Trust In Jesus As Your Savior
Trust In Jesus As Your Savior
Matthew 19:16 'And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?'
MATTHEW 19:12-20 On the surface, it appears that this rich young ruler was 'right on' in the way he approached Jesus and sought salvation. He ran, kneeled down to Jesus, and openly professed Him as a Good Master. What could be wrong with that?
First, he acknowledged Jesus as good but not as God. This is a pivotal point.
Every major religion of the world acknowledges that Jesus lived and will even admit that He definitely was a good man, but they won't recognize Him as God. If Jesus was only a good man, He couldn't save anybody. Jesus didn't just come to show us the way to God. He was the way, the only way unto the Father.
No man could come unto the Father, but by Him (Jn. 14:6). Jesus had made this point publicly many times before. This is the reason that Jesus responded to this young man's question the way He did. Jesus was saying, 'God is the only one who is good. You must accept me as God or not at all.' Jesus was either who He claimed to be or He was the biggest fraud that ever lived. He has to be one or the other. He cannot be both.
Second, he asked what he could do to produce salvation. He trusted in himself and believed he could accomplish whatever good work Jesus might request. This is completely opposed to the plan of salvation that Jesus came to bring.
Jesus obtained salvation for us through His substitution and He offers it to us as a free gift. All we must do is believe and receive. This rich young ruler wasn't looking for a Savior. He was trying to be his own savior. This is the reason Jesus referred him back to the commandments. He either needed to keep all of the law perfectly or he needed a Savior. Jesus desired to turn this man from trusting in himself by showing him God's perfect standard, which no one could keep, so that then he would trust in a Savior.
Andrew Wommack
2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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The Price of Withholding
Gross and net. Yeah, that's the words that you can use to describe what you really can use from your paycheck. Gross, of course, is the total amount you get in the paycheck. Then, of course, that's not what you can use, because net is the amount that's left after taxes, right? That's what you've still got in the net. You've never even seen the government's share... and that's what's gross. Well, they call what goes to the government withholding tax. Now, it's not just the government that's in the withholding business. No, you and I are too, and it's gross.
I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Price of Withholding."
Our word for today from the Word of God is in Genesis 22; it's the story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice the most precious thing in his life. It is a test to clarify Abraham's love for God. You may remember that there was a son for whom he waited many, many years and miraculously God gave him a son in Isaac; the son of his and Sarah's old age. And Isaac was to be the one through whom a whole nation would come - a nation that God had promised to Abraham.
Now God says to him, "I want you to take him to the mountain and sacrifice him." Now, as I said, it was a test to clarify Abraham's love. You see, it's easy for one of God's gifts to become an idol that we love more than Him. And so here is the call to sacrifice his son. Of course, as you may remember, God provides a ram that he can sacrifice instead. But He calls on him to sacrifice his son, and it is a call that later God himself would respond to; only He would go all the way with the sacrifice, and sacrifice His Son on a cross for us.
Now, we go to Genesis 22 and we learn about withholding. In fact, it's a key word of the passage. Genesis 22:12 - "'Do not lay a hand on the boy,' God says. 'Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from Me your son... your only son.'" Verse 16: "I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you." Did you notice, "You have not withheld."
Now we know that in our tax system, the money the government takes out of our paycheck is because they have prior claim to it. We don't even consider hanging onto that money. Now, with our most precious relationships and possessions, we have a choice. The government doesn't give us a choice, but we have a choice about withholding these precious things. But God has a prior claim to that loved one that you're holding onto so tightly. He made them. He paid for them. They're His. He has a prior claim to that house, that car, that possession you may have hung onto for yourself. He has a prior claim to the money you want to spend mostly on your kingdom instead of His.
Yeah, God has prior claim to that position you hold or aspire to hold, to your gifts, to your talents, the opportunities He's entrusted to you. They're His! He has prior claim to your children. Could it be you're withholding them from God? Are you hanging onto something or someone you love? You have plans. You have dreams, and security riding on it as Abraham did. But God's hands are reaching your way saying, "Can you trust Me with what you love so much?"
Two thousand years after this incident, God proved that He could be trusted by sacrificing His Son on that very mountain. And if you give what you love to Him, He will either improve it or replace it with something better.
