God Promising an Everlasting Kingdom
"And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever…And now, O LORD God, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant." (2 Samuel 7:16, 28)
The opening verse consists of promises from the Lord to David. They guaranteed an everlasting kingdom for David's line. The following verse conveys David's response to God's promises. His response reminds us how we should respond to the promises of God.
The kingdoms of man come and go. The kingdom that God establishes for His people is forever. This kingdom is made available to man by the promises of God. The Lord ordained that King David would have a key role in this plan. "And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever." It would be through David that the promised Messiah would come. This divine King would sit upon David's throne in a rule that would have no end. "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this" (Isaiah 9:6-7).
When the angel was announcing to Mary the conception of the Messiah, these promises were reiterated. "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:31-33). These promises will be eternally fulfilled some day. "Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'" (Revelation 11:15).
This is the kingdom Jesus offered when He walked upon this earth. "From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand'" (Matthew 4:17). For all who would respond in faith like David ("Your words are true"), a place would be given in that everlasting kingdom!
Eternal God, I believe Your words are true. I have repented of my sins and have turned to Jesus as my Savior and my King. I praise Your holy name for giving me a place in the everlasting kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
HEIRS OF ABRAHAM
HEIRS OF ABRAHAM
Galatians 3:1-14
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+3:1-14
Dear Father,
Thank you for giving us your Spirit, not through works of law but
through faith in our hearts. Even Abraham was saved by faith, for
he believed you, and you counted it to him as righteousness.
Thank you that Christ actually became the curse so that he could
redeem us from its power, that the blessing of Abraham might come
upon all nations, Jews and non-Jews, and that we might receive the
promise of the Spirit through faith.
Make us ever aware of the responsibilities as well as the rights
which this relationship affords us.
In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Galatians 3:1-14
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+3:1-14
Dear Father,
Thank you for giving us your Spirit, not through works of law but
through faith in our hearts. Even Abraham was saved by faith, for
he believed you, and you counted it to him as righteousness.
Thank you that Christ actually became the curse so that he could
redeem us from its power, that the blessing of Abraham might come
upon all nations, Jews and non-Jews, and that we might receive the
promise of the Spirit through faith.
Make us ever aware of the responsibilities as well as the rights
which this relationship affords us.
In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
ALIVE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS
ALIVE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS
Galatians 2:11-21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+2:11-21
Dear Father,
Help us understand that in Christ we are dead to law; we have been
crucified with Christ so that we might live unto you.
Let Christ live within me. Let the life that I now live in the
flesh be a life that I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved
me and gave himself for me.
Don't ever let me believe anything, espouse anything, do anything
that might nullify your grace or imply that Christ died in vain.
Let me today, this day, and every day of my life, live from the
power of Christ, live by the example of Christ, and live for the
glory of Christ.
In the name of Christ I pray. Amen.
Galatians 2:11-21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+2:11-21
Dear Father,
Help us understand that in Christ we are dead to law; we have been
crucified with Christ so that we might live unto you.
Let Christ live within me. Let the life that I now live in the
flesh be a life that I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved
me and gave himself for me.
Don't ever let me believe anything, espouse anything, do anything
that might nullify your grace or imply that Christ died in vain.
Let me today, this day, and every day of my life, live from the
power of Christ, live by the example of Christ, and live for the
glory of Christ.
In the name of Christ I pray. Amen.
Monday, June 28, 2010
God's Promise to Deliver Israel
God's Promise to Deliver Israel
"I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt…I will certainly be with you…I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt…to a land flowing with milk and honey…So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go." (Exodus 3:10, 12, 17, 20)
Again, we see our God of promises pouring out His guaranteed plans like a cascading waterfall. They include God's promise to deliver Israel. These promises build upon God's fundamental commitment to Abraham to call out a people for His own glory and purposes. The central promise reveals the rescuing heart of God, who wants to deliver people from bondage, and bring them into blessing. "I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt… to a land flowing with milk and honey."
