Thursday, April 29, 2010

1 Chronicles 6

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%206&version=NIV

Why is 1 Chronicles 6 such a long chapter and genealogy?

I'll make this entry short because the book of Hebrews tells us why:

Hebrews 8:1-5

"1The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. 3Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."

Hebrews 9:13-15

"13The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! 15For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant."

Hebrews 9:24-25

"24For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. 25Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own."

So, the Chronicler has dedicated so much space to the genealogy of the Levitical priesthood because it was so important to the people of Israel, and more than that, the genealogy is a foreshadowing of the great High Priest, Jesus Christ, that was to come.

1 Timothy 2:5-6

"5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time."

Soli Deo Gloria.

Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer

Psalm 73, Psalm 77-78

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2073,%20Psalm%2077-78&version=NIV

Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Have you ever felt that the world was treating you unfairly? That the wicked prosper and that Christians are the ones who suffer? The psalmist in Psalm 73 addresses this. The people of God in the past had the same issues that we do today. So let's see what the Word of God has to say about this situation.

At the beginning of Psalm 73, the psalmist acknowledges that God is good to those who are pure in heart. This entails living a life of obedience, but more importantly, being a believer in Christ and having the righteousness of Christ being imputed to us. Yet, the psalmist, or Asaph, says he almost slipped when he saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Doesn't that happen to us today? We see professional athletes, Hollywood stars, politicians, corporate executives, and others who appear to have it all. And we begin to become envious of them and become less attracted to God and more attracted to the world.

Asaph goes on to tell of how these people appear carefree, well-fed, prideful, and scorners of God. So it is today with the New Atheists, (ie. Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, etc...) who have attacked God. They are prideful and frame the argument in a way that it would appear to be foolish to believe in God. However, the Word of God says the fool says there is no God. (Psalm 14:1)

In verse 14, Asaph says he feels as if he is punished every morning, knowing that he is going to have to endure what he has endured previously in the day that is to come.

But then Asaph enters the Sanctuary of God, and realizes their final destiny.

That they will be utterly destroyed. Why? Because they have sinned against God who has created them for His glory. (Isaiah 43:7) This sounds go harsh to those who live in our relativistic culture. A culture that says what is good for you is good for you and what is good for me is good for me. Or, what is true for you is true for you, and what is true for me is true for me. Have you heard those before? How false those statements are!! (See John 14:6, John 17:17, and Acts 4:12)

You know, The Bridge is considering doing a co-ed evangelism based Bible Study perhaps in the summer. Why? Because we are to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) . Additionally, I am sure each of us has friends who do not know Christ. They may be the nicest persons in the world, the most benevolent, friendly and kind, but if Jesus Christ is not their Lord and Savior, they will not be in Heaven with us when they die.

Asaph, continues and says when he was senseless and brutish towards the Lord, the Lord did not desert him. He guided Asaph and counseled him and promised him eternal glory. All of this is available to us today as well. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit never leave us even when we sin. It is we who shun God. Yet, God is there for us, He is the one who grants us repentance and He is the one who enables us to live an obedient life to Him.

Asaph concludes with a heart that is towards God. He says,

"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." (v. 28)

Is God your refuge? You can make Him your refuge today by placing your trust in Him. What deeds has the Lord done in your life? Feel free to share with us what He has done in your life and is doing. We are the Body of Christ. Let us exalt in Him and what He is doing in our midst.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Today's post was submitted by Russ Shellhamer


Wednesday, April 28, 2010

1 Chronicles 3-5

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 “Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.”

Some famous poker player somewhere says that in the game of cards, there are no bad hands, just bad poker players. A good player can take the cards he’s dealt and make them in to a winning hand.

In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, we meet a guy who seems to have been dealt a bad hand. In a long list of genealogy, it is interesting that the chronicler takes time to tell a little bit about Jabez and his prayer. His name sounds similar to the Hebrew word for pain - his mother says that she bore Him in pain. Because of his sorrowful beginning, some might say that he was dealt a bad hand. But Jabez is not going to let that get in the way of victory. In this short prayer, he bets it all on God’s covenant promises. Commentators agree that Jabez was most likely preparing for battle to rid the land of the Canaanites. This is not some name it and claim it prosperity prayer. Jabez is simply claiming the covenant promises of God. He is confidently praying according to the will of God. And we see once again that God is faithful to grant that request.

