"And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was in charge of the singing; he gave instruction in singing because he was skillful." 1Chron. 15:22
This is one of those little treasure verses (like the prayer of Jabez) hidden in the long lists of peoples in the book of 1Chronicles. The lesson is a very small one. Chenaniah had authority and was blessed to teach, because he was skillful.
I think sometimes because salvation was such a miraculous transformation in my life. It required repentance and faith on my part it's true, but the new nature was entirely and completely a work of God. I would have had better results trying to fly like a bird than I would have had at remaking myself even in the smallest extent. That being true, sometimes I'm guilty of thinking everything in my Christian life should or will be like that. But God wants more from me. God wants more from all of us. God teaches us diligence, endurance and perseverance for a reason. He tells us to run the race as if we intend to win.
And so....Where do you want to lead? Where do you want to teach? Where do you desire to excel? Emulate Chenaniah. Become skillful. Do those things that will increase your skills in your area. Pray for direction....then.... Practice ....Study..... Persevere
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Psalm 63:10
"They shall fall by the sword...." ( Ps.63:10a)
This particular declaration comes as the enemies of the psalmist seek his destruction. He boldly proclaims that "they shall fall by the sword".
The NT is clear that believers are at war. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down stronholds, casting down aruments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,....." (2Cor. 10:4-5 ) It is also clear that we are both armored and equipped. "And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." (Eph 6:17). Our weapon is the Word. The enemies of our soul will fall by the sword....the Word of God.
Read it. Memorize it. Study it. Above all, believe it. You cannot use what you do not know. You cannot use skillfully what you have not practiced and trained with. If victory comes through the sword, then we must immerse ourselves in the precious Word of God. Immerse yourself this week. Wield a mighty sword.
This particular declaration comes as the enemies of the psalmist seek his destruction. He boldly proclaims that "they shall fall by the sword".
The NT is clear that believers are at war. "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down stronholds, casting down aruments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,....." (2Cor. 10:4-5 ) It is also clear that we are both armored and equipped. "And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." (Eph 6:17). Our weapon is the Word. The enemies of our soul will fall by the sword....the Word of God.
Read it. Memorize it. Study it. Above all, believe it. You cannot use what you do not know. You cannot use skillfully what you have not practiced and trained with. If victory comes through the sword, then we must immerse ourselves in the precious Word of God. Immerse yourself this week. Wield a mighty sword.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Heb. 2:1
"Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard lest we drift away"
"Drift" is the subtle danger to the committed believer's soul. How easy it is to begin some new committment or task. The excitement and the newness carry us through. Very quickly however we find ourselves not quite as enamored, and this is when the danger of "drift" begins. A boat left at the dock without an anchor or moor will slowly and surely be influenced by the waves around it . It will drift in the direction of the tide of the moment and leave the dock. Giving earnest heed to the Word is the moor or anchor of the soul that will hold us fast and prevent this slow and insidious cooling that leads to lukewarm spiritual life. Guard your quiet time and apply what you learn. Give earnest heed to the Word to prevent "drift".
"Drift" is the subtle danger to the committed believer's soul. How easy it is to begin some new committment or task. The excitement and the newness carry us through. Very quickly however we find ourselves not quite as enamored, and this is when the danger of "drift" begins. A boat left at the dock without an anchor or moor will slowly and surely be influenced by the waves around it . It will drift in the direction of the tide of the moment and leave the dock. Giving earnest heed to the Word is the moor or anchor of the soul that will hold us fast and prevent this slow and insidious cooling that leads to lukewarm spiritual life. Guard your quiet time and apply what you learn. Give earnest heed to the Word to prevent "drift".
Monday, August 17, 2009
Proverbs 17:1 "Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife."
The message here is that the atmosphere of your home is more important than the contents. Even though Jesus was very clear when He said "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." (Lk. 12:15), it seems to me that we often confuse the issue and equate possessions with happiness. It's so easy to think that if my children (or I) only had ________, then they (or I) would be more content or happy.
Scripture however is clear that the most important thing is the atmosphere of our homes, and that is something we create by who we are. I have seen many blogs, and books for women advocating tea sets, and beautiful tables etc. While those things are very nice, they still miss the heart of the issue, because the focus is still on things creating an atmosphere of peace, harmony etc. People make atmosphere by who they are and how they live. May we be such lovers of the Lord that where we are is transformed by who we are.
The message here is that the atmosphere of your home is more important than the contents. Even though Jesus was very clear when He said "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." (Lk. 12:15), it seems to me that we often confuse the issue and equate possessions with happiness. It's so easy to think that if my children (or I) only had ________, then they (or I) would be more content or happy.
Scripture however is clear that the most important thing is the atmosphere of our homes, and that is something we create by who we are. I have seen many blogs, and books for women advocating tea sets, and beautiful tables etc. While those things are very nice, they still miss the heart of the issue, because the focus is still on things creating an atmosphere of peace, harmony etc. People make atmosphere by who they are and how they live. May we be such lovers of the Lord that where we are is transformed by who we are.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
1Peter 1:18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers.
"Aimless conduct"..... Those 2 little words jumped out at me from this verse. How sad that the unbeliever's life is characterized by "aimless conduct", but how much sadder still when we as believers are guilty of importing that same aimlessness to our Christian life. If you aim at nothing....you're sure to hit it. Live on purpose. AIM .
Prov. 4:26 "Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established."
"Aimless conduct"..... Those 2 little words jumped out at me from this verse. How sad that the unbeliever's life is characterized by "aimless conduct", but how much sadder still when we as believers are guilty of importing that same aimlessness to our Christian life. If you aim at nothing....you're sure to hit it. Live on purpose. AIM .
Prov. 4:26 "Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established."
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