Thoughts Before You Deem "Assembling Together" Unimportant in 2014

Thoughts Before You Deem

 "Assembling Together" Unimportant in 2014

Within 2014, we will all come to our resolutions because a New Year offers us a fresh start to do better than we did the year previous. Many will come to the realization that they have some bad habits that need to be changed and will "swear off" everything from alcohol to deserts. We will resolve to exercise more, eat less, make more money and many other such things. Many will resolve to read their bibles more, get more personal with God, etc. And there are a few who will deem themselves perfect and resolve they they don't have to change anything. In all the resolutions, have you considered Paul's statement in Ph'p. 2:3-4 “In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”?

Resolutions are often self centered. Yet, it is a fact that each one of us needs other people to look out for our interests, defend us, protect us, and help us stay on track. This is called accountability. Paul tells us that we should look out for each other’s interests, not just our own. In a society that is  all about "me" — my needs, my interests, my wants, and my ambitions, Paul teaches us to look out for others, too.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, we have become much more vigilant for each other as we are on the lookout for more terrorist attacks. But did you know you have an enemy far more destructive than any terrorist? A personal enemy who wants to defeat YOU personally. His name is Satan, and since recorded history he to bring problems into your life, ruin your relationships, and hurt you as badly as he can.  Why? Because he wants to hurt God, but he can’t, so he goes after God’s children. And how does he do that? The more he can make you think less of God, less often about God to the point of thinking badly about God then the more deluded he can make you (WARNING READ 2 Th.2:9-12)

On our own, we will never win against Satan. But when you God working for you, and  have other people to watch out for you and help you, you can be victorious, you can overcome!  Does anyone have your back? Is anyone defending you and watching out for your spiritual welfare? You need a community of people who are saying to you: “We’ll be with you when you’re going through the tough times. We’re not going to let you get discouraged or depressed.” Thus, Paul's encouragement in Heb.10:25, "Not giving up our meetings, as is the way of some, but keeping one another strong in faith; and all the more because you see the day coming near." Why do we not give up meeting? Because it is God’s answer to defeat. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” You can try, but you can’t live life well on your own, we weren't made that way.  We all need other people to walk with us, work with us, and watch out for us.

So, in your resolutions for 2014, don't forget to make coming to God's house a priority.

Jim

BOOK REVIEW: James: Faith Becomes Real by Carole Arceneaux

This book for me was a quick read. I have studied James many times and I downloaded it thinking that it would be a more in depth study than it was. This is not to say that it was not good. I found the thoughts presented practical, provoking and encouraging to read. If I were looking for a devotional to augment my faith or deepen my pursuit of faith, this would be the book. It would also be a good book to use as a family devotional for family study. It approaches some good topics dealing with the modern world as well as the past. Money and how I use it, patience and how to learn it, what to do about mouths, all very good thoughts and presentations. I just wish for my part that there was more of it to read. I found myself intrigued by the topics, but when wanting to pry into the depths of matters and dig out the essence of contexts and understandings I was disappointed. That however, is not the fault of the author.

I recommend the book to you for devotional study, or for personal quiet time study. This is where I believe the book hits home, in those moments when you don't want to spend a week considering something, but have a few moments just to ponder spiritual thought for the day. In this you won't be disappointed and it will be a good book for small group discussion and study.

Jim

Where is God?

In our last article, we noted that the Magi found Jesus because they sought Him. Signs were there, indications were there, scriptures were there, but only few have found Him because they sought Him. Even in Luke 2:25-33, Simeon who was seeking God's will for Israel at the time, was told that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. 

It does no good to celebrate Christmas, if we miss an important parallel of this story to our own hearts. Our hearts were intended by God to be His temple - His House. Unfortunately, we fill our lives with other things, inviting other ideas, interests, values, loves, and commitments.Our lives and minds are so full that we’re not even aware when God shows up. When things go awry, we shout "Where is God in all this?"  While God stands quietly beside us and we don't even see Him. God shows up in our lives all the time, providing opportunities we never thought we’d get, in the midst of problems we didn't know we were going to have. Even when Jesus was alive, this happened. Jesus would show up and talk to people who never realized who he was. In the book of John, Jesus was sitting by a well when a woman came up to him, looking for water. She didn't recognize Jesus. In fact she got in a religious debate with the Son of God! Then Jesus said, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water" (John 4:10). But she didn't recognize Jesus. And as you read these words, there are many people, perhaps even yourself going about your daily routines, wondering why God isn't speaking with you, visiting with you, or showing up in your life.  Yet no one notices Him standing right beside you, stating that He has been there all along. God is at work all around you — not just during holidays but throughout the whole year.

• Why do you think we miss God even when people seem more open to him than any other time?
• How have you seen God at work this week? or, have you even been looking?
• What change can you make in your routine that’ll help you see God more clearly?