The Bible is filled with God’s promises to his faithful and obedient children. Have you ever prayed within the context of his will to claim a promise? What were the results? Share your thoughts or feel free to comment on any portion of the passage that we read.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Psalms 43-45, 49, 84, 85, 87

Todays passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%2043-45,%2049,%2084,%2085,%2087&version=NIV

Authentic Worship. It’s a phrase that Second Baptist has been using for the 11:11 service for a while now, but I’ve never really thought about it much until now. A few of the psalms in today’s reading paint a wonderful picture of where authentic worship begins. It begins in the heart – with a longing, a desire, a yearning for the presence of God.

In the first few verses of Psalm 84, we see a deep passion for worship. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” (Psalm 84:1-2). My ESV Study Bible says that Psalm 84 was sung in celebration of the pilgrimage to Jerusalem in order to worship at the temple. The psalmist has such an amazing admiration for the dwelling place of the Lord. He yearns to be in the presence of God at the temple among other worshipers.

We are so blessed to have free and easy access to worship in the presence of God. We can come together anywhere at any time for worship – in a tent, a parking lot, under a bridge or in church. The Spirit of God resides in the church…not the bricks and mortar that make up the church, but the people of the church. When we accepted Jesus as our Savior, the Spirit of God came to dwell inside of us. (Ephesians 1:13). He resides in you and me and when we come together in corporate worship His presence is magnified in amazing ways!

I have to admit that sometimes I catch myself entering worship feeling tired, distracted or burned out. At other times, I’m busy socializing, looking around to see who’s there, and chatting & laughing with my friends. When my passion gets squashed by all of these distractions, I lose my opportunity for authentic worship.

Authentic worship starts with an undeniable, insatiable, burning, yearning, desire to come before the Lord in praise and worship with a heart that is open to the teaching of the Word. What kinds of distractions are squashing your authentic worship? Has the desire to be in the presence of God faded away? Pray that God will renew your spirit. Pray that he will fill you with a passion and joy for worshipping in His presence with other worshippers. This is a prayer that He would love to answer with a resounding YES!!

Please feel free to share a personal experience, leave a comment, ask a question, share a prayer or share any thoughts that jumped out as you read today’s psalms on the blog. You don’t have to log in as a follower to comment – just click the link below and leave a comment as an anonymous follower. You can sign your name at the end of the comment if you’d like. We’d love to hear your thoughts!!

Today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe

Monday, April 26, 2010

Family Ties - 1 Chronicles 1-2

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%201-2&version=NIV

1 CHRONICLES 1 - 2

A few weeks ago the Chinese celebrated Qing Ming Jie, a springtime festival when families gather to remember their ancestors. It’s an enormously important cultural occasion. A special effort is made to visit and clean up the graves of departed loved ones, and often the occasion is made more meaningful by the retelling to younger generations the life and contributions of their ancestors. Although the practice can have elements that constitute ancestral worship, there is no reason for it to bear any religious significance. As a Christian outsider looking in, I have a strong appreciation for the importance that the Chinese place on family and tradition. Occasions like Qing Ming Jie serve to remind us of who we are and where we come from.

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles were written to serve a very similar purpose: to remind ourselves of who we are and where we come from. But more than that, they tell us where we are going and who will lead us there. To those of us who are reading the Bible through the year, each name has a story behind it which reminds us of the very important fact that God is faithful. As you read the genealogies consider following each name with the phrase “to whom God was faithful.” From Adam onward, God has demonstrated His faithfulness throughout our family’s history, and He continues to demonstrate His faithfulness to us today.

