Revelation 21:1&3-5 NIV - 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away… 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" …
Journal Entry # 59
How amazing it will be when God will not only live in us as He does now by His Holy Spirit, but He will also live with us. In the old testament, the Israelites carried with them the tent – and later built the temple – in which the immediate presence of God dwelled (Exodus 29:44-45). In this way, He lived with His people as He desired (Exodus 25:8 & 29:46), but He was still inaccessible to them in any intimate sense. They could not enter the holy of holies with very few exceptions (Leviticus 16:2-6). Even when the temple was built, a curtain separated the most holy place from the rest of the temple (Exodus 26:33). There was a barrier that kept God from truly living among His people. And this was for their own protection for the mortal flesh of sinful man cannot endure the full presence of the holy and living God unless God took great care to protect them (Exodus 19:21). But then God became a man and full of grace and truth, He lived among us (John 1:14) in the person of Jesus Christ. Now all who cared to could touch Him, speak to Him face to face. When Christ died, the curtain of the holy of holies tore in two from top to bottom (Mark 15:37-38) as a symbol that God was now immediately and intimately accessible to all who would come through faith in Christ. Now the Spirit of Christ lives in us, but even better things are coming. We cannot really know what it will be like then, for “no eye has seen, no ear has heard what God has prepared for those who love Him.(1 Corinthians 2:9)” but we know that it will be “more than we could ask or imagine”(Ephesians 3:20). In the fullest sense possible, God will be with us. The Lord says of His church, “this is my resting place forever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it. (Psalm 132:13-14)” We can be sure that this will be more immediate and intimate than we could ever comprehend. For God is a personally relational being who passionately desires a loving and intimate relationship with each of His children. Scripture says, “You must worship nothing else, for the Lord – whose very name is jealous* – is a God who is passionate about His relationship with you. (Exodus 34:14)” He loves us like a husband loves his bride (Ephesians 5:25-27) for the church is the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). When God makes all things new (v5), we will never again have a reason to cry, for all these things – death, mourning, crying, or pain – result from sin and all sin will be gone forever. As scripture says, “we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:13)”, and “nothing impure will ever enter it. (Revelation 21:27)” we need not fear the possibility of another fall for everyone who lives in God’s new creation will have seen the destructiveness of sin for what it is and will have no inclination toward it, being perfect in holiness and righteousness like Christ.
Come, let us pray, “Our great and amazing God, You made heaven and earth and will remake them to be prefect forever, we thank You for the promise that for all eternity You will be with us and in us. Your passionate love for us is so vast and eternal and amazing. We worship You for who You are*. Who is like You, God alone worthy, there is no one like You with justice and mercy.* Lord, simply catching a glimpse of how great is Your love for us that reaches beyond the heavens and faithfulness beyond the clouds (Psalm 36:5), we see how much You are worthy that we should love You with all our heart, soul, mind, strength (Mark 12:30). Lord, help us to love You even half as much as You love us, may we be even half as passionate about You as You are about us. May we desire to give You everything – all we are, all our love, all our lives. Lord, we groan to be fully redeemed in our bodies (Romans 8:23) and for the restoration of all things. May we watch and wait with expectant and joyful hearts for the day when You will take us home to be with You (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) and then we will be like Christ, for we will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). We long for the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father! (Philippians 2:10-11) Lord, may You be glorified in Your saints now and forever! (2 Thessalonians 1:10) Amen.”
*See the songs Like No One Else, Who You Are, and Who is Like Thee.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Sunday, April 08, 2007
#58 All Glory to Him Who Keeps You - Jude 1:24-25
Jude 1:24-25 (KJV) - 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Journal Entry # 58
As Christians, we need never fear because our God is all powerful and is more than able to keep us from falling away. As Jesus said about us, “no one is able to snatch them away from the Father’s care.” (John 10:27-30) For what He has begun, He will complete (Philippians 1:6) because He is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24, Deuteronomy 7:9) and nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). One of the many ways He pours out His grace on us is to always draw us closer to Him, to strengthen our hearts to faithfulness by His Holy Spirit living in us. And when this life here is done, He will present us to Himself (Jude verse 24) – having absolutely perfected us into the likeness of Christ and washed us clean in His blood. He does this with fullness of joy over us (v24) – as it is written, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10). He takes joy in us whom He created for His glory (Isaiah 43:6-7) and He takes great pleasure in displaying His grace and love through us (2 Timothy 1:9) because He has saved us, cleansed us, and perfected us. Through the enemy tried to mar God’s wonderful creation of man by deceiving man into sin, yet God will save a people for Himself, and restore His perfect image in us.
