David didn’t require being with a group but praised God even while alone. He probably did more praising alone than he did in religious gatherings.“By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life” (Ps. 42:8).Yet, he was just as ready to praise God along with others; “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you” (Ps. 22:22). David, obviously, was not one of those persons who went around saying, “God knows what’s in my heart”. What was in his heart found outward expression both alone and with others.
A powerful, determined king could not destroy the baby Jesus. When thousands of babies had been slaughtered, the king’s powerful reach could not touch baby Jesus (Matt.2:16). So powerfully, so authoritatively was this world system invaded that it could not touch even one tiny baby who was foreordained to be the embodiment of the advancing Kingdom of God in this earth (compare Mk.2:12). Rome had conquered the world but it didn’t know what to do with a carpenter from Nazareth (Lk.23:4). He walked about freely demonstrating the Kingdom of God (Lk.11:20). He confounded the proponents of false religion (Matt.12:2-5, 24-28). They set a guard on His tomb but could not prevent the invigorating power of the rule of God over death nor could they prevent Jehovah-Sabaoth’s messenger from rolling back the sealed tombstone. The rule and authority of God to finish what He started is unstoppable.
After a time of worship alone on the hillside, David’s praises, and prayers, were to be heard publicly.They blessed those who heard them and who joined in the voicing of them. Perhaps the greatest blessing to others was the recognition of the relationship that existed between God and a true worshiper.Parrots are cute when they mimic but are not necessarily a blessing. Though David’s praises and prayers contained adjectives and descriptions of God learned from youth, he still put heart and soul into praising the Lord who is “my strength.The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Ps. 18:1-2).
Though supplication through prayer, making one’s needs known before God, was zealously taught David from the time he was a small child, David made his praises primary. It is apparent David sought God that he might know Him, while many were and are now seeking God only as a means to an end. If we had a recorder going 24/7, we might find it very interesting to hear the high percentage of pleas, requests and demands we make of God Almighty, as compared to the percentage of time spent in praise. “BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL,” the Psalmist cries. This is not a cry for assistance or “blessing” for he has not pleaded, “Bless my soul, Lord,“ but rather proclaimed, “Bless the Lord!” (Psalm 104:1) “…the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers.” (Jn.4:23b, Amp)
May the Lord graciously help His people to listen when they are supposed to listen, to the people they are supposed to listen to. May they hear clearly and act judiciously and reap the benefit of the principles of Almighty God. “Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed.” (Prov.15:22, Msg)
As the people of God assemble today, may there be faith stirred in hearts concerning those who have been absented from the local fellowship. May there be expectancy that they be returned to the fellowship to edify and, once again, take their place on the wall. “May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent and hidden one from another.” (GEN. 31:49, Amp)
Let us be careful what we say. The Lord doesn’t want what we speak falling to the ground. (1Sam.3:19)“Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.”Ps. 141:3, Amp)
While watching his father’s sheep, David was nurturing that intimate relationship with prayers and songs.The cathedral that echoed his vocal praises was the cathedral of air and hillside which was far removed from gilded halls.The audience upon whose ears the melodious praises fell were only animals who were not able to boast of his talents nor were they able to appreciate these acts the way religious devotees laud those who practice what is expected of them.For David, it was honest and grateful expression of his relationship with God, whether God was the only audience or not.
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SEEC Magazine Latest Issue **Our 22nd Year of Publication!** SEEC Magazine Volume 22 Issue 4. CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO READ: https://martygabler.com/magazine/
Long before David ever became king of Israel, he had a secret relationship with God.There was relationship, communing between David and God, long before he wrote the beautiful Psalms which are part of our worship and meditations today. The Psalms were not the result of a weekend revival nor the result of a trip through a falling-down prayer line. They are the result of a life of worship and trusting God in all circumstances. ”I was once young, but now I’m old. Not once have I found a lover of God forsaken by him, nor have any of their children gone hungry.” (Ps.37:25, TPT)
When Jesus began to deal with the real need in the life of the woman he met at the well, she tried to get him sidetracked by raising an old argument about worship.The conversation had become uncomfortably personal.But since the controversy over where to worship was endless, she hoped to divert Jesus from the subject at hand.Jesus didn’t allow her to control the situation and divert him from the real need.The real need was honesty with God in life, in worship.Worship is not something that takes place in a “sacred location” or “sacred building” or “sacred ceremony.”Worship is a way of living before God as well as offering songs, readings, wave offerings and other such acts of adoration.The true worshiper deals honestly and openly with God at all times, not just in certain locations or at special times.