Can you hear God saying, "You have not withheld from Me what you love so much. Surely I will bless you." I hope so. After all, God has prior claim, so withholding from Him is stealing from God.
Ronald P. Hutchcraft
2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
?? 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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The Gift of Encouragement
Encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
READ 1 Samuel 23:14¨C23
¡°Your bees are swarming!¡± My wife stuck her head inside the door and gave me news no beekeeper wants to hear. I ran outside to see thousands of bees flying up from the hive to the top of a tall pine, never to return.
I was a little behind in reading the clues that the hive was about to swarm; more than a week of storms had hampered my inspections. The morning the storms ended, the bees left. The colony was new and healthy, and the bees were actually dividing the colony to start a new one. ¡°Don¡¯t be hard on yourself,¡± an experienced beekeeper told me cheerfully after seeing my disappointment. ¡°This can happen to anyone!¡±
Encouragement is a winsome gift. When David was disheartened because Saul was pursuing him to take his life, Saul¡¯s son Jonathan encouraged David. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± Jonathan said. ¡°My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this¡± (1 Samuel 23:17).
Those are surprisingly selfless words from someone next in line to the throne. It¡¯s likely Jonathan recognized that God was with David, so he spoke out of a humble heart of faith.
All around us are people who need encouragement. God will help us help them as we humble ourselves before Him and ask Him to love them through us.
By James Banks
REFLECT & PRAY Who do you know who needs encouragement? How might you humbly serve them today?
Dear God, You give me eternal encouragement and good hope. Help me to show Your love to someone today.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The central feature of 1 Samuel 23:14¨C23 is the ¡°Jonathan visit¡±¡ªa friend-to-friend encounter at a very critical time. Though God can use casual, unplanned meetings with those we may or may not know, Jonathan¡¯s visit was rooted in a deep, lasting friendship (see 18:1¨C4). This meeting is believed to have been their last. The depth of their relationship comes through in the lyrics of David¡¯s lament for Jonathan (see 2 Samuel 1:25¨C27). Selfless, brief, timely visitations like these can be a real gift to those needing encouragement from God.
Arthur Jackson
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Exodus 29
In Exodus 29, we read about three distinct processes to prepare priests to be set apart for ministry, each with a unique and important theological value. The priests were to be washed with water (Ex. 29:4), anointed with oil (Ex. 29:7), and sprinkled with the blood of a sacrifice (Ex. 29:21).
To start, the washing of water signified cleansing from all worldly defilement,1 a process that underlies the theology of baptism in the New Testament. Peter is the most explicit about this, suggesting in 1 Peter 3:21 that baptism symbolizes the washing away of spiritual dirt: ¡°Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.¡±
Next, it is important to keep in mind that anointing with oil was not limited to the priests only but was something that also happened to prophets (e.g., 1 Kgs. 19:16) and kings (e.g., 1 Sam. 10:1) as well. Anointing with oil was a symbol for the ministry of the Holy Spirit¡ªsee, for example, what happened immediately after David was anointed with oil as king: ¡°the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward¡± (1 Sam. 16:13). For the priests to be anointed with oil meant the Holy Spirit himself would be actively involved in sanctifying their ministry.
In the New Testament, we are told that we too have the anointing of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27). Our anointing (chrisma), however, is connected to the anointing of the ultimate Anointed One, the christos¡ªthat is, ¡°the Christ,¡± who is the final Prophet, Priest, and King.
Finally, the priests were to be sprinkled with the blood of an animal sacrifice. Specifically, the blood of the ordination ram was to be smeared on the priest¡¯s right ear, the thumb on his right hand, and the big toe of his right foot. Before the priests could atone for the sins of Israel, their own sins had to be covered by the blood of a sacrifice.
Of course, the author of Hebrews points to this as a besetting problem of the Old Covenant sacrificial system: as long as priests must remain so busy offering their own sacrifices¡ªnot to mention washing themselves with water and anointing themselves with oil¡ªthey can never offer a final, once-for-all sacrifice to purify God¡¯s people.
For this reason (among many others), we see that the priesthood of Jesus Christ is enacted on better promises: ¡°But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God¡.For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified¡± (Heb. 10:12, 14).
While the old covenant priesthood was glorious, the glory of Jesus is much, much better.