My prayer for you, is that you will begin to see God more clearly in the coming year. 

Happy Holidays!       

Jim                   

BOOK REVIEW. the REAL House of God by H.Dele Davies

Wow...a must read!, December 21, 2013
By Jim Hartman "Jim"


This review is from: The Real House of God : Unleash the Full Power of God's Spirit Within You (Kindle Edition)
I have read and re-read this book and am amazed at its simplicity and truth. In the world of books of orthodoxy and tradition, this book cuts to the truth from old testament to new testament. Indeed, God does not dwell in houses made with human hands and this book does a wonderful job of making this point. From the inception the book starts in the beginning with God's original intent and show how this intent never changed. Even with Moses and the Tabernacle, the first Temple and the second. and then establishment of Jesus church. Since then, God's house has been made by man to become something it was never intended to be. Man has made the building, the "institution" God's house, when all along God meant for US to be God's house.

I heartily recommend this book and encourage all who do to pick up their Bibles and study it. you will not be disappointed to have this in your library.

posted from Bloggeroid

Where Is He?

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." 

Mt.2:1,2

Always intriguing, is the account of the men referred to as Wise Men or Magi in the passage cited above. We do not know much about these men (IT DOES NOT SAY THERE WERE THREE OF THEM) but being listed as Magi (Magus), these were  philosophers, priests, or astronomers of the day. They lived chiefly in Persia and Arabia and were the learned men of the Eastern nations devoted to astronomy, religion, and to medicine. They were held in high esteem by the Persian court, were admitted as counselors, and followed the camps in war to give advice. Daniel the prophet was such a person in both the Babylonian and Persian Courts some 167 years before Jesus. If indeed they came from this region, then they traveled many miles from the Far East to the Middle East and at great expense to find Jesus.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which is just six miles from Jerusalem. At the time of Jesus’ birth, all kinds of spiritual activity was taking place in Jerusalem. All of the major religious leaders of the world were in Jerusalem, but none of them were seeking Jesus. Herod, self and Roman proclaimed "King of the Jews," wasn't even aware of Jesus until the Magi came.  Many others of noted prominence were there at the time Jesus was born, many traveling to their homelands for the taxation, yet none were aware of Jesus. No one even noticed "His star" except the Magi. Why? Because the Wise Men were looking for Jesus. They were willing to make a four to five-month trip across a hot desert to find Jesus. So noted was the event to them and the occurrence of the celestial dance, that they were willing to do whatever it took to find him and as the text states "worship Him."

Jesus said that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl that is so valuable we will sell everything we have to get it (Mt.13:46). It seems the Wise Men from the East understood this long before Jesus ever spoke the parable. They were willing to give up everything they had to come and worship Jesus, who at the time of their arrival was only a toddler. They were willing to give up the comforts of their homes for a long, tough journey because they WANTED to worship him.

If these men thought it worthy of note, that even the heavens pointed to Jesus to come and find Him, then shouldn't we take note of this too? I find it interesting at how virtual strangers would give up so much to go find someone they didn't even know, because they knew He was "born King of the Jews."

What would you give up in order to come worship Jesus?  What holds you back from seeking  a relationship with Jesus so valuable that it’s worth giving up everything for?  Maybe it is time for you to start your journey.

Jim

The Sacred Journey - A Book Review

The Sacred Journey: Ancient Practices Series

by: Charles Foster

I found this to be an intriguing book, covering a diversity of topics yet, bringing you back to consider your own journey. Across cultures, religions, I found this book challenging as it switched topics and stories. Often, I would put it down, but then find myself drawn back to it again to read more. Each day became its own journey and each tale its own lesson, teaching us that life is just that way. Following God is not about a bunch of static rules, corporate maneuvering or theological entrenchment. It is about being practical with your faith and learning from what God brings to you every day. Two particularly interesting thoughts I found presented, were that each journey is its own pilgrimage and each pilgrimage has its own fellowship.

I heartily recommend this book to the reader. You will be the better for reading it, especially if you incorporate its concept into your walk with God.

Hasmonean Dynasty Building Found in Jerusalem

Discovery of City of David ruins fills gap in Jerusalem history

Megan Gannon LiveScience

Archaeologists have discovered the first ruins of a building from the Hasmonean period in Jerusalem, filling a gap in the ancient city's history, the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced.

Israeli Antiquities Authority

Archaeologists think construction on this ancient building started in the early second century B.C. and continued into the Hasmonean period.

The building's remains were uncovered during an extensive dig at the Givati Parking Lot, located in Jerusalem's oldest neighborhood, the City of David. Excavations over several years at the site have turned up some remarkable finds, including a building from the Second Temple period that may have belonged to Queen Helene, a trove of coins from the Byzantine period, and recently, a 1,700-year-old curse tablet in the ruins of a Roman mansion.

