Showing posts with label King David. Show all posts
Showing posts with label King David. Show all posts

Monday, January 3, 2011

Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about singing unto the Lord. Reading through the Gospels of Christ, I was thinking of how cool Jesus was. If Jesus lived in this generation, we would say He has a certain “swagger” about Him. He was always meek and laid back. He was never too loud and boastful, just wanting to be seen. When He spoke, He spoke wisdom, and always paid homage to our Father in Heaven. Jesus was quick to say things like, “All of this is made possible because of my Father’s love”. When He praised, He praised with purpose, hope, and gratitude. The one thing the enemy doesn’t like is to hear us praising the Lord, because He knows it pleases God. His job is to keep us in bondage, and not believe that God has done anything for us to sing and shout about. Remember, we are peculiar people, and when others look at us they see something different, and we should continue to praise God, in hopes that His joy will spread to everyone around us.

King David may have been one of the most controversial people written about in the bible, because He was highly favored by God, yet never claimed to be perfect. God knew David from birth, and knew everything that he would ever do, but He still made a covenant with him. God promised to take care of David and all of his descendants (2 Sam. 7:12-16), all because David loved God, and wasn’t afraid to tell the world. David never hesitated to sing praises to the Lord. He even stood up to the giant Goliath, to defend the honor of God. He always put his life on the line to defend the Name of God, and He was well pleased with him. David wrote many of the songs in the book of Psalms. When things went well for him he wrote a song, when things went bad for him he wrote a song. When he fell short of honoring God, He wrote a song to express his remorse. David was a true servant of God, and God let everyone know it. Yes David broke some of the Laws of Moses, but God forgave him because He knew his heart. No matter what, David never ceased to praise His Holy Name.

David wrote a Song of Thanksgiving that was recorded in the book of Chronicles. My favorite part of this song is: Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. (1 Chron. 16:23-24) One of my most favorite things to do is sing. For me, singing brings joy to my heart; especially when I’m singing praises to the Lord. There’s nothing like, after a hard day, or in times of pain, to turn on my favorite Gospel song, and start to sing praises to the Lord. I would be driving in my car, or in my home, with the music blasting, for all to hear. The praise and worship portion at my previous church in Portland, OR, became one of my favorite parts of Sunday service. It allowed me to give something back to the Lord, as well as be filled with His joy. There’s a huge difference between being happy with worldly things, and being filled with the Joy of the LordDavid knew that better than anyone.

God is well pleased with His servants, but more so of those who will proclaim His Name to all who will listen. Singing praises to the Lord may not necessarily mean to physically sing, but it also means to proclaim His goodness in your life, with a joyful heart. Joy in our heart helps us radiate the light that Jesus has planted on the inside of each believer. People are drawn to light, so along with being filled with the spirit of joy, we’re also spreading it. Jesus was a man who touched many people just because of Who He was in the Lord. He had such a huge following because He never stopped proclaiming the Love of God. David and all of his descendents were blessed because He never ceased to proclaim the Love of God. If you feel like something is missing in your life, and you aren’t where you want to be Spiritually, then take inventoryhow often do you sing praise the Lord? Do it often no matter what’s going on in your life, because God has it all figured out.

God has made a covenant with us (similar to David’s), by offering His only Son as a living sacrifice. Because of Jesus, we all have a chance at a fruitful life; that’s a reason to rejoice! All God requires of us is to believe in His Son Jesus Christ, love Him, love each other, and offer praise and thanksgiving. That doesn’t sound like a lot to ask does it? So the questions remains, what’s holding you back from being fulfilled? Are you doing these things with no hesitation? If I ask you when the last time you sung praises to the Lord was, what would your answer be? If your answer is “you don’t know, or if it’s been way too long”, then take a few moments to take the God Quiz today. Salvation is free by the grace of God, you don’t have a earn it; all you need to do is believe. Please don’t waste any more time wondering “what if”, invite Jesus into your life today! My favorite verse today is: He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. (Psalms 40:3)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455565&dtype=Scripture

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I love you!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Daily Devotional Day & Night Post Number 200!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I'm very blessed to have made it through the week in good health and Spirits, God is good! I'm learning how to be more grateful for my blessings, because a lot of things we think are burdens are truly blessings. If you have a home to sleep in and food to eat you're blessed, because there are far too many people in this Country, and others, who aren't that fortunate. Let's continue to keep the people in Haiti in your hearts and prayers, because they're still suffering. Just because the media has turned its cameras back to Tiger Woods, doesn't mean that their struggle has ended. Although, Tiger needs our prayers too; when I think of him, and all of the ridicule and pressure he has to endure, I think: "he who is without sin, throw the first stone" (John 8:7). His issues are between him, God, his wife, and children, and it's none of our concern. At the same time, it's written, "To whom much is given, much is required" (Luke 12:48), so touché. I want all of you to enjoy your weekend, let's pray that we don't get any more snow for the remainder of the winter. Be blessed family!