1 Allen P. Ross, Recalling the Hope of Glory: Biblical Worship from the Garden to the New Creation (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 2006), 211.
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The Blessing of Shared Troubles Philippians 4:10¨C23
A woman recently posted a video of her husband trying to mow their huge lawn with a small push-style lawnmower, an impossible task. But when she looked outside an hour later, she saw several neighbors, people they had not yet met, arriving with larger riding lawnmowers. She was deeply moved by their willingness to step in and help someone in need.
We often turn to friends to lighten our cares. In verse 10, Paul describes his joy over the church¡¯s ¡°renewed¡± concern for him. Their support had lapsed due to a lack of ¡°opportunity¡± rather than disinterest. Yet he takes pains to assure them that, as much as he appreciated their help, he was not dependent upon it (v. 11). God¡¯s supply was the secret of Paul¡¯s contentment. He does not mean a supply of things but a constant supply of strength (v. 13). God does not always give us what we want. He does provide all we need.
This helpfulness from the church at Philippi was not something new for Paul. Despite their poverty, they had supported his work since the beginning of their church (v. 15). At one point, apart from Paul¡¯s work as a tentmaker, their help appears to have been his primary source of financial support. The phrase ¡°giving and receiving¡± (v. 15) was a standard formula for financial transactions where one person gives money to another.
Unlike many false teachers, however, Paul was not for hire. He had no interest in making a profit off the church. He was more interested in the blessing the Philippian believers received through their giving than he was in the gifts themselves (v. 17). Paul used a worship model and not a business model to fund his ministry. He understood that Philippian generosity was a sacrifice offered to and accepted by God (v. 18).
>> The apostle did not discourage them from giving because he was confident that God would supply their need just as He had provided for Paul¡¯s needs (v. 19). He will do the same for you!
Pray with Us Today we pray for our brothers and sisters in ministry who rely on supporters for their income. Remind them that we are all dependent on You for our needs. May they worship You in receiving even as we worship You in giving!
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Daily in Your Presence?
FORESIGHT
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart."
Jeremiah 1:5
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART My child, I know you intimately. I always have. Nothing you've ever done is a surprise to Me. With great foresight, as I designed all of creation, I planned the lives I wanted you to touch, the paths I wanted you to take, the gifts I wanted you to use for My glory. I set you apart to be My special treasure. Yes, you. Your life is far more valuable than any of My creations. I make no mistakes. I love you, My child, with an undying love.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE Lord, did You really know everything about me long before I was born? My hair color, my eyes, my size, my mistakes, my successes, my needs?? You had such foresight in Your creation. Everything fits together, just like You planned. You're amazing, Lord.
SIMPLE TRUTH
What we achieve depends on our relationship with the One in whom we believe.
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5 puzzle links
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2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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Part Two: The Wisdom You Need
Part Two: The Wisdom You Need
I spoke with you yesterday about the importance of younger people looking to parents, older mentors, and associates¡ªthose they trust¡ªto obtain wisdom for situations they have not yet encountered but surely will. This guidance can help them avoid the pitfalls of inexperience that lie ahead. ? For those of you reading this who are younger, remember: you absolutely need wisdom! Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) declares, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." ? Wisdom surrounds you. Evaluate the lives and outcomes of those who have lived longer than you beginning with your parents and the individuals God has placed in your life. If they bear good fruit, you can glean valuable lessons from them. Recognize that as they age, they increasingly desire to impart their knowledge and wisdom to you. Keep in mind that experience contributes significantly to wisdom, and their years have provided ample experience. ? Young individuals may view their parents as meddlesome, which, at times, they very well may be. Most parents struggle to shift from a parent/child dynamic to a parent/friend relationship. Parents lack the authority to interfere in their adult children's lives. They can offer insights if they've cultivated a friendship that encourages their children to willingly listen. This type of relationship develops by parents encouraging their children to learn to make decisions in their teen years while practicing letting go more and more¡ªeven to the point of letting them fail when they think they are right. ¡°I told you so!¡± should never come put a parent¡¯s mouth. The parent that sincerely and respectfully helps teens make decisions while learning to let go will have their children¡¯s respect in the future.? Parents who lack respect will wield limited influence over their adult children. ? As a younger person, being naive can be both a strength and a weakness. As you consider the world ahead, a significant aspect of being young is that it's yours to conquer. Perhaps you strive to adopt an attitude of "I can accomplish anything if I put my mind to it!" As a Christian, there are scriptures that offer encouragement for such an attitude, such as Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This scripture is profoundly inspiring, and it should resonate in our hearts daily. However, it's crucial to recognize that this scripture applies to those pursuing God's will within the boundaries of ethical and godly living as outlined in His word. It doesn't extend to pursuing worldly endeavors that are