Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from Wordaction of The Global Church of the Nazarene Publishing House in Kansas City, Missouri, United States "Gifts That Keep On Giving" by Darlene Harvey for Saturday, 24 December 2016 with Scripture: 1 Chronicles 21:17-26
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"Obedience Results in Protection" by Darlene Harvey
1 Chronicles 21:17 David said to God, “Wasn’t it I who ordered the census of the people? Yes, I am the one who has sinned and done something very wicked. But these sheep, what have they done? Please! Let your hand be against me and my father’s family, but not against your people, striking them with this plague!”
18 Then the angel of Adonai ordered Gad to tell David to go and set up an altar to Adonai on the threshing-floor of Ornan the Y’vusi. 19 David went up at Gad’s word, spoken in Adonai’s name. 20 Ornan turned back and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. As Ornan was threshing wheat, 21 David approached Ornan. When Ornan looked and saw David, he went out from the threshing-floor and prostrated himself before David with his face to the ground. 22 Then David said to Ornan, “Let me have the parcel with this threshing-floor, so that I can build on it an altar to Adonai — I will pay you its full value — so that the plague will be lifted from the people.” 23 Ornan said to David, “Take it for yourself, and let my lord the king do what seems good to him. I’m giving you the oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing-sledges for firewood and the wheat for the grain offering — I’m giving it all.” 24 But King David said to Ornan, “No; I insist on buying it from you at the full price. I refuse to take what is yours for Adonai or offer a burnt offering that costs me nothing.” 25 So David bought the place from Ornan for 600 shekels of gold by weight [fifteen pounds]. 26 Then David built an altar to Adonai there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. He called on Adonai, who answered him from heaven by fire on the altar for burnt offerings.
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We often give gifts on Christmas Eve. God gave us the greatest gift when He sent His Son to be born as a baby, knowing that Jesus would become the ultimate offering, giving His life for our sins. What a costly gift for our redemption!
In 1 Chronicles 21, we read where King David made sacrifices. God was angry with David for taking a census of Israel’s fighting men. Whatever David’s motive may have been, the old adversary, Satan, was behind it (v. 1). David wanted to repent, so he asked a landowner, Araunah, to let him purchase a piece of land to build an altar. Araunah tried to give it to David for free, but David refused. He did not want to make a sacrifice that cost him nothing.
This Christmas Eve, what gift might you give to show Jesus He is your one and only King? Maybe a commitment of service to others, or giving more resources to a cause He places on your heart? Perhaps is swelling your pride by asking someone for forgiveness, or granting forgiveness to another. Whatever your gift, make sure it costs you something. Show your love to your one and only King.
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Hymn for Today: "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" by Charles Wesley
1. Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new born King;
peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise;
join the triumph of the skies;
with the angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
2. Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold him come,
offspring of the virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail the incarnate Deity,
pleased as man with us to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.
Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
3. Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild, he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
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Thought for Today: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but rather so that through him, the world might be saved.
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Hungary.
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Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from Wordaction of The Global Church of the Nazarene Publishing House in Kansas City, Missouri, United States "Choose Whom You Will Serve" by Darlene Harvey for Friday, 23 December 2016 with Scripture: Joshua 24:1-7, 14-16
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"Choose Whom You Will Serve" by Darlene Harvey
Joshua 24:1 Y’hoshua gathered all the tribes of Isra’el to Sh’khem; he summoned the leaders, heads, judges and officials of Isra’el; and they presented themselves before God. 2 Y’hoshua said to all the people, “This is what Adonai the God of Isra’el says: ‘In antiquity your ancestors lived on the other side of the [Euphrates] River — Terach the father of Avraham and Nachor — and they served other gods. 3 I took your ancestor Avraham from beyond the River, led him through all the land of Kena‘an, increased his descendants and gave him Yitz’chak. 4 I gave to Yitz’chak Ya‘akov and ‘Esav. To ‘Esav I gave Mount Se‘ir as his possession, but Ya‘akov and his children went down into Egypt. 5 I sent Moshe and Aharon, I inflicted plagues on Egypt in accordance with what I did among them, and afterwards I brought you out. 6 Yes, I brought your fathers out of Egypt: you arrived at the sea, and the Egyptians were pursuing your ancestors with chariots and horsemen to the Sea of Suf. 7 But when they cried out to Adonai, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, overwhelmed them with the sea and drowned them. Your eyes saw what I did in Egypt, and then you lived in the desert for a long time.
