HOLY GATHERING: REVERENCE IN THE ASSEMBLY OF SAINTS

 

"God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him." - Psalm 89:7

The psalmist portrays an ideal assembly where the saints gather, filled with a holy fear and reverence for the Holy One. God's works, words, presence, and holiness inspire reverence among those around Him.

In the assembly of the saints, there can be no carelessness toward God's Word or indifference to His presence.

In the assembly of the saints, each heart is attuned to the sanctity of the gathering. It's a place where humility reigns and reverence adorns every action and word spoken. There, the saints recognize the immense privilege of communing with the Holy One.

It's an atmosphere where the saints, in unison, echo the feelings of the Psalmist, understanding that God is worthy of all reverence.

From my diary,

November 30,  2023

BLESSED MEETINGS IN THE HOUSE OF PHILIP THE EVANGELIST

 ’On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.‘’ (Acts 21:8-10)

What a wonderful group was gathered: Luke the evangelist, Paul the apostle, Philip the evangelist, and his four daughters who prophesied, later joined by the prophet Agabus.

What a blessed assembly! Here, people who love the Word of God preach, spiritual gifts are used for the edification of the church, and everyone serves God wholeheartedly. Philip, the evangelist used by God in the revival of Samaria, raised his daughters with the Word of God. That is why they served God with their gift.

From my diary,

November 29,  2023

Resolutions Reinforced by Prayer

"Then we will not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your name." - Psalm 80:18

"We will not turn back from You." This was the right decision, the right desire, the right promise. However, without prayer, the decision wouldn't be fulfilled, the desire wouldn't come to pass, and the promise wouldn't be acted upon. Alongside making the right decision, they also prayed: "Revive us." It's impossible to realize our good resolutions without God's reviving power. I've never been able to fulfill my good resolutions when I've tried to do it on my own.

Hence, let every decision I make be accompanied by prayer.

From my diary,

November 28,  2023

Those who risked their lives for Christ will not expose your souls to the danger of false doctrine

"Men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. " - Acts 15:26

Nothing more important could be said about Paul and Barnabas to assure the new Christians in Antioch that they could trust them regarding their concerns. The apostles and elders did not mention that Paul and Barnabas were intelligent, educated, or famous. They didn't highlight their spiritual gifts either. Instead, they emphasized the most crucial aspect: these men risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Will such people teach anything but the truth? Will they disregard your concerns? They willingly endangered their lives for our Lord Jesus Christ, indicating their love for Him. Would they then neglect the souls of His beloved by exposing them to the danger of false doctrine?

From my diary,

November 27,  2023

The Source of Power: Accessing God's Strength

 

"The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!’’ (Psalm 68:35)

God's people may lack strength  but they have a powerful God, they have a place and opportunity to receive strength.  We have the privilege to approach the throne of grace and seek His strength and power each day.

In these evil times, amidst the devil's snares and intensifying conflicts, we need  the strength that comes from heaven. Therefore, I commit to approaching the throne of mercy daily, seeking strength for the challenges I face.

From my diary,

November 26,  2023

Keeping God’s Word, kept by God

 "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth ." - Revelation 3:10

What a wonderful promise for those who keep the Word of Jesus: the Lord will safeguard them from the hour of temptation.

The precious treasure that is kept is the Word of God.

The keeper of this precious treasure - the child of God.

The keeper of the child of God – the Lord Jesus.

Those who keep God's Word are indeed the ones kept by God.

From my diary,

November 25,  2023

Boldness in Prayer: The Apostles' Response to Threats

 

"Now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." - Acts 4:29, 30

The prayer of the apostles may seem strange. They were persecuted, threatened, and yet prayed for more of the very things they were threatened for. They faced persecution for healing in the Name of Jesus and for preaching about Him. Now, they are asking for courage to persist in proclaiming Jesus and continuing to preach the Word of God. They requested healings, miracles, and signs, even when these actions caused trouble.

Because their primary goal was to spread the Word of God, they were unafraid of threats.

May the focus of the apostles' prayer become a constant prayer topic for me.

From my diary,

November 24,  2023

Listening Beyond the Melody: The Call to Follow God's Word

"Indeed, you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voie and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them." - Ezekiel 33:32

These are awakening and fear-inducing words. A sermon might please someone like a lovely,  melodious song, yet they may not heed the Word of God conveyed within the sermon. It is possible to admire the wise thoughts in the sermon, the beautiful presentation, the persuasive eloquence, to approve of every word, to enjoy  listening  to the Word, but failing to act upon it. The people of Israel delighted in hearing Ezekiel but disregarded obedience to God's Word. If I read the Word of God with delight, if I enjoy  listening to the sermon in church, but if I do not apply everything I learned while listening to the sermon or reading the Bible, I will be like the people to whom Ezekiel's message was like a  lovely song, but they did not obey God's Word.

