David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished."
1 Chronicles 28:20 NIV
Solomon receives a great gift of encouragement in David's statement today: "Be strong and courageous, and do the work, for the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you..." This verse points to God directing the leader, Solomon, via the Spirit.
Reading that God will be with Solomon "until all the work of the service of the temple of the Lord is finished," can lead us to conclude that God will be with Solomon forever, for the work of the temple of the Lord will never be finished. Certainly the temple will be built, but "all the work" will never be completed, for there will be the upkeep of maintenance in addition to other work.
Much hinges on leadership. Success or failure hinges upon appropriate decisions and direction and communication. Think of the gifts of being sealed with the Spirit, being directed to the Lord, and being able to be guided in our choice of words, decision making, and other activities. When we follow the Spirit's guidance, soon fruits of the Spirit are produced. Who is not appreciative of gentleness, self control, love, joy, peace and other fruits?
May the Spirit will be with you as you do your work, your ministry, and exert your efforts, in Christ for the Church. Be strong and courageous.
How are you encouraged, strengthened, and directed by the Spirit?
What fruits of the Spirit do you see?
Do you realize that looking for fruits of the Spirit can help you cross over from knowledge to wisdom?
Again, pray for your eyes to be open, the strength and courage to follow the Spirit's guidance.
In Christ,
David P
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The Duties of the Ministry
Outstanding reading today, it took me almost 30 seconds to skim the list of unpronounceable names. Oh, how I yearned to be transported back to a thrilling chronology, but I'm sure you already guessed that.
But there's an extremely important message in this list of names. In the modern-day church, we have a tendency to think three things:
1. The pastors will do the work
2. What they can't do, they'll farm out to someone other than me
3. Everything will get done
a. With no effort on my part
b. In the way that I want it, or
c. I'll complain if it's not perfect
The work of the church will not be done without OUR (and I mean each and every one of us) helping out in some capacity. Nowhere did the Lord set a precedent that his chosen were to do everything--Moses had his 70 elders, Joshua was told to select helpers, and even the Levites had their initial duties laid out precisely by clan in Numbers 3 and 4.
Which leads to a very simple point--EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US has a role to play in our church at Trinity and in God's Church in the world, and it most definitely entails more than showing up for service once a week. We have the privilege of furthering Christ's work, because he didn't just tell the twelve disciples to fulfill the Great Commission, he told ALL disciples, present and future, what our job was, and it's our privilege and duty to continue until he comes back.
You will hear much from me specifically on how you can help Trinity in the next month or so, and when you hear me ask, fight that initial urge to say "Well, I'm sure someone (else) will take care of that." That's a dangerous assumption to make, and the fact that the little voice is even speaking in your head when I ask could very well be the first hint that the Holy Spirit already has someone in mind...someone you know VERY WELL...
Scott
Music! (May 16)
All these men were under the supervision of their fathers for the music of the temple of the Lord, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Herman were under the supervision of the King.
1 Chronicles 25:6 NIV
Other than ritual trumpet blowing, Mosaic Law does not describe music in Jewish worship. Here, we read about music of the temple of the Lord. Martin Luther stated that next to the Word of God, music moves us.. Be thankful for rich music ministries, they are such a blessing.
Here too, we read about order in worship. We are learning that God is a God of order. He does and directs all things, like creation, the exodus, or the conquest of the promised land a logical stepwise fashion.
If you are challenged with organization, or have other challenges, bring your concerns to the Lord in prayer, in faith, without doubt. The Spirit can then hear your prayer as you grow in grace and as you cross over to wisdom.
What have you done to thank the musical leaders at your church?
How does God's attribute of orderliness impress you?
Pray for Spiritual growth and for removal of any obsticles to your attendance at worship.
In Christ,
David P
1 Chronicles 25:6 NIV
Other than ritual trumpet blowing, Mosaic Law does not describe music in Jewish worship. Here, we read about music of the temple of the Lord. Martin Luther stated that next to the Word of God, music moves us.. Be thankful for rich music ministries, they are such a blessing.
Here too, we read about order in worship. We are learning that God is a God of order. He does and directs all things, like creation, the exodus, or the conquest of the promised land a logical stepwise fashion.
If you are challenged with organization, or have other challenges, bring your concerns to the Lord in prayer, in faith, without doubt. The Spirit can then hear your prayer as you grow in grace and as you cross over to wisdom.
What have you done to thank the musical leaders at your church?
How does God's attribute of orderliness impress you?
Pray for Spiritual growth and for removal of any obsticles to your attendance at worship.