14 “Therefore fear Adonai, and serve him truly and sincerely. Put away the gods your ancestors served beyond the [Euphrates]River and in Egypt, and serve Adonai! 15 If it seems bad to you to serve Adonai, then choose today whom you are going to serve! Will it be the gods your ancestors served beyond the River? or the gods of the Emori, in whose land you are living? As for me and my household, we will serve Adonai!”
16 The people answered, “Far be it from us that we would abandon Adonai to serve other gods;
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In Joshua 24, God told Joshua to relate a brief history of Israel, how the people who lived before Abraham worshiped other gods “beyond the Euphrates River.” God brought Abraham out of that land into Canaan, giving him many descendants. God brought them out of slavery in Egypt, covering Pharaoh’s pursuing chariots and horsemen with the waters of the sea. God brought them into the land He had promised Abraham so many years before, driving out their enemies before them. God instructed the Israelites to fear Him and serve Him with faithfulness, throwing away their false gods. Joshua then directed the people to choose if they would serve the one and only King.
What has that King delivered you or your family from? What was “beyond the river” for you? For me, deliverance has included infertility and then adoption to build a beautiful family, my husband being healed from cancer, healing and forgiveness after my dad’s murder, and freedom from worry. I want to respond by telling my King that I, along with my household, will serve Him. Whom do you choose today?
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Hymn for Today: "In the Service of the King" by Alfred H. Ackley
1. I am happy in the service of the King.
I am happy, oh, so happy;
I have peace and joy that nothing else can bring,
In the service of the King.
Chorus:
In the service of the King
Every talent I will bring;
I have peace and joy and blessing
In the service of the King.
2. I am happy in the service of the King.
I am happy, oh, so happy;
Thro' the sunshine and the shadow I can sing,
In the service of the King.
Chorus:
In the service of the King
Every talent I will bring;
I have peace and joy and blessing
In the service of the King.
3. I am happy in the service of the King.
I am happy, oh, so happy;
To His guiding hand forever I will cling,
In the service of the King.
Chorus:
In the service of the King
Every talent I will bring;
I have peace and joy and blessing
In the service of the King.
4. I am happy in the service of the King.
I am happy, oh, so happy;
All that I possess to Him I gladly bring,
In the service of the King.
Chorus:
In the service of the King
Every talent I will bring;
I have peace and joy and blessing
In the service of the King.
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Thought for Today: 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people,[1 Peter 2:9 Isaiah 43:20; Deuteronomy 7:6; 10:15] the King’s cohanim,[1 Peter 2:9 Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6] a holy nation,[1 Peter 2:9 Exodus 19:6] a people for God to possess![1 Peter 2:9 Isaiah 43:21; Exodus 19:5] Why? In order for you to declare the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
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Please Pray: That many people in Hungary will come to know Yeshua the Messiah and receive the fullness of the Ruach HaKodesh.
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Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from Wordaction of The Global Church of the Nazarene Publishing House in Kansas City, Missouri, United States "The King Has Authority To Clean House" by Darlene Harvey for Thursday, 22 December 2016 with Scripture: Matthew 21:12-17, 23
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"The King Has Authority To Clean House" by Darlene Harvey
Matthew 21:12 Yeshua entered the Temple grounds and drove out those who were doing business there, both the merchants and their customers. He upset the desks of the money-changers and knocked over the benches of those who were selling pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It has been written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’[Matthew 21:13 Isaiah 56:7] But you are making it into a den of robbers!”[Matthew 21:13 Jeremiah 7:11]
14 Blind and lame people came up to him in the Temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the head cohanim and Torah-teachers saw the wonderful things he was doing, and the children crying out in the Temple, “Please deliver us!”[Matthew 21:15 Greek Ôsanna (English “Hosanna”) transliterates Hebrew Hosha na, which means “Please! Save [us]!”] to the Son of David, they were furious. 16 They said to him, “Do you hear what they’re saying?” Yeshua replied, “Of course! Haven’t you ever read,
‘From the mouth of children and infants
you have prepared praise for yourself’?”[Matthew 21:16 Psalm 8:3(2)]