Believe it!
Chad

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Joy in His Presence

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%206,8,9,10,14,16,19,21&version=NIV

I just returned from a short, but amazing little adventure. A small group of girls and I escaped to the country for a time of silence and solitute - an opportunity to be still in the presence of God. God smiled down on our desire to be with him. As we planned, we decided we needed to find a little cabin or bed and breakfast to rent where we could be away, have some quiet, and hopefully enjoy the outdoors and God's creation. He helped us find a little country cottage to rent outside of Brenham. It was so beautiful and quiet there - just us, God, and the cows (I wonder if they were as blessed by the time as we were....). The weather was absolutely gorgeous and I have the sun-kissed shoulders to prove it. The cottage so sweet and so perfect for our purposes. My heart already longs to return there - to be still again before God with nothing to distract me.

Before I left yesterday morning, I read this little passage in my devotional - how appropriate it was for our day. But here is the thing to remember - it is appropriate for each and every day. It should be what we practice as we live:

"Keep your eyes on me, not only for direction but also for empowerment. I never lead you to do something without equipping your for the task. That is why it's so important to seek My will in everything you do. There are many burned-out Christians who think more is always better, who deem it unspiritual to say no.

In order to know My will, you must spend time with Me - enjoying My Presence. This is not an onerous task but a delightful priviledge. I will show you the path of life; in My Presence is fullness of Joy; at My right hand are pleasures forevermore."

As much as my heart longs to return to our little country cottage, I know that really, all I need to do is return to the presence of God. David got this truth - here's what he wrote:

You have made know to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. - Psalm 16:11

Let us take a page from David's notebook and spend time every day in the presence of God. For it is here where we find our way, it is here that we find joy not matter what our circumstance, it is here we find pleasure. We have the opportunity to sit before the throne of God. Even while on earth, we have the opportunity to spend time at his right hand. Oh my friends, what an amazing truth that is. Will you take the time to be still - to sit before God and be filled with the things of the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth?

Here is an ending request - I love to see interaction on the blog. That, after all, was the intention when we started this adventure. So, will you share with us either the Psalms or verses out of today's grouping that spoke to you the most? Or, share your favorite way to spend time in the presence of God. Looking forward to reading what you have to say!

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels

Saturday, April 24, 2010

2 Samuel 1-4

Good Morning Friends - sorry about the missing link to today's reading. Biblegateway is not working for me this morning. However, if you sans Bible today and need to read it from the computer, go to either http://www.biblegateway.com/ or http://www.crosswalk.com/ to find today's reading on-line.

So here are some brief Saturday morning thoughts on today's reading, centered around 2 Samuel 2:1-7. In these brief passages, we see so many characteristics in David that make him worthy of being called King.

We first look at verses 1-2. David has just found out that Saul is dead - and so he knows that the time for him to be King has come. The key phrases in these verses are 'David inquired of the Lord', 'The Lord Said', 'David asked', and 'So David went up'. It is in these phrases that we find the first kingly characteristics - submissiveness and obedience. What? A submissive, obedient king? That's a bit of an oxymoron, isn't it? Human standards would say that people are to submit to and obey the king and that the king rules are and must submit to no one. But David knew something that all rulers, leaders, and men should know - that God is King and ruler above all. He knew that the wisdom of God, the plans of God, the purposes of God are above those of humans. And so he submitted to the wisdom of God in the way that he should step into the purpose for which God had called him. He did not presume to return to the Philistine territory to assume the kingship promised him, without seeking the Lord's guidance. Should we not do the same?

The next characteristics we see are wisdom, compassion, and respect. In verses 4-7, we see David using wisdom in the way he honors Saul. This sends such a strong message to the people he would rule as he recognizes and respects the loyalty they surely felt for their former King. Every good leader will always respect those who have come before them. In addition, he earns respect and approval from those he leads by giving them favor and respect. Having the support of followers is dependent upon respecting them and acknowledging the good that they do. He invites their support - he does not demand it.

Just a little something to think about as you watch David become King - how does David compare to Christ as King? Can you see the similarities? David is a man to watch and learn from - in his wisdom, in his submission and obedience, in his leadership, in is heart for God and unashamed worship - and even in his mistakes. I pray God teaches you many things as you get to know your brother David.

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels