journey, which enables us to look back, see the progress that we have make and celebrate the victories that God has given us. Writing down what God is saying and doing in your life is powerful, it becomes spiritual ammunition enabling you to fight a good fight of faith.
Our minds tend to be negative and remember the problems of the past and forget the victories that God has given us. But a written record allows us to look back and remember not only what God has done but what he has spoken into your life. If you have never journaled then I challenge you to begin today, you will be surprised at how it will impact your life and focus your attention on the good things that God is saying and doing.
Verse 2 "At the Lord’s direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress. These are the stages of their march, identified by the different places where they stopped along the way"
Moses kept a written record of their progress, I believe this is the biblical pattern for journaling. When we journal we keep records of the journey, which enables us to look back, see the progress that we have make and celebrate the victories that God has given us. Writing down what God is saying and doing in your life is powerful, it becomes spiritual ammunition enabling you to fight a good fight of faith.
Our minds tend to be negative and remember the problems of the past and forget the victories that God has given us. But a written record allows us to look back and remember not only what God has done but what he has spoken into your life. If you have never journaled then I challenge you to begin today, you will be surprised at how it will impact your life and focus your attention on the good things that God is saying and doing.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Growth
Luke 2
Verse 52 "Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people"
Jesus modeled three areas of growth that should be followed by every believer. He grew is wisdom, he studied the scriptures and pursued the wisdom of God. He was a reader, a lister and untimely a learner. Our commitment to growth in the area of wisdom, unlocks our potential and positions us to make an eternal impact in our world. Without the wisdom of God, we are limited in our ability to impart anything of real value.
Second he grew is stature, he took care of his physical body. He knew what awaited him and a weak body would not serve the purpose of God for his life, he needed to be strong. When we neglect our physical health, we sabotage the spiritual work that God has for us to do.
Then he grew in favor, with God and people. Favor flows from right relationships, Jesus grew in his relationship with God the Father and with people. He learned the skills required to get along and work with people. Relational skills become the foundation stone of success in life and ministry. It doesn't matter how much you know or even how right you are, if you can not get along with people then your wisdom is never released or imparted into the lives of others.
The truth's that Jesus taught as an adult he learned as a youth, growing and developing for the mission and purpose of God for his life. Jesus began his commitment to growth at an early age but it is never to late to grow. Let's join Jesus on the journey of growth, committing ourselves to grow in wisdom, stature and favor. The end result will be the blessing of God and a fruitful life. Consider this thought: your effectiveness will never exceed you growth, as you grow in these three areas of life you grow more effective in every area of your life
Verse 52 "Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people"
Jesus modeled three areas of growth that should be followed by every believer. He grew is wisdom, he studied the scriptures and pursued the wisdom of God. He was a reader, a lister and untimely a learner. Our commitment to growth in the area of wisdom, unlocks our potential and positions us to make an eternal impact in our world. Without the wisdom of God, we are limited in our ability to impart anything of real value.
Second he grew is stature, he took care of his physical body. He knew what awaited him and a weak body would not serve the purpose of God for his life, he needed to be strong. When we neglect our physical health, we sabotage the spiritual work that God has for us to do.
Then he grew in favor, with God and people. Favor flows from right relationships, Jesus grew in his relationship with God the Father and with people. He learned the skills required to get along and work with people. Relational skills become the foundation stone of success in life and ministry. It doesn't matter how much you know or even how right you are, if you can not get along with people then your wisdom is never released or imparted into the lives of others.
The truth's that Jesus taught as an adult he learned as a youth, growing and developing for the mission and purpose of God for his life. Jesus began his commitment to growth at an early age but it is never to late to grow. Let's join Jesus on the journey of growth, committing ourselves to grow in wisdom, stature and favor. The end result will be the blessing of God and a fruitful life. Consider this thought: your effectiveness will never exceed you growth, as you grow in these three areas of life you grow more effective in every area of your life
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