17 With that, he left them and went outside the city to Beit-Anyah, where he spent the night.
23 He went into the Temple area; and as he was teaching, the head cohanim and the elders of the people approached him and demanded, “What s’mikhah do you have that authorizes you to do these things? And who gave you this s’mikhah?”
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Right after Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, amidst praises, He went up to the temple. He entered that sacred place to clean house. This is one time where we see Jesus showing anger. He overturned tables and rebuked the people. He was upset that the religious leaders had taken advantage of the poor. Instead of using the temple as a place to pray and worship, they were using it for their own profit.
Cleaning our house is so liberating. A dirty house makes us feel unsettled, uncomfortable, disorganized, and embarrassed when guests come to visit. Often when I clean my house for holiday guests, I wish I would have done it sooner; it feels and looks so much better.
As we make room in our lives for Jesus, our one and only King, what cleaning up do we need to do in our temple, in our own lives? Do we need to confess any prejudices, let go of any bad habits? Be honest. Surrender something you have been holding onto to the King. Give the King authority to clean your house so that your temple can be a place of prayer-a place settled, comfortable, and organized.
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Hymn for Today: "Are You Washed in the Blood?" by Elisha A. Hoffman
1. Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Chorus:
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
2. Are you walking daily by the Savior's side?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Chorus:
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
3. When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Chorus:
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
4. Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;
There's a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,
O be washed in the blood of the Lamb!
Chorus:
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
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Thought for Today: Hebrews 10:22 Therefore, let us approach the Holiest Place with a sincere heart, in the full assurance that comes from trusting — with our hearts sprinkled clean from a bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.[Hebrews 10:22 Ezekiel 36:25]
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Greece.
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Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from Wordaction of The Global Church of the Nazarene Publishing House in Kansas City, Missouri, United States "Prince of Peace" by Darlene Harvey for Wednesday, 21 December 2016 with Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11
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"Prince of Peace" by Darlene Harvey
Matthew 21:1 As they were approaching Yerushalayim, they came to Beit-Pagei on the Mount of Olives. Yeshua sent two talmidim 2 with these instructions: “Go into the village ahead of you, and you will immediately find a donkey tethered there with its colt. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, tell him, ‘The Lord needs them’; and he will let them go at once.” 4 This happened in order to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet,
5 “Say to the daughter of Tziyon,
‘Look! Your King is coming to you,
riding humbly on a donkey,
and on a colt, the offspring of a beast of burden!’[Matthew 21:5 Zechariah 9:9]
6 So the talmidim went and did as Yeshua had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put their robes on them, and Yeshua sat on them. 8 Crowds of people carpeted the road with their clothing, while others cut branches from trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds ahead of him and behind shouted,
“Please! Deliver us!”[Matthew 21:9 Greek Ôsanna (English “Hosanna”) transliterates Hebrew Hosha na, which means “Please! Save [us]!”]
to the Son of David;
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of Adonai!”
“You in the highest heaven! Please! Deliver us!”[Matthew 21:9 Psalm 118:25–26][Matthew 21:9 Greek Ôsanna (English “Hosanna”) transliterates Hebrew Hosha na, which means “Please! Save [us]!”]
10 When he entered Yerushalayim, the whole city was stirred. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 And the crowds answered, “This is Yeshua, the prophet from Natzeret in the Galil.”