Lord, grant me the willingness to obey Your Word with the same fervor with which I listen.

From my diary,

November 23,  2023

Sing with understanding

 "For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding." - Psalm 47:7

The psalmist calls us to sing not with a powerful voice and perfect pitch but with understanding. We must understand what we are singing. The heart and mind must be engaged in the song.

To sing with understanding, the song must be inspired by the Word of God, and the singer must understand that Word, experiencing what is written within it.

A person who sings with understanding can sing "Amazing Grace" because they have understood that they are saved by that amazing grace. They can sing "Sweet Hour of Prayer" because they love to pray and understand what can be attained through prayer. They can sing "There Is Power in the Blood of the Lamb" because they know that through that blood they were redeemed, received forgiveness of sins, and were sanctified. They can sing "Trust and Obey" because they understand that the Lord is trustworthy, and they wholeheartedly obey His Word. They can sing "You Are My Hiding Place" because they know in whom their safety lies. They can sing "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" because they know that they are more valuable to God than sparrows and that the Lord takes care of them.

A person who sings with understanding can sing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" because they have comprehended the faithfulness of God throughout their life's journey. They can sing "How Great Thou Art" because they have understood the magnificence and wonder of God's creation and redemption. They can sing "It Is Well with My Soul" because they have found peace and trust in God amidst life's trials and tribulations. They can sing "Blessed Assurance" because they are certain of their salvation and the joy it brings. They can sing "In Christ Alone" because they understand the truth of their redemption through Christ. They can sing "Holy, Holy, Holy" because they comprehend the holiness and majesty of God. They can sing "I Surrender All" because they have chosen to yield their life completely to God's will.

When the words spoken in the songs reflect the reality of the singer's life, they sing with understanding. Such singing is pleasing to God.

From my diary,

November 22,  2023

The Faithful Promise: Receiving and Rejoicing in Prayer

"Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." – John 16:24

How often have I read these words: "Ask, and you will receive"? Countless times. How many times have I obeyed the commandment written in this verse: "Ask" and got the promise: "You will receive "? Again, countless times. Yet, why do worries and anxieties overwhelm me in times of trouble and need? However, one thing had to be done: to ask Him who promised, "You will receive." Instead of staying awake at night because of worry, I should stay awake because of prayer. Instead of thinking about problems, I should tell them to Jesus. Instead of complicating everything, I should do the simplest thing: pray.

Our Lord didn't confine specific hours for listening to our petitions; He didn't prescribe, "From this hour to that, you can present your requests."

I will ask because He who commanded: "Ask" and He who promised: "You will receive" is generous and wants to give what I ask. He is faithful, has always fulfilled His promises, is Omniscient, He is my Lord, He loves me, and wants my joy to be full.

                                                                                                                          From my diary,

November 21, 2023

Yes, Lord, I believe

 "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11:26, 27)

Blessed are those who can give Martha's answer to this question of Jesus. Jesus did not ask Martha, "Do you understand this?" He said, "Do you believe this?" Because faith is important. We can gain understanding by believing, but we can’t get faith by understanding.

We have countless reasons to believe in Jesus' power, works, promises, mercy and love, and we have no reason not to believe His Word.

From my diary,

November 20,  2023

Guilty Accusers and Accused, Righteous Judge, and Advocate

“He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” (John 8:7).

This story is familiar to every Christian. Here is an accused person who is guilty, accusers who are also guilty, a Righteous Judge, and an Advocate who is perfectly holy. The accusers had the desire to stone the woman but had no right. Jesus had the right to accuse her but had no desire to do it. The woman deserved punishment, but she heard the most blissful words: "Neither do I condemn you," and the most important commandment: "Go and sin no more."

From my diary,

November 19  2023

The Unseen Hands: Angelic Ministry to the Heirs of Salvation

"Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" – Hebrews 1:14

This is a reason for great gratitude and joy: the heirs of salvation have ministers sent by their Father. They are strangers and sojourners on earth, yet they have ministers sent from their Father's house to protect, guide, and care for them. These mighty angels are loyal to their Lord, God; therefore, they faithfully serve His children who are pilgrims on earth.

An angel appeared to Cornelius and directed him to hear the good news of salvation. Another angel delivered Peter from prison, while yet another appeared to Mary with an important message, and so forth.

Though I have never seen angels, they serve me; they are sent by my Father.