In Christ,
David P
Think About Ministry (May 15)
The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron was set apart, he and his descendants forever, to consecrate the most holy things, to offer sacrifices before the Lord, to minister before him and to pronounce blessings in his name forever.
1 Chronicles 23:13 NIV
Aaron's being set apart for ministry served as an example for David to follow in the assignment of Duties to the Levites. We too can look to this verse and consider our various ministries.
Webster tells us that to consecrate means to make or declare sacred; to set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity. Consider Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection to remove our sin, to make us acceptable to God, and to consecrate us.
We are given ministries, sure we do not generally call raising children, our occupations, our relationships, or other facets of our life ministries; however, as Christians, all those aspects of our lives are in fact, ministries. As duties were considered as they were assigned to the Levites, we too can think about our daily activites.
Pray, intercede for others. Ask for direction and guidance, to have your eyes open, to the needs of others, for protection, wisdom, courage and strength.
As you grow in grace, you will notice an attitude of gratitude developing, a thankfulness for the gifts you have received. You will, as you grow in wisdom with the alignment of your mind and heart, be able to realize and share more of your time, talent, and treasure. This is an example of crossing over from knowledge to wisdom.
With this thankful attitude, with the Spirit's help and guidance, our actions, our smile, our offerings will bless others and will be a light for others to see the Spirit at work, and can guide others in following the Spirit...to bear much fruit.
In view of the above, how do you feel set apart?
How can others tell you are set apart?
Have you seen fruit?
Pray for the Spirit's guidance as you cross from knowledge to growing, deepening wisdom.
In Christ,
David P
1 Chronicles 23:13 NIV
Aaron's being set apart for ministry served as an example for David to follow in the assignment of Duties to the Levites. We too can look to this verse and consider our various ministries.
Webster tells us that to consecrate means to make or declare sacred; to set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity. Consider Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection to remove our sin, to make us acceptable to God, and to consecrate us.
We are given ministries, sure we do not generally call raising children, our occupations, our relationships, or other facets of our life ministries; however, as Christians, all those aspects of our lives are in fact, ministries. As duties were considered as they were assigned to the Levites, we too can think about our daily activites.
Pray, intercede for others. Ask for direction and guidance, to have your eyes open, to the needs of others, for protection, wisdom, courage and strength.
As you grow in grace, you will notice an attitude of gratitude developing, a thankfulness for the gifts you have received. You will, as you grow in wisdom with the alignment of your mind and heart, be able to realize and share more of your time, talent, and treasure. This is an example of crossing over from knowledge to wisdom.
With this thankful attitude, with the Spirit's help and guidance, our actions, our smile, our offerings will bless others and will be a light for others to see the Spirit at work, and can guide others in following the Spirit...to bear much fruit.
In view of the above, how do you feel set apart?
How can others tell you are set apart?
Have you seen fruit?
Pray for the Spirit's guidance as you cross from knowledge to growing, deepening wisdom.
In Christ,
David P
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Messages or is that Messengers? (May 13)
The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: "O my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you--O Absalom my son, my son!"
2 Samuel 18:33 NIV
The pain, anguish and distress of David is palpable here as we read his spoken word after hearing of victory in battle; and loss of his enemy, his son, Absalom. There are no winners when a family is divided and subsequent battles and wars result.
One can reflect on the United States Civil War, when there was division in our country and families were fighting families. There was much pain, suffering and anguish when the defeated enemy was a close relative. Also, one can consider divisions in the Church as a source of pain, suffering and anguish. After all, we in the Church, are a family.
The messengers in this account deserve some consideration as well. Both had the same news. The Cushite who took the direct more difficult route, was able to give some consideration to the delivery of the message. This is in contrast to Ahimaaz who took the longer, yet easier, faster route and as a result; was unable to give full consideration to the message of Absalom's death when asked by David.
David's wish to stand in the place of his son in death points ahead to Christ, God's Son, who stood in our place in death to redeem us from our sin.
How do you consider the nuts and bolts in delivery of messages that you are tasked to carry?
How do you tell of the Good News of what Christ has done?
Pray for opportunities to tell the good news of great joy for all people.
In Christ,
David P
2 Samuel 18:33 NIV
The pain, anguish and distress of David is palpable here as we read his spoken word after hearing of victory in battle; and loss of his enemy, his son, Absalom. There are no winners when a family is divided and subsequent battles and wars result.
One can reflect on the United States Civil War, when there was division in our country and families were fighting families. There was much pain, suffering and anguish when the defeated enemy was a close relative. Also, one can consider divisions in the Church as a source of pain, suffering and anguish. After all, we in the Church, are a family.
