Psalm 26-7.12.22
SCRIPTURE:
Psalm 26:4
"I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites."
OBSERVATION:
David knew the joys of obeying the Lord. He learned from the Scriptures and then passed on a legacy of wisdom. David took hold of God's Word with all of his heart, and he was determined not to abandon what he had learned, and he allowed God to show him how to choose His way.
UNDERSTANDING:
When David said he didn't sit with the deceitful nor associate with hypocrites, he wasn't implying that he didn't associate with them. He meant that he didn't act like them. David devoted his life to God, and he realized that a person who clung to idols wasn't able to commit his spirit into God's hands. There was a stark contrast between David's total trust in God, and those who clung to worthless idols. David loved the Lord and was committed to giving God his first allegiance, and because of that, he didn't stay away from unbelievers. He lived his life demonstrating what a faithful person was in contrast to a faithless person. Because of David's obedience to God, he was granted protection and peace. When the lies of the enemy came against him, God defended him. David was delivered from trouble. God showed David that his cries for help never went unheard, and in the midst of David's times of panic, God brought stability. When David's life was in despair, God brought David relief. God's Word gave David the guidelines for living a blameless life, and he put them into practice. The joys and benefits of being God's companion paid off for David, and he knew that following God's ways allowed him to be blessed.
LIFE APPLICATION:
Thank You Lord that You watch over the way of the righteous. You are our caring Shepherd and our dependable guide. When we obey You, we have hope for eternal life and security. You defended, guided, and pardoned David, and You grant us the same requests as we follow and obey You. I thank You that You have forgiven our sins, and have shown us Your ways, and have taught us Your path, and I pray that we will be faithful back to You by sharing Your love, associating ourselves with non-believers by meeting their needs, and instructing them in Your ways.
-Robin Orefice
Luke 8-7.11.22
Scripture
Luke 8:38-39 NLT
“The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.”
Observation-What does it say?
Jesus crosses the lake of Galilee and encounters a demon possessed man. This man was homeless (living in the tombs just outside the town), shackled, and possessed by many demons. Jesus then casts out the demons into a nearby herd of pigs. The entire herd then ran off a nearby steep cliff, where they fell into a lake and drowned. The once demon possessed man was now healed! The man begs to go with Jesus. But Jesus instead tells him to go back to his family and tell them everything God had done for him.
Understanding-What does it mean?
I still have work to do.
When I read this passage, I felt the Holy Spirit really point out something to me; this demon possessed man, who was homeless and in shackles. He could very well represent me, or anyone for that matter, before we met Jesus. You see, I too once was a man without a home. (In the sense that I had no real purpose or did not belong to the family of God yet). I too was once shackled and allowed my sinful nature to possess me the way this man was possessed by his many demons. But then I met Jesus. And I too was freed from the shackles of my sins. I was no longer a man without purpose, and a man without a home. But, instead I now belong to the family of God! And what was my response to that?..similar to the man in the story. He begged to go with Jesus. I too wanted to go with Jesus. I wanted to see Him in Heaven. I wanted the Rapture of The Church to come already. I was ready to go! But just like in this passage, it wasn’t time yet. Jesus told the man in this story to “go back to his family and tell them everything God has done for him.” In the same way, once we are saved, we too should go and tell everyone what God has done for us. It is our mission as Christ Followers. If all God wanted for us in life was to know Him, and believe in His Son Jesus, then I think He would have just snatched us up into Heaven the moment we believed. But rather we are still here, amongst life’s struggles. We are to continue to live out our life in this world, build and strengthen our faith, and tell everyone we know all the wonderful things that God has done. It is our purpose. It is our mission. So until God calls me home, I still have some work to do. 😉
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”-Matthew 28:19-20
“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”-Acts 13:47
Life Application
Share with someone today what God has done for you.
We are learning in our ITC Group about a Third Place. A Third Place is somewhere other than church or our small group where we can naturally hang out with non-believers to build relationships with, and possibly share the gospel with. It’s a great way to go out into the world and bring church to the people instead of waiting for the people to come to us. I like it! It’s about being proactive instead of reactive. You can find your Third Place and try it out together with your ITC Group. Or you can find your Third Place where you can do it individually. For our group, it is the park next to Canyon Country Community Center. For me individually, it’s my workplace. The point is to make sharing Jesus and the Good News with others a lifestyle. So, what are we waiting for? Where is your Third Place? Let’s go!!!
-Moses Gaddi
1 Chronicles 6 - 7.8.22
Scripture - What stood out?
1 Chronicles 6: 48-49
48 Their fellow Levites were assigned to all the other duties of the tabernacle, the house of God. 49 But Aaron and his descendants were the ones who presented offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense in connection with all that was done in the Most Holy Place, making atonement for Israel, in accordance with all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.
Observation - What does it say?
A detailed account of the descendants of Levi.
Understanding - What does it mean?
When I became a child of Yours, Lord (the jury is still out on whether I was 17 or 39 when I got saved) I knew I had a better sense of direction for my life. I knew I wanted to do more things that pertained to a follower of Christ. So I tried to read the bible more. I prayed more. I became more active in my church. I began to implement the principles I learned about You in my day to day life. And while I grew closer to You and grew in greater knowledge of You I began to wonder what my specific role in the kingdom of heaven here on earth might be.
When I read these two verses again Lord, it was like a breath of fresh air. There was such a sense of clear direction for these men and their descendants regarding what their roles were. And I want that! I almost feel like I was born in the wrong century Lord! In an age and culture where everything is MY choice, why does my soul long for the peace and quiet of your still small voice. A voice that would guide and direct me to choose correctly.
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
Lord help me to see You and hear You a little bit more clearly. Help me to become a follower of Yours that seeks Your face like your servant in Psalm 24:
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God their Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, God of Jacob
3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not trust in an idol
or swear by a false god.
I make this my prayer to you this morning. In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.
-kenneth lee