Therefore shall we pray, “Our all mighty, all knowing, ever present God – You who makes us, saves us, keeps us, perfects us – we thank You, our Father, for keeping us in Your hands and assuring us with Your promise that You will never forsake us or abandon us (Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5). May we always bring joy and pleasure to Your heart as You look upon us and watch over us. You alone are God, the saving and faithful God (Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 136:2). All glory and majesty come from Your radiance. All dominion and power are Yours forever, for from You and through You and to You were all things made (Romans 11:34-36). And now, may You be Lord of all our lives, may we follow Your will, may we bring You glory, and may we fall in love with You - overflowing in worship and praise to You. For You alone deserve all we have to give. Be magnified through those You have made Yours. Bless us and keep us for we are sealed with Your Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30), who is Your guarantee to us (NIV 2 Corinthians 1:22, 2 Corinthians 5:5, Ephesians 1:14). We praise You for we have been fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). You set the number of our days before one came to be (Psalm 139:16), and if we will follow You, You will guide our way (Proverbs 3:5-6). Keep our hearts pure (Psalm 51:10, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, Titus 2:13-14), our minds transformed (Romans 12:1-2), our hands clean (James 4:7-8), our lives surrendered. Make us worthy of the life to which You have called us (2 Thessalonians 1:11). By Your power, Lord, fulfill all our good intentions and faithful deeds that all will give honor to Your name, Lord Jesus, because of our lives and that we too may be honored. We know this is only possible because of Your underserved favor (grace), our God and Lord, Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:12). To You be all glory in all the nations throughout all generations (Romans 11:36, Ephesians 3:21, 1 Peter 4:11)! Amen.
*See the songs Every Day of Forever, Make Me.
Journal Entry # 58
As Christians, we need never fear because our God is all powerful and is more than able to keep us from falling away. As Jesus said about us, “no one is able to snatch them away from the Father’s care.” (John 10:27-30) For what He has begun, He will complete (Philippians 1:6) because He is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24, Deuteronomy 7:9) and nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). One of the many ways He pours out His grace on us is to always draw us closer to Him, to strengthen our hearts to faithfulness by His Holy Spirit living in us. And when this life here is done, He will present us to Himself (Jude verse 24) – having absolutely perfected us into the likeness of Christ and washed us clean in His blood. He does this with fullness of joy over us (v24) – as it is written, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10). He takes joy in us whom He created for His glory (Isaiah 43:6-7) and He takes great pleasure in displaying His grace and love through us (2 Timothy 1:9) because He has saved us, cleansed us, and perfected us. Through the enemy tried to mar God’s wonderful creation of man by deceiving man into sin, yet God will save a people for Himself, and restore His perfect image in us.
Therefore shall we pray, “Our all mighty, all knowing, ever present God – You who makes us, saves us, keeps us, perfects us – we thank You, our Father, for keeping us in Your hands and assuring us with Your promise that You will never forsake us or abandon us (Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5). May we always bring joy and pleasure to Your heart as You look upon us and watch over us. You alone are God, the saving and faithful God (Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 136:2). All glory and majesty come from Your radiance. All dominion and power are Yours forever, for from You and through You and to You were all things made (Romans 11:34-36). And now, may You be Lord of all our lives, may we follow Your will, may we bring You glory, and may we fall in love with You - overflowing in worship and praise to You. For You alone deserve all we have to give. Be magnified through those You have made Yours. Bless us and keep us for we are sealed with Your Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30), who is Your guarantee to us (NIV 2 Corinthians 1:22, 2 Corinthians 5:5, Ephesians 1:14). We praise You for we have been fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). You set the number of our days before one came to be (Psalm 139:16), and if we will follow You, You will guide our way (Proverbs 3:5-6). Keep our hearts pure (Psalm 51:10, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, Titus 2:13-14), our minds transformed (Romans 12:1-2), our hands clean (James 4:7-8), our lives surrendered. Make us worthy of the life to which You have called us (2 Thessalonians 1:11). By Your power, Lord, fulfill all our good intentions and faithful deeds that all will give honor to Your name, Lord Jesus, because of our lives and that we too may be honored. We know this is only possible because of Your underserved favor (grace), our God and Lord, Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:12). To You be all glory in all the nations throughout all generations (Romans 11:36, Ephesians 3:21, 1 Peter 4:11)! Amen.