unethical, criminal, or immoral¡ªoutside the scope of God's plan for your life. ? People get worn down by life due to the pain and exhaustion of overcoming obstacles. They frequently adopt a survivalist mindset and lack faith in what they face. Thus, the goal for young people is to turn to those who have persevered, maintained strong faith, and possess wisdom untarnished by discouragement. To be candid, living life without mentors is unwise. Embracing mentors, appreciating their wisdom, and learning from them is a brilliant approach and aligns with God's plan. In the story of Daniel, he mentored three younger men. Daniel's influence not only led them to success and influence but also preserved their lives. ? Young individuals may want to exclude their parents from the thought of mentoring because they are meddlesome at times. Most parents struggle to shift from a parent/child dynamic to a parent/friend relationship. Parents lack the authority to interfere in their adult children's lives. They can offer insights if they've cultivated a friendship that encourages their children to willingly listen. This type of relationship develops by allowing their children to navigate their lives more and more independently as they approach becoming an adult. While parents held authority during their children's upbringing, that influence diminishes as children become adults. It's now their responsibility to navigate their world. A parent's involvement in their adult child's life depends on their respectfulness when the door is open. Parents who lack respect will wield limited influence over their adult children. I've heard some individuals say, "When I converse with older people, they tend to reminisce and never stop talking." This perception holds some truth. To overcome this, determine the questions and guidance you seek and be specific in your inquiries. You'll develop strategies for managing these conversations. ? In conclusion, my message across these two posts underscores that the knowledge and wisdom you require are more accessible than you realize. While the internet offers a plethora of information, the wisdom, stories, and insights that stem from experience reside within the older generations around you. Trustworthy individuals surround you and can offer direction, guidance, and assistance, provided you seek God's guidance, observe, and honor those who bear good fruit¡ªthis includes your parents! They possess valuable insights they wish to share. ? Proverbs 16:16 (NLT) encapsulates it well: "How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!" ? In His love, Pastor Tim Burt
?? 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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¡°Jesus answered, ¡®My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.¡¯¡± ¡ªJohn 18:36 The first-century believers were insulted and criticized for what they were doing. In fact, people accused them of treason, suggesting they were advocating for the overthrow of Caesar, which wasn¡¯t the case (see Acts 17:7¨C8). This was a complete misunderstanding of what the Christians¡¯ objectives really were. Anyone giving a careful listen to what they were saying would have realized these Christians weren¡¯t seeking to establish an earthly kingdom. Nor were they seeking to overthrow Caesar or Rome. Today our world still misconstrues what Christians say. People draw erroneous conclusions because they never take time to listen carefully to the gospel message. Jesus said, ¡°My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world¡± (John 18:36 NLT). Rather than reacting blow by blow, the first-century Christians outthought, outprayed and outlived nonbelievers. They preached and proclaimed the message of the death of Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. They were ready to see lives changed. As a result, they dramatically impacted their world. And in the end, they prevailed. Rome, on the other hand, is no longer a world power. And for the most part, we can¡¯t remember the names of its great emperors. Throughout history, there have been many attempts to destroy Christianity. But such attempts always will fail for one simple reason: Christianity is Christ. And in the end, Jesus Christ will prevail and establish His kingdom. It also means that because we¡¯re with Him, we, too, will win in the end. Do you want to turn the world upside down like the first-century believers did? Then start with your world. Seek to live a godly life and share the gospel with those around you. Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
?? 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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THE EYES OF FAITH! 1 Corinthians 2:9 ¡°Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." We live in a world that has come alive with many things that have been invisible until now. Giant telescopes are revealing the vastness of space far beyond the comprehension of our forefathers. Microscopes on the other hand, have opened our eyes to the world of microbiology that is a universe in itself. The satisfying thing to me as a believer in God and His Word is that God has revealed much of this mystery long before the scientists claim to have made their discoveries. To me it is far more logical to believe the God who created all things than to trust scientists who often are more interested in having a paper published than in honestly supporting the claims of the Bible. I do not want to discredit sincere scientists, but it is more common for the scientific community to spend a majority of their efforts in disproving the Bible than in reporting with integrity what they discover. Interestingly, many scientists have become believers in the Lord Jesus Christ after finding that what was taught in the classroom was contrived and lacked the support of true scientific evidence. It was most often based upon what others claimed, not on the actual evidence! True faith sees the truth! May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
?? 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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Cow-Folk & Friends You know- lots¡¯a times
You know- lots¡¯a times-whether we? realize it or not-we find yourself spending? more time thinking about what we don't have-more than realizing what you do have.