Our God is a God of compassion. When Israel was in cruel bondage in Egypt, God's heart was moved with concern. "And the LORD said: 'I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows'" (Exodus 3:7). The prophet Isaiah put it this way. "In all their affliction He was afflicted" (Isaiah 63:9). Thus, the Lord committed Himself to deliver them. "So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go."
When the Lord Jesus walked upon this earth, He demonstrated the same compassion. "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). This same loving compassion led Jesus all the way to the cross to deliver us from the bondage of sin.
The delivering work of God for Israel was not only from bondage; it was to substantial blessing: "to a land flowing with milk and honey." Israel was not only rescued from great heartache, but they were brought into a joyous bounty. When Joshua and Caleb saw the land, they described it as "an exceedingly good land" (Numbers 14:7). This same pattern (from bondage to blessing) is how Jesus works on our behalf. He delivers us from spiritual death to fullness of life. "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
Dear Lord, my Deliverer, I praise You for rescuing me from the bondage of sin. I rejoice that You have brought me into the richness of fellowship with You. What a gracious plan You have provided—to make all of this available by means of Your faithful promises!
In Jesus' Holy Name .Amen
"I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt…I will certainly be with you…I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt…to a land flowing with milk and honey…So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go." (Exodus 3:10, 12, 17, 20)
Again, we see our God of promises pouring out His guaranteed plans like a cascading waterfall. They include God's promise to deliver Israel. These promises build upon God's fundamental commitment to Abraham to call out a people for His own glory and purposes. The central promise reveals the rescuing heart of God, who wants to deliver people from bondage, and bring them into blessing. "I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt… to a land flowing with milk and honey."
Our God is a God of compassion. When Israel was in cruel bondage in Egypt, God's heart was moved with concern. "And the LORD said: 'I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows'" (Exodus 3:7). The prophet Isaiah put it this way. "In all their affliction He was afflicted" (Isaiah 63:9). Thus, the Lord committed Himself to deliver them. "So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go."
When the Lord Jesus walked upon this earth, He demonstrated the same compassion. "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). This same loving compassion led Jesus all the way to the cross to deliver us from the bondage of sin.
The delivering work of God for Israel was not only from bondage; it was to substantial blessing: "to a land flowing with milk and honey." Israel was not only rescued from great heartache, but they were brought into a joyous bounty. When Joshua and Caleb saw the land, they described it as "an exceedingly good land" (Numbers 14:7). This same pattern (from bondage to blessing) is how Jesus works on our behalf. He delivers us from spiritual death to fullness of life. "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
Dear Lord, my Deliverer, I praise You for rescuing me from the bondage of sin. I rejoice that You have brought me into the richness of fellowship with You. What a gracious plan You have provided—to make all of this available by means of Your faithful promises!
In Jesus' Holy Name .Amen
DIFFERENCES
Galatians 2:11-21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+2:11-21
Dear Father, peacemaker among brethren,
When good people within your church find themselves differing on
issues, may we take comfort in knowing that even Peter and Paul had
their differences.
Help us, like them, follow a path of integrity, confronting each
other in a spirit of love. Help us, like them, be willing to admit
when we are wrong.
We are human; we need your help, guidance, and grace to overcome
our lack of goodness and good judgment.
Instill within our hearts the truth that through the works of law
no one will be justified, but rather through our faith in Jesus
Christ.
In the name of Christ I pray. Amen.
Galatians 2:11-21
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+2:11-21
Dear Father, peacemaker among brethren,
When good people within your church find themselves differing on
issues, may we take comfort in knowing that even Peter and Paul had
their differences.
Help us, like them, follow a path of integrity, confronting each
other in a spirit of love. Help us, like them, be willing to admit
when we are wrong.
We are human; we need your help, guidance, and grace to overcome
our lack of goodness and good judgment.
Instill within our hearts the truth that through the works of law
no one will be justified, but rather through our faith in Jesus
Christ.
In the name of Christ I pray. Amen.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
ESTEEM, PEACE, AND HELP
ESTEEM, PEACE, AND HELP
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+5:12-15
Dear Father, patient one,
Give us hearts that gladly show respect for those who labor among
us and who lead us and admonish us in the Lord. Fill us with great
esteem and deep love for them because of their work in the Lord.
