WORSHIP THE LORD WITH JOY

1 Thessalonians 5:16-28 / Keywords 5:16-18

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

 

1. When a person enters a gospel-centered church, they should see a slice of heaven. They should get a taste of Revelation 5 where all the redeemed gather around the Lamb and worship him. Paul’s commands to rejoice, pray, and give thanks are all aspects of worship. We are to rejoice always, regardless of our circumstances because we possess the joy of salvation and the hope of eternal life in Christ. We are to pray continually and live by faith and dependence in God. When someone comes to our church, they come to a place of holy and reverent intercession for all the people of the world. We are to be thankful in all circumstances as well. This is possible when we realize that God is always working for the good of those who love Him in both good times and bad.

 

2. The church is built on the foundation of God’s word. We must never quench the spirit but test what we hear by the standard of God’s word. All of this is possible only through the power of God. Paul prays for the church to be sanctified through and through and because God is faithful, he will do it. Another important aspect of worship is fellowship. We are to pray for each other and greet each other in the Lord. Paul concludes by praying for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with the church. May the same grace be with you this coming year.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, we praise your holy name!

One Word Rejoice, pray, and give thanks

MAKING A NAZIRITE VOW

Numbers 6:1-21 / Keywords 6:2

"Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of separation to the LORD as a Nazirite,

 

1. The Lord set up a way for his people to offer themselves to him. The Nazirite vow was one of special dedication to God. It involved abstaining from anything to do with grapes. It involved not cutting one’s hair. It also meant not going near a dead body. In every way, the Nazirite was to be consecrated to the Lord. In the event someone died in their presence, the Nazirite was considered defiled and sinful. The prescription was preparing a sin offering, shaving their head, and essentially beginning the process again. The vow was that solemn and sacred before the Lord.

 

2. At the end of the time period, there was a formal acknowledgement where offerings to the Lord were presented. The Nazirite then shaved his or her head to symbolize the dedication, after which they could again drink wine. It seems that Samson, John the Baptist, and Paul were among those who took the Nazirite vow.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to live as one dedicated to the Lord. Help me to trust in your forgiveness and acceptance of those who offer themselves to you.

One Word Dedicated to the Lord

A HOLY GOD, A HOLY PEOPLE

Numbers 5:1-31 / Keywords 5:6,7

6 "Say to the Israelites: 'When a man or woman wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the LORD, that person is guilty 7 and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution for his wrong, add one fifth to it and give it all to the person he has wronged.

 

1. The Lord wanted his people to be free from defilement in every way. He commanded the camp to be kept clean, and this included their hearts that they may be forgiven. This meant they should confess their sin and be held accountable, with restitution made to any person who was injured. Then, a blood sacrifice should be offered to God for atonement. Sin is more than a human matter; a man who wrongs another and does not set it right is unfaithful to the Lord. Only God can make a person holy.

 

2. A person who is unfaithful to his or her marriage vows is defiled. A jealous heart also defiles a person, for jealousy makes it impossible for one to see himself and others from God's point of view. The law of jealousy was given to remove jealousy from a person's heart. If there is a legitimate reason for jealousy, then the person who has been unfaithful must be punished. If there is no reason for being jealous, then the jealous person must repent and cast jealousy out of his or her heart.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to take sin seriously. Thank you for providing a way for sinners to be healed. Help me to repent and bring my sins to you with full trust in your forgiveness.

One Word God can purify his people

AS THE LORD COMMANDED MOSES

Numbers 4:34-49 / Keywords 4:49

At the LORD's command through Moses, each was assigned his work and told what to carry. Thus they were counted, as the LORD commanded Moses.

 

1. The Lord commanded Moses and Aaron to count the Levites who were assigned to the tent of meeting. They would record the history of God’s work among the Israelites from the outset of their journey. King David once ordered a census to be taken out of his own pride. The Lord opposed him at that time. In this case, it is the Lord who commanded the census. It is a record of history, of God’s deliverance of his people.

 

2. Moses, Aaron, and the leaders counted all the Levites. Indeed, they would likewise count all of the Israelites who would embark on this journey. The journey could have been short but for the rebelliousness of the people. Still, there would be a record of this history. Of those counted initially, only Caleb and Joshua crossed into the promised land. But the Lord would make a new creation by training them in the desert. His commands never fail.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to be counted as your holy servant. May your commands be fulfilled in my life.

One Word Counted as God’s servant

SERVING THE TENT OF MEETING

Numbers 4:1-33 / Keywords 4:20

But the Kohathites must not go in to look at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die.

