Heavy Temporary Dwelling Place

Heavy Temporary Dwelling Place

Exodus 26: ¹⁴ “You shall also make a covering of ram skins dyed red for the tent, and a covering of badger skins above that.

 

¹⁵ “And for the tabernacle you shall make the boards of acacia wood, standing upright. ¹⁶ Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the width of each board. ¹⁷ Two tenons shall be in each board for binding one to another. Thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle. ¹⁸ And you shall make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards for the south side. ¹⁹ You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards: two sockets under each of the boards for its two tenons. ²⁰ And for the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, there shall be twenty boards ²¹ and their forty sockets of silver: two sockets under each of the boards. ²² For the far side of the tabernacle, westward, you shall make six boards. ²³ And you shall also make two boards for the two back corners of the tabernacle. ²⁴ They shall be coupled together at the bottom and they shall be coupled together at the top by one ring. Thus it shall be for both of them. They shall be for the two corners. ²⁵ So there shall be eight boards with their sockets of silver—sixteen sockets—two sockets under each of the boards.

 

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GOD gave Moses very specific instruction to cover the tabernacle. HE also provided details into the structure that could easily be assembled and disassembled.

 

My Observations:

• GOD chose a sturdy wood that was rot and water resistant and very heavy.
• GOD gave the instructions on how to make a tongue and groove structure that was not flimsy.
• GOD wanted a temporary meeting place that would need to be carried around for forty years.

 

The tabernacle weighed about seven to ten tons. Its top was red and had a dark center. GOD seems to want the structure noticed and carefully carried. This enormous structure would require a large group of people to build, assemble and disassemble it when GOD said to move from one location to the next.

 

There was no other structure like it at the time. The Egyptians had stone pyramid tombs and huge grain vaults, made by the children of Israel. GOD was preparing the children of Israel for HIS presence. HE would be with them and wanted a formal structure. I notice that the structure came after the curse mentioned in Genesis. The structure was more for humans than it was for GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the top and walls of the tabernacle?
• Has GOD called you into something that requires a stronger structure?
• Does GOD want you to strengthen the flimsy idea and make it into something sturdy with components?

Becoming Strong

Becoming Strong

Hebrews 11: ³² Should I go on? There isn't enough time for me to speak of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. ³³ Through faith they fought whole countries and won. They did what was right and received what God had promised. They shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴ put out fierce fires, escaped being killed by the sword. They were weak, but became strong; they were mighty in battle and defeated the armies of foreigners. ³⁵ Through faith women received their dead relatives raised back to life.

 

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“You need some help?” was the welcome question that was posed to me. “Yes!” I quickly replied to the strangers who saw me struggling to move my furniture in by myself. What was taking me hours took minutes. I had no pay, but I said “Thank you!”

 

• I thought I could do this myself.
• I thought I did not need anyone, but I did.
• I thought I was strong enough, but really I was weak.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, had just presented a list of various types of faith examples. He then mentions something they all had in common, namely they were weak. None of the people mentioned, set out to accomplish anything, rather, they were used by GOD in an extraordinary way and were labeled as strong.

 

My Observations:

• Strength in GOD means I do ordinary things and HE does something extraordinary with it.
• GOD simply wants me to stay focused on HIM and allow HIM to show HIS strength.
• I have to recognize and appreciate how weak I am in order to gain the strength I need from GOD.

 

For when I am weak, then I am strong. I mean, when I recognize I need GOD and the people HE sends, then I can get strong. Human strength and bring on human results, which sometimes look tempting. I can remain in control when I do things with human effort. It makes me feel better, but the results won’t have GOD’s blessings, which makes any result poor.

 

When I include GOD in my plans and recognize it will only take HIS power to move the mountain, then I get a supernatural result that I cannot explain. My weak effort becomes something amazing that can only be attributed to GOD. I am glad to say I am weak, therefore I can get strong through faith in GOD.

