From: December 3, 2018
December 3
Scripture for today: Daniel 11:2-35; 1 John 3:7-24; Psalm 122:1-9; Proverbs 29:1
“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17 NKJV).
From: December 3, 2017
A good reminder especially during the Christmas season. Don’t sit on your “worldly goods” while your brother is in need. If you have the love of God in you, then you will not “shut up your heart” and look away. You will give. Because love, God’s kind of “agape” love, always gives.
“Behold, three more kings shall arise in Persia, and a fourth shall be far richer than all of them. And when he has become strong through his riches, he shall stir up all against the kingdom of Greece” (Daniel 11:2 ESV)
From: December 3, 2016
One of the most amazing prophesies concerning the future of human kingdoms was given to Daniel. Written around 530 BC, God revealed the rise and fall of kingdoms from the time of Daniel to the end times. The three kings predicted to “arise” in Persia was fulfilled by the reigns of Cyrus, Cambyses, and Darius. The 4th and final king of Persia, the one “richer than all” before him, was fulfilled by Xerxes. As Daniel’s prophecy predicted over 200 years before it happened, Xerxes “stirred up” the Greeks which led to Persia being conquered by the “mighty king” (Dan. 11:3), Alexander the Great. The rest of the chapter goes on to describe kingdoms that have come and gone in the following centuries all the way up to the present and beyond. The Lord pulled back the veil of time to show Daniel the kingdoms to come before Christ would establish His everlasting kingdom. The future is in the Lord’s hands.
“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17 NKJV)
From: December 3, 2015
Love gives. That’s the proof of its authenticity. And those who claim to be children of God are to exhibit this proof. Do you see a brother in need? Don’t “shut up” your heart. Living in this world it’s easy to become hard hearted, but John tells us to live with open hearts and open hands towards those in need. Does the love of God “abide” in you?
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions” (1 John 3:18 NLT)
From: December 3, 2014
When we receive Christ, we receive the love of Christ. This is the love that moved Christ to die in our place, so that we might have eternal life. Real love takes action. The evidence that we have received Christ is that the love that goes beyond mere words and takes action is suddenly ours. Christian love communicates itself through word and deed.
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!'” (Psalm 122:1)
From: December 3, 2013
One of the psalms of ascent, this one written by David, it encourages pilgrims to prepare themselves for worship in Jerusalem by praying for its shalom (peace). Perhaps we need songs to sing as we get ready, loading our kids in the car and driving to church each week. In this way we would bring our glad worship to the house of the Lord.
“Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper” (Psalm 122:6)
From: December 3, 2012
Pray for peace in the City of Peace (Shalom in Jeru-shalom). To pray for shalom in Jerusalem is to practically pray for the Lord’s return, as He is the only one who can bring true peace. The most that men can broker is a cease-fire. The city of peace has probably been the center of more wars throughout the centuries than any other. Yet, we do pray for peace in Jerusalem.
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD'” (Psalm 122:1)
From: December 3, 2011
David loved to worship in God’s House, especially when he had fellow worshipers to go with him. I’ve always loved going to church too, but it’s not the building. It’s the burning presence of God’s Spirit and the gathered people of God worshiping that woo me there. See you Sunday!