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DREAMS VISIONS PROPHECYSeptember 14-16, 2018NO FEE
Marty, Kathy, Melissa Grace International Church Willis,TX graceic.org CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED INFO:DVP2018
We know that God desires “true worshipers” and Lev. 3:41 captures a true combination when Jeremiah urges, “Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven…”We truly want to worship God in a way that ministers to him and the Scriptures clearly show us numerous ways which are acceptable to him.As the loving spontaneity of children delights their earthly father, so our Heavenly Father delights in the spontaneous praising and worshipping of his children.A worshiping example is “Praise the Lord.Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;let the people of Zion be glad in their King.Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine andharp.FOR THE LORD TAKES DELIGHT IN HIS PEOPLE;he crowns the humble with salvation (Ps. 149:1-4).
No matter how young or how old we are, no matter what the current circumstances around us, we dare not agree with opposition in health or time or circumstance or relationships more than we agree that Father God has determined our days.Our purpose is eternal and will continue when we step from this earthly realm into the next.We must remain faithful and full of hope in this earthly dimension, knowing it is the boot-camp development of our character and purpose for the next.We can take rest in the confidence that God has POSITIONED us for His plans.In covenant with our awesome God, it is His part to position our purpose in history.It is our part to walk it out daily.(Last excerpt from Kathy’s article “Positioned for Purpose”.)
As the people of God assemble today, may they realize that they are children of the Kingdom of God which is the Kingdom of Light and that there is nothing working in darkness that can defeat the unshakeable Kingdom of God. May they rejoice as those who walk in the Light and fellowship of King Jesus.”Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe;” (Heb.12:8, Amp)
In spite of the angle of descent of morals and values, in spite of what the world money market looks like, in spite of what the state of the union looks like, we stand on the brink of a destiny that our forefathers never imagined (Jer.33:3)—But it will require moving from being waiters and observers to acting. It will require shifting, modifications, transitions and intense exertion:the “violent” action of Matt.11:12 which means “intense exertion.” It is not violent in the sense of doing persons harm but in the sense of putting forth effort (i.e., intense exertion) in opposition to things that oppose purpose. We must oppose darkness like opposing a rattlesnake trying to crawl up in our bed. We must do it for our King and for a generation.
It takes faith to realize that our purpose is essential in the plans of God.If we try to measure the success of our lives, we step out of the protection of faith and trust in the Lord.God has the Grace we need to fulfill what we were born to do!So, let’s just do it.And may we never stop just because we can’t see its effect or success.Don’t stop being faithful daily just because you feel you can accomplish little or nothing.The purpose and plans of God will out last your weaknesses and mistakes and disappointments.Don’t stop because you are tired.Lean into His rest.Don’t stop because you are discouraged.Lean into His courage.God is faithful to guard His purpose in us because His purpose is bigger than us.(Twelfth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Positioned for Purpose”.)
It has often been said, “I don’t like that, we don’t do it that way where I come from,” indicating a determination not to accept or take part in whatever “it” is.That statement has also been made in reference to various forms of worship which different groups have practiced in worship services. We must admit, we can’t go wrong by sticking with Scripture.Perhaps the finest testimony concerning Israel is found in Exodus 39:43 “…they had done it just as the Lord had commanded.”The first point of realization for the worshipper here is to realize that the worshiper is not the focal point in worship… God is.The second point of realization that would greatly add to our worship is that we are to be responsive to what GOD WANTS.It may be that form that we have rejected or it may be some act that we have yet to discover in the Scriptures.
Is walking in God-ordained purpose easy?No, every biography of a known person in the Bible is far from easy.However, if God be for us, What or Who can be against us? Can age deteriorate purpose? Can circumstances nullify purpose?The enemy hopes you will think so. He hopes we will believe we are too weak, too old, too flawed or too unworthy to even have purpose.The enemy cannot defeat your purpose nor keep God from positioning you in history, he can only hope you will climb off your horse and quit! (Eleventh excerpt from Kathy’s article “Positioned for Purpose”.)