 

Challenge

• Can you imagine a time when the people the writer lists, were weak?
• Have you ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed or exhausted and wanted help from GOD?
• Will you recognize you are weak and need GOD to provide HIS strength in all your plans so HE can make them effective, HIS way and HIS time?

Getting Stronger

Getting Stronger

1 Thessalonians 3: ¹¹ May our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus prepare the way for us to come to you! ¹² May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow more and more and become as great as our love for you. ¹³ In this way he will strengthen you, and you will be perfect and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all who belong to him

 

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“I don’t like that guy” I said to myself. I also said “I don’t like that woman” because she was associated with “that” guy. Each time I saw him or her, I would get distracted at the brazen attacks they did on people. “How am I going to protect myself? I wondered.

 

• I spent hours and hours thinking of ways to protect “my” ideas and career.
• I missed deadlines because I was so concerned with protecting myself that I forgot to do what I was supposed to do.
• I was so distracted making labels for him and her that I had no time to create new ideas.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy send their best to the people of Thessalonica. They knew the people had faced difficulties that need a solution. The problem stemmed from church leaders and government officials persecuting people because of their belief in JESUS. They needed something to make them stronger, namely love.

 

My Observations

• Love is the strengthening source that GOD wants me to have.
• Love clears up paths that seem to be filled with barriers.
• Love enables me to, one day, become perfect and holy in the presence of GOD and FATHER when our LORD JESUS comes.

 

GOD is love. GOD is power. Love is power. Seems simple, but I don’t always take advantage of this great exercise for my soul. I mean, it is easier for me to hate other people and label him or her “wrong” versus taking the harder route of loving those who seem to hate me.

 

Love takes patience, goodness, kindness faithfulness, joy, peace, gentleness and self-control. When I exercise the fruit of the Spirit, I get stronger, because GOD’s strength is made perfect in my weakness. I diminish and HE grows. I am glad HE gives me a better way, namely love for one another.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writers wanted to come to the people?
• Have you ever gotten so mad or distracted by someone that you cannot think?
• Will you ask GOD for a portion of HIS love so you will become stronger and able to withstand attacks, so you will also stay on the HIS path today?

Strong Roots

Strong Roots

Colossians 2: ⁶ Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. ⁷ Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving.

 

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Shaken at the experience of being robbed, I could not sleep. What if the bad guys are still out there? I started thinking of ways to “protect” myself, but came to the same conclusion each time. I was helpless.

 

• I felt unsafe.
• I wondered why things like this happened to me.
• I felt weak and alone.

 

Paul gives some advice from the LORD. “Since you have accepted CHRIST JESUS as LORD, live in union with HIM.” This message was for preparation versus encouragement. He tells everyone to have deep roots in HIM to face difficult times.

 

My Observations

Unity in CHRIST enables me to go through difficulties with a clear head.

Deep roots in CHRIST brings HIS Word to mind when I need it most.

Building my life on CHRIST gives me a firm foundation that never changes, is always there and does not falter.

 

There are a lot of scary things out there these days. I mean, the fear of the day has humans shifting from one solution to the next. Some problems seem impossible for me to fix. BUT GOD says “I got this!”

 

When I place my total faith in CHRIST, then even the most difficult of circumstances tend to clear up in ways I did not imagine. HE gives me the weapon of “thanksgiving” which slays the enemy of fear, doubt and worry. I am grateful for CHRIST and HIS sacrifice for me.

 

Challenge

• What does it mean to live in union with CHRIST?
• What do you think the writer means by “keep your roots deep in HIM?”
• Will you relook at your circumstance with the foundation of CHRIST so HE will make your faith stronger today?

Prayer for Your Strength

Prayer for Your Strength

Colossians 1: ^11-12 May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light. 

 

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Weakness has been a lifelong problem with me. From bullies who physically taunted me to falling for temptation to acquiescing to fear, it seemed like I had no strength to fight off foes I was supposed to.be able to withstand.