Yep - sometimes- especially the way the? world operates today - our minds stay so focused on wanting more and better-that? we loose sight of just how good we have it.?
You may not realize it-but there are people? in this world that are praying for and desperately ¡°need¡± the things that you have? and take for granted.
Sadly -many see ¡°more¡± as a source of happiness - leaving them to walk around? feeling unfulfilled-simply because they? don't have something they ¡°want¡± and? think they just can¡¯t live without. Notice I said ¡°want¡± - not ¡°need¡±.
Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye first the Kingdom of GOD? and His righteousness; and all these? things shall be added to you."
Friend- GOD wants us to see Him as our? source of joy-not just the our provider of? gifts and pleasures.
Now don¡¯t get me wrong-GOD does reward? for good behavior and faithfulness- but first- He wants us to know Him and be happy with? Him - even while we are without the "more¡±? and ¡°better" things we desire.?
When GOD sees that - He will begin to? add the other desires of your heart to? our life.
So Trust Me When I Tell Yah ><>? You¡¯ll Be A Whole Lot Happier If You Stop Worrying About What You Don¡¯t Have and Start Being More Thankful For What You Do Have !
I pray ? you have a blessed day and always allow others the opportunity to hear - see and feel the love of GOD through you .
GOD Bless !! Chaplain David Baker 
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~GRACE MOMENTS FOR TODAY~
~GRACE MOMENTS FOR TODAY~ God's Grace is: IMMEASURABLE Grace abounds all around. It never fails! His grace is still amazing! God's Mercy is INEXHAUSTIBLE There is always an abundant supply. God's Peace is INEXPRESSIBLE His peace surpasses our understanding. God's Glory is UNIMAGINABLE We cannot possibly fathom His majesty. God's Heaven is INCONCEIVABLE But we will perceive it one glorious day when the perfect has come! So, go live life in Him, now, to the fullest and have a BLESSED and beautiful day In the Lord! Scripture- "For by GRACE are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, (it is) the gift of God." +(?`v??)+ .`?.?.?? ¡ï Blessings, Jo Ann Kelly-2021/2016 ¡î.??.?*¡§*??.??.¡î.??.?*¡§*??.??.¡î +J. P's Inspirations ¡î.??.?*¡§*??.??.¡î.??.?*¡§*??.??.¡î ~GIVE IT TO GOD~ "I will both lay me down in peace and sleep; for You, Lord only make me dwell in safety." - Psalm 4-8 KJV. *** ~GIVE HIM~ Your Family Your Faith Your Health Your Past Your Future Your Stress Your Best Your Fears Your Tears Your Plans Your Dreams, For, all these and more, are safe in his hands. Let Him be your Burden Bearer--Then go to sleep and rest peacefully in Him. +(?`v??)+ .`?.?.?? ¡ï Blessings, Jo Ann Kelly-2021/16 ¡î.??.?*¡§*??.??.¡î.??.?*¡§*??.??.¡î "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows." --Helen Keller Kindness: A language the deaf can hear and the blind can see. If each was to conquer self, then none would wish to conquer any other. Words can be the most damaging weapon--guard your tongue. If there were no gossipers there would be no listeners. If there were no listeners there would be no gossipers.
?? 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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Exodus 27
Despite the fact that normal Israelites were not allowed into the holy places, the tabernacle was nevertheless supposed to be the place where Yahweh dwelt in the midst of all his people. So in Exodus 27, Yahweh made a provision for his people to approach his tabernacle in a very specific way: the Israelites would bring sacrifices to the tabernacle to offer on the bronze altar in the court of the tabernacle, outside of the holy places.
