This chapter possibly forms the backdrop for the Psalms of Ascension (Psalm 120-134). David has a great desire to return the Ark of the Covenant to its rightful place with God's people. We examine his worship here, and learn much about worship "God's way" and not "man's way". God takes unscriptural worship very seriously.
In part two of this message, we continue to look at David's worship as it relates to his returning the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. We learn from his example that God's work must be done in God's way if it is to have God's blessing. Once David proceeded scripturally, he could then praise shamelessly!
In life, we all hear or say words at some point that completely change our life and the direction of it. During their early relationship, Simon and Jesus share a moment that would change Simon's life forever.
Many folks are always asking, "How can I know God's perfect will for my life?" God has revealed several things that we can know for certain are His will for our lives. It is in obeying these things that we find our next step on God's perfect path for us. Are you obeying God's revealed will?
Instead of squabbling, stressing, or sulking in our relationships with others, God desires for us to be at peace with all men. That is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit, as we let the Word of God rule in our heart. How's your heart today?
Today we hear the heart of Jeremiah Castille, chaplain for the University of Alabama football team. From a childhood home of addictions, abuse and violence, God turned around a life bound up in hopeless despair and fashioned a man who is a champion for Christ. It all happened because of the power of the Gospel!
The Christian life is meant to be lived alongside other believers, not on an island by ourselves. Many Christians have closer relationships with their brothers and sisters in Christ than they do even with blood relatives! We are bound together in Christ. Let's discover how we can be of the "same mind" in our relationships and what it will bring to the body of Christ.
One of the most damaging emotions that hinders our walk with the Lord is resentment. In today's message we see a glaring example in David's trusted counselor, Ahithophel. What made him turn on David and prematurely end his life in such a sad way? How do you and I deal with resentment?
There are many damaging emotions that sap us of spiritual vitality and victory in our Christian life. Worry tops the list! Listen to the words of Jesus as He encourages us not to let our mind get fixed on the fear of the unknown, the spirit of anxiety.
Are you growing in your Christian life? What in your life reveals that you are indeed growing? In this passage of scripture, Paul describes some things that are needed in our life if we are to be making progress on the journey to spiritual maturit
The Apostle Paul reminds us that pursuing Christ is the goal that brings joy into our life. Knowing Christ intimately was his passion! Today we view that stance as radical, but in the eyes of our Savior and Lord, it is normal and produces joy and purpose.
"Tender eyed" Leah was the poster girl for insecurity. Rejected by her father, her husband, and enduring trouble with her sister Rachel, she felt she could never perform enough to rid herself of that fear of loss. Let's learn what causes insecurity in all of us and what we can do to conquer it.
The prophet Nahum paints a sobering picture of the destruction of the viciously cruel city of Nineveh, some 100 plus years after Jonah's prophecy concerning the city. But amid the bleak prediction, Nahum gives a glimmer of hope to God's people, a reminder that God is in complete control and that He is always good!
Here is the second part of a message that describes what real righteousness looks like and how it produces joy in the life of a Christian. It's not how man sees us that matters, but how God sees us in Christ!
Barnabas was called "the son of consolation" by everyone who knew him. As we examine the scripture passages about him in the book of Acts, we learn several important characteristics of one who would be an encourager, always building up and edifying those they come in contact with.
The Apostle Paul did not want to finish his course of life and find out that he had "run in vain" or "labored in vain." He spells out in this passage that we must cooperate with God and His Spirit as we "work out" our salvation with "fear and trembling."
When Jesus came to earth in human form, His essence was put on display for us all to see. And what was His essence, His character? It was servanthood, humility, and caring enough for us that He would become sin for us. Oh, what a Savior!
We live in the midst of two very different generations - one that is doomed due to a low regard of God Almighty and their own sinful condition, and another that is hungry for God and dynamically pursuing His will and ways. Which one do you identify with?
We see it way too often - one of God's children stumbles and falls. We are all susceptible to falling if we don't follow this practical advice from Peter's epistle to "add to our faith." Tap into the divine nature we've been given and experience all that God has for you!
There's no doubt about it, God desires that we be in unity in all of our relationships, and to be "likeminded" as fellow believers. How do we develop the servant's mind that Jesus demonstrated in His dealings with others?
In a day of ease and personal comfort, it's easy for Christians to forget that living for Jesus requires that we pay a price. We're not ready to really live until we learn what's worth dying for!
Here's a great reminder from the life of Gideon that we need the power of God to accomplish anything for His kingdom. There are three kinds of people mentioned in the text. Which one describes your Christian life at the moment?
In Hebrews chapter 11 we examined the faith of many of the Old Testament heroes; not perfect people, but people of great faith! Chapter 12 begins by encouraging us to run our race of faith with a look at our supreme example, the Lord Jesus Christ. Don't let anything deter you from running with patience and faith the race that God has designed for you!
In Philippians 1:21 the Apostle Paul stated, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." What would be your answer to the question "For me to live is __________________" ? Many things vie for our affections and we try to achieve our joy in a lot of things that don't really matter in God's sight. Paul lets us know in all of his writings that Jesus Christ is all that he needs, and is the source of his joy and contentment.
In this chapter that rehearses the Hall of Fame of Faith, we see person after person who acted by faith and accomplished great things for God. But not all of their stories had a happy ending, and many died in faith seeing only a shadow of the promise that we present day believers have experienced in substance. God still received glory from them all!
It is easy for Christians to become victims when in deep trouble and adversity. But God desires to use our adversity to make us victors! The Apostle Paul found joy, not in his circumstances, but in the gospel.
Ten years after the planting of the church in Philippi, Paul writes a letter to them, expressing his thankfulness for the fellowship they enjoy in the gospel, and to remind them of their awesome potential to impact their world for Christ. What would others write about your life today that is bringing them joy and fellowship?