 

• I felt weak.
• I wondered “Why does GOD let people get away with things?”
• I complained “Why do YOU allow attacks, hurt and pain?”

 

Paul knew many people would question their suffering and pain. Because of his relationship with CHRIST, he was able to do amazing things, but he also had to suffer great pain. Knowing the pain he went through, he said a small prayer for those who follow GOD and are persecuted for it.

 

My Observations

• When I am weak, GOD is strong.
• Placing everything in GOD’s hands makes me strong.
• Seeking GOD’s protection helps me to let go of things that make me worry.

 

Too much ownership makes me worry which in turn causes me to take action “my” way. I mean, when I look at the thing that is in front of me, am I frustrated, or wanting “my” way or filled with fear? The answer has been “all \of the above.” BUT GOD has a remedy, “Give it to ME.”

 

No decision is too large or small for GOD. HE can withstand my sin and provide grace when I fall. HE gives me patience to not run away from difficulties and joy to endure hardship which brings thanks instead of complaints. I am thankful GOD is willing to share what HE has reserved for HIS people in the kingdom of light with me.

 

Challenge

• What strength does the writer suggest?
• Have you ever felt weak?
• Will you let go of your decisions and allow GOD to guide you so you can endure “everything with patience?”

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader with strength that comes from YOU. Bless this reader with endurance, patience, joy and thankfulness that YOU have made us share in YOUR kingdom of light. amen

Edge Dwellers

Edge Dwellers

1 Corinthians 4: ⁸ Do you already have everything you need? Are you already rich? Have you become kings, even though we are not? Well, I wish you really were kings, so that we could be kings together with you. ⁹ For it seems to me that God has given the very last place to us apostles, like people condemned to die in public as a spectacle for the whole world of angels and of human beings. ¹⁰ For Christ's sake we are fools; but you are wise in union with Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! We are despised, but you are honored! ¹¹ To this very moment we go hungry and thirsty; we are clothed in rags; we are beaten; we wander from place to place; ¹² we wear ourselves out with hard work. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; ¹³ when we are insulted, we answer back with kind words. We are no more than this world's garbage; we are the scum of the earth to this very moment!

 

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“What is the maximum amount of money I can make and still be pleasing to GOD?” I thought greedily to myself. No one had the answer. From my perspective, some greedy leaders would say, “There is no limit.”

 

Another perspective would be “You have to manufacture a perception of humbleness, but still own a house and a car and subscription entertainment with not too many channels.” Still another would say “You must give up everything and live outside, eating only off the land.”

 

• There have been many times when I have struggled over my relationship with CHRIST.
• There have been many times when I wondered if I could test my limits with GOD.
• There have been many times when I desired to do things “my” way without thought of what GOD wanted.

 

Paul gives some difficult words to live by. As an apostle, he explains that life was very, very hard. His only purpose was to spread the Good News of JESUS. Apostles were poor, despised by church leaders, clothed in rags, beaten, homeless and often exploited by the rich to do hard labor just to eat. But apostles did this for the LORD.

 

• GOD wants me to stop trying to figure out the maximum greed I can have and simply be led by the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to stop trying to figure out the maximum amount of hidden sin I can have and simply be led by HIS Word.
• GOD wants me to stop trying to think about “my” position in heaven and simply praise JESUS for saving me.

 

Comparing myself to others is dangerous. I mean, one rich person who says words that make a lot of people mad may get me thinking he or she is destined for hell. On the other hand a homeless person may be viewed as an addict or a prostitute and cast out or looked down upon. BUT GOD wants me to be different.

 

HE wants me to praise HIM in plenty or in sparse times. Sometimes I am the helper and sometimes I need help. HE wants me to stay away from dwelling on the edge of the things that can draw me away from serving HIM with all my heart. I still fall into the deep, blinding holes of worldly thinking. I am grateful GOD pursues me and raises me out of these holes constantly.

