going deeper

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND1E (3)Psalm 19

Let me introduce you to my LORD, the Master of the universe. Look at space, with all its wonders. He created that, and didn’t even break a sweat. He is awesome.

Interested?  Get to know him better by looking at the book he gave us.  His law is perfect.  If you’ve gone the wrong direction, the Scriptures can lead you back.  His truth is amazing?

Still there?  There is yet a deeper knowledge of the LORD that is yours for the asking.  You can have a personal relationship with him. He can become YOUR rock, and YOUR redeemer. Knowing him like this can change you.

LORD, we want the deepest and closest relationship with you possible.

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here shall be the house

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND1D (3)1 Chronicles 21:18-22:19

After David had purchased the threshing floor of Ornon and averted the plague, he builds an altar there and sacrifices to God on the site.  Then, he gets the idea that the site could serve as the location of the temple Solomon is to build.  So, he declares “here shall be the house of the LORD God.”   Those reading David’s words centuries later would look up and see the results of that declaration.  the massive temple and all its associated grounds and buildings would remind generations that it was the LORD who had established Israel, for his purposes.

LORD, may our lives be so dedicated to you, that generations after us people will know that you lived in us.

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our shield

Posted on January 19, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND1C (3)Psalm 18

David’s song of gratitude from 2 Samuel 22 is now sung by his people, as they personally identify with the anointing, rescue and greatness of their king – all directly a result of God’s grace.  As God is David’s shield, now he is also the shield and portion of David’s kingdom.

LORD, as you have shown yourself faithful to those before us, we trust you to be our shield as well.

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wrong choices

Posted on January 19, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND1B (3)1 Chronicles 21:1-17

David knew that Joab was right – that taking the census was wrong – but he decided to do what he wanted anyway.   The result was that thousands paid for David’s presumption with their lives.  God gave David a choice between three possible punishments.  David chose to fall into the hands of God, because he knew God would be merciful.  We always pay a price when we know something is wrong and yet choose to do it anyway.

LORD, give us enough sense to run from wrong choices.

Posted in David, depravity, integrity, wisdom | Tagged | 1 Comment

vindication … and more

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND1A (3)Psalm 17

David’s prayer is for justice and vindication from enemies who have no pity on him, who only want what they can gain from this world and this life.  But David seeks the LORD’s presence now, and to awake from the sleep of death seeing the LORD’s face.  His prayer is for God’s help today, but his hope extends to the resurrection tomorrow.

LORD, we seek you today, and trust you for a resurrected life eternal.

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work hard … and trust God

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

LAND01 (3)1 Chronicles 18-20

These chapters record David’s battles with and victories over the Syrians, Ammonites and Philistines during his reign as king of Israel.  Times were not easy for the Israelites, but they did rise to the challenge.  Joab’s instructions to his troops still stands as wisdom for us as we face the challenges of this time: do your best, and trust the LORD to do what he wills.

LORD, give us the courage to do our best, and trust you for the outcome.

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a beautiful inheritance

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0425Psalm 16

David had chosen the right life, and sees now that it has gained him a beautiful inheritance.  Instead of running after another God, he chose to join the saints in the land who were faithful to the LORD.  That choice has lead to a good life today, and a destiny beyond the grave.  David is confident not that he will avoid Sheol, but that he will not be abandoned to it.  He sees a resurrection in his future.  Both Peter (Acts 2:25-28) and Paul (Acts 13:35) used this text as a reference to Jesus, because he is the firstfruits of those raised from Sheol.  Jesus was the first to experience this destiny beyond the grave.  The destiny is ours as well. we will be raised with David at Christ’s return.

LORD, thank you for the joy of knowing you today, and the beautiful inheritance that awaits us at the second advent.

Posted in David, eternal life, Jesus Christ, resurrection, second coming | Tagged | 2 Comments

a house for the LORD

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_04241 Chronicles 17

It began in David’s heart as he noticed that he was living in a fine cedar house, but the presence of the LORD (as symbolized by the ark) was residing in a tent.  David wanted to build a more permanent structure for the ark.  He would learn that it would not be him, but one of his sons who would build a temple.  Another of David’s descendants (Jesus) would build a permanent house for God’s presence on earth.  David’s desire reflected the desire of the ages.

LORD, build a permanent house for yourself in our hearts.

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taking up residence

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_0422Psalm 15

If a person simply wants a reputation of godliness, that can be bought.  But if he wants to actually be godly – to live like his heavenly father – he will have to convert…

 

his walk

his work

his tongue

his relationships

his sentiments

his wallet

It’s not about having a time or two of religious experience.  It’s about taking up residence in God’s presence and never being moved from it.

LORD, change us, so that we can take up residence where you live – right now.

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staying connected

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_04211 Chronicles 16:4-43

The worship that David had organized for the movement of the ark now becomes a regular daily tradition.  The ark is now in Jerusalem, where David lives.  The tabernacle with the altar for sacrifice is still in Gibeon.  David institutionalizes regular worship in both places.  The people and the king and the priests are to be constantly reminded by song of who the LORD is, what he has done, and what he is going to do.

LORD, enable us to connect with you on a regular basis through worship.

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