The court was built to accommodate hundreds of worshipers as they filed through to offer their sacrifices, both in the size and the relative holiness of the area.1 So, the court was larger than the two holy places, but it was also classified at a lower degree of holiness so that Israelites could safely come to seek atonement for their sins.
The gradations of holiness in the whole tabernacle, then, worked like this: only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place and only once each year, but all the priests ministered regularly in the Holy Place. All other Israelites were permitted to enter the court but only to bring their sacrifices, which the priests would offer up on the bronze altar.2
It seems that later on, yet another partition was added to the temple, keeping Gentiles separated farther back from where the Jews were permitted to go. Paul refers to this area as the ¡°dividing wall of hostility¡± in Ephesians 2:14, since that barrier became fuel for hostilities between Gentiles and Jews.3 But then, Paul explains in Ephesians 2:14¨C16 that Jesus, through his death on the cross, tore down that dividing wall. Jesus did this, Paul explains, to kill the hostility (Eph. 2:16) but also to preach ¡°peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near¡± (Eph. 2:17).
The divisions to keep distance between various degrees of holiness served a purpose in the old covenant¡ªthat is, to bring as many people as close to God¡¯s holiness as possible¡ªbut Jesus achieved that purpose in totality when he died on the cross. The gospel announces that Christ has made peace on our behalf¡ªboth with the holy, consuming-fire God and also with our fellow believers.
In fact, Paul finishes that passage in Ephesians 2 by explaining that all of us¡ªJews and Gentiles, saints and strangers¡ªare being joined together into God¡¯s new holy temple, the dwelling place for God by his Spirit (Eph. 2:19¨C22). What God accomplished in part through the tabernacle, he has accomplished to a much further degree through the work of Jesus Christ.
And one day, the need for the temple will be abolished forever, since the New Jerusalem¡¯s ¡°temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb¡± (Rev. 21:22). All distance and division will be put away, and we will all dwell together with God in perfect holiness forever.
1 Douglas K. Stuart, Exodus, TNAC, vol. 2 (Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 2006), 597¨C98.
2 For a much deeper exploration of this theme, see Philip P. Jenson, Graded Holiness: A Key to the Priestly Conception of the World, JSOTS 106 (Sheffield, UK: Sheffield Academic Press, 1992).
3 For more detailed exegesis of this passage, see Frank Thielman, Ephesians, BECNT (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010), 161¨C86.
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Garage Sale Donna Schaper
The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them¡ - Genesis 3:21 (NIV)
The old man was sitting in a lawn chair in his driveway behind his ¡°Garage Sale¡± sign. A woman¡¯s wardrobe was neatly arranged on hangers on portable closet rods. A black cocktail dress hung alongside a lot of other dresses, evidence of a long-past social life. The only thing fashionable enough to buy was the austerely simple black classic. The rest were hopelessly dated.
¡°How much?¡±
¡°One dollar.¡±
Then he told his sixty-year story. Where they met. The nights she wore the black dress. How he looked at her as she slept. How he always prayed he would die before her.
Clothing is not something you keep. God knew that Adam and Eve¡¯s best clothes were their skin. The fleshly clothing we wear is temporary. Even Jesus lived in rented garments. In death, the fabric tears.
Some garments end up at a garage sale, where old men sit in lawn chairs remembering skin¡¯s deep love. Browsing there, I remember women who went to cocktail parties. I remember this clothing that tears too easily.
Wouldn¡¯t you really like to not outlive all your beloveds? Jesus did. Or did he?
Prayer
When we really love someone, O God, it hurts to lose them. We miss Jesus and hope he comes back soon and finds us all in our created skin, wearing the right thing to the right party with a beloved or two at our sides. Amen.
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DAKOTA THE SHINING LIGHT OF A NEW DAY
¡°When you go to high school these days,¡± Dakota recalls, ¡°they drill into you that you will be a nobody unless you go to college, get a degree, and make lots of money. A big house, fancy sports cars, and other luxuries are all referred to as the ¡®American Dream.¡¯¡±
Yet after Dakota saw a lot of celebrities with miserable lives, some to the point of suicide, he knew that the dream wasn¡¯t something he wanted. Jesus¡¯ words in Mark 8:36 rang through his mind: ¡°What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?¡±
He knew that he must turn his life over to Him in every way. ¡°At that time, I was dating Anna, who would become my wife. I decided to begin Bible studies with her, and I reached out to my friends to share the truths that changed my life.¡± Dakota¡¯s wife and friends were all driving about two hours, three times a week, to study the Bible. The Lord was sending them an avalanche of conviction during every study.