 

• Are you questioning your relationship with GOD?
• Are you trying to manipulate GOD by your show or humbleness?
• Do you think your riches have not made you blind?
• Will you relax your worries and simply be in union with JESUS today?

To Build Them Up

 

To Build Them Up

Romans 15: We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak to carry their burdens. We should not please ourselves. ² Instead, we should all please other believers for their own good, in order to build them up in the faith. ³ For Christ did not please himself. Instead, as the scripture says, “The insults which are hurled at you have fallen on me.”

 

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Hurling insults at the other team seemed like the right thing to do. I joined in on the “fun” and called the other team names through clever cheers and chants. Our team won! But when it was time to go home, the other school did not appreciate the previous insults. Fights broke out and escape was my only thought.

 

There have been many times when I used insults to feel better about myself.

There have been many times when I used insults to feel part of the “winning” crowd.

There have been many times when I used insults to feel superior to “those” people.

 

Paul tries to shift everyone’s thinking to follow the example of CHRIST. JESUS took the insults that were meant for other people and died in our place when HE committed no wrong. Paul gives some great advice. “Build them up.”

 

GOD wants me to build people up so they will continue in the faith.

GOD wants me to speak encouraging words to everyone so their faith will increase.

GOD wants me to carry the burdens of others so they can get up and help someone else.

 

Being caught up in my own situation usually leaves no room to help others. BUT GOD helps me up from the ground to see there is more to life than “that” circumstance. HE dusts me off and fills my heart with encouragement for others in the middle of the battle. GOD also desires that I remember HIS deliverance so I can carry it forward daily.

 

Instead of using the sneaky, tear down slanderous manipulation tactics, GOD wants me to replace insulting words with gratitude. If I cannot appreciate “that” person, then maybe I should not be in the conversation. I am grateful GOD helps me carry the burdens of others to “build them up” for HIM.

 

Are your words full of insults and slander?

Do your jokes speak life or death?

Will you reduce your insults and increase your encouragement so those who believe may have their burdens lifted and their faith increased for JESUS today?

Resilience Boot Camp

Resilience Boot Camp

Acts 20: ¹⁷ From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. ¹⁸ When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. ¹⁹ I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. ²⁰ You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. ²¹ I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

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“Maybe I am a weakling” I said to myself after doing a disappointing number of pushups. Well at least in my mind the number was disappointing. I could not lift as much weight as the “strong” people in the gym and when people commented on how skinny I was, it seemed to cut to the bone.

• There were times when I thought I was not as good as those people over there.
• There were times when I thought my body, hair and skin was wrong.
• There were times when I thought I was inadequate for most things.

Paul sent for the elders of Ephesus after passing it on his way to Jerusalem. When they arrived, he explained what he went through. He told them about the difficult times he had while preaching about JESUS. He also stated he did not stop.

• GOD wants me to live my life for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to dwell on JESUS being the solution rather than repeating the problem over and over.
• GOD wants me to serve the LORD with great humility so I can survive severe testing and be bold to publicly teach about JESUS to all races.

Going through difficulties is never ever fun. BUT GOD loves when I grow up to expect difficulties in life. HE also loves when I keep preaching about HIM even when it is not popular or welcome. HE knows I will face opposition when I speak about HIS love. I am grateful HE protects me in spite of the enemy’s attacks. In HIM I am more than adequate, I am a child of GOD.

• Are you going through a difficult time?
• Are you depending on support from people who “like” your words, but could care less about your eternal life?
• Will you stop chasing human approval and seek GOD as your life’s purpose, speaking and teaching JESUS as the Savior today?

Nothing is Impossible

Matthew 17: ¹⁴ When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. ¹⁵ “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. ¹⁶ I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”

¹⁷ “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” ¹⁸ Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.