 

1. The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Their descendants were made stewards of the tent of meeting. It was an honor and a privilege, but it was also a fearful responsibility. The Kohathite clan was given the awesome task of carrying the most holy things. They had very specific instructions on how to care for all of the articles that were necessary for the worship of the Lord. However, they were not to look at the holy things or touch them—on pain of death. Honoring and obeying the holy Lord is a matter of life or death.

 

2. The sons of Gershon and Merari were responsible for the curtains and the poles—the structure of the tabernacle. The tabernacle represented the place where the Lord would be with his people and where he would meet with Moses on their journey. This is the practical faith of their stewardship, that the Lord was with them and met with them. He would deliver them to himself.

 

Prayer Lord, help me to honor and obey you as a matter of life. Make me a good steward of the worship of God in our times.

One Word Serve the worship of God

REDEMPTION AND DEVOTION

Numbers 3:21-51 / Keywords 3:41

Take the Levites for me in place of all the firstborn of the Israelites, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites. I am the LORD.

 

1. The Levites were counted, given specific duties, and told where to camp. The Gershonites were responsible for all the coverings of the tabernacle. The Merarites cared for everything related to the tabernacle frame. The Kohathites, the clan of Aaron and his sons, were responsible for the care of the sanctuary. Moses and Aaron and his sons camped in front of the tabernacle entrance, and only they were allowed to approach the sanctuary.

 

2. The Levites were counted for redemption. Each Levite male was taken in place of one Israelite firstborn male. However, there were not enough Levite males, and so the LORD commanded that redemption money be collected for 273 additional Israelite males.

 

3. As the Levites carried out their duties in the center of the camp, they were a constant reminder to all Israel of God’s redemption from Egypt. A Passover lamb died to pay the death the Israelites deserved (Ex 12:12,13). The Levites lived the dedicated life all Israel owed to God. This points to life in Christ. Those redeemed by Christ should be wholeheartedly devoted to God. The Levites were unable to redeem every eligible male; but Christ has redeemed each person who believes in him. If Christ has redeemed you, will you live for him?

 

Prayer Father, thank you for redeeming me by the blood of Christ. Help me to live for you.

One Word Bought by Christ; live for him

OUR SAVIOUR JESUS BRINGS GLORY TO GOD AND PEACE TO PEOPLE

Luke 2:1-14 / Keywords 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

 

1. Christmas celebrates the day Jesus Christ was born. Mary had to travel fully pregnant to Bethlehem to obey a Roman decree for a census. Humanly it was cruel. But it fulfilled prophecy of the Messiah’s birthplace (Micah 5:2). The Son of God had no bed to be born in. The King of kings was not born in a palace and put on a throne; he was laid in an animal’s feedbox. God’s ways are so different than the world’s.

 

2. An angel announced to shepherds nearby the good news that causes great joy: the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord had been born in Bethlehem and was lying in a manger. Many more angels appeared and praised God saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Jesus was born, lived, died and rose again to bring glory to God and peace to people.

 

Prayer We thank and praise you, Lord Jesus Christ, for coming humbly to save us and give us eternal peace and joy under your rule. We love and serve you, our King.

One Word Our Savior Jesus is glory to God and peace and joy to all who

accept him as King

ZECHARIAH’S SONG OF PROPHECY

Luke 1:67-80 / Keywords 1:74-75

74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

 

1. Zechariah had ten months of silence to pray, read Scripture, and consider what God was going to do through his miracle baby boy John the Baptist. His first words were a prophecy inspired by the Holy Spirit. God had come to redeem his people. He was raising up a horn of salvation who fulfilled promises to David and Abraham. Jesus the Messiah was coming to rescue us from our enemies of sin, death and the devil. Through Jesus we can serve God without fear in holiness and righteousness all our days.

 

2. Zechariah also foretold baby John’s mission, which was to prepare the way for the Lord, and to make known salvation through the forgiveness of sin. Jesus is the rising sun who dispels darkness and the shadow of death. Jesus guides our feet to the path of peace.

 

Prayer Praise be to you, O Lord, our Savior and Deliverer and Redeemer, our Light and our Peace. You enable us to serve you by your mercy. Thank you for this great privilege and grace to know you and serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

One Word Rescued and enabled to serve him without fear, in holiness and

righteousness

 MY SPIRIT REJOICES IN GOD MY SAVIOUR

Luke 1:39-66 / Keywords 1:46-47

46 And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

 

1. The angel Gabriel told Mary about her relative Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy. So Mary decided to visit her. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, called Mary “blessed” and “the mother of my Lord.” She blessed Mary for believing God’s promise to her.