The messengers in this account deserve some consideration as well. Both had the same news. The Cushite who took the direct more difficult route, was able to give some consideration to the delivery of the message. This is in contrast to Ahimaaz who took the longer, yet easier, faster route and as a result; was unable to give full consideration to the message of Absalom's death when asked by David.
David's wish to stand in the place of his son in death points ahead to Christ, God's Son, who stood in our place in death to redeem us from our sin.
How do you consider the nuts and bolts in delivery of messages that you are tasked to carry?
How do you tell of the Good News of what Christ has done?
Pray for opportunities to tell the good news of great joy for all people.
In Christ,
David P
Friday, May 13, 2011
Who Judges? (May 12)
But you, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption; bloodthirsty and deceitful men will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.
Psalm 55:23 NIV
This verse clearly expresses David's trust, faith and hope in the Lord to carry out justice on the wicked, bloodthirsty and deceitful.
We are told in Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV of some of the Lord's dislikes. There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush to evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. One can appreciate the contrast between the above traits and the fruits of the spirit.
I remember hearing a lecture and the speaker, Steve Covey?, mentioned that some individuals will mistreat others. The challenge that the mistreated individual has is not to seek vengance, justice, or to get even in view of the mistreatment; for any attempt to get even just "drives the poision into the heart."
Think of the peace that David could enjoy in the knowledge that his job description did not include bringing down the wicked, bloodthirsty and deceitful.
For a good description of the Lord in his position of judgement of the wicked one could turn to page 1638, Revelation 20:22-14, where the judgement is effected and anyone who's name is not written in the book of life is thrown into the lake of fire, the second death.
How do you show your trust in the Lord to others?
Where do you turn to for guidance when you find yourself in a position of judgement, like when your are called to jury duty?
Pray for direction, discernment and guidance in your daily walk.
In Christ,
David P
Psalm 55:23 NIV
This verse clearly expresses David's trust, faith and hope in the Lord to carry out justice on the wicked, bloodthirsty and deceitful.
We are told in Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV of some of the Lord's dislikes. There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush to evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. One can appreciate the contrast between the above traits and the fruits of the spirit.
I remember hearing a lecture and the speaker, Steve Covey?, mentioned that some individuals will mistreat others. The challenge that the mistreated individual has is not to seek vengance, justice, or to get even in view of the mistreatment; for any attempt to get even just "drives the poision into the heart."
Think of the peace that David could enjoy in the knowledge that his job description did not include bringing down the wicked, bloodthirsty and deceitful.
For a good description of the Lord in his position of judgement of the wicked one could turn to page 1638, Revelation 20:22-14, where the judgement is effected and anyone who's name is not written in the book of life is thrown into the lake of fire, the second death.
How do you show your trust in the Lord to others?
Where do you turn to for guidance when you find yourself in a position of judgement, like when your are called to jury duty?
Pray for direction, discernment and guidance in your daily walk.
In Christ,
David P
Psalm 58--The Godly Shall Rejoice
First, a brief note to the four readers--posting was unavailable since around yesterday afternoon, even though the blog could still be viewed. I apologize for the hole my lack of posting created in your lives, but it was out of my control.
Psalm 58:1 states in 12 words the basis of the political philosophy that established this country, and it states:
Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge uprightly among men?
The history of the world is filled with tyrannical leadership, which I've commented on before and will definitely return to later. The idea of elected leadership is so recent as to be a blip in the timeline of the world. No, the common condition is unjust rule and draconian leadership. To expect otherwise, particularly in David's time, was to be delusional.
But even 3,000 years ago, David recognized that tyranny couldn't last forever. Verse 11 states:
"Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth."
The question becomes not IF the judgment occurs, but WHEN. The common trap is that judgment will occur in our time and in our way. Consider how Israel treated Jesus in his time--they sought earthly deliverance from Rome and had no idea he was talking about eternal deliverance from sin. We can't blame them--as we'll see abundantly when we reach the New Testament (and it's coming--really, it is--we're only about five months away), even the disciples who spent three years in his presence couldn't fully comprehend what he was telling them until near the end of his ministry (specifically, on November 4th), and even then they needed the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to enable them to effectively communicate the message.
The world is still one filled with tyrannical, despotic leadership, and it will continue that way until Christ returns. THAT'S when we can expect the reward of the righteous and the punishment for those who ruled unjustly. To expect otherwise is to set oneself up for disappointment.
Scott
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