Today’s scriptures are about asking for, and receiving the Wisdom of God. Okay, let’s start by taking inventory...1) we understand that God is the creator of all things. 2) He's the Alpha and the Omega; the ONE true God. 3) He's ever present, in all places, and knows all things. 4) He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die for the sins of all mankind. 5) He's a loving God, who's slow to anger and quick to forgive. 6) He offers Salvation from the penalties of sin to anyone who asks in the Name of Jesus. 7) He answers every prayer of the Righteous, and all that's in His WILL is given. These seven statements simply scratch the surface of who our Heavenly Father is. He is in fact larger than life, but He knows each of us on a personal level. God’s so close to us that He knows our every thought before we think it. Now the question is how close are you to Him? Jesus gave us the ultimate Laws, “Love God with all of your heart and soul, and Love your neighbor as you love yourself” (Matt 22:37-40). God will always love us, but He’s given us somewhat of a choice to Love Him in return. The only way to adequately love God is to Seek Ye First the Kingdom. Go to Him with a sincere and loving heart and ask for His help, and thankfully we’re blessed with His Holy Spirit to help us along the way. It’s written: The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. (Prov. 15:14) Let’s look at the life of King Solomon, the son of King David. God had made a promise to David that his descendent would inherit the Kingdom. King Solomon was a righteous man of God, but He didn’t know how to be a King, or how he was supposed to serve God, so he did the only logical thing, and asked. Solomon went to Gibeon, known as the “Great High Place” (or Temple), and gave his burnt offering. That night God came to him in a dream and said: “Ask! What shall I give you?”(1 King 3:4) Solomon went on to acknowledge the fact that he was chosen because of his father, but what’s even more fascinating is what he asked next. It’s written: Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. (1 King 3:7-12) Solomon went on to be the wisest man of all time, just because he knew what, when, and how to ask. Jesus gives us full access to ask God for anything, anytime, or anywhere, and wisdom is something we need to be a positive asset to the Kingdom of God, so He will surely give it when sought. If you want a change in your life, but isn’t sure how to do it, then you need wisdom. Go to God with humility, just as Solomon did, and ask, seek, and knock, in the Name of Jesus. Remember, Jesus is the only way, so if you don’t know Him, please pray and seek Him out. If you need a prayer partner, never hesitate to contact me. My favorite verse today is: If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455247&dtype=Scripture
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I love you!

For archived devotionals, visit my blog at: http://dailydevotionalangelicchef.blogspot.com/

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Today's scriptures are about justly following God. We live in a world full of people who take God's grace for granted, and honestly we’ve all done it. Our society is quickly taking the turn for the worst, and I can't say that I'm surprised. However, God offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ, but He also requires obedience. The word Obey has a few different meanings and my two favorites are: a) to comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of. b) to submit or conform in action to. This is what God requires of us. Do you learn His commandments as you read the bible, go to church, listen to Gospel music, and/or read daily devotionals? The bigger question is, do you obey God's commandments to the best of your ability? Most of us live by a "now-a-days" concept, where we think that it's okay to do what everyone else is doing. If you're one of those people then I need you to take heed to the fact that Jesus hasn't changed (Heb. 13:8). The same principles and promises made thousands of years ago are prevalent today. Granted, we do have Salvation through Jesus Christ, and will be forgiven of our sins each time we ask, but God wants more from us. Our relationship with Him is similar to our relationship with our earthly parents. He doesn't want to hear us say "oh God please forgive me" a thousand times a day, because He cannot have an adequate relationship with us that way. He has so much love for us, and so many gifts and treasures to reveal, that He wants us to be obedient. I was reading Psalms 31 today, written by King David, and in my opinion it’s powerful because David was so humble. David was the first to admit His inequities, and submitted to God with his whole heart, and that's why He loved him so much. David was loyal, and would never allow anyone to separate him from God's love. When God said David go here, or fight there, he always followed and stood with fearless faith. When he made mistakes he humbled himself before God, and praised, cried, begged, and trusted God to get him through. David begins chapter 31: In You, O LORD, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness. (vs 1) Into Your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. (vs. 5). From the beginning David assures God of His love for, and trust in Him, and he goes on to tell God that his strength fails because of his own iniquity. He even acknowledges the way it affects the people who looked up to him. David gives praise, and requests protection as well. He ends this chapter: Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (vs 23-24) What is David trying to teach us? He never said he was perfect, but he did commit his life to doing God's work. He praised God every chance He got, and followed His will for his life until the day he died. God gave us a way out of sin to give us a chance to experience the abundant life promised to us. There is so much joy, peace, and happiness we miss out on because of our disobedience. If we seek God first in everything we do, and try to live right, then we'll notice huge changes not only in our lives, but also in the lives of people around us. He will punish us for breaking His commandments, or keep our life at a standstill until we submit to His will. How do we break this cycle? Do as David did, and confess, repent, and be just. Jesus is the key to forgiveness, and He opens the door to "life". All we have to do is be obedient and follow Him. It doesn't require our perfection, just faith, fellowship, and love. Start by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, and feel the weight lifting off of your shoulders, because you will “take His yoke upon you” (Matt. 11:29). If you haven't accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, I'll be happy to pray with you. My favorite verse today is: To love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. (Mark 12:33)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455175&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!