¹⁹ Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

²⁰ He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

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Faith is a strange thing. It is not enveloped in my lust, desires or sight. It is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. But what should I hope for? Should I hope to be the richest person on the planet? Should I hope that a person be healed from a terminal illness?

• GOD loves when I align my desires with HIS.
• GOD sees my tiny faith and couples it to HIS.
• GOD gets excited when I use my faith for something HE believes in.

Sometimes I thought faith was having magical powers to do some impossible things… quite the contrary. GOD wants me to believe HE can do anything and have the faith to watch the situation unfold in HIS timing.

• Faith takes time to grow as I account for the many times GOD has rescued me.
• Faith means I watch GOD at work daily to understand just how amazing HE is.
• Faith is quite powerful and only comes from GOD.

When I think “I” have to have faith I fail. When I believe GOD can do anything and I rely on HIM I succeed abundantly!

• Do you have faith in GOD?
• Do you believe HE can do anything?
• Will you allow HIM to handle the situation, HIS way in HIS time?

Miracles Have Purpose

Matthew 11: ²⁰ Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. ²¹ “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. ²² But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

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Desiring to see a miracle, I asked GOD to do some of the stuff I read about. “Part a river” or “Heal ‘this” specific person” or “Heal my eyes.” I wanted to see GOD in action. I was met with silence.

• There were times I did not have faith in GOD.
• There were times I wanted GOD to prove HIMSELF to me.
• There were times I wanted to do my own thing and seeing a miracle may not have changed me.

Looking back I can see my lack of maturity in how I thought of GOD. I figured HE was not as much of a GOD if I could not see the stuff “I” wanted to see. Fortunately for me GOD works differently.

• GOD performs miracles on a daily basis; I need to open my eyes to what is going on around me.
• GOD shows me HIS power each and every day; I need to be willing to accept what HE is showing me.
• GOD speaks to me every day; I need to have a willing heart to hear what HE has to say.

“Give”, “Forgive”, “Pray” or “Go” are words I often hear and ignore along with many others. GOD tends to tell me things that would benefit HIS kingdom and I ignore what HE says because I am too busy with “my” stuff. I mean what about me, is my pout.

GOD forgives my selfish times too. HE simply wants me to see HIS miracles and repent.

• Are you trying to make GOD prove HIMSELF?
• Is your faith based on what you can see?
• Will you stop looking and start paying attention to who GOD is bringing to you?

True Dedication

Matthew 10: ³⁴ “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn

“‘a man against his father,
    a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
³⁶     a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

³⁷ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

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Does GOD want me to bicker and complain about my family? It sure seems like it in this passage, but there may be another view.

• GOD wants me to have total dependence on HIM.
• GOD wants me to have total faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to have total trust in HIM.

If my family, friends or neighbors do not have their own dependence, faith and trust in HIM, then weird things happen. Decisions made on faith will be questioned by those who have little. The cry to spread GOD’s message of salvation will be rejected instead of being embraced.

• GOD does not want me to spread hatred towards any person but HE wants me to let go of those who do not chose to follow HIM.
• GOD does not want me to pick fights with those who are close to me rather HE desires that I focus them on HIM and step back from their relationship with HIM.
• GOD wants me to place HIS desires for me over any desires I have for myself or others.

Choosing to follow GOD sounds harsh but really is not. JESUS took on the sins of the world and is blamed for what I do daily. The FATHER and HOLY SPIRIT agreed on JESUS volunteering to become a human to save all. It’s no wonder that anyone who does not love this action will be released from GOD’s single act of ultimate love.

GOD wants my total belief and HE wants my family to do the same. If they choose not to follow GOD, then HE wants me to love them but allow HIM to do as HE pleases to guide them back to HIM. HE then wants me to do HIS will daily.

• Are you ostracized by your family or community because you have chosen JESUS as your savior?
• Are you scared to follow GOD’s calling for you because of your family?
• Can you love your family but follow GOD’s calling for you?
• Will you take up your cross daily meaning give up your will daily for HIM?