 

2. Mary then burst out into a song of praise: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Her song echoes much of the song of Hannah (1Sa 2:1-10), the mother of Samuel, who anointed Israel’s first kings. God blessed her humble state. God is mighty and holy. God was fulfilling his promises to Abraham and Israel. John the Baptist was born and they were expecting him to be named Zechariah Jr. But Elizabeth said and Zechariah wrote, “His name is John,” just as they angel directed. Then Zechariah could speak again (his song is next).

 

Prayer God of Abraham, our Father in heaven, we are indeed blessed to have received Jesus Christ into our world, and to be recipients of your mercy through him. Thank you for keeping your promises.

One Word My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour

THE VIRGIN MARY’S BABY

Luke 1:26-38 / Keywords 1:35

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

 

1. In Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to a virgin girl, Mary of Nazareth. Gabriel greeted her as a “highly favored” one. Worldly favor is a worldly blessing, like money. But God’s favor is to be a great source of blessing to the world. Mary was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah, the Son of God, the eternal king on David’s throne.

 

2. Mary wondered how, as a virgin, this would come about? Gabriel explained it would happen by the power of the Holy Spirit. So her baby, Jesus, would be called “the Son of God.” Jesus is fully God and fully man. Jesus is the Savior of the world (“Jesus” means “the LORD saves”). Mary humbly accepted God’s will for her, and so she became the mother of Jesus Christ.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, son of Mary, Son of God, thank you for coming into our world to save us from sin and death and condemnation. May we seek your favor, rather than worldly favor. Make me a blessing, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

One Word Jesus is Son of Man and Son of God, our Savior and King forever

HE WILL BRING MANY PEOPLE TO GOD

Luke 1:1-25 / Keywords 1:16

Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God.

 

1. Luke’s gospel is a carefully investigated account of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. It starts with a miracle baby, John the Baptist, who was born to a godly, righteous, childless old couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth. While on temple duty in Jerusalem, Zechariah was visited by the angel Gabriel. The good news was that he would father a son by Elizabeth, and they should call him “John” (which means, “the LORD is gracious”). John would be a joy to them and a blessing to the nation, for he would turn many people to God in the spirit of the prophet Elijah (see Mal 4:5-6).

 

2. Zechariah was a godly man but couldn’t believe the angel’s words that he could have a child (a lot like Abraham and Sarah). So he received a divine spank to not speak until the day of John’s birth.

 

Prayer Lord, you are the God of promise and nothing is impossible with you. Thank you that you hear and answer our prayers in Jesus’ name and for your glory. Thank you that you are always turning people back to you, even today, even me. Bless and use my life to bring back someone to God.

One Word God works to bring back many people to his kingdom

 THE LEVITES BELONGED TO OUR HOLY GOD

Numbers 3:1-20 / Keywords 3:12

I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine,

 

1. God set apart Aaron’s family to mediate for the people as priests. However, two of his four sons died before the LORD when they made an offering in a way contrary to what God commanded (Lev 10:1-3). The LORD gave all the Levites to assist Aaron and his sons in the ministry, but only Aaron and his sons could enter the sanctuary. Anyone else (even Moses!) would be put to death. Our God is holy. Coming into his presence is a most serious matter. Consider your attitude before God. Do you worship God with holy fear and gratitude?

 

2. All the Levites belonged to God. The reason was more than a pragmatic matter of assisting Aaron’s family. The Levites were taken in place of every first male offspring. When God struck down the firstborn of Egypt, every firstborn of Israel was set apart and redeemed by the blood of a lamb. Every firstborn male of Israel should have been set apart for the LORD, but he took the Levites as a substitute. The Levites belonged to the LORD. They were to serve him all their days. Let’s pray for those who serve God full-time to be faithful to him.

 

Prayer Father, please forgive my lax attitude in worshiping and honoring you. Thank you for those who serve you in full-time ministry.

One Word You belong to our holy God

 A PLACE IN GOD’S COMMUNITY

Numbers 2:1-34 / Keywords 2:34

So the Israelites did everything the LORD commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each with his clan and family.

 

1. As the Israelites prepared to conquer Canaan, the LORD told the people to camp and break camp in a specific pattern. The tabernacle was in the center. The Levites camped around the tabernacle (2:53). The other tribes camped around the Levites, some distance from the tabernacle. Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun camped on the east. Reuben, Simeon, and Gad were on the south. Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin were on the west. Dan, Asher and Naphtali camped to the north. When they moved, the tribes under Judah and Reuben went first, followed by the Levites carrying the tabernacle. Then the tribes under Ephraim and Dan followed. God designated a place for every Israelite in the community.

