O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever. (2 Samuel 7:29, 29)
King David was overwhelmed with the plethora of promises that the Lord gave him through the prophet Nathan and here he acknowledges God’s faithfulness and prays for God to bless him and his descendants continually. The promises given him were awesome. God told him,
1) I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth.
2) I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed.
3) I will give you rest from all your enemies.
4) I will establish a house for you.
5) When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
6) Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.
God is faithful in all that he says and does. As David says here, “His words are trustworthy”. He does not go back on the promises that he makes if we remain faithful to him. Many promises are conditional and require us to obey him in what he has told us. There are other promises that he gives and fulfills because it is his absolute will. Like here we see God proclaiming that David’s son would be the one who would build God’s temple and it was fulfilled by Solomon building it.
Another thing noticeable here is David repeatedly acknowledging that he is God’s servant. You and me, we too are God’s servants; put here on earth in our places to fulfill God’s plans through us. Shall we then be faithful in our callings, so that God may bless us and our families as he blessed David? Praise the Lord.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 318
But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. (Galatians 3:22)
Have you read this verse before? It very clearly states the condition of the present world; meaning it's inhabitants collectively....A PRISONER OF SIN. Not all are prisoners though. There is a minority for whom the promise of eternal life will be fulfilled because they believe in salvation through Jesus Christ.
Long ago, during the days of Noah, the world had become a prisoner of sin and God destroyed it with a flood. The Bible says,
The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth--men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air--for I am grieved that I have made them." (Genesis 6:5-7)
And now again, the world has become A PRISONER OF SIN. And this is what the Bible has to say regarding this prisoner.
"By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." (2 Peter 3:7)
Judgement and destruction is definite. So what must one do?
The Apostle Peter exhorts us in this manner,
"The LORD is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the LORD will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming."(2 Peter 3:9-12)
Summing it up, he writes,
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13)
The promise will be fulfilled for those who have trusted in Jesus and are living for him. Praise the Lord.
Have you read this verse before? It very clearly states the condition of the present world; meaning it's inhabitants collectively....A PRISONER OF SIN. Not all are prisoners though. There is a minority for whom the promise of eternal life will be fulfilled because they believe in salvation through Jesus Christ.
Long ago, during the days of Noah, the world had become a prisoner of sin and God destroyed it with a flood. The Bible says,
The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth--men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air--for I am grieved that I have made them." (Genesis 6:5-7)
And now again, the world has become A PRISONER OF SIN. And this is what the Bible has to say regarding this prisoner.
"By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." (2 Peter 3:7)
Judgement and destruction is definite. So what must one do?
The Apostle Peter exhorts us in this manner,
"The LORD is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the LORD will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming."(2 Peter 3:9-12)
Summing it up, he writes,
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13)
The promise will be fulfilled for those who have trusted in Jesus and are living for him. Praise the Lord.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 317
Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? (Numbers 11:12)
Frustrations come easily in this earthly sojourn of ours, and Moses, the man chosen by God to lead the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan, was no exception. The constant bickering that he had to endure from the Israelites in the wilderness frustrated him no end and the dam burst forth one day and Moses cried out to the Lord........
"Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, 'Give us meat to eat!' I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now--if I have found favor in your eyes--and do not let me face my own ruin." (Numbers 11:11-15)
Quite pithy statements, I would say.
I think we have all felt like Moses sometime or the other in our lives too. He told God that the burden was too heavy upon him. He wanted to die. And there were several occasions where he desired to die....for several reasons.
But God had some instant answers for Moses.
The LORD said to Moses: "Bring me seventy of Israel's elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone. (Numbers 11:16,17)
Wow! That would have been a big relief to Moses.
God saw his plea for assistance justifiable and provided a wonderful solution.
Is your plea justifiable in the Lord's sight? If yes, "Do not worry." He has a solution at hand. And you will see and experience it in your life very soon. Praise God for what you are about to receive. Yes, "Praise God."
Frustrations come easily in this earthly sojourn of ours, and Moses, the man chosen by God to lead the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan, was no exception. The constant bickering that he had to endure from the Israelites in the wilderness frustrated him no end and the dam burst forth one day and Moses cried out to the Lord........
"Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, 'Give us meat to eat!' I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now--if I have found favor in your eyes--and do not let me face my own ruin." (Numbers 11:11-15)
Quite pithy statements, I would say.
I think we have all felt like Moses sometime or the other in our lives too. He told God that the burden was too heavy upon him. He wanted to die. And there were several occasions where he desired to die....for several reasons.
But God had some instant answers for Moses.
The LORD said to Moses: "Bring me seventy of Israel's elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone. (Numbers 11:16,17)
Wow! That would have been a big relief to Moses.
God saw his plea for assistance justifiable and provided a wonderful solution.
Is your plea justifiable in the Lord's sight? If yes, "Do not worry." He has a solution at hand. And you will see and experience it in your life very soon. Praise God for what you are about to receive. Yes, "Praise God."
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 316
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Hebrews 6:12)
"Imitate them who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." That's what the author of Hebrews prescribes us as medicine if we happen to be lazy.
Here's some more pep talk from the author of Proverbs for the lazy...
Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 10:4)
The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.(Proverbs 12:27)
Some believers dilly-dally a lot with regard to worship, prayer, meditation of the Word and eventually stagnate in their spiritual lives. They never seem to make up their minds regarding building their spiritual lives.
King Solomon wrote,
If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks. (Ecclesiastes 10:18)
There are many a leaking spiritual houses these days. Like Jonah who disobeyed God's command to go to Nineveh. When he was asked who he was, while on his way to Tarshish on a ship, he replied,
"I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land."(Jonah 1:9)
Mostly true, but there are a couple of hidden things in that statement...like his disobedience and rebellion.
So, how's your spiritual life? Are the rafters sagging?
The Bible exhorts us,
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:8)
Jesus exhorts us,
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (Revelation 3:11)
Let's give ear to the Holy Spirit's voice in these final days....and......"Imitate them who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."
"Imitate them who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." That's what the author of Hebrews prescribes us as medicine if we happen to be lazy.
Here's some more pep talk from the author of Proverbs for the lazy...
Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 10:4)
The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.(Proverbs 12:27)
Some believers dilly-dally a lot with regard to worship, prayer, meditation of the Word and eventually stagnate in their spiritual lives. They never seem to make up their minds regarding building their spiritual lives.
King Solomon wrote,
If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks. (Ecclesiastes 10:18)
There are many a leaking spiritual houses these days. Like Jonah who disobeyed God's command to go to Nineveh. When he was asked who he was, while on his way to Tarshish on a ship, he replied,
"I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land."(Jonah 1:9)
Mostly true, but there are a couple of hidden things in that statement...like his disobedience and rebellion.
So, how's your spiritual life? Are the rafters sagging?
The Bible exhorts us,
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:8)
Jesus exhorts us,
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (Revelation 3:11)
Let's give ear to the Holy Spirit's voice in these final days....and......"Imitate them who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."
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