Holding the Structure Together

Holding the Structure Together

Exodus 26: ²⁶ “And you shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards on one side of the tabernacle, ²⁷ five bars for the boards on the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the far side westward. ²⁸ The middle bar shall pass through the midst of the boards from end to end. ²⁹ You shall overlay the boards with gold, make their rings of gold as holders for the bars, and overlay the bars with gold. ³⁰ And you shall raise up the tabernacle according to its pattern which you were shown on the mountain.

 

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GOD provided Moses with the instructions on how to hold the temporary structure together.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wanted the children of Israel to succeed, so HE gave very detailed instructions.
• GOD wanted the structure to be held together in a sturdy fashion.
• GOD wanted to be with HIS people without the distractions of the structure falling apart.

 

Providing the engineering of how to keep the structure together seems to be a pattern that GOD showed before. When HE gave Noah specific instructions, HE used the ark to save humanity. This time HIS reason for building the tabernacle was to be with HIS creation and guide them daily.

 

GOD told Moses t use strong wood, overlayed with a substance that came from heaven, namely gold. Gold was not currency to GOD, rather building material. HE was preparing a place to have safe discussions with HIM so the people would not be harmed by HIS presence. GOD could not risk a panel or a curtain falling down, exposing the high priest to HIS glory, which would kill a person instantly.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the bars that would hold the tabernacle together?
• Has GOD indicated to you that HE wants to be with you?
• How is GOD showing you that HE wants a strong stable relationship with HIM?

Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder

Genesis 28: ¹⁰ Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. ¹¹ So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. ¹² Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

 

¹³ And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. ¹⁴ Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. ¹⁵ Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”

 

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Jacob fled from Esau, heading to his uncle Laban to find a wife. Somewhere during the journey, he went to sleep. GOD provided a vision during his dream.

 

My Observations:

• GOD showed Jacob a supernatural interaction between angels and earth.
• GOD reiterates HIS promise to Abraham through his descendants.
• GOD provides assurance, stating HE would be with Jacob, keep him and not leave him until HIS blessing was fulfilled.

 

 

Jacob the deceiver was told that he would be blessed. He did not know that he would be part of the lineage of JESUS who would save the world. GOD promised that HE would bless Jacob’s descendants from west and east, north and south. Anywhere humans would go, HIS blessing would be available.

 

This blessing would not protect Jacob from problems. Jacob would face many issues. We also face issues and wonder, “How is this a blessing?” GOD has not finished the story for you and me. HE values us enough to reveal HIS purpose for us and is powerful enough to make it happen.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the vision Jacob had?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD would use you for anything?
• What promises has GOD made to you that have not come to pass yet?

Now and Always

 

Now and Always

Hebrews 7: ²³ There is another difference: there were many of those other priests, because they died and could not continue their work. ²⁴ But Jesus lives on forever, and his work as priest does not pass on to someone else. ²⁵ And so he is able, now and always, to save those who come to God through him, because he lives forever to plead with God for them.

 

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Looking around for my building materials, I found the perfect items that would “last.” I got an old blanket and some sticks I found to use as the poles of my tent. I then found some rocks that would stabilize the bottom of the tent. “This is invincible” I thought to myself. The next day I went out to enjoy the tent, only to find it laying flat and wet. It had rained and my flimsy design did not last.

 

• I thought the thing “I” built would last.
• I thought I had built something strong when it was really very weak.
• I thought I had built something permanent, but it did not last a day.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, points out a difference between JESUS and human priests. JESUS, after the resurrection, would never die. Human priests, were susceptible to death, therefore their ability to plea to GOD on behalf of everyone was limited.

 

My Observations:

• My belief in JESUS’ power to forgive me gives me eternal life.
• If a question were to come up later about my sin, JESUS would always be three to say I am forgiven.
• There is no sin I have committed, or will ever commit, that will break my relationship with JESUS.

 

When JESUS saved me it was permanent. I mean, sometimes I think that if I temporarily act “good” then my salvation is in “my” hands. I could not be further from the truth. JESUS saved me in the middle of my sin, while I was committing them. HE also knew I could not stay on my diet of being good, so HE decided to do something a little more permanent.

 

HIS death, burial and resurrection became the covenant that made me and you able to be saved forever. HE forgives me retrospectively and perpetually . In other words, “all” my sins are forgiven! I am glad I have a permanent relationship with the one who saves, namely JESUS!.

 

Challenge

• What work is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever made a plan that turned out to be flimsy and it fell apart?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS, who can save you in this life and the next, today?

Different Than a Tantrum

 

Different Than a Tantrum

Hebrews 6: ⁴ For how can those who abandon their faith be brought back to repent again? They were once in God's light; they tasted heaven's gift and received their share of the Holy Spirit; ⁵ they knew from experience that God's word is good, and they had felt the powers of the coming age. ⁶ And then they abandoned their faith! It is impossible to bring them back to repent again, because they are again crucifying the Son of God and exposing him to public shame.