 

2. In Jesus, we belong to God’s community. May we find our place in God’s community and encourage others to do the same.

 

3. The Israelites formed concentric squares around the tabernacle. God was in the center of their camp. They were to be God-centered people while camping or moving. Likewise, whether we are staying or going, may we also put God and obey him at the center of our lives.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for including me as one of your people through Christ and giving me a place in your kingdom. Be the center of our lives.

One Word God’s place in my heart; our place in God’s community

THE LEVITES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Numbers 1:47-54 / Keywords 1:52,53

52 The Israelites are to set up their tents by divisions, each man in his own camp under his own standard. 53 The Levites, however, are to set up their tents around the tabernacle of the Testimony so that wrath will not fall on the Israelite community. The Levites are to be responsible for the care of the tabernacle of the Testimony."

 

1. At the LORD’s command, the ancestral tribe of the Levites was not counted in the census. They would not serve in the army. The Levites were wholly dedicated to ministry activities related to the tabernacle. Any non-Levite who approached the tabernacle was to be put to death. The Israelites were not to be like worldly, military powers. More important than the size of their army was their commitment and faith in the LORD. Success belonged to God (Ps 33:16-18). Is your commitment and faith in the LORD at the center of all your endeavors?

 

2. This section also highlights the place where the Levites camped. The tabernacle was the place where God was present with his people. Inside the tabernacle was God’s covenant law. God and his word were literally the center of camp life. The Levites camped around the tabernacle. As the Levites did everything God commanded, they shielded the people from God’s wrath (52).

 

3. The Levites’ ministry looks forward to Jesus. In perfect obedience, Jesus obeyed his Father in every way (Jn 14:31b; Php 2:8). Through his death and resurrection, Jesus shields and saves anyone who believes in him from God’s wrath.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, thank you for saving me from the wrath I deserve. Please be the focus of my life. Help me to be faithful to you.

One Word Jesus saves; be faithful to him

REGISTERED AND COUNTED

Numbers 1:1-46 / Keywords 1:3

You and Aaron are to number by their divisions all the men in Israel twenty years old or more who are able to serve in the army.

 

1. Thirteen months after the LORD miraculously delivered the Israelites from bondage to the Egyptians, he commanded Moses and Aaron to take a census of the people. God had already given them the Law, established the priesthood, provided their daily needs, and revealed himself as holy and merciful. The time had come for his people to form an army and take the Promised Land.

 

2. The LORD appointed tribal leaders to help in this huge task. People registered by their clans and families. Excluding the Levites, 603,550 were counted to serve in Israel’s army, all physical and spiritual descendants of Jacob and Abraham. The census revealed how God was both fulfilling his promises to Abraham (Gn 15:5) and also looking forward to even greater fulfillment (Gn 22:17-18). How has God been fulfilling his promises to you? Are you trusting God to fulfill his promises to you in even greater ways?

 

3. Large or small, every tribe was counted and contributed to the army. There were no bystander tribes. The people served side-by-side for the LORD and for each other. Can you be counted upon to serve the LORD? May we each, by faith, also be “registered” and “counted” in our churches and fellowships in active service to the LORD.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for fulfilling your promises. Count me among those who serve you.

One Word Be counted

WELCOME YOUR BROTHER IN THE LORD

Philemon 1:1-25 / Keywords 1:15-16

15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good- - 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

 

1. The gospel is the power of God to save and transform lives. The story of Onesimus is a wonderful example of this. The name Onesimus means “useful”, but he was anything but that. Onesimus was a slave who ran away from his master Philemon, and it appears that he also stole some money from him as well. The punishment for this could be quite severe. However, by the sovereign grace of God, Onesimus encountered Paul in Rome and was converted to Christianity. He received a new life in Christ and became very useful. He was even willing to return to Philemon.

 

2. Paul tactfully appeals to Philemon in a variety of ways to welcome Onesimus back. His appeal reveals how Christians are to view each other. Our relationships are to be based on a sacrificial love that knows no boundaries. Onesimus had become like a son to Paul and was part of his very heart. Paul longed for Philemon to welcome Onesimus back not as a slave, but as an eternal brother in Christ. Christians are to forgive each other and lift each other up and Paul was willing to pay whatever debt Onesimus owed. Philemon had refreshed the hearts of believers in Colossae, and now Paul asked that he would refresh his heart as well by receiving Onesimus with open arms. It was a wonderful demonstration of the grace of God.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for our new life in Christ..

One Word He is no longer a slave, but a brother