Despite extensive excavations in Jerusalem, IAA archaeologists Doron Ben Ami and Yana Tchekhanovets said there has been an absence of buildings from the Hasmonean period in the city's archaeological record. Simon Maccabeus founded the Hasmonean dynasty in 140 B.C. This group ruled Judea until 37 B.C., when Herod the Great came into power. [In Photos: The Controversial 'Tomb of Herod the Great']

"Apart from several remains of the city's fortifications that were discovered in different parts of Jerusalem, as well as pottery and other small finds, none of the Hasmonean city's buildings have been uncovered so far, and this discovery bridges a certain gap in Jerusalem's settlement sequence," excavators Doron Ben Ami and Yana Tchekhanovets said in a statement. "The Hasmonean city, which is well-known to us from the historical descriptions that appear in the works of Josephus, has suddenly acquired tangible expression."

Flavius Josephus recounted Jewish history and the Jewish revolt against the Romans in his first century A.D. books "The Jewish War" and "Antiquities of the Jews." Some archaeologists have used his texts to guide their work and interpretations. For example, excavators who recently found cooking pots and a lamp in an underground chamber in Jerusalem think these objects could be material evidence of Josephus' account of famine during the Roman siege of the city.

Despite extensive excavations in Jerusalem, IAA archaeologists Doron Ben Ami and Yana Tchekhanovets said there has been an absence of buildings from the Hasmonean period in the city's archaeological record. Simon Maccabeus founded the Hasmonean dynasty in 140 B.C. This group ruled Judea until 37 B.C., when Herod the Great came into power. [In Photos: The Controversial 'Tomb of Herod the Great']

"Apart from several remains of the city's fortifications that were discovered in different parts of Jerusalem, as well as pottery and other small finds, none of the Hasmonean city's buildings have been uncovered so far, and this discovery bridges a certain gap in Jerusalem's settlement sequence," excavators Doron Ben Ami and Yana Tchekhanovets said in a statement. "The Hasmonean city, which is well-known to us from the historical descriptions that appear in the works of Josephus, has suddenly acquired tangible expression."

Flavius Josephus recounted Jewish history and the Jewish revolt against the Romans in his first century A.D. books "The Jewish War" and "Antiquities of the Jews." Some archaeologists have used his texts to guide their work and interpretations. For example, excavators who recently found cooking pots and a lamp in an underground chamber in Jerusalem think these objects could be material evidence of Josephus' account of famine during the Roman siege of the city.

IAA officials said the Hasmonean building has come to light only in recent months, adding that the structure boasts quite impressive dimensions. It rises 13 feet (4 meters) and covers 688 square feet (64 square meters) with limestone walls more than 3 feet (1 m) thick.

Inside, the excavators found pottery and coins, the latter of which helped them determine the age of the building. IAA researchers think construction on the building began in the early second century B.C. and continued into the Hasmonean period, when the most significant changes were made inside the structure.ding has come to light only in recent months, adding that the structure boasts quite impressive dimensions. It rises 13 feet (4 meters) and covers 688 square feet (64 square meters) with limestone walls more than 3 feet (1 m) thick.

A Gracious Thing

"...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"

Php 4:6,7 

Gratitude. A simple word that conveys so much. It isn't easy to stop worrying about the everyday parts of our lives, but God tells us how in the next part of the verse: “pray about everything … thank him for all he has done.” Gratitude brings peace and when you start to worry, pray. This is simplistic. Yet, it is reiterated again by James "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.(Jas 1:2,3)."  It is hard to be grateful, when you feel abused, unappreciated, tread on, and otherwise downcast. The world closes in on you, and you want to just quit. 

God  wants us to ask him for what we need and want. More than 20 times in the New Testament, we’re told to “ask” him. But he wants us to ask with gratefulness. Thankful that God has preserved us, appreciative that He has delivered us, understanding that He is walking with us. The Bible urges us to be specific in our requests — and our praises. Instead of a simple “thank you for everything," he wants us to tell him what we’re grateful for. Thanking God in advance is a big step of faith. The Bible says that when we have the faith to thank God ahead of time, the more God works in our lives. The Bible says that God inhabits the praise of his people. He empowers and uses our thanksgiving as an instrument of power in our lives.

Gratitude and prayer help us to see that God is working even when evil seems to be prevailing. As David writes "I will praise you forever for what you have done, and I will put my hope in your name; for this is what is good in the presence of your faithful. (Psa.52:9)"  

We have a lyric in our songbooks in a song called "Follow Me." "But if by death to living they can Thy glory see, I'll take my cross and follow close to Thee." Perhaps evil has come upon me for God's glory? If I have striven to be godly and suffer as an evildoer, the Bible states "For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. (1 Pet.1:20)." 

What are you grateful to God for? Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for those things — even before they happen.

Jim