From my diary,

November 18  2023

 

The Fearful Heart's Melody: Authentic Praise to the Lord

 "You who fear the LORD, praise Him!" (Psalm 22:23)

Praise cannot be sincere and pleasing to God if there is no fear of God in the heart of the praiser. The Psalmist invites the God-fearing to praise God. Those who fear God flee from sin, and praise must come from sanctified hearts and lips. Those who fear God receive blessings from God; therefore, they have many reasons to praise the Lord.

Holy fear is an important component of praise.

From my diary,

November 17  2023

My Depositary is trustworthy

 "...I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." - 2 Timothy 1:12

"...I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to guard my deposit entrusted for that day." - 2 Timothy 1:12

There are many things I don't know and would like to know, but I know the most important thing: I know whom I have believed. I have believed in the One who is trustworthy, faithful, merciful, omniscient, omnipotent, and wise. I know whom I have believed; that's why my heart is peaceful. I know it, and that's why things I don't know will not worry me; the unknown future will not scare me.

Not only did Paul know whom he believed, but he was persuaded that he had entrusted his deposit to the one who would keep it safe, not for years, but until THAT DAY, the day of His coming. The apostle did not say, "I suppose that He is able to keep, I think that He is able to keep...," but he said, "I am persuaded."

There is no place on earth where our deposit can be safe; only Jesus Christ is the reliable keeper. He is a wise keeper, a mighty keeper, a watchful keeper, a faithful keeper.

My Depositary is trustworthy, so I am a safe depositor. I entrusted Him with my life, my heart, my salvation, my soul. He will keep my life from sin, will keep my heart from doubts, my faith from wavering, my mind from wrong thoughts, and will keep me from all delusions. My deposit is kept with Jesus; therefore, my heart is kept in peace.

From my diary,

November 16  2023

Decision into Action: Following the Prodigal Son's Example

 "‘I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” And he arose and came to his father…’’ (Luke 15:18-20)

The prodigal son made the right decision: ‘’I will arise and go to my father,’’ and he carried out his decision: he arose and went to his father. He didn't delay his return; he didn't say, "If I don't find a good job, maybe one day I will return to my father." He decided and immediately left.

He didn't consider staying a little longer in the place where he was, as there was nothing pleasant for him there: feeding the swine and starving. When a person is unhappy with their current situation after leaving God, they will decide to return to God and immediately act upon that decision.

Making the right decision isn't enough; it's necessary to implement that decision. Here is a right decision for me: to pray more, to become more disciplined. But it will be of no use if my decision remains just a decision and doesn't turn into action.

From my diary,

November 15  2023

Strong delusion for those who did not believe the truth

 "And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thess. 2:10-12)

This verse reveals the consequence of not loving and believing the truth: they will experience strong delusion and believe the lies.

Lies are believed by those who have not prevoiusly believed the truth. Those who have heard the truth and rejected it are subject to delusion. A person will either accept the Word of God or succumb to the deception of the devil. If he did not accept the Word of Christ, he will accept the word of the antichrist. If a man does not delight in doing God's Word, he will delight in unrighteousness.

So those who love God's Word and trust God's Word are shielded from the peril of deception. They will not stray and won't be misled into believing falsehoods.

From my diary,

November 14,  2023

Safety for those who listen to God's Word

 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil. (Proverbs 1:33)

Safety, freedom from fear, and peace are the result of listening to wisdom. Listening to the wisdom of God's Word leads to sanctification, and sanctification always leads to peace, safety, and freedom from fear. Wisdom is the fear of the Lord and keeping His commandments.

Lord, guide me in Your wisdom.

From my diary,

November 13,  2023

Learning about God in Psalm 119: God is faithful

 "All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me." - Psalm 119:86

"Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth." - Psalm 119:90

The psalmist is unafraid of the conspiracies and persecutions of his enemies because he knows that God is with him, and His faithfulness is everlasting.

Every child of God finds encouragement in this thought: God is faithful. Even if all forsake and betray, God remains faithful.

God's faithfulness is intertwined with His other attributes:

1. God is Almighty. Therefore, He is always able to fulfill His promises.

2. He is holy and righteous. Therefore, He always fulfills His promises.

3. He is immutable. He is the same forever. He cannot make a promise and then change His mind.

4. He is Omniscient. People may make promises without knowing what circumstances may prevent them from fulfilling them. But God knows everything, He knows the end before the beginning, ensuring He fulfills His promises.

5. He is merciful. He loves His people, so He will never leave them. He fulfills all His promises to His people.

We can feel peaceful and safe because our God is faithful.

Topical meditation 2023

November 12