He recalls, ¡°It was through these small group studies that I realized I knew the Word of God, but I did not know the God of the Word. It was evident that I knew the doctrines but was still in need of the Great Physician¡ªJesus Christ. After studying together for three months, five members of the group decided that we were tired of being slaves to a cruel master. Instead, we wanted to be servants of Christ.¡±
The group learned about the Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism and decided to attend their fall program. ¡°I am so glad to say that ever since, my life has changed. Today, I am an Amazing Facts evangelist. My wife and I travel the globe preaching the everlasting gospel to anyone who will come to hear the words of life.¡±
Dakota Day shares, ¡°It wasn¡¯t until Philip invited Nathanael to come and see Christ for himself that he believed that Jesus was the Messiah. My prayer is to be the Nathanael for thousands around the world as an Amazing Facts evangelist.¡±
Reflect: Has God ever put it on your heart to begin a small group Bible study? Pray about it. Talk with a couple other people and let God open the door.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS "Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." John 1:45
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ALWAYS THE SAME
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29
From the dungeon Joseph was exalted to be ruler over all the land of Egypt. It was a position of high honor, yet it was beset with difficulty and peril. One cannot stand upon a lofty height without danger. As the tempest leaves unharmed the lowly flower of the valley, while it uproots the stately tree upon the mountaintop, so those who have maintained their integrity in humble life may be dragged down to the pit by the temptations that assail worldly success and honor.
But Joseph's character bore the test alike of adversity and prosperity. The same fidelity to God was manifest when he stood in the palace of the Pharaohs as when in a prisoner's cell. He was still a stranger in a heathen land, separated from his kindred, the worshipers of God; but he fully believed that the divine hand had directed his steps, and in constant reliance upon God he faithfully discharged the duties of his position. Through Joseph the attention of the king and great men of Egypt was directed to the true God; and though they adhered to their idolatry, they learned to respect the principles revealed in the life and character of the worshiper of Jehovah.
How was Joseph enabled to make such a record of firmness of character, uprightness, and wisdom?--In his early years he had consulted duty rather than inclination; and the integrity, the simple trust, the noble nature, of the youth bore fruit in the deeds of the man. A pure and simple life had favored the vigorous development of both physical and intellectual powers.
Communion with God through His works and the contemplation of the grand truths entrusted to the inheritors of faith had elevated and ennobled his spiritual nature, broadening and strengthening the mind as no other study could do. Faithful attention to duty in every station, from the lowliest to the most exalted, had been training every power for its highest service. He who lives in accordance with the Creator's will is securing to himself the truest and noblest development of character.
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Imperfect Examples ?Philippians 3:12¨C21
Have you ever seen the Christian slogan: ¡°Not perfect, just forgiven¡±? We might be tempted to dismiss this as an excuse for bad behavior if it were not for Philippians 3 where the apostle Paul makes a similar point.
Paul says his main goal, after obtaining righteousness through faith, was to experience Christ fully. He describes this desire in verse 10, saying that he longed to ¡°know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.¡± This did not mean that Paul believed he had achieved a state of perfection. In verse 12, the apostle admits that he had not ¡°already obtained all this¡± or ¡°already arrived at my goal.¡±
Paul compares his Christian experience to being a runner in a race. He does not see himself as someone who is trying to reach out and win Christ because he understands that Christ is already holding on to him. We might even say Christ is carrying him as he runs. The apostle says, ¡°I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.¡±
Despite the translation of the NIV, the word ¡°win¡± is not in the text. Verse 14 literally says that Paul¡¯s objective is to ¡°press on for the prize¡± or ¡°unto the prize.¡± His aim was to finish the race and grasp a prize that Christ has already won on our behalf. That prize is ¡°the upward call.¡±
What implication does this have for us as we pursue the Christian life? It means that our growth as a Christian is a progress; it is not instantaneous. It also means that living for Jesus requires Christ-empowered effort. In verses 13¨C14 Paul speaks of ¡°straining¡± and ¡°pressing on.¡±
>> One way we can learn how to live the Christian life is by reading God¡¯s Word and learning from others who are mature (v. 17). Who is your role model in the Christian faith? Beware of the sort Paul describes as ¡°enemies of the cross of Christ¡± (v. 18).