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During the Christmas season, it is interesting to read a passage of Scripture that is associated with Holy Week–Easter. This is the passage we usually highlight on Palm Sunday. As we put the two most important Christian holidays together, we are reminded that Jesus came as King to give us life and victory. This passage is also called “The Triumphal Entry.” Jesus rode on a donkey to symbolize peace, not war. The people laid down palm branches, which symbolize triumph, victory, and eternal life.
There have been times in my life when I have been quick to praise God, yet then turn around and start to worry about my children or a particular circumstance. God wants us to keep praising Him, knowing that He will give us victory if we trust in Him.
Is there a circumstance in your life in which you need hope, peace, and triumph? The King is your Prince of Peace. Today, call out to Him, saying, “Hosanna,” knowing He can give you victory over any area in which you surrender to Him. That will result in peace.
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Hymn for Today: "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" by Jeannette Threlfall
1. Hosanna, loud hosanna
the little children sang;
through pillared court and temple
the lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them,
close folded to his breast,
the children sang their praises,
the simplest and the best.
2. From Olivet they followed
mid an exultant crowd,
the victory palm branch waving,
and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that little children
should on his bidding wait.
3. "Hosanna in the highest!"
That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer,
the Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise him
with heart and life and voice,
and in his blissful presence
eternally rejoice.
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Thought for Today: Psalm 118:27 Adonai is God, and he gives us light.
Join in the pilgrim festival with branches
all the way to the horns of the altar.
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Please Pray: That many people in Greece will come to know Yeshua the Messiah and receive the fullness of the Ruach HaKodesh.
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Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living from Wordaction of The Global Church of the Nazarene Publishing House in Kansas City, Missouri, United States "Obedience Results in Protection" by Darlene Harvey for Tuesday, 20 December 2016 with Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23
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"Obedience Results in Protection" by Darlene Harvey
Matthew 2:13 After they had gone, an angel of Adonai appeared to Yosef in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and escape to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you to leave. For Herod is going to look for the child in order to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother, and left during the night for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until Herod died. This happened in order to fulfill what Adonai had said through the prophet,
“Out of Egypt I called my son.”[Matthew 2:15 Hosea 11:1]
16 Meanwhile, when Herod realized that the Magi had tricked him, he was furious and gave orders to kill all the boys in and around Beit-Lechem who were two years old or less, calculating from the time the Magi had told him. 17 In this way were fulfilled the words spoken through the prophet Yirmeyahu,
18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and lamenting loudly.
It was Rachel sobbing for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no longer alive.”[Matthew 2:18 Jeremiah 31:14(15)]
19 After Herod’s death, an angel of Adonai appeared in a dream to Yosef in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to Eretz-Yisra’el, for those who wanted to kill the child are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother, and went back to Eretz-Yisra’el. 22 However, when he heard that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as king of Y’hudah, he was afraid to go there. Warned in a dream, he withdrew to the Galil 23 and settled in a town called Natzeret, so that what had been spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he will be called a Natzrati.
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In Matthew 2:13-23, we see that God warned Joseph through dreams. Joseph didn’t take time to ponder or question if the dreams were from God. In three instances, he acted immediately. He left for Egypt; later, he went back to Israel; and finally, he settled his family in Nazareth. This resulted in the fulfillment of God’s promises and his family’s protection.
Through Joseph’s example, we learn how important it is that we respond immediately in obedience to God. Not only because it honors Him, as our King, but because it provides protection for us in ways not immediately known or understood. God may not always prompt us through dreams; it may be through His Word, a trusted Christian friend, even an inner voice in response to earnest prayer. However God chooses, His message is clear–He does not deal in confusion.
Do you feel God prompting you for a change? If so, respond to Him immediately. Don’t wait or doubt what He makes clear. Pray for assurance, even confirmation, but don't be afraid to trust Him. God might be providing direction, not only for your blessing but protection. Thank God that as your King, He will protect and provide a way out.
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Hymn for Today: "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" from Hymns for the Young, attributed to Dorothy A. Thrupp
1. Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
2. We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
3. Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow'r to free:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.
4. Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
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Thought for Today: John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me,
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Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Germany.
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