 

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“I’m not going to serve YOU anymore” was my threat to GOD. I was tired of the hypocrites and saw no difference from those who were supposed to be “good” and those who were supposed to be “sinners.” And it didn’t seem like I was any better off trying this “GOD” stuff. I was still broke, alone and failing.

 

• I threw a tantrum and left GOD.
• I wanted to try “pleasure” as a way to cope with the burdens of life.
• I gave up following GOD to try something different and ended up worse off.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, asks a very deep rhetorical question. “For how can those who abandon their faith be brought back to repent again?” He was not speaking about falling into temptation, rather walking away from believing in JESUS as the Savior for some other belief. It means there was a clear understanding of the faith in JESUS and a choice to not believe.

 

My Observations

• My salvation began before the beginning of the world.
• Once I accept CHRIST as my Savior, I am eternally saved.
• Even when I throw a tantrum and try to stop serving GOD, HE is still with me.

 

Abandoning the faith is different than throwing a tantrum. I mean, when I am not getting “my” way, I may try to force GOD’s hand to make thing happen the way I think they should. This is not a good practice, but HE gently guides me back to HIM. But what about those who pretend to be saved?

 

Whether it is for fitting in or it felt like the right thing to do at the time, but now this other thing feels like the right thing to do, these people publicly abandoned faith in JESUS. In pondering this, it could mean that the initial “belief” was not belief, rather a possible deception. GOD knows who is HIS and HE will never leave those who believe in HIM. I am glad GOD forgives my tantrums and brings me back to the faith.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by “Abandon the faith?”
• Have you ever wanted to stop following GOD because you were not getting your way?
• Will you check your relationship with GOD by understanding the foundation of JESUS as your Savior, so you can focus on HIS growth HE has for you today?

Staying Power

Staying Power

2 Timothy 4: ¹⁶ No one stood by me the first time I defended myself; all deserted me. May God not count it against them! ¹⁷ But the Lord stayed with me and gave me strength, so that I was able to proclaim the full message for all the Gentiles to hear; and I was rescued from being sentenced to death. ¹⁸ And the Lord will rescue me from all evil and take me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

 

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Attracting people was not an issue until I began imitating some of those who were more powerful. I figured since he or she was “successful”, I would try some of their standoffish, curt, directive ways. Soon my crowd was thinning out.

 

• Basically I had become the jerk who I did not even like.
• I pushed people away versus attracting them.
• I eventually had to admit that I was the problem and had to change quickly or be alone.

 

Paul sent Timothy a message about being alone. He used himself as the example when many people left him as he went off to speak about JESUS. Paul, a former murderer, felt all alone as he repented his ways and spoke about JESUS. Only ONE stood by him.

 

My Observations

• Even when I pushed people away, GOD did not leave me.
• GOD can see more about me than I can see in myself.
• GOD’s love for me is far greater than any political, social or historical boundaries I may fall into.

 

GOD’s love is quite amazing! I mean, HE sees when I am acting like a jerk and still loves me. HE does correct me and opens my eyes to HIS correction. HE then puts me back on HIS path. I may feel all alone and HE recognizes my loneliness.

 

HE stays with me and tells me “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead. My belief in HIM gives me the HOLY SPIRIT who lives inside me, never leaving me. I am glad GOD doesn’t not leave me, even when I try to isolate myself.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer sound?
• Have you ever felt lonely?
• Will you know that GOD is with you because JESUS died for you and was raised from the dead for you and has place HIS HOLY SPIRIT in you so you will never be alone?

Children of the Promise

 

Children of the Promise

Romans 9: ⁶ It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. ⁷ Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” ⁸ In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. ⁹ For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”

 

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“I’m going to build a new garage” were the words we overheard. This was great news to me because I would use the old garage as my private toilet when I did not feel like stop playing, and now it started to stink.

 

The next day, I got with my siblings and we tore a good sized hole in the garage. “What are you doing?!” was the shout. “We are tearing down the garage” we replied excitedly. The garage wasn’t planned to be built for months.

 

• There have been times when I believed in the promise, but could not wait for the result.
• There have been times when I could see the promised fulfilled in my mind, so I tried to help the promise come in my timing.
• There have been times when I was part of the promise, but not in a way I expected.

 

Abraham was promised that he would be the father of a countless nation of people who would follow GOD. He decided to help GOD with this promise by having a child with a younger woman. GOD’s promise was fulfilled through Sarah, the older woman. Paul’s explained Abraham’s impatience.

 

• GOD has a plan for me and wants me to watch HIM make it unfold.
• GOD has a promise for me, but it includes many other factors I cannot see.
• GOD has a place for me and HE is busy preparing it.

 

When GOD promises something, it will happen. I mean, HE promises things that seem impossible to me, so I try to help HIM out with my efforts. BUT GOD is forgiving. HE sees my futile attempts to “help” HIM and shows me grace anyway.