Pray with Us We were told as children to choose our friends wisely. Father, grant us discernment as we follow the example of mature believers, that we will be guided by Your Spirit and Word as we learn how to live the Christian life.
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Urgency - Daily in Your Presence?
Day 231
URGENCY ?
"As long as it is day,
we must do the work of him who sent me.
Night is coming, when no one can work."
John 9:4
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART My child, don't let a single day go by without meeting Me here. You need My strength and power to accomplish the work I've chosen for you. There are many I want to bless through you, and time is so short. Since life is but a vapor, I want you to treasure each moment I give you. I'll be coming back soon. Until then, stay faithful to your calling. Let My urgency transform your desires. I can't wait to give you your next assignment.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE Every moment was a precious jewel in Your hands, Lord. You had only three years to accomplish Your mission. Diligently, faithfully, and obediently, You worked to train, teach, and disciple. My life is the result of Your urgency. Thank You, Lord.
SIMPLE TRUTH
Don't divert¡ªstay alert!
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Part One: The Wisdom You Need
Part One: The Wisdom You Need?
I stopped in to see a buddy of mine at his business. I had a book to give him to take on his vacation. He had me come back to his office and have a cup of coffee while he took care of a few things. He was leaving the next day for a 10-day vacation and scrambling to make sure he had everything done before he left. He spoke with a number of his employees to make sure he had downloaded all the information they would need to know, in case anything came up while he was gone. As he finished this process, I could see the relief on his face and his smile grow. He was ready to leave. Downloading was complete!? ? Today and tomorrow I want to write to anyone who is smart and perceptive enough to understand that there are those who are older than you, who have been where you are headed in life. They have great insight and wisdom to share to help you navigate life¡ªIF you will tap into them. This might include your parents, mentors, or those you've simply observed as bearing great fruit in their life. You find wisdom in various areas such as parenting and finance, to the practical day-to-day projects or goals you desire to accomplish. They have something powerful to offer you that can save you from unnecessary pitfalls, trials,? and heartbreak¡ªIF you can get past your pride and ask them. ? Some might be better than others in communicating the wisdom they've gained, but you'll learn who those are. And even if they aren't the best in their communication style, they can be a valuable resource to you if you'll pull from them. If you do, be sure to learn and know this truth: the older they get, the more they want to download the wisdom they have for you! They have wisdom about God, family, life, and all the things wisdom could be gained in! Taking them to coffee with your thought-out list of questions will often be some of the best money and time spent that you've ever experienced. And because you're hungry enough to want to learn, you will have favor with them, and they will want to help you. By the grace of God, my life has always overflowed with these kinds of people. The nuggets of wisdom they've downloaded to me have helped me avoid countless pitfalls and made my life so much richer. ? Renee and I are presently living in this experience now more than ever. We have four married children in their 30's and 40's¡ªall with their own children. They look for insight and wisdom. I have younger business friends who often look for insight and wisdom because of my past business experiences. We retired from 35 years of pastoring last year, and in our current ministry, we are doing mission work around the world, preaching and teaching in churches, and helping younger senior pastors think through goals, objectives, and decisions they are making for the future of their churches. This is an ongoing part of our life and we think that those who are humble enough to seek wisdom are those that will experience the most success with joy, in their years to come. ? Every single one of us should eagerly desire wisdom! God's word cries out to us to seek it! Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) says, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Wisdom is all around you. Measure the lives and fruit of those who have traveled the road you are going to take, beginning with your parents and those God has placed in your life. If they have great fruit, then you can know that there are many things you can learn from them. And you can know that the older they get, the more they desire to impart their knowledge and wisdom to you! Remember that experience is a great part of wisdom and their years past have provided that for them to share with you! I'll share more next time. ? James 1:5 (NIV) says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him..." ? In His love, Pastor Tim Burt ?
?? 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
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Momsooky