May we always be at peace among ourselves.
Keep us from being idle or faint-hearted. May we admonish and
encourage those who are. Help us help those who are weak and to be
patient with everyone.
Let none of us repay evil for evil, but always seek to do good to
one another and to everyone.
In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=1+Thessalonians+5:12-15
Dear Father, patient one,
Give us hearts that gladly show respect for those who labor among
us and who lead us and admonish us in the Lord. Fill us with great
esteem and deep love for them because of their work in the Lord.
May we always be at peace among ourselves.
Keep us from being idle or faint-hearted. May we admonish and
encourage those who are. Help us help those who are weak and to be
patient with everyone.
Let none of us repay evil for evil, but always seek to do good to
one another and to everyone.
In the name of Jesus I ask. Amen.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Promises Concerning the Flood
Promises Concerning the Flood
"Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." (Genesis 9:11)
The history of the great flood in Genesis is a striking illustration that our God is a God of promises. The cause for the flood was the exceeding sinfulness of man. "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). God set forth His plan to deal with this problem by a promise of judgment. "So the LORD said, 'I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth'" (Genesis 6:7). Thus, through promise, judgment by floodwaters became a certainty.
Along with a promise of judgment, God made a promise of deliverance, a promise of grace. "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD" (Genesis 6:8). This grace was available through the promised ark of protection. "But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark" (Genesis 6:18). Noah trusted in the Lord's plan and provision and was thereby preserved from judgment. "Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did" (Genesis 6:22). Then, the Lord promised Noah (and all humanity) that a judgment of floodwaters would never again destroy mankind. "Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." Additionally, God established by promise a sign for this covenant. "I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth" (Genesis 9:12-13).
These promises concerning the flood (and God's "ark of salvation") are a picture of Jesus' being our "ark of eternal salvation." Peter wrote of the flood and the ark. "The longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water" (1 Peter 3:20). Then, he likened Noah's rescue through the ark and the floodwaters to our rescue through Christ and the waters of baptism. "There is also an antitype [a prefiguring] which now saves us, namely baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21). When we identified by faith with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (which is the significance of water baptism), Jesus became our "ark of salvation," whereby we are brought to God (rescued from the judgment due our sins). Now every rainbow can remind us of God's faithfulness to keep His promises of salvation.
Lord Jesus, I rejoice in You as my ark of safety from judgment for my sins! Please remind me with every rainbow that You keep all of Your promises of salvation, Amen.
"Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." (Genesis 9:11)
The history of the great flood in Genesis is a striking illustration that our God is a God of promises. The cause for the flood was the exceeding sinfulness of man. "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5). God set forth His plan to deal with this problem by a promise of judgment. "So the LORD said, 'I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth'" (Genesis 6:7). Thus, through promise, judgment by floodwaters became a certainty.
Along with a promise of judgment, God made a promise of deliverance, a promise of grace. "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD" (Genesis 6:8). This grace was available through the promised ark of protection. "But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark" (Genesis 6:18). Noah trusted in the Lord's plan and provision and was thereby preserved from judgment. "Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did" (Genesis 6:22). Then, the Lord promised Noah (and all humanity) that a judgment of floodwaters would never again destroy mankind. "Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." Additionally, God established by promise a sign for this covenant. "I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth" (Genesis 9:12-13).
These promises concerning the flood (and God's "ark of salvation") are a picture of Jesus' being our "ark of eternal salvation." Peter wrote of the flood and the ark. "The longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water" (1 Peter 3:20). Then, he likened Noah's rescue through the ark and the floodwaters to our rescue through Christ and the waters of baptism. "There is also an antitype [a prefiguring] which now saves us, namely baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21). When we identified by faith with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (which is the significance of water baptism), Jesus became our "ark of salvation," whereby we are brought to God (rescued from the judgment due our sins). Now every rainbow can remind us of God's faithfulness to keep His promises of salvation.
Lord Jesus, I rejoice in You as my ark of safety from judgment for my sins! Please remind me with every rainbow that You keep all of Your promises of salvation, Amen.
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