Tag: God’s people
Longing for the heavenly city!
Scripture reading for March 2nd: Numbers 1-2, Psalm 64, Hebrews 11
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 11:13-16 “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.”
The writer of Hebrews had listed several ancient men and women who had trusted God to fulfill His promise to them to be their God and they would live in His Presence forever. All these historical figures had died believing but not receiving the promise in its fullness. They lived as strangers here on earth, knowing God promised them much better with Him. Noah boarded the ark, following God. Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob had lived in tents in the promised land. But they were really looking for a heavenly city, prepared specially for them by their God!
Faith Confession and prayer: I am a stranger here on this earth, just passing through in route to the New Jerusalem and living in God’s glory and light forever. Help me to never be ashamed of my Lord Jesus.
Numbers 2:1-2 “The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side.”
Psalm 64:10 “Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him! Let all the upright in heart exult!”
Separated to God Alone!
Scripture reading for February 25th: Leviticus 19-20, Hebrews 7
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 7:22-26 “This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but He holds His priesthood permanently, because He continues forever. Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
God declared on oath that His Son, Jesus Christ, would be a Priest forever. Since He rose from the dead, He is alive and will live forever. This sets Him apart from the Levitical priesthood. They were sinful men who died and were buried, thus unable to continue as priests. When anyone turns to Jesus as their Priest, they are eternally secure in Him and His intercession for them with His own blood. Praise the Lord!
Faith Confession and Prayer: I have strong confidence in my salvation and inheritance because God’s Word promises me that I possess it through faith in Jesus Christ, my ‘forever Priest!’ Help me today with holy separation from the world and separation to You alone!
Leviticus 20:24, 26 “But I have said to you, ‘You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey.’ I am the Lord your God, who has separated you from the peoples.” . . . .You shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.”
Thankful for God’s Dwelling with Us!
Scripture reading for September 14th: Ezekiel 34-38
Key Scriptures: Ezekiel 37:26-28 “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put My sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people. Then the nations will know that I the Lord make Israel holy, when My sanctuary is among them forever.'”
God spoke to His people concerning a new covenant of peace that would last forever. God promised to make the covenant and dwell with His people in His sanctuary that would be in their midst, never to be taken away again! All nations would know that it is the Lord that makes His people, Israel, holy! Under this new covenant, Gentiles would also experience God dwelling with them as their God and they would be His people!
God’s dwelling with us: “What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the Living God. As God has said, “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” 2nd Corinthians 6:16