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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Thursday, 29 December 2022:
1 Chronicles 24:5 — They divided them by lot, all alike, for there were sacred officers and officers of God among both the sons of Eleazar and the sons of Ithamar.
Casting lots removed human bias and any perceptions of favoritism when deciding between parties with conflicting interests. In the case of these verses, some positions were likely considered more important, valuable, or prestigious than others, so lots were cast to avoid perceptions of partiality. In pride, people tend to vie for important positions, and people tend to work harder when the spotlight is on them than when they are behind the scenes. Jesus called these people hypocrites which is the Greek word for stage actor. How you perform when no one is watching is who you really are. Throughout the Bible, we see God mightily using those who no one else seems to notice. Jesus himself lived most of his life in the shadow of mighty Herod, unnoticed by most. Of Him Isaiah said, “He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 53:2) Jesus told us, “And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:9-12) Pursue the Person of Jesus, not a position. Be faithful with whatever God gives you to do, for His glory, not yours. If your task is the clean the toilet, make that toilet fitting for the KING, and rejoice in such an opportunity.
Revelation 21:6 – And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.”
God’s provision is free and unending for those who accept it.
Revelation 21:7 – The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Eternal life is enjoying a childlike love relationship with God.
Revelation 21:8 – But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.
Fear and disbelief prevent you from sharing in God’s inheritance.
Second death is death after resurrection for judgment and is shared by all unbelievers. If you are born twice (physical birth and spiritual birth through salvation in Jesus) you will die once (the physical death). If you are born once (physical birth) you will die twice (physical death, and permanently dead in spirit, as you are born).
Revelation 21:10-21 – And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
You are part of the holy new Jerusalem with all its glory and beauty.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 29 December 2022: Make your relationship with Jesus your top priority today and every day. (Revelation 21:7)
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 