*See the songs Every Day of Forever, Make Me.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
#57 Ask in Line With His Will – 1st John 5:14-15
1 John 5:14-15 NLT - 14 And we can be confident that He will listen to us whenever we ask Him for anything in line with His will. 15 And if we know He is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that He will give us what we ask for.
Journal Entry #57
In order for us to ask in line with God’s will, we must first tune ourselves to His will by submitting our lives and our very selves to the authority of His divine will. This will mean foremost that we draw near to God. To do this we must throw off everything that hinders us and we must set aside all our sin for it will entangle us (Hebrews 12:1) so that we cannot run. We have been set free from sin, how can we live in it any longer (Romans 6:1-3)? As we surrender ourselves to Him, God will set us free from sin and place His desires in our hearts (Psalm 37:4-5). Then when we ask Him for anything, we will be asking according to His will and desire for His desires will be ours and our will shall be to follow His will. Then we can be sure that not only will God listen, for His ear is turned toward the righteous (Psalm 34:15, 1 Peter 3:12), but He will answer us according to His sovereign plan and purpose. Therefore, let us desire to follow God’s will that we may pray according to His will, then we will be a part of the great works of the Lord as He answers the prayers that He has placed in our hearts that we should pray.
And so let us now pray, “Our Father, just and true, loving and kind, caring and giving – You who works out all things for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28)- help us to submit ourselves to Your will. For we know that Your will is good as You have said, “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).” And as we submit ourselves to You and follow You, help us to throw off the sins that would stop us. Help us to live holy and blameless lives. Lord God, help us to give ourselves completely over to You to find all our delight and joy in You alone. Place Your desires in our hearts that our hearts will be in tune with Yours. Then may we come confidently before Your throne to place our requests at Your feet knowing that You hear us and will answer us. Lord, fulfill Your desire – Your will – in us, producing fruit in our lives to Your glory (John 15:8) and enabling us to live lives pleasing to You. Our Father, we thank You for the privilege we have as Your children to be able to step into the very holy of holies in heaven through prayer. We stand amazed that You so include us in the unfolding of Your plan for all of human history by moving us to pray according to Your will. Lord God almighty, You lead us in the paths of righteousness for the sake of Your great name (Psalm 23:3). You do more than we could ever ask for (Ephesians 3:20). Who can compare to You - infinite and wise, You are worthy of worship and glory!* Your name be praised forever! Amen.”
*See the song Who You Are.
Journal Entry #57
In order for us to ask in line with God’s will, we must first tune ourselves to His will by submitting our lives and our very selves to the authority of His divine will. This will mean foremost that we draw near to God. To do this we must throw off everything that hinders us and we must set aside all our sin for it will entangle us (Hebrews 12:1) so that we cannot run. We have been set free from sin, how can we live in it any longer (Romans 6:1-3)? As we surrender ourselves to Him, God will set us free from sin and place His desires in our hearts (Psalm 37:4-5). Then when we ask Him for anything, we will be asking according to His will and desire for His desires will be ours and our will shall be to follow His will. Then we can be sure that not only will God listen, for His ear is turned toward the righteous (Psalm 34:15, 1 Peter 3:12), but He will answer us according to His sovereign plan and purpose. Therefore, let us desire to follow God’s will that we may pray according to His will, then we will be a part of the great works of the Lord as He answers the prayers that He has placed in our hearts that we should pray.
And so let us now pray, “Our Father, just and true, loving and kind, caring and giving – You who works out all things for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28)- help us to submit ourselves to Your will. For we know that Your will is good as You have said, “I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).” And as we submit ourselves to You and follow You, help us to throw off the sins that would stop us. Help us to live holy and blameless lives. Lord God, help us to give ourselves completely over to You to find all our delight and joy in You alone. Place Your desires in our hearts that our hearts will be in tune with Yours. Then may we come confidently before Your throne to place our requests at Your feet knowing that You hear us and will answer us. Lord, fulfill Your desire – Your will – in us, producing fruit in our lives to Your glory (John 15:8) and enabling us to live lives pleasing to You. Our Father, we thank You for the privilege we have as Your children to be able to step into the very holy of holies in heaven through prayer. We stand amazed that You so include us in the unfolding of Your plan for all of human history by moving us to pray according to Your will. Lord God almighty, You lead us in the paths of righteousness for the sake of Your great name (Psalm 23:3). You do more than we could ever ask for (Ephesians 3:20). Who can compare to You - infinite and wise, You are worthy of worship and glory!* Your name be praised forever! Amen.”
*See the song Who You Are.
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