It is possible for one who is in physical bonds to rejoice as one without bonds.Paul and Silas did that at a very dreary hour. Not only were they lifted in their spirits and delivered but “the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, AND EVERYBODY’S CHAINS CAME LOOSE.” (Acts 16:25-26) May our song, may words and the sounds of our lives testify of us that we knew our God as MIGHTY TO SAVE!
Did you think you were born to just live, then die?Our God, who knows the end of everything before it begins has interwoven our lives in the tapestry of his plans for mankind.Each thread brings color and dimension to the big picture.If we think our life span is just about us, we live in danger of being robbed of destiny.(Tenth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Positioned for Purpose”.)
May your blood-sugar come to proper levels and may all your organs and limbs receive the properly oxygenated blood they need for long and strong life.“My power will be fresh every day, and the bow in my hand will remain new.” (Job 29:20, GW)
Awareness of purpose is easily lost among the stuff of everyday life.Nevertheless, our efficient God is weaving our lives with purpose daily.No one is born for one event.There is purpose infused in every inch of our path through life.The flow of purpose is so intricately woven by God that we will only realize its full significance in hindsight.So, the true simplicity of purpose boils down to living aware of God daily.Thanksgiving, praise, worship, obedience and godly choices will flow out of that awareness.We tend the garden of our life, watering the plants daily, not sure when or how often they will bloom in our lifetime and thereafter.We are POSITIONED to be faithful in watering and He is faithful to bring forth fruit that is eternal. (Ninth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Positioned for Purpose”.)
Mary and Joseph never would have guessed their common, mundane lives were moving toward such eternal impact.In fact, they probably never fully grasped the magnitude of their purpose while they lived on earth.The issues and responsibilities of everyday life had to overshadow their thinking and senses at times.Seven-year-old Jesus most likely took his father’s hammer and left it by the creek to rust, after he’d nailed a boat together using his mom’s best serving bowl.At supper that night, I’m sure neither Joseph nor Mary sensed divine purpose at work in their lives or his!The majority of the time they were simply rearing a son.And they probably wondered if they were doing well.After all, everyone remembered the time they had accidentally left him behind while traveling.And you know they had typical friends and family watching their non-typical teenager with an opinionated glare.(Eighth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Positioned for Purpose”.)
The month of AUGUST IS FOR GOD’S FIRE TO BURN the worthless things we have incorporated into our values, beliefs and practices; things that have been separated from the pure by His winnowing fork will burn. The fire burns what the sifting has made manifest so that the pure wheat, without mixture, may be profitable for the Master’s use. “He comes with a winnowing fork in his hands and comes to his threshing floor to sift what is worthless from what is pure. And he is ready to sweep out his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his granary, but the straw he will burn up with a fire that can’t be extinguished!” (Matt.3:12,TPT)
David didn’t require being with a group but praised God even while alone. He probably did more praising alone than he did in religious gatherings. “By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life” (Ps. 42:8). Yet, he was just as ready to praise God along with others; “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you” (Ps. 22:22). David, obviously, was not one of those persons who went around saying, “God knows what’s in my heart”. What was in his heart found outward expression both alone and with others.
authoritatively was this world system invaded that it could not touch even one tiny baby who was foreordained to be the embodiment of the advancing Kingdom of God in this earth (compare Mk.2:12). Rome had conquered the world but it didn’t know what to do with a carpenter from Nazareth (Lk.23:4). He walked about freely demonstrating the Kingdom of God (Lk.11:20). He confounded the proponents of false religion (Matt.12:2-5, 24-28). They set a guard on His tomb but could not prevent the invigorating power of the rule of God over death nor could they prevent Jehovah-Sabaoth’s messenger from rolling back the sealed tombstone. The rule and authority of God to finish what He started is unstoppable.
blessing to others was the recognition of the relationship that existed between God and a true worshiper. Parrots are cute when they mimic but are not necessarily a blessing. Though David’s praises and prayers contained adjectives and descriptions of God learned from youth, he still put heart and soul into praising the Lord who is “my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Ps. 18:1-2).