 

GOD is my FATHER because I believe in JESUS who died for me and is alive making a wonderful place for me. HIS ways are not my ways, HIS thoughts are not my thoughts and HIS plans are always fulfilled. I am glad I am HIS child and I believe in HIS promises.

 

• Is your family dysfunctional?
• Have you fallen into the trap of thinking you are not valued?
• Will you stop believing the lie and know you are a child of GOD and HIS promise for you is far beyond what you could ever think?

Signs of Passion

Mark 16: ¹⁹ So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. ²⁰ And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

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“Why am I doing this?” was my question as I continued doing the thankless job. It seemed like no one cared about what I was doing at the time so each time I did what I was doing, it became more of a chore. One day someone said, “I have been watching you for years. What makes you do what you do?” “Wow!” I thought to myself. “What should I say?”

• There were times when I wanted a sign that I was doing the right thing.
• There were times when I wanted to give up because I did not have a sign.
• There were times when I wanted someone to at least thank me for what I was doing.

After seeing JESUS absorbed into heaven and witnessed HIM sitting at the right hand of GOD, the disciples had passion like you would never believe. They went everywhere and told everyone they could meet that JESUS CHRIST is LORD.  JESUS did not just let them go alone. HE went with them confirming everything they said about HIM. HE gave signs so that others may believe.

• JESUS wants me to go out and speak about HIM with passion.
• JESUS wants me to have passion without the need for signs.
• JESUS wants me to be excited about HIM and HE will provide the right words at the right time.

GOD wants passion from me. HE doesn’t require much from me at all, but when I show passion for HIM, HE gives me evidence that HE is working through me by drawing many people to HIM. JESUS rewards my passion for HIM and that is all I need.

• Are you looking for signs?
• Do you feel discouraged because you haven’t seen what you are looking for from HIM?
• Can you renew your passion about JESUS by simply telling people about HIM today?

Incredible Timing

Mark 14: ¹² Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?”

¹³ And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him.¹⁴ Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ ¹⁵ Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.”

¹⁶ So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.

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Driving on an expressway in a city of millions my junker of a car broke down in the middle of a lane. “What am I to do now?” I thought. Only a few minutes passed when I felt a gentle bump. I looked in my mirror and it was a couple of people gesturing that they would push my car with theirs. I put the car into gear to “pop the clutch” and the car started. Later I found out it was a friend I knew who pushed me.

• There have been times when something great happens to me.
• There have been times when something difficult happens to me.
• There have been times when the timing was just right and things just happened to go my way.

JESUS lays out a plan that on the surface sounds pretty staged. Did HE meet with a guy and set the whole thing up? I don’t think so. JESUS sent HIS disciples to a willing person who was open to share his place. The timing had to be perfect in order for them to follow the right person in this crowded town.

• GOD has incredible timing for me.
• GOD has miraculously watched over me every day.
• GOD has done some amazing things around me that I categorize as the mundane.

Giving thanks to GOD for what I consider “mundane” may be giving HIM thanks for a huge miracle. HIS timing includes protection from harm, guidance during stressful times and paths to HIS awesome plan. GOD’s timing is always incredible for me.

• Can you see GOD’s timing in your life?
• Do you think HE has pulled away from you?
• Will you open the eyes of your heart to see HIM working in your life?

Being Take Care Of

Isaiah 34: ¹⁴ Desert creatures will meet with hyenas,
    and wild goats will bleat to each other;
there the night creatures will also lie down
    and find for themselves places of rest.
¹⁵ The owl will nest there and lay eggs,
    she will hatch them, and care for her young
    under the shadow of her wings;
there also the falcons will gather,
    each with its mate.

¹⁶ Look in the scroll of the Lord and read:

None of these will be missing,
    not one will lack her mate.
For it is his mouth that has given the order,
    and his Spirit will gather them together.
¹⁷ He allots their portions;
    his hand distributes them by measure.
They will possess it forever
    and dwell there from generation to generation.

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Scared was the only word to describe how I felt as I clutched my chest. I had never felt a pain like this one and it would not go away. As I sat in my apartment alone I wondered if this was it. Was it my time to go? I mean I was just starting out.

• There were times when I felt afraid.
• There were times when I felt scared.
• There were times when I felt alone.

I called a coworker the next day and he took me to the doctor. I had a bruised sternum and needed to lay off the exercise for a while. What a relief! But the incident made me think. How do other people feel?

• GOD wants me to tell people they are never alone.
• GOD wants me to say to others “HE will never leave them nor forsake them.”
• GOD wants me to exclaim to many that HE has a plan for them and HE is providing order on a daily basis.

Looking back I can see that I was never alone. HE was always there for me and is faithful to always be there for whatever I go through.

• Do you feel alone?
• Are you nervous and confused?
• Can you reach out to GOD and ask HIM for HIS divine order today?