faceMORE the wall

The last part about the parable really hit me.

Chapter 4 - Sons of Zadok

Sons of Zadok were Levites that proved themselves to be faithful to the Lord...they were allowed to come near to the presence of God and minister to Him. As for Zadok, he was sent back to Jerusalem to worship in the tabernacle--while David was hidden from his son Absalom--to also spy on him. And Zadok's sons brought infomation back to David.

Unfaithful Levites--Ezekiel 44:10~12
Serving God's people in the presence of an idol caused a whole nation to fall into sin. If performance or entertainment is an idol to the musicians on stage, it will cause the people to fall into sin.

Idols: 2 Kings 22 & 23--King Josiah
Made king of Judah when he was just 8. Read the book of the covenant when he was 18. Began to tear down the high places--even in the holy temple.

Praise Leaders Today
Praise leaders today need to know the Word well neough and have a close relationship with God and to recognize an ambitious spirit, an idol, or anything that tries to deal with those spirits as soon as they are identified.

Allowed to Come Close
I've always thought that I had to do something that would bring the presence of the Lord. Now I see that He is always there and it is me that needs to draw close to Him. Only faithfulness will accomplish that. (Ezekiel 44:15~16) Drawing near means SACRIFICE or OFFERING: our sacrifice of praise is our hope of drawing near to God.

Assuming a High Position
When entertainers or praise bands come together, they must start by taking a lowly seat first. Then, if the head of that meeting chooses to lift you up, it will be done with true honor and not from self-promotion.

Parable of Talents--Matt 25:14~30
Talent does not only mean money, but also real talents that we have. Well, you should at least have put my money into the bank so I could have some interest. (Matt 25:27 NLT) The word "least" means the least one can do with their talent is to draw interest on it. Trying to make money or gain interest from your talent is not the worst thing you can do with it--it's the least you can do with it. If you invest in your talent, it will grow. The growth was what pleased the returning Master, not the amount.
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That's just a little bit about the chapter with many points unmentioned! This book is small, yet it is packed with so many goodies! I think starting April, I would like Radical Jam to read this book together as a band.

Some other awesome stuff:
It is not by strength that one prevails;
those who oppose the Lord will be shattered.
He will thunder against them from heaven;
the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
He will give strength to His king
and exalt the horn of His anointed.
-1 Samuel 2:9~10-
I gotta look into the meaning of HORN.

...and the outcry of the city went up to heaven.
-1 Samuel 5:12-
I want a fresh interpretation over this verse. Ima going to meditate over this one for a couple days =)

Psalm 30 is a MUST READ. It's beautifully written by David for the dedication of the temple! You want to restore the tent of David? This is the song sung when the tent was up!

Lord I love to worship You.
Hold nothing back.

Johnny