Though supplication through prayer, making one’s needs known before God, was zealously taught David from the time he was a small child, David made his praises primary. It is apparent David sought God that he might know Him, while many were and are now seeking God only as a means to an end. If we had a recorder going 24/7, we might find it very interesting to hear the high percentage of pleas, requests and demands we make of God Almighty, as compared to the percentage of time spent in praise. “BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL,” the Psalmist cries. This is not a cry for assistance or “blessing” for he has not pleaded, “Bless my soul, Lord,“ but rather proclaimed, “Bless the Lord!” (Psalm 104:1) “…the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers.” (Jn.4:23b, Amp)
As the people of God assemble today, may there be faith stirred in hearts concerning those who have been absented from the local fellowship. May there be expectancy that they be returned to the fellowship to edify and, once again, take their place on the wall. “May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent and hidden one from another.” (GEN. 31:49, Amp)
Let us be careful what we say. The Lord doesn’t want what we speak falling to the ground. (1Sam.3:19) “Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.”Ps. 141:3, Amp)
While watching his father’s sheep, David was nurturing that intimate relationship with prayers and songs. The cathedral that echoed his vocal praises was the cathedral of air and hillside which was far removed from gilded halls. The audience upon whose ears the melodious praises fell were only animals who were not able to boast of his talents nor were they able to appreciate these acts the way religious devotees laud those who practice what is expected of them. For David, it was honest and grateful expression of his relationship with God, whether God was the only audience or not.
Long before David ever became king of Israel, he had a secret relationship with God. There was relationship, communing between David and God, long before he wrote the beautiful Psalms which are part of our worship and meditations today. The Psalms were not the result of a weekend revival nor the result of a trip through a falling-down prayer line. They are the result of a life of worship and trusting God in all circumstances. ”I was once young, but now I’m old. Not once have I found a lover of God forsaken by him, nor have any of their children gone hungry.” (Ps.37:25, TPT)
uncomfortably personal. But since the controversy over where to worship was endless, she hoped to divert Jesus from the subject at hand. Jesus didn’t allow her to control the situation and divert him from the real need. The real need was honesty with God in life, in worship. Worship is not something that takes place in a “sacred location” or “sacred building” or “sacred ceremony.” Worship is a way of living before God as well as offering songs, readings, wave offerings and other such acts of adoration. The true worshiper deals honestly and openly with God at all times, not just in certain locations or at special times.
God in a way that ministers to him and the Scriptures clearly show us numerous ways which are acceptable to him. As the loving spontaneity of children delights their earthly father, so our Heavenly Father delights in the spontaneous praising and worshipping of his children. A worshiping example is “Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. FOR THE LORD TAKES DELIGHT IN HIS PEOPLE; he crowns the humble with salvation (Ps. 149:1-4).
No matter how young or how old we are, no matter what the current circumstances around us, we dare not agree with opposition in health or time or circumstance or relationships more than we agree that Father God has determined our days. Our purpose is eternal and will continue when we step from this earthly realm into the next. We must remain faithful and full of hope in this earthly dimension, knowing it is the boot-camp development of our character and purpose for the next. We can take rest in the confidence that God has POSITIONED us for His plans. In covenant with our awesome God, it is His part to position our purpose in history. It is our part to walk it out daily. (Last excerpt from Kathy’s article “Positioned for Purpose”.)
As the people of God assemble today, may they realize that they are children of the Kingdom of God which is the Kingdom of Light and that there is nothing working in darkness that can defeat the unshakeable Kingdom of God. May they rejoice as those who walk in the Light and fellowship of King Jesus. ”Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe;” (Heb.12:8, Amp)
forefathers never imagined (Jer.33:3)—But it will require moving from being waiters and observers to acting. It will require shifting, modifications, transitions and intense exertion: the “violent” action of Matt.11:12 which means “intense exertion.” It is not violent in the sense of doing persons harm but in the sense of putting forth effort (i.e., intense exertion) in opposition to things that oppose purpose. We must oppose darkness like opposing a rattlesnake trying to crawl up in our bed. We must do it for our King and for a generation.
need to fulfill what we were born to do! So, let’s just do it. And may we never stop just because we can’t see its effect or success. Don’t stop being faithful daily just because you feel you can accomplish little or nothing. The purpose and plans of God will out last your weaknesses and mistakes and disappointments. Don’t stop because you are tired. Lean into His rest. Don’t stop because you are discouraged. Lean into His courage. God is faithful to guard His purpose in us because His purpose is bigger than us. (Twelfth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Positioned for Purpose”.)
reference to various forms of worship which different groups have practiced in worship services. We must admit, we can’t go wrong by sticking with Scripture. Perhaps the finest testimony concerning Israel is found in Exodus 39:43 “…they had done it just as the Lord had commanded.” The first point of realization for the worshipper here is to realize that the worshiper is not the focal point in worship… God is. The second point of realization that would greatly add to our worship is that we are to be responsive to what GOD WANTS. It may be that form that we have rejected or it may be some act that we have yet to discover in the Scriptures.
Is walking in God-ordained purpose easy? No, every biography of a known person in the Bible is far from easy. However, if God be for us, What or Who can be against us? Can age deteriorate purpose? Can circumstances nullify purpose? The enemy hopes you will think so. He hopes we will believe we are too weak, too old, too flawed or too unworthy to even have purpose. The enemy cannot defeat your purpose nor keep God from positioning you in history, he can only hope you will climb off your horse and quit! (Eleventh excerpt from Kathy’s article “Positioned for Purpose”.)
It is possible for one who is in physical bonds to rejoice as one without bonds. Paul and Silas did that at a very dreary hour. Not only were they lifted in their spirits and delivered but “the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, AND EVERYBODY’S CHAINS CAME LOOSE.” (Acts 16:25-26) May our song, may words and the sounds of our lives testify of us that we knew our God as MIGHTY TO SAVE!
Did you think you were born to just live, then die? Our God, who knows the end of everything before it begins has interwoven our lives in the tapestry of his plans for mankind. Each thread brings color and dimension to the big picture. If we think our life span is just about us, we live in danger of being robbed of destiny. (Tenth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Positioned for Purpose”.)
May your blood-sugar come to proper levels and may all your organs and limbs receive the properly oxygenated blood they need for long and strong life. “My power will be fresh every day, and the bow in my hand will remain new.” (Job 29:20, GW)
every inch of our path through life. The flow of purpose is so intricately woven by God that we will only realize its full significance in hindsight. So, the true simplicity of purpose boils down to living aware of God daily. Thanksgiving, praise, worship, obedience and godly choices will flow out of that awareness. We tend the garden of our life, watering the plants daily, not sure when or how often they will bloom in our lifetime and thereafter. We are POSITIONED to be faithful in watering and He is faithful to bring forth fruit that is eternal. (Ninth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Positioned for Purpose”.)
Mary and Joseph never would have guessed their common, mundane lives were moving toward such eternal impact. In fact, they probably never fully grasped the magnitude of their purpose while they lived on earth. The issues and responsibilities of everyday life had to overshadow their thinking and senses at times. Seven-year-old Jesus most likely took his father’s hammer and left it by the creek to rust, after he’d nailed a boat together using his mom’s best serving bowl. At supper that night, I’m sure neither Joseph nor Mary sensed divine purpose at work in their lives or his! The majority of the time they were simply rearing a son. And they probably wondered if they were doing well. After all, everyone remembered the time they had accidentally left him behind while traveling. And you know they had typical friends and family watching their non-typical teenager with an opinionated glare. (Eighth excerpt from Kathy’s article “Positioned for Purpose”.)
The month of AUGUST IS FOR GOD’S FIRE TO BURN the worthless things we have incorporated into our values, beliefs and practices; things that have been separated from the pure by His winnowing fork will burn. The fire burns what the sifting has made manifest so that the pure wheat, without mixture, may be profitable for the Master’s use. “He comes with a winnowing fork in his hands and comes to his threshing floor to sift what is worthless from what is pure. And he is ready to sweep out his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his granary, but the straw he will burn up with a fire that can’t be extinguished!” (